R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 14

NEW RELEASE BLITZ: How Snowball Stole Christmas by Kristen McKanagh

How Snowball Stole Christmas
Kristen McKanagh
(Snowball, #3)
Publication date: September 27th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday

It’s Christmas time at the Weber Haus mountainside inn, where the official greeter, watcher, and matchmaker of the hotel’s resident humans is an adorably mischievous bundle of feline fluff named Snowball. Snowball takes her job very seriously –even if it means being a little more naughty than nice –and she’s ready to celebrate her third holiday season by making the purrrrfect match.

Most cats have nine lives, but Snowball is one of the very few with two jobs. Officially, she’s the Weber Haus inn’s greeter. Unofficially, she’s the town matchmaker. Her track record is the cat’s pajamas—until she meets her owner’s grinchy brother, Peter Diemer. Peter hopes to move the family bookstore to a busy location downtown—but someone else has outbid him for the last storefront.

Christmas is the ideal season for Lara Wolfe to fulfill her dream of expanding her home business into a real shop. Too bad someone is posting negative comments on the town forum. What kind of Grinch objects to a toy store?

Snowball is sure these two are a perfect match. They already have so much in common—books are a kind of toy, right? Now all they need to add to the mix is love, and Snowball has just the shenanigans up her furry sleeve to deliver a sweet romance in time to make the season merry and bright . . .

“Purrresistibly heartwarming.” –Modern Cat on The Twelve Days of Snowball

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—

SNEAK PEEK:

Snowball finds a new couple who need her help falling in love…

A second car pulling to a stop, headlights flashing across the ceiling, is new. Did Peter bring someone home with him?

Do I care enough to go look?

With a sigh I drop to the ground and pad silently across the carpeted floor to leap to the windowsill facing the street. Peter lives in what he calls a townhome. As far as I can tell, this is just a bunch of homes all squished together with a tiny garden in the back. Hardly a patch. I can hear people on the other sides of the walls, but I can’t get into the other units. People are weird.

This is an interesting development though…

Someone is parked in front of the unit next door. Until a few days ago no one lived there that I’ve been able to tell. Until Christmas lights went up. I can see the side of Peter’s dark head turned slightly toward me as he’s looking over at what appears to be a woman buried up to her waist in the trunk of the car parked there.

What’s interesting isn’t her…it’s him. The fact that he’s bothering to look. Peter doesn’t bother with anyone these days.

My, my, my.

Visions of happy humans falling in love dance in my head.

After all, I have a gift for matchmaking. Those silly creatures just can’t see happiness staring them in the face until I show the way. And Peter, despite being a bit of a grump lately is one of the good ones. He deserves happiness.

Since he’s moved back home, he seems sort of… I don’t know. Restless. What Peter needs is to fall in love and settle down. That would fix everything.

He takes a step off the porch and my ears prick and my whiskers twitch in anticipation.

Except, instead of going over to nicely introduce himself, he stomps in her direction. I frown. What is he doing?

“Hey!” He doesn’t shout it, but with his low voice, it’s close enough.

With a screech to wake the ghosts of Christmas past, the woman jerks up, banging her head into the top of the trunk with enough force that I can hear it through the window.

Hand to her chest, she scrambles away from Peter, her expression a picture of fright.

Good job, Peter. I give a little kitty huff. He’s going to mess everything up before I can even get them started.

Author Bio:

Romance author Kristen McKanagh writes sweet contemporary romance & Amish romance. She loves plots that warm the soul, feisty heroines with sass, heroes with heart, a dash of snark, and oodles of HEAs! Other titles include wife, mother, Star Wars geek, ex-competitive skydiver, spreadsheet lover, eMBA, organizational guru, Texan, Aggie, and chocoholic.

Kristen attempted to find a practical career related to her favorite pastime by earning a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing) and an MBA. However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it.

Kristen currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own swoon-worthy hero, their amazing kids, who are growing up way too fast, and 2 adorable fur babies.

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NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Christmas in Glowing Springs by T.J. Amberson

Christmas in Glowing Springs
T.J. Amberson
Publication date: September 24 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Avery Walsh is a romantic at heart, but her demanding career as a big-city attorney means she doesn’t have time for love. Dane Livingston is a small-town boy who has had his share of heartbreak, and so he vowed never to love again. When a Christmastime snowstorm leaves Avery stranded in Dane’s charming village of Glowing Springs, Avery and Dane team up to save the village’s beloved Huckleberry Inn. With Christmas Day approaching, will Dane and Avery be able to save the inn . . . and dare to take a chance on love?

A sweet (clean) romance told in 3rd-person, dual POV

Goodreads / Amazon

—

SNEAK PEEK:

Up ahead of her, unaware of Avery’s presence, Dane was chopping wood. His lumberjack-style coat and forest green sweatshirt were draped over one of the woodshed’s fence posts, leaving his chiseled torso covered in nothing but a fitted t-shirt as he worked. Every rippling muscle in Dane’s neck, chest, arms, and back were on display as he skillfully and steadily swung the axe. His broad chest was rising and falling with exertion, his heavy breaths were visible against the cold, and a hint of sweat lined his forehead.

Avery started feeling a little lightheaded as a shock-like sensation coursed down her spine. Intense heat filled her body, momentarily displacing the cold. She swallowed hard, still barely able to move or breathe.

This was most definitely not the way to get over her attraction to Dane Livingston.

Dane stopped what he was doing, used his teeth to pull the working gloves off his hands, and wiped his brow with his forearm. He turned his head slightly, doing a double take when he caught sight of Avery staring at him. His eyes got big, and he spun so he was facing her directly.

“Avery,” he barked.

“Um, hello,” Avery said, her words coming out squeaky. She was suddenly grateful for the freezing temperature, since it made it appear as though her cheeks were only red from the cold. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sneak up on you, but I didn’t want to startle you while you were using the axe.”

Dane was still breathing hard from exertion as his brows snapped together. “What are you doing out here?”

Avery started clenching and unclenching her hands into fists at her sides, trying to get some feeling back into them. “I’m finished in the kitchen, so I wanted to ask what else I can do to help.”

Dane glanced down at Avery’s hands, and then his steely stare returned to her face. He exhaled an exasperated-sounding breath. Brow furrowed, he dropped his axe and gloves, strode fast over to the fence, and snatched up his coat. He stomped through the snow toward Avery.

“You shouldn’t be out here without a coat,” he growled.

Avery didn’t have a chance to reply before Dane stopped right in front of her and draped his big, heavy coat over her shoulders. His touch instantly caused her respirations to catch, and she went completely still. He seemed to pause, too, with his strong, sturdy hands resting upon her shoulders. For another moment, neither of them moved. Avery started feeling the intense heat that was radiating from Dane’s body, despite the cold, and her own body started quivering in response. Slowly, she raised her eyes. He met her gaze through the falling snow. Her heart pounded feverishly as she watched him search her gaze with his.

Author Bio:

TJ Amberson hails from the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her husband and nutty cocker spaniel. When she's not writing, TJ might be found pretending to know how to garden, riding her bike, playing the piano, enjoying a hot chocolate, or scouring the Internet for cheap plane tickets. She adores all things cozy, seasonal, and holiday-themed; she cheers for happily-ever-afters; and she believes there's no such thing as too much seasonal decor. With a love of multiple genres, TJ writes sweet romance and romantic comedies for adults and advanced teen readers, and clean fantasy adventures for teen and advanced tween readers.

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B@@K REVEAL: Valkyrie Lost by Shannon Pemrick

Valkyrie Lost
Shannon Pemrick
(Valkyries Rising, #2)
Publication date: January 17th 2023
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

As the god of war and bringer of order and justice I can have anything. Except one mortal woman.

I came to Astrid’s prayer for justice. Why, I didn’t know. I should have left after that, but I didn’t. Something about the mortal woman lured me like no other had. It was wrong, I knew that. I should have allowed her to live out her short years as they were intended.

Yet, not even I am a match for a yearning heart.

From shared drinking horns to unforgettable nights, I am determined to bring her the honor she deserves, just as she has sworn to shield me from the horrors of the world. But when trouble amongst the gods stirs, Astrid may just pay the price for my transgressions.

And the price for spilling the blood of my valkyrie, is one too steep for any god.

Valkyrie Lost is book 1 of a trilogy within the Valkyries Rising series. While an MF fantasy romance, it is only the beginning of a slow-build, reverse harem story, told through paranormal romances Valkyrie Renewed and Valkyrie Freed. Valkyrie Lost takes place before any events in the Legacy world (Valkyrie’s Legacy, Neon, Valkyries Rising).

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

This Kickstarter special edition includes:

-Cover art done by Rebecca Frank (jacket cover, hardcover).
-(Hardcover) Case cover art done by The Book Brander.
-Styled interior layout with custom chapter pages.
-2 Character illustration inserts.

BACK THIS KICKSTARTER PROJECT TODAY!

—

SNEAK PEEK:

Just before I reached the front door, it flew open and Ilka exited my family home. When she spotted me, she gave me a smug smile. I ignored her, gaining an indignant huff, though based on the following offended sound and her storming off, Týr had as well.

I slowly approached the now-open door, straining to listen. The jarl was ranting.

“They parted ways!” he shouted. “Parted ways when they reached the center of the village. They were supposed to go out together, not leave because—”

“Because Týr showed up,” my father said. “Your son is smart, Rune. He won’t push a matter that he won’t win.”

The jarl snarled. Actually snarled. I’d heard rumors he might be a berserker—warriors capable of transforming into bipedal wolves or bears, with enhanced strength and other senses—but now I was wondering if that were true. “And we had an agreement, Bjǫrn. You and Randi help me obtained the jarl position and I make sure your family has high favor and be just as well-off. Then we’d marry our eldest daughter and son each to solidify our alliance.”

My father sighed, as if they were rehashing a conversation, yet again. “I’ve honored half of it with Leif and Frida’s marriage. But as I’ve told you, things have changed with Astrid. I cannot agree to marry her to your son until I have confirmation.”

My brow lifted. Confirmation about what?

“And if he never does?”

“He will,” my mother said. “I’ve seen it.”

“Stay out of this, Randi,” Jarl Rune snapped. “Your predictions can be wrong.”

“And you only began pushing this marriage issue when Astrid’s magic finally manifested.” My mother’s tone had a dark edge to it. “You were content to allow your eldest son to pursue another alliance until that moment. What does that say about your desire to uphold our previous agreement?”

“Watch your tongue, volva, or I’ll rip it out of your mouth personally.”

My hands balled into fists and my lip curled. A muscle in my neck twitched in rhythm with the rising pulse pounding in my ears. How dare he talk to my mother that way.

Wood scraped on wood. “I will tell you this once, Rune, out of respect for our friendship. If you ever speak to my wife like that again, I will turn you into a bleating mare.”

I choked on a laugh, my anger cooling. My father certainly has a set of balls.

As entertaining as some of this was, I needed to give my parents a break from the jarl’s anger.

“Father? Mother?” I called out, approaching the door. “I’m back.”

I poked my head inside to find my father and Jarl Rune standing toe-to-toe in a glaring contest. My mother sat at the table watching with a bored expression, and Leif was nowhere to be seen. Probably off with his betrothed.

“Did you get everything?” my father asked me without looking away from the jarl.

“No, not everything, but I do have something extra,” I said. “Plus, we have a guest.”

My mother’s attention snapped up and my father finally looked away from the jarl. The jarl also turned at the same time to see me leading Týr into the house. He had to duck low due to his height, and the bear only made it a little more complicated.

My mother gasped and my father’s brows shot up. “Týr, I do hope our daughter didn’t cause you any trouble.”

Týr smiled. “She never does. Only keeps my life interesting.”

My father nodded approvingly. “Randi, I think bear would be better for tonight’s meal than fish.”

“I agree, love. Týr, you’ll be staying of course, yes?”

He smiled at my mother. “I would be happy to.”

“Jarl Rune, will you be joining us as well?” I inquired, only out of politeness. I knew by the frustrated look on his face what his answer would be.

The jarl shook his head. “No, I must be returning home. However, Astrid, I have a question for you.”

“Rune…” my father warned.

“Yes, what is it, Jarl?” I could handle this scrutiny.

“Was my daughter correct in telling me you and my son parted ways in the village?”

I blinked, putting on my best innocent act. “Yes, that’s right. Father said I only had to go into town with him.”

I could see my father trying to bite back a proud smile in front of our jarl.

“But you didn’t insist he join you with your tasks outside the town, as I had requested?” the jarl pushed.

Before I could speak, Týr did. “You have an intelligent son, Rune. He knows quite well who he can and cannot compete with.”

I swallowed and squeezed my legs together at the possessive sound to his words.

Jarl Rune sucked in a tight breath and then nodded. “I should be leaving. Have a good day, all of you.”

He left without even a glance back, and slammed the door behind him.

Author Bio:

USA Today bestselling author Shannon Pemrick is a full-time slow-burn romantic fantasy author, fuller-time geek, and unrelenting dragon enthusiast. She owns too many novelty mugs, not enough chocolate, and maintains a forbidden love-affair with all things shiny. When she's not burning her fingers across a keyboard handing out adventures and HEAs, she's rolling dice and getting lost in RPGs or searching for brides for her dragon overlords.

To find out more about Shannon and her books, visit www.shannonpemrick.com.

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NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Under a Wicked Moon by Zoe Forward

Under A Wicked Moon
Zoe Forward
Published by: Entangled Publishing
Publication date: October 17th 2022
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

They are the ultimate weapon. The ultimate secret. They are the Crown’s wolves.
Lycan Ky Lanzo is bound by the Crown’s command. His latest mission directive was deceptively simple. Get yourself caught. Now, Ky’s been bound, drugged, and collared by an unknown enemy in a facility that knows enough about him to neutralize his lycan strength and his telekinetic magic. But he’s not alone in his cell. Because there’s someone else with him. Someone exquisite. Someone altogether forbidden…

For Vivi Kinley, another month gone by means another full moon trapped in a cell with a moon-crazed lycan. There once was a time I’d never kill a living creature. Only, Ky is different. He’s powerful, latently sexy…and wanting him is dangerous trouble. Because sexual attraction is exactly what their captors want—and it’ll be an icy day in hell before she’ll allow it.

Now, Vivi and Ky have one chance at escape and to discover what twisted organization did this to them—and make them pay. The good news is that Ky might have found his near-impossible lycan mate. The bad news is that she might be programmed to kill them all…

The The Crown’s Wolves series is best enjoyed in order.Reading Order:Book #1 Bad Moon RisingBook #2 Under a Wicked Moon

Goodreads / Amazon

—

SNEAK PEEK:

He was alone on this mission; there was no backup—no brother talking into an ear communicator, waiting in the wings to rescue him if things passed beyond what he could handle. Like right the fuck now.

What he wouldn’t give to call in this soup sandwich and get backup. He wanted out.

Ky had broken the brothers’ unwritten rule in doing this solo. The Lanzo brothers worked as a team. Flynn did tech. Ky did weapons and analysis. Roman, their designated leader and eldest brother, worked magic. Their youngest brother, Shane, died a few years ago. Roman would go nuclear on Ky when he found out he’d gone on a mission alone, even if he might understand he’d been under the King’s command.

The second he got a chance, he’d contact Roman or Flynn. Bad news was, none of them carried cell phones for fear of being tracked. Old school, for sure.

That scent of her… Christ, he was in trouble.

I will not get involved with someone like her. Not with a woman who, within a few minutes, evoked a whole lot more than a drive for easy sex—like the desire to protect her, know her, and even hear her speak.

Buuut… He relished sex and could imagine a whole hell of a lot with her. Even he had a breaking point.

The lycan female stared at him from her perch across the room, wary and antagonistic.

“Stop stressing. You’re not my type,” he managed to rasp out.

“You’re a shitty liar. You’ll try to get close because you can’t resist, but you won’t succeed. Did you have moon- madness serum on board before they brought you in?”

He nodded, not that it’d be much good with her like this. The serum dulled the cravings. It didn’t cure them. “You’re safe from me.”

They watched each other for an indefinite time, gauging each other’s resolve.

Author Bio:

USA Today bestselling author, parent, wife, veterinarian, chocolate lover. Author of spicy paranormal and contemporary romances. Zoe Forward brings readers the perfect combination of action adventure, romance, humor and a bit of magic.

Her novels have won numerous awards including the Prism, Readers' Choice Heart of Excellence, Golden Quill, Carolyn Readers Choice Award, and the Booksellers' Best Award.

You can find her residing in the South with a menagerie of four-legged beasts and two wild kids.

See the latest on Zoe's website: http://www.zoeforward.com

Don't miss the newsletter: http://www.zoeforward.com/contact/

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NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Hidden Truths by Neva Altaj

Hidden Truths
Neva Altaj
(Perfectly Imperfect, #3)
Publication date: September 22nd 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Sergei

Home,Bratva is my home.My sanctuary from the past.The only place where a killing machine like me belongs.

Sometimes, my demons come rushing back,And I feel out of control, full of rage,Close to losing myself completely.

Until a broken, injured woman stumbles onto my path,Awakening my protective instincts,And sending my demons to sleep.

Keeping her prisoner is my only option.If she leaves,My darkness will resurface,And there will be no escaping it this time.

Angelina

Escape,That’s all I can do,Only to end up in the hands of a crazed killer.

Now, I’m fighting to stay away from my enemies,And trying to not fall for a man I shouldn’t want.

But what will happen when we both reveal our hidden truths?

*Hidden Truths is a full-length novel with several open-door steamy scenes, no cheating and a guaranteed HEA.

This is the third book in Perfectly Imperfect mafia series. Each book in this series features a different couple and can be read as a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment, follow the recommended reading order.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

SNEAK PEEK:

𝗣𝗢𝗩: 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗶 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝗽 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗴𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗶𝗸𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹.

“Albert!” I shout.

He hates it when I call him that, so I make sure I always do. Serves him right since he decided to play my butler instead of spending his retirement at a sea cottage like he should have done when the military let us leave. He never told me exactly how he managed to get us released from our contracts.

“Albert! Where did you put our C-4 stash?”

“In the pantry!” he yells from somewhere in the kitchen. “The box below the crate with potatoes.”

I snort. And they say I’m the crazy one. I circle the stairs and open the pantry door. “Where?”

“Eleven o’clock. Watch your head!”

I turn to the left and smack my skull on the golf equipment bag hanging from the ceiling. “Jesus! I told you to keep your crap in the garage!”

“Not enough room,” Felix says from behind me. “Why do you need the C-4?”

“Roman needs me to blow up some shit tomorrow.”

“Another Italian warehouse?”

“A truck with their drugs this time.” I remove the crate with potatoes and reach for the box. “You can’t store explosives with food, damn it. I’m taking this to the basement.”

Author Bio:

Neva Altaj writes steamy contemporary mafia romance about damaged antiheroes and strong heroines who fall for them. She has a soft spot for crazy jealous, possessive alphas who are willing to burn the world to the ground for their woman.

Her stories are full of heat and unexpected turns, and a happily-ever-after is guaranteed every time.

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NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Queen of Hearts by Whitney Dineen

Queen of Hearts
Whitney Dineen
(Seven Brides for Seven Mothers, #6)
Publication date: October 14th 2022
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

* All books in this series read as standalones.

Queen Charlotte of Malquar has a talent. She’s already helped two of her children find mates, and now she’s convinced her daughter’s new secretary would be a perfect partner for her remaining single son.

Agnes Dupuis has a plan. She’s going to work for the royal family for a couple of years before opening her own upscale employment agency. When she starts her job with Princess Aubrey, she knows everything is on track. After a short time, she gets transferred to the crown prince’s staff, and she couldn’t be more ecstatic.

At thirty-five, Prince Andrew knows it’s past time for him to find a bride. Unfortunately, it’s a nearly impossible task. While he would like to marry for love, it doesn’t look like that will be an option. His future wife will be queen one day and she must have all the necessary skill sets to thrive in that role.

Sparks fly when Agnes and Drew start to work together. Drew fights his attraction for his new secretary as hard as he can. Meanwhile, Agnes doesn’t know what she’s doing wrong. She can’t seem to do anything to make the prince happy.

Will Queen Charlotte be responsible for another match? Or are Agnes and Drew destined to forever butt heads.

Find out in the deliciously fun sixth installment of the Seven Brides for Seven Mothers Series

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Sir, I have the update you requested on McMillian.” In the month that I’ve been Prince Andrew’s secretary, I can count on one hand the number of times he’s looked at me when I’m speaking. Currently, I’m attempting to communicate with his back.

Waving his hand in the air in what I can only construe as a dismissive manner, he says, “Leave it on my desk and I’ll read it later.”

“It’s not a written update.” Try as I might, I can’t keep the edge from my voice. While the rest of the royal family treat me kindly, Andrew has never been so inclined. He acts like I’m his own personal robot who doesn’t require basic courtesy.

He continues to face the window, allowing me the opportunity to study him. He’s taller than most at three inches over six feet, with proud broad shoulders, and short dark hair so thick a bird could nest in it—there’s something about my new boss’s appearance that brings to mind Disney’s Prince Charming. It was Cinderella who had the bird fetish, right?

“Then put it in writing and leave it on my desk.” The sharpness of his tone snatches me from the precipice of the illusion that Andrew might have Charming’s personality. No, nothing charming here.

“Yes, sir.” I shift on my heels as I start to feel a blister forming. These infernal stilettos. I could wear sporting shoes to work for all Prince Andrew would ever notice. “Will that be all, sir?”

He abruptly turns around and glares at me, his penetrating brown eyes practically nailing me to the floor. “No, that’s not all. Will McMillian be coming back to work soon?”

“Um … well … I wouldn’t think so. He’s still in San Francisco receiving treatments for his Parkinson’s disease.”

The prince grunts loudly. “Has his replacement been found yet?”

Is this guy a moron? “I’m his replacement, sir. I thought you knew that.” My spine straightens, making me very close to his own height with my new shoes.

“I was under the impression you were a temp.” His eyebrow cocks in such a supercilious manner, it’s all I can do not to punch him.

“I started out that way, but I was informed last week that I was doing such a good job I was being made a permanent member of your staff.” Put that in your pipe …

“Who told you that?” he demands angrily. Instead of letting me answer that the Master of Household himself told me, Andrew continues, “As far as I’m concerned, you are not permanent.”

How in the world am I supposed to respond to that? The whole point of me working in the royal household is to make a strong enough connection to open my own employment agency. Once I do that, I’ll be able to supply staff to the palace. The only way that’s going to happen is to impress my current boss. The same man who appears to hate me.

So, while I want to take my shoe off and smack Andrew over the head with the sharp pointed heel, I force myself to ask, “Is there something you’d like me to do that I’m not currently doing?”

His glare darkens as he takes a step forward. I stand rooted to the floor, unable to look away. “You’re a woman.”

“How astute of you.” Yes, my response is snotty, but I’ve had just about enough of being treated like a disposable entity by this patronizing man.

“Excuse me?” Another step.

“Prince Andrew, my being a woman in no way hinders my ability to perform my duties with precision. In fact, I would argue that my being a woman makes me more efficient.”

“How do you figure that?” How in the world did I have a crush on this arrogant beast throughout my entire adolescence? I don’t care how gorgeous he is, the prince is not a nice man. Let me rephrase that. He’s not nice to me. He seems to love everyone else.

“Women are much better multi-taskers than men.” I raise one finger in the air to start ticking off my points. Another finger goes up. “We’re very attuned to details …” More join in. “We’re empathetic, nurturing, and are able to see more than what is required of us.” If I don’t stop talking now, I may truly be out of a job.

“And you’re saying these qualities are inherent to your sex? That men do not possess them?” If he walks any closer to me, he’ll be standing behind me.

I force my gaze up to meet his. “That’s what I’m saying.”

“Prove it.”

I reach up and pick an invisible piece of fluff from his collar. “Your shirt is starting to fray.” I turn my gaze back to his in a challenging manner. “Your valet is a man, is he not?”

“You know he is.”

“If your valet were a woman, you would be wearing an impeccable shirt with no sign of wear.” That may or may not be an accurate statement as I’ve made up the sorry condition of his apparel. It appears that women can also be liars when it suits them.

“Are you now applying for the job of my valet?” I know he’s being facetious, but I can’t help the stirring I feel at the thought of what that job would entail. Assisting Andrew in the bath or shower if needed, helping him to go from a naked state to a clothed one, undressing him for bed at night … It’s getting hot in here.

“I don’t want Finnley’s job. I’m merely saying that women are more detail oriented. That’s all.”

“I leave my bedchamber at eight o’clock every morning.”

“How lovely for you.” I mean, seriously, what else am I going to say?

“You will now meet me there at seven forty-five and inspect my clothing for any imperfections before I start my day.”

“But I don’t come to work until nine.” Surely, he doesn’t expect me to get here early to make sure another member of his staff is doing his job.

“You now arrive at seven thirty so that you can get to my rooms by seven forty-five.” He leans down so menacingly, if he were a tiger, I’d be afraid for my life. “That is, if you want to keep your position. If you’re unable to do so, I’ll gladly hire a man to replace you.”

So that’s his game. He’s actively looking for a way to get rid of me. If the success of my future agency wasn’t on the line, I’d turn around and walk out of his office without a backward glance. Unfortunately, that action will not aid my plans. “Would you like me to bring your coffee up with me?” I mean, hell, if I’m moonlighting as his valet’s helper, maybe he wants me to take on some kitchen duties.

“I think I can trust the kitchen to deliver my coffee.” He cocks his head to the side, before adding, “Unless you care to complain about them, as well.”

I shake my head vigorously, hoping to activate some good sense. I really don’t need to get into any more trouble. I look at my watch and see that it’s nearing five. “If I’m expected back here so early, I’ll head out now.”

“I’m afraid I’ll still need you here until six o’clock every day.”

Being that I’ve never seen him past our four o’clock meeting since the day I started working for him, I’m certain this is a lie. Which of course can only mean one thing.

Prince Andrew has just declared war on me.

Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.

Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017.

Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards, 2017

Finalist Top Shelf Indie Book Awards, 2017

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Magissa by Kassandra Flamouri #GIVEAWAY

Magissa
Kassandra Flamouri
Publication date: October 11th 2022
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, New Adult

“…a stirring combination of real-world Greece and supernatural overtones…the perfect amount of magic and monsters.” – Verified Reviewer

“…an exciting adventure of magic, loss, and healing.” – Verified Reviewer

For as long as she can remember, Chrysa Markou has longed for Pyrga, her native village in the mountains of Greece. But she never thought she would return like this—an orphan, crushed by grief and wracked with guilt over her parents’ deaths. Even surrounded by family, she feels like a xeni—a foreigner. A stranger.

All she wants is to belong, but Chrysa instead finds herself beset by vicious gossip, family secrets, and a magical heritage that could derail the future her parents wanted for her. To make matters worse, the one responsible for orphaning Chrysa has returned to unleash a reign of supernatural terror over her new home.

With the help of a handsome but moody Seer and a pair of burly guard dogs, Chrysa scrambles to protect her village from an onslaught of dark creatures commanded by her parents’ murderer. As the noose of the killer’s malice draws tighter, Chrysa grapples with festering doubts: Is she the victim, the hero…or the true cause of her people’s suffering?

Triumph over evil seems worth any cost, until it threatens to unravel everything Chrysa believed she was fighting for.

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—

SNEAK PEEK:

I left Kalochori by the main road, my hands deep in my pockets and my shouldershunched against the evening’s sudden chill. Even in August, it could get pretty cold up here, especially at night. I had a feeling, though, that the cold was in my mind and heart more than my body. Now that I was alone on a deserted road in the no-man’s land between Kalochori and Pyrga, doubts started creeping and crowding around me.

Had I overreacted? Maybe I’d been too sensitive—maybe Toula was trying to be funny. Maybe he doesn’t want to share…The joke could have been intended to be at Alexi’s expense rather than mine. But it was still mean, and so was Toula. I kicked a rock and watched it skitter off the road and over the edge of the cliff. The sound of it clattering away into the gorge seemed absurdly loud in the stillness.

I walked until I came to the crossroads. My path would take me up and up, whilethe other led to Milia, another village farther down the mountain. But I took neither. I left the road and stepped over the rickety guard rail so that I was standing right on the cliff’s edge. The gorge spread below me, full of deep shadows and crags. Every leaf was washed in silver, and the Mati river glowed far below like a white satin ribbon under the full moon. The vastness of the gorge was staggering, rivaled only by the immensity of the star-strewn sky above. It made me feel small and lonely but comforted, somehow. Had my parents ever stood here on a night like this one and felt the way I felt now? Probably not. More likely they sat on the cliff’s edge, holding hands and finding fantastical shapes in the stars.

The thought warmed something deep inside me, something that I didn’t know hadfrozen until it started to thaw. I closed my eyes and imagined my parents sitting before me, dangling their legs over the cliff and giggling together. I could almost feel their presence, almost hear their voices.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

I whipped around and nearly fell over. For one, insane moment I thought—well. Itdidn’t matter what I thought. My waking dream disappeared like a scrap of mist, leaving only a woman in a draped white dress. She stood at the edge of the road with a small, amused smile on her face.

“Forgive me,” she said. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

My brow wrinkled. Where had she come from? Kalochori was a good three miles away, and I didn’t think she’d been doing much walking—not in that getup.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm my pounding heart.

“I’m fine,” I said stiffly

The woman smiled and tossed back a mane of hair that shone silver and white in the moonlight. I waited for her to say something more, but she only looked at me, the smile still curving her lips.

“I’m Chrysa,” I offered, not knowing what else to say.

Her smile widened. “I know.”

“And, um, you are?”

“I have been called by many names,” she said, a spark in her eye. “But among mykin I am known as Kalothia tou Pefkou.”

I frowned. Kalothia of the Pines. I’d never heard of a last name like that. Maybe it was some sort of regional quirk?

“Harika,” I said, still trying to be polite. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Indeed,” she said. “I have waited a long time for this meeting.”

My brows rose. “Right.”

“It is fitting that I should find you here,” she said. “For crossroads are ever places of magic and mystery. Do you believe in such things, Maiden?”

Maiden. My neck prickled. I’d heard the name before—from a voice on the wind.

I shrugged, edging sideways. “Not really.”

But something, some warmth or energy buzzing beneath my skin, called me a liar.

“Would you—could you—believe it if I told you the Moon’s Touch could help you atone for your parents’ deaths?”

I froze. “What are you talking about?”

“They died by fire,” Kalothia said, her eyes glittering. “But the flames were notborn of chance, nor negligence. They died because of you.”

Ice washed over me. I knew gossip traveled quickly in a small village, but this wasridiculous. I’d never seen or spoken to this woman in my life. How did she even know about the fire? Did everyone know? How many people had Theia Anna told? It must have been her. Yiayia and Theio Giorgo had agreed that our business was our business and no one else’s. But, even if news of the fire had spread beyond my family, how could she know what I only suspected and feared—what I hadn’t dared speak aloud to a single soul?

“I don’t know what you’ve heard,” I said, backing away. “Or who you heard it from, but—”

Kalothia grinned, her teeth sharp and white. “No one you know.” She tipped her head back, lifting her face to the moon, then faced me again. “Go carefully, Maiden.Strange things happen when the moon is full.”

She stepped backward into the shadow of the cliff face above and turned away.

“Wait!”

I scrambled back over the guard rail and darted around the bend in the road,searching. But Kalothia was gone. Vanished, as if into thin air.

I stood there for a long time, my chest heaving, the little hairs on my arms and the back of my neck standing on end. The moon and stars glittered silently above me, no doubt full of answers—but none for me.

Author Bio:

In retrospect, I probably should have realized a lot earlier that I was meant to be a writer. Even as early as kindergarten, I struggled to pay attention in class because the outside world was just not as interesting as what was going on in my head. By that time, I had already made my storytelling debut ("Squirm the Worm," delivered at age three) and had spent countless hours playing make-believe with my 284 stuffed animals, every one of whom had a name and detailed backstory.

Though I quickly learned to pay attention (or at least look like I was paying attention) during school hours, I retained a tendency to daydream and a love of stories. When I left high school to attend the Sunderman Conservatory at Gettysburg College, I learned to translate both emotional and programatic content into music. Now, as an exam prep and college essay tutor, I have the time and flexibility to really dig into fiction again. My work has appeared online and in print in such venues as Timeless Tales Magazine and Quantum Fairy Tales.

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ANTHOLOGY REVEAL: Tales and Ale and Chainmail

Tales and Ale and Chainmail
(Tales of Ale and Chainmail Vol, #1)
Published by: SkyNation Publishing
Publication date: December 10th 2022
Genres: Adult, Fantasy

Eight magical objects. Eight adventurers. Eight stories.

Across the world of the Western Shield, long hidden artefacts are found by those who adventure into the forgotten corners of history. From the boiling volcanoes of Holfursland, to the booming industrial port of Helvenica, to the dwarven city of Ironvale, the adventurers are drawn together to tell their stories, and how they came into possession of their particular item, in the Glass Dagger Corner Club.

Featuring stories from Dave Deickman, Kate Longstone, Jonathan Maloney, Alan Kent, Thomas D Moore, Ashley Bravington, Crystal Roles, and Lucina Nyx, Tales of Ale and Chainmail (Vol 1) explores the dungeons, temples, and societies of the Western Shield world in pursuit of knowledge, answers, and lost family members.

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—

NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Forever Bound by Jessica Dall #GIVEAWAY

Forever Bound
Jessica Dall
Published by: Entangled: Amara
Publication date: October 17th 2022
Genres: Adult, Romance, Time-Travel

From the minute Bridget Marshall began renovating the old Irish Castle she bought outside the Village of Shansally, Ireland (pop. 119) she’d been on the verge of being labeled another “Silly American.” But after years of managing other people’s hotels, she’s ready to run one herself. And nothing will get in her way, not even her grumpy next-door neighbor, Liam O’Flannagain.

Soon, though, the dream Bridget’s been waiting for is becoming a living nightmare. The renovations, not to mention the budget, are out of control, and someone—or something—is determined to get her out of the castle. And if that wasn’t enough, whenever she’s with Liam, the castle’s ancient past seems to come roaring to life, sweeping them along in a story they’re apparently destined to relive.

If she is to uncover the castle’s secrets, Bridget will need Liam’s help to figure out exactly how they’re connected…before the tragic past repeats itself.

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—

SNEAK PEEK:

I tried not to let myself get entirely swept away in the fantasy as we moved around the staircase to reach the ballroom at the back of the castle. “I know there’s going to be some—or, well, a lot—of bad news once we get started. Karen said it’s been a good decade since anyone’s lived here, but I’m hoping most of the neglect can be taken care of with the changes I already have planned. Like most of the plumbing is going to need to be torn out anyway to add bathrooms to the bedrooms upstairs.”

“It’s a good job we’ll be going down to the studs in most the rooms, aye.” He scribbled something in the little notepad he’d pulled out as we talked. “When you don’t use pipes for this long, you’ll have leaks. We’ll also have to be on the watch for mold, of course. And lead. I expect we’ll have a fair share of lead paint to remove, age this place is.”

Leaks, mold, lead… I tried to laugh the rising stress off.

“And then we’ll have to start talking exorcists. I’m sure there must be a poltergeist or two.”

“Haven’t heard of any poltergeists,” Cormac said, tone matter-of-fact as he stopped to poke at another damp spot on the wall with his foot before going back to scribbling. “Folk do like talking ’bout the curse, though.”

I paused. “Curse?”

He flashed me another warm smile, one that actually reminded me a bit of my granddad’s. “I don’t put much stock in all that, myself, but people like spinning that yarn after the brutal string of luck this place’s had. You know, the Sloane family had her built after the buildings around the old Norman keep burnt. They had it ’til they were chased out around independence. Originally English, you see. Ever since, the castle’s spent more time empty than lived in. Chris Carlson, last owner of this place, only had her a year before the financial crisis. Sunk all his money into real estate during the Celtic Tiger, so wasn’t a good time for him.”

I hummed, preferring not to think about the housing collapse when I’d just sunk most of my own money into property.

“Some say the Sloanes cursed the place ’fore leaving.”

Not caring to stew on that either, I pushed the doors to the ballroom open. The same breathless feeling I’d had at the edge of the property swept through me again. With the way the backyard sloped away from the house, it looked like we could have jumped from the back door into the lake. The wall of floor-to-ceiling windows said whoever had designed the house had wanted to bring the the lake inside as much as I did. With a couple dozen white-draped tables and ambient lighting, I could have the most romantic restaurant in the county. That was certain.

Cormac was looking at me expectantly, and I realized I’d entirely missed whatever he’d just said.

“Sorry, what?”

He laughed lightly. “Don’t you let any of that worry you, lass. If you care for those tales, most the ghosts ’round here are supposed to be completely harmless. The Bean an Locha stays out there, even.” He motioned toward the windows.

Author Bio:

Jessica Dall finished her first novel at the age of fifteen and has been hooked on writing ever since. In the past few years, she has published a mix of fantasy and historical fiction novels, along with a number of short stories that have appeared in both magazines and anthologies.

In college, Jessica interned at a publishing house, where her “writing hobby” slowly turned into a variety of writing careers, including creative writing teacher and, her current job, content editor for a small press.

When not busy editing or writing, Jessica enjoys crafting and piano, and spending time with her friends and family. She can most often be found at her home in Maryland with a notebook, her much-loved, sometimes-neglected husband, and toddler.

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NEW RELEASE BLITZ: The Christmas Letters by Jenny Hale #GIVEAWAY

The Christmas Letters
Jenny Hale
Publication date: October 11th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

Sometimes, it takes losing everything to find what it is we really need. From the USA Today bestselling author of Coming Home for Christmas, with over one million copies of her books sold, comes a heartwarming holiday story that’s perfect for fans of Sheila Roberts, Debbie Macomber, and Jill Shalvis.

Elizabeth Holloway abandons her New York party at The Plaza, her sparkling world crashing down around her when her boyfriend of seven years drops the bomb that he’s leaving her—at Christmas. She suddenly finds herself seven hundred miles from her home in the city, trudging through the snow, back at her childhood farm in the Great Smoky Mountains in an attempt to piece her life back together.

However, she isn’t expecting to meet visitor Paul Dawson with his dazzlingly blue eyes and warm smile, chipping away at her resolve to focus on figuring out who she is and what she really wants in life.

When her mother is informed that they don’t actually own the farm that’s been in their family for generations, the news makes absolutely no sense to either of them. Nan had married Elizabeth’s grandfather at that house, and they’d lived out their years there.

But a stack of letters from Elizabeth’s grandmother will change everything she thought she knew about her family and cause a divide between her and Paul that she never saw coming.

Under the glitter of Christmas trees and bundles of mistletoe, Elizabeth uncovers more than she’d ever thought possible. Will the Christmas letters strip her of everything she holds dear? Or will they be the biggest gift of the season?

A heartwarming holiday escape that will have you rushing to your loved ones this Christmas. If you enjoyed the Christmas movies based on Jenny’s books and are looking for more feel-good, small-town romance, look no further!

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—

EXCERPT:

“I’m so sorry, Mama, I can’t talk right now,” Elizabeth Holloway said gently, the phone pressed to her diamond-studded ear, as snow fell like feathers against the glittering buildings of the New York City skyline. “I’ll call you back first thing tomorrow, I promise.”

“Liz,” her mother, Loretta, breathed anxiously down the line in that southern accent that used to sing Elizabeth to sleep at night.

If Elizabeth closed her eyes, she could almost hear her mother’s melody over the chirping of the crickets out back of Nan’s old farmhouse in Mason’s Ridge, Tennessee, the rustling of the trees in the apple orchard, and the squeak of the screened door as Mama stepped through it onto the front porch. While they’d lived just down the road, Nan’s little farmhouse tucked away in the hills had been where both of them had spent most of their time.

Having been so intent on getting out of her hometown, it had taken Elizabeth years to realize how much she missed those sounds.

Growing up, Elizabeth had wanted to get a degree in social work and then go into the Peace Corps, leaving everything behind to learn and work in faraway places. She’d been constrained by her small town and had never really felt like she’d belonged with the people in it. They were all invested in their land and their place within the community, yet she’d wanted to spread her wings. However, she’d only managed to accomplish one of her goals: she’d left that little town, and everyone in it, over a decade ago.

Now her mother was tending to the aftermath of handling Nan’s will and her grandmother’s belongings all by herself, and she had tons of questions about taxes and the legalities of how to assume ownership of Nan’s property. Elizabeth had been trying to support her with it all as much as she could from New York, but it was proving difficult to do.

“I need your help with this,” Mama said, bringing Elizabeth back to the present. “I’m worried it ain’t gonna wait too long.”

A pinch of guilt took hold of Elizabeth’s chest. She wanted to speak to her mother, but the charity benefit that had kept her in New York instead of back in Mason’s Ridge was starting. Nothing could be done with whatever the issue was at this hour, and she needed to take her seat.

“I wish I could discuss this right now,” Elizabeth said, “but I’m on my way in to the event I told you about.”

Holding the phone, she put one stiletto heel out of the limo and took the bellman’s gloved hand, the man guiding her out of the car outside The Plaza where she planned to have drinks, chat with important people, and, if she was lucky, she’d get to do the waltz on the dance floor—her favorite thing at these events. She raised her bright red ball gown to keep the satin from grazing the snow that had piled up in the gutter, a chill slithering down her limbs. Her mother continued to speak, but Elizabeth struggled to concentrate on her words with all the commotion.

The mammoth building in front of her gleamed like a golden torch, surrounded by dazzling Christmas trees, but Elizabeth barely gave it a thought. Her long-time boyfriend, Richard Oppenheim, was already out of the limo and on the sidewalk, standing opposite her in his tuxedo with a collar that showed off his strong jawline. He ran his hand through his salt-and-pepper hair that had come early for his age, making him look distinguished. Then, spinning a finger in the air impatiently, he indicated that she should wrap up the call before they went inside.

Author Bio:

Jenny Hale is a USA Today, Amazon, and international bestselling author of romantic contemporary fiction. Her books have sold worldwide, have been translated into multiple languages, and adapted for television. Her novels Coming Home for Christmas and Movie Guide Epiphany Award winner Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses are Hallmark Channel original movies.

She was included in Oprah Magazine’s “19 Dreamy Summer Romances to Whisk You Away” and Southern Living’s “30 Christmas Novels to Start Reading Now.” Her stories are chock-full of feel-good romance and overflowing with warm settings, great friends, and family. Jenny is at work on her next novel, delighted to be bringing even more heartwarming stories to her readers.

When she isn’t writing, or heading up her romantic fiction imprint Harpeth Road, she can be found running around her hometown of Nashville with her husband, two boys, and their labradoodle, taking pictures—her favorite pastime.

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