R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 23
August 26, 2022
B@@K REVEAL: Ace of Diamonds by Alta Hensley
Ace of Diamonds
Alta Hensley
(Wonderland, #3)
Publication date: October 4th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
The winner takes all…
I had her. She was mine. They took her away.
Lyriope Morelli is the dream I’ve been chasing. My obsession isn’t gone, my hunger’s not satiated. I won’t rest until I find her and claim her again. I won’t rest until I’ve dragged her safely back to Wonderland.
Villains don’t get the happily ever after written for them in the story. And I’m the villain of this story–vicious and calculating, terrifying in my whims. Which is why, when it comes to my queen of hearts…
The game has just begun.
Welcome to the Midnight Dynasty… The warring Morelli and Constantine families have enough bad blood to fill an ocean, and their brand new stories will be told by your favorite dangerous romance authors.
WARNING: This book is intended for readers eighteen years old and over. It contains material that some readers could find disturbing. Enter at your own risk…
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Author Bio:
Alta Hensley is a USA TODAY bestselling author of hot, dark and dirty romance. She is also an Amazon Top 100 bestselling author. Being a multi-published author in the romance genre, Alta is known for her dark, gritty alpha heroes, sometimes sweet love stories, hot eroticism, and engaging tales of the constant struggle between dominance and submission.
She lives in a log cabin in the woods with her husband, two daughters, and an Australian Shepherd. When she isn't battling the bats, and watching the deer, she is writing about villains who always get their love story and happily ever after.
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BOOK BLITZ: Flopper by Colleen Charles #GIVEAWAY
Flopper
Colleen Charles
(Vegas Venom, #1)
Publication date: August 23rd 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports
The Vegas Venom turn up the heat in this brand new standalone hockey romance series from USA Today Bestselling Author Colleen Charles.
As one of the top goalies in hockey I live a sweet Vegas lifestyle: VIP treatment at all the hottest spots in town – ushered past every velvet rope – and all the puck bunnies I can handle.
Until my whole world changes when fate takes my sister, leaving her precious baby an orphan.
Even though I’m still mired down in grief, I step up and adopt my niece. After all, I already adore her.
I’ve just started to get a handle on things when the perfect woman literally falls into my lap, sending me and my newfound single dad life reeling.
She’s everything I ever wanted, but how can I offer her my heart while it’s still broken?
After our first meeting, she confesses that she needs lessons in seduction. Easy enough. We agree that once I teach her everything I know, we’ll part as friends.
But when we kiss… I see stars. I catch feelings. And after one taste of her, I’m not willing to let go.
My friends try to warn me not to get too close, but they shouldn’t worry because I won’t let myself fall all the way.
Yeah, about that…
—
EXCERPT:
Nobody can prepare you for the moment that you learn someone you love is gone. Poof. In the blink of an eye, the air shifts and the structure of your cells change. You are no longer the person you were just one heartbeat prior. I might have known when I arrived at the hospital and it reeked of pain, suffering… and death. I might have known when a nurse ushered me to one of those small private rooms where they break the news to those numb with terror soon to become the bereaved. I might have already known when I chose to not even disconnect the call I got earlier.
But the thing is… I didn’t want to even think the thought, so I shoved that knowing aside.
As I sit in front of the doctor with my hands folded neatly in front of me, I don’t receive his words. I don’t process them either. Car crash. Freeway. We did everything we could. I stare at him, open-mouthed, not quite believing any of it.
Natalie—my only sister, my only close relative—who isn’t even thirty years old, has left this world? It’s not possible. She just became a wife. Then she became a mother. She had her whole life ahead of her.
She’s a happy, healthy, positive person who’s going places. She’s my sunshine and unicorns. She’s my soft place to fall. She’s my flesh and blood. She’s the only one who truly gets me.
She’s gone, Noah.
“… the other driver lost control, crossed the center line and was also killed. Since your sister was behind the wheel, and your brother-in-law was in the front seat, at the speeds they were traveling, there was nothing anyone could have done. I’m terribly sorry for your loss, Mr. Abbott.”
Nothing anyone could have done? Lost control of the car? Who the fuck does that? Some damn teenager, that’s who. I can see his cocky ass in my mind’s eye texting and drinking and vaping and every other thing hoodlums are doing these days while they’re not paying attention to the road. Allowing myself to slide into a pit of rage for a split second, I suppress a shiver. But blaming some nameless, faceless villain isn’t going to bring Nat and Steve back.
“When do I get to see her?” I ask.
The man’s mouth opens, but for the first time since my arrival, he’s the one grasping for words. “I… don’t believe that’s wise. Her body sustained major trauma, so we don’t need you to identify it.”
Body. Like my sister is… was fucking leftovers. Like she’s disposable packaging that doesn’t matter anymore now that she’s…
Now that she’s…
Not only can I not say the word, I can’t even think it.
“Christ.” I press my hand over my eyes, glad that I have it in me to cry, because what I really want to do is pick this doctor up along with his fake empathy and his perfectly embroidered white coat and rattle his teeth until he takes back the horrible things he said and return my sister to me and not just her motherfucking body.
On the other side of the too-thin wall, a woman begins to sob. I stare at the perfectly neutral wallpaper as if my laser gaze can bore right through it. They’re on the other side. The other family.
And even though I know they lost someone too, I can’t even muster up a sliver of empathy for their loss.
Because mine is bigger. Mine is everything. Then again, maybe not everything. My mind clears and focuses enough to ask, “What about Vivian? Was she in the car? Did she die too?”
“She was in the back strapped into her car seat.”
“Jesus Christ…” I can’t take this and my knees start to shake. If I wasn’t sitting down, I’d fall down. All three of them, gone, just like that. I’m alone. Couldn’t the ‘other driver’ have picked a more private place to lose control?
The doctor searches my face. “She experienced some bruising from the belt of the car seat, but she seems alright otherwise.”
I look up sharply. “Viv’s alive?”
“It’s the closest thing I’ve ever seen to a miracle,” the doctor says, nodding. “We’re going to keep her for overnight observation, but she should be able to go home with you tomorrow. I thought you might want to spend the night here… with her.”
My stomach lurches, and I drop my forehead into my sweaty palms. “Viv’s alive,” I repeat the words like a mantra.
Author Bio:
“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Are you willing to discover the beauty within the flaws?
Then this is your tribe.
These are your books.
Colleen Charles is the USA Today Bestselling author of Perfectly Imperfect Romance for perfectly imperfect readers.
Take a chance and join her… you won’t be sorry you did.
Colleen loves to hear from her readers, and she answers all communications personally. You can find her at:
www.colleencharles.com - FREE FULL-LENGTH EXCLUSIVE NOVEL for new subscribers
https://www.facebook.com/Colleen-Char...
https://twitter.com/booksbycolleen
colleen@colleencharles.com
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August 25, 2022
BOOK BLITZ: To Steal a Heart by Jennifer Youngblood #GIVEAWAY
To Steal a Heart
Jennifer Youngblood
(Honeysuckle Island, #5)
Publication date: August 10th 2022
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense, Women’s Fiction
Coming home has never been so thrilling … or deadly.
When New York Times Bestselling author, Arden Chasing, returns home to Honeysuckle Island to attend a diamond exhibition held at The Oliver Hotel, she soon finds herself embroiled in a perplexing mystery that involves the charming and charismatic Garrett Singleton, a known jewel thief.
As the mystery deeps and danger closes in, Arden fears she might lose something even more valuable than the celebrated pink Finkle diamond—her heart.
—
EXCERPT:
Arden liked seeing herself through Crew’s eyes. She got the feeling that he actually appreciated that she was so outspoken.
The moment slowed as the air took on a charge of energy. Arden was keenly aware that the two of them were alone. She didn’t know how Crew could pass himself off as not being exciting. He was the most thrilling man she’d ever been around. His eyes took on a smolder as he scooted closer. Her breath caught as her pulse bumped up several notches. Was she ready to kiss him? This was happening fast. She wanted a whirlwind romance, but at the same time, she wanted something lasting. Was Crew the type of guy who would get bored with her if she made things too easy for him? He was so charming and charismatic that she got the impression that he’d broken many hearts. She didn’t want to be another number.
“I don’t know how much help I can be with the Carmel research part of your book, but if you need any help with the romance, I’m happy to oblige.” He caressed the curve of her jaw with the side of his finger, rippling pleasure through her. “I’m glad our paths crossed,” he murmured. His fingers trailed lightly down her arm, igniting her cells.
He leaned closer, his eyes roving over her with a hunger that stoked an aching yearning in her. Her lips parted instinctively as her breath came faster. He leaned in. Thankfully, before their lips could connect, her good sense took over. She placed her index finger on the center of his lips.
His eyes widened in surprise.
“No kissing tonight,” she said gently. “We need to get to know one another better first.” Oh, how she hated saying those words. Her head argued that she’d acted wisely, but her traitorous body longed to be held in his arms. She wanted to discover the taste of his lips … to run her fingers through his thick mop of blond hair. She wanted to be consumed by him. Wow. That was good. She needed to put those words down on paper … err, her computer screen before they flew out of her head.
He drew back as if disappointed, a tight smile winding over his lips. “That’s what you call a crash and burn.”
She laughed in surprise. “No, it’s called being sensible. You’re way too charming for your own good.”
“Nah,” he winked. “I’m just your everyday, average architectural consultant.”
She gave him a reproving look. “Uh, no. I don’t buy that for one minute. We may be just getting to know one another, but I’m no idiot. You, Crew Bronson, are a Casanova. And no matter how enchanting and handsome you are, I’m going to do the sensible thing and protect my heart.”
Amusement overtook his expression. “Sensibility is overrated.”
“Not in my book.”
A resplendent smile waffled over his lips. “You are the author. I guess you’ll have to be the one who decides how our story will end.”
“I guess you’re right.” She pressed her lips together, studying him. “We’ll start by going sailing in the morning … and then we’ll see.”
Author Bio:
Jennifer Youngblood is a USA Today Bestselling Author of clean romance, sweet romance, romantic comedy, and romantic suspense novels. For as long as she could remember, Jennifer has wanted to be an author. In those rare moments when she's not dreaming up another story, Jennifer loves cooking, spending time with family, and occasionally breaking away from her hectic life to take spontaneous trips to exotic and sometimes not so exotic locations. She couldn't survive in a world without chocolate, good books, family, and friends.
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August 24, 2022
#RachelReviews RUNAWAY ALLIE CAT by Gillian Grey
Release Date: August 22, 2022Dual POV/ MC romance/age gap
BLURB:
"Where do you want to go?"
"Anywhere," I say, breathless and desperate.
"Get on."
When my stepfather’s henchmen catch up with me, jumping on a gorgeous biker’s bike is my only escape. I don’t dare tell him who I am, as my stepfather is a powerful man who is obsessed with finding me.
From the moment Chase and I meet, sparks fly, but he doesn’t want to see me as more than some kid in trouble. He has his secrets too, and while he is on one of his mysterious jobs, he takes me to his family so I can hide out there.
I settle in and help his family. They own the local biker’s club, and it’s going under, so we open it up to the public with some live performances.
That is when I run into Chase once more. No longer in disguise, he doesn’t know who I am, and it is my chance to get up close and personal with him.
Each time he returns, I live this double life to be with him. That is until my stepfather’s henchmen catch up with me again.
Running is my only option, but how can I leave now? Will Chase chase this runaway alley cat, or will he let me go?
MY THOUGHTSMs. Grey’s debut book is an MC style retelling of a lesser known Brother’s Grimm fairy tale from the early 1800’s. “Allerleiruah,” also known as “All Kinds of Fur” or “Thousandfurs,” among other titles, is not one I was familiar with so I put on my research cap and did a little digging to understand the baseline for this story. In general:
“There is a king who is married to a beautiful woman with golden hair. The queen falls fatally ill. On her deathbed, she makes her husband promise that he will only remarry if he can find another woman who is as beautiful as she is and who has golden hair like she does. The king's grown up daughter looks just like her late mother. Against the advice of his counselors, the king declares that he will marry his own daughter. Not wanting to marry her own father, the princess says that she will only marry a man who can give her three very special dresses and a very special fur cloak. The first dress has to be golden like the sun. The second dress has to be silvery like the moon. The third dress has to sparkle like the stars. The fur cloak has to be made of the skins of a thousand animals and must contain a piece of skin from every different kind of animal in the kingdom.” ~from literature . fandom . com/wiki/Allerleirauh
Since I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, I understand the book may have had additional polishing prior to publication. Even so, as an early reader, the repetitive nature of the story, minor spelling and punctuation issues, and occasional tense changes were slightly distracting to me. However, once I let myself “just read,” the tale began moving along.
In Grey’s adaptation of “Allerleiruah,” the King is actually a big man in the mafia world and there is no cloak of a thousand furs. The special dresses do make an appearance, as does a fiery female lead who isn’t afraid of getting dirty. Grey also incorporates a nice nod to the MC community and the Bleeding Souls Saved by Love! Collection for which she is writing. The sexual elements given some of the characters ages and backgrounds also gave me pause a few times, but as an erotica author myself (and this DOES count as an erotic romance given the amount of explicit detail and occurences of intimacy), I can’t cast stones.
By the end, Allie and Chase get their HEA, and their tale is told. Some of the other characters made it quite clear they have stories to be told as well, so it’s a good thing Grey has three more books planned for the Kansas Chapter of the Bleeding Souls Brotherhood!
Until the next ride… go ahead and grab your copy of “Runaway Allie Cat” and start getting to know the family.
B@@K REVEAL: Dear Holden by Kathleen Maree' #PreORDER
Dear Holden
Kathleen Maree’
Publication date: December 15th 2022
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
It all started with a letter.
This letter I am now holding in shaky hands that I must have read at least a dozen times already. A letter I felt compelled to retrieve from the public trashcan after that woman all but tossed it away. I know it was none of my business. It was wrong, and I know that. But after suffering through the kinds of loss that I had, my gut insisted that whoever took the time to write down their words didn’t deserve them to be left in the trash like they didn’t matter.
Because they should matter.
What’s the big deal right? It’s just a letter…
But the problem was, my name wasn’t Daphne.
And I wrote a letter back.
Author Bio:
Kathleen grew up in the south-western suburbs of Sydney, where family holidays by the beach and tormenting her two younger brothers, was how she spent her early years. But at the young age of 11, when she submitted a short story to a talented writing competition through the NSW schools program, not only did she win it, but she quickly found a love for it as well.
Throughout her schooling, writing was a hobby, along with sketching and various sports. But fast forward to her adult years when she moved to Europe to follow her husbands field hockey dream, and her love for writing surged to the surface.
Her debut story, Cut, was penned over two years where her hobby seemed to lead to the completion of Pennys' world. The rest of the series came the following year.
Kathleen enjoys writing stories full of self-discovery, emotional journeys and of course, love.
Something else she loves is hearing from her readers, so feel free to follow her blog or drop her an email.
For signed copies of her novels, more information about upcoming stories, or to follow her blog, please visit her website www.kathleenmaree.weebly.com
Dream often. Believe always.
Kathleen xo
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August 19, 2022
B@@K REVEALS: "Remy" and "Colt" by Lane Hart & D.B. West
Remy
Lane Hart & D.B. West
(Savage Kings MC – Virginia, #1)
Publication date: September 6th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
After two confidential informants are murdered by a drug lord the DEA has spent months trying to bust, agent Avery Carmichael is ordered to go undercover.
She’s going to need some help infiltrating the outlaw world, which is where the hottest, most infuriating man she’s ever met comes in.
Remy Fulton is the president of the newest Savage Kings MC chapter in Rockland, Virginia. When his younger brother RJ gets into legal trouble, he reluctantly agrees to help the prissy snob with her undercover operation to keep RJ out of prison.
Pretending to be the biker’s latest conquest may prove much more difficult than Avery anticipated. From the moment they meet, Remy argues with her over every little thing. He’s especially furious with her when he finds out she’ll be staying with him for weeks, sharing his home and his entire life.
Their friends and family can’t find out their relationship is fake because blowing their cover could inevitably put Avery’s life in danger.
It’s no secret that the two don’t initially trust or respect each other. But once they’re forced to improvise a few times under pressure, they become more comfortable playing the part of an infatuated couple.
The agent and biker ultimately get so good at being together that even they forget that they’re only supposed to be pretending as they attempt to set up the deal to take down a homicidal drug dealer.
Avery can’t seem to recall why she despised Remy in the first place since he’s proven to be a kind, caring man who would literally do anything to protect his family.
And while Remy didn’t want to spend a second with Avery at the beginning of the undercover operation, he suddenly doesn’t know how he’s ever going to let her go.
Colt
Lane Hart & D.B. West
(Savage Kings MC – Virginia, #2)
Publication date: TBA
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
Colt Fulton is a selfish womanizer who doesn’t care about anyone but himself.
He’s also starting his membership with the Savage Kings MC on shaky ground after he carelessly loses his leather cut while hooking up with one of the many women who come and go through his life.
The Savage Kings are rightly furious when one of their cuts turns up in South Carolina being worn by a teenager pretending to be a member of the club to get girls.
Colt, however, doesn’t think the kid should be punished for his efforts. In fact, after he realizes that Jordan’s been through some of the same torments of Colt’s past, he feels compelled to help him get his life straight. That’s why Colt offers to let Jordan be his prospect despite his mother’s objections.
Josie Billing’s eighteen-year-old son Jordan is struggling to deal with his recent trauma caused by her abusive ex-husband. The last thing Jordan needs is to be exposed to the bad influence of some random smooth-talking biker from a motorcycle gang. A biker who is determined to take her son to Virginia and is relentless about trying to get her in his bed.
Colt never gets turned down by women. So, when Josie doesn’t fall for any of his usual tricks, he becomes obsessed with trying to win her over. The eight-year age difference doesn’t bother him like it apparently bothers her, however. In fact, he’s starting to think the older woman may be the one to finally curb his wandering eye if she would just give him a chance.
Unfortunately, Colt likes to gamble big without thinking about the consequences of his actions.
When Josie finally gives in to him, Colt will have to deal with the fallout and risk losing both her and his prospect.
Author Bios:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lane Hart has more than forty steamy stories currently available on Amazon. Sign up for her newsletter to receive updates on new releases and free promotions by copying and pasting this link into your web browser:
Lane lives in North Carolina with her husband, author D.B. West, their two daughters, a few lazy cats and a pair of rambunctious Pomeranians. She has a Masters in Criminal Justice and spent ten years working as a paralegal for a criminal defense attorney before walking away to become a full-time writer.
In October 2015, the paranormal romance anthology Wicked After Dark, including her standalone, Let Him Reign, hit #13 on the New York Times bestseller list. Since then she's been climbing the Amazon charts with hot new releases. So, whether you're looking for MMA superstars, hot cops, arrogant football players, sweet millionaires, or romantic weddings, there's a little bit of something for everyone.
Lane loves to hear from her readers on Facebook, Twitter, on her website, or by email!
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--
USA Today bestselling author D.B. West was born and raised in the southern United States. While studying at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, he met his wife and fellow author, Lane Hart. They now reside together with their two young daughters and their pets, a pair of Pomeranians.
After losing his father to a lingering illness, West began writing Awakening as a way to channel his emotions, and honor the memory of a true friend. In addition to writing, he enjoys video games, motorcycles, and traveling.
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BOOK BLITZ: Big City Little Rebel by Kelly Collins #GIVEAWAY
Big City Little Rebel
Kelly Collins
Publication date: July 21st 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Opposites attract when a sexy builder falls for the little blonde rebel intent on destroying his life…
When tragedy claimed the life of Beau Westhaven’s father, he didn’t just lose his dad, he lost his future. Now the project manager for Aspen Construction, Beau has two goals—to rebuild the family construction business and to get his still-grieving mother out of her dire situation. His plan was simple until a beautiful activist named Bobbie Cruise arrived.
Bobbie Cruise lost everything to corporate greed. Despite a deathbed promise to her cancer-stricken mother, Bobbie hadn’t planned on being a real activist. But when the construction company responsible for her mother’s death showed up with yet another potentially lethal project, she chained herself to the front door of the building to stop their progress. She wasn’t expecting the man in charge to be tall, dark, and unforgettable.
He’s focused on his success. She’s counting on his failure. Two lives pushed together by fate and torn apart by circumstances. Can they set aside their pasts to build a future together?
Previously published as Nailed by Love
—
EXCERPT:
Her presence shouldn’t have come as a surprise—in fact, she had warned him with her, see you soon—but he didn’t expect her this soon.
“Are you in charge here, Bobbie?” He wanted it to be someone else, but he knew it was her. She was like a burr chafing his skin. She rubbed him the wrong way, but he still had an unexplainable attraction to her. She was going to turn out to be a burn on his ass. “Close in your line and talk to me.” He wasn’t asking. His tone demanded. She was blocking his project, and he needed this resolved and fast. There was too much riding on it.
Bobbie said something to the men beside her, and they closed the gap when she stepped from the line. She walked up to him, lifted on her tiptoes, and pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek. “Good morning, Big City.”
He stepped back and eyed her with suspicion. She’d nicknamed him like they were friends. In any other situation, he would have pinned her against the wall and shown her what an actual kiss would feel like, but she was pandering to the press. There was no doubt the cameraman had gotten that shot. This was getting messier by the moment.
“What’s your place in this, Bobbie?”
“It’s my mission to bury Aspen Construction, Beau.”
“Why?”
“My mother, Catherine.” She looked down at the sign in her hands. Pain flashed across her face. “They made her suffer; eventually, the illness they caused took her life.” Tears pooled in the corner of her eyes. “The least I can do is make it painful for them.”
After glancing at the press, he moved in front of Bobbie to shield them from prying eyes. “I’m sorry for your loss, but you understand I had nothing to do with that. The former project manager was at fault. He’s in jail. I’m not that guy.” He pleaded with her. “This is my site, and you’re creating a financial burden for me. I need this job, too. It helps take care of my mother.” He hoped to tug at her heartstrings, but her eyes turned glacier cold.
Bobbie swiped at the tears running down her cheeks. “This isn’t a personal vendetta against you, but it’s a personal fight for me, and I don’t plan on giving up.”
“You have a right to protest. No one can stop you, but you know you can’t block the entrance to the building.”
“I’m well aware of my rights.” She turned around and looked at the people who were dwindling in numbers. Holes in the line were becoming visible.
“Looks like your line is falling apart, beautiful.”
She shrugged. “Fifty bucks doesn’t buy much. I’ll have to remember that for next time.”
“You paid each one of those people fifty bucks to protest for you?” He quickly calculated the cost of her demonstration. There had been at least a hundred people present. She had shelled out over five grand to make a point. There were better ways to spend her money, but he had to give her credit for her commitment.
“My costs are a pittance compared to the cost of public opinion. I hope you don’t like Colorado too much.” She lifted her shoulders. “This may be your only job here.”
“Don’t count me out, sweetheart. I’ve got more staying power than you can imagine. Besides,”—he leaned in and whispered in her ear — “I just ate your pie, and I’m pretty sure I’d like to explore another piece.” He brushed his lips across hers as he pulled away and left her standing with her mouth hanging open.
After yelling at his crew to get to work, he entered the building. He could only imagine what the press would do with that kiss, but he couldn’t bring himself to care.
Author Bio:
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International bestselling author of more than thirty novels, Kelly Collins writes with the intention of keeping love alive. Always a romantic, she blends real-life events with her vivid imagination to create characters and stories that lovers of contemporary romance, new adult, and romantic suspense will return to again and again.
Kelly has sold more than a quarter of a million books worldwide, and in 2021 she was awarded a Readers' Favorite Award Gold Medal in the Contemporary Romance category for A Tablespoon of Temptation.
You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.
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August 18, 2022
BOOK BLITZ: Loving Artemis by Janet Mason #GIVEAWAY
Loving Artemis
Janet Mason
Publication date: August 16th 2022
Genres: Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
Artemis found the love of her life when she met Linda, but their passionate relationship fizzles when Artemis lands herself on the other side of the law. Pulling the pieces of her life together, Artemis rekindles her relationship with Linda, and together they raise a daughter.
Meanwhile, Grace, running from her past, starts a life with Thalia. At a pride parade, Grace spots someone who reminds her of Artemis, who she was briefly involved with in her youth. Old feelings are rekindled. A lifetime of rejection, abandonment, and fleeing rears its head. Now she must come to terms with her past, put her relationship with Artemis to rest–or risk losing everything.
Artemis and Grace embark on a journey of revolution, love, and marriage and discover that love finds us when we least expect it.
——————-
Janet Mason is an award-winning creative writer, teacher, marketing professional, and occasional blogger for such places as The Huffington Post. Their book, Tea Leaves, a memoir of mothers and daughters, published by Bella Books in 2012, was chosen by the American Library Association for its 2013 Over the Rainbow List. Tea Leaves also received a Goldie Award. Their work has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and their novel THEY, a biblical tale of secret genders (Adelaide Books – New York and Lisbon) was featured at the 2018 Frankfurt Book Fair. Adelaide Books also published their novel The Unicorn, The Mystery late in 2020.
Loving Artemis appeals to a wide readership, with particular interest to the LGBTQA+ audience. As a love story and a coming-of-age narrative, it holds universal appeal. It is also an important slice of American history — enticing to those who have lived through it. It also attracts a younger audience who want to learn about the events that led to marriage equality.
—
EXCERPT:
Art felt the bike purring under her as she gunned along the highway. She looked down and saw the blur of asphalt. She looked straight ahead. It was mid-morning on Friday and the road was empty. The sun cast a long shadow in front of her.
The shadow looked like a black cartoon of a larger-than-life person on an even larger motorcycle. It looked like something she might have seen on Saturday morning television when she was a kid. She grinned and accelerated more until the pointer on the odometer reached forty-five. Billboards blurred into trees. The highway passed over a wide stream that she could see on her right as the highway turned into a flat bridge.
It was warm for early November. Wind tousled her hair; the sunglasses fit perfectly. Everything was darker and more vibrant. The trees on the side of the highway shed their leaves in a blur of red, orange, yellow. Golden light was everywhere. Art knew the chlorophyll in the leaves captured the sun’s rays in the summer, keeping the leaves green. She had learned that in the autumn when the days are bright, but the sun’s rays are further away, the leaves take their bright colors from another group of pigments called anthocyanins. This was a process of photosynthesis; science. But as the leaves passed her in a bright autumn blur, it felt like magic.
She was so close to the road that she felt like she was a part of it. Her bike was more powerful than Tommy’s. The engine roared. It felt like flying. As long as she kept her wits about her and didn’t wipe out, she could go anywhere.
Author Bio:
Janet Mason (born 1959) is an American writer and poet. Her poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction and essays have appeared in literary journals including the Brooklyn Review and the Exquisite Corpse.
Her work includes the poetry collections When I Was Straight (Insight to Riot Press, 1995),A Fucking Brief History of Fucking (Insight to Riot Press, 1992), and A Woman Alone (Cycladic Press, 2001), and the nonfiction work Tea Leaves: A Memoir of Mothers and Daughters (Bella Books, 2012).
Her novel THEY, a biblical tale of secret genders was published by Adelaide Books in 2018 and The Unicorn, The Mystery was published by Adelaide Books in 2020.She lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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August 17, 2022
BOOK BLITZ: The Reckless Union by Monica Murphy #GIVEAWAY
The Reckless Union
Monica Murphy
(Arranged Marriage, #3)
Publication date: August 16th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Our marriage may look like a fairytale, but outside forces threaten to tear us apart. Don’t they realize that nothing will keep me apart from Charlotte? Not my family. Not hers either.
What started out as a relationship in name only has evolved into something much more. Something deeper. And when Charlotte is taken from me, I launch into action, determined to rescue her.
She’s mine. Nothing is going to stop me from being with her.
Not a damn thing.
Welcome to the Midnight Dynasty… The warring Morelli and Constantine families have enough bad blood to fill an ocean, and their brand new stories will be told by your favorite dangerous romance authors.
WARNING: This book is intended for readers eighteen years old and over. It contains material that some readers could find disturbing. Enter at your own risk…
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EXCERPT:
Perry
All I want to do is take care of Charlotte, but I don’t know how.
Instead, I wait for her cues, watching her carefully as we walk through the lobby, her gaze zipping everywhere, as if she fully expects that jackass to jump out of a dark corner and snatch her from me. Thanks to the late hour, the lobby is quiet and empty. Only a single security guard is on shift and he nods at the both of us as we walk past the desk he sits behind, completely oblivious to the chaos from earlier.
Lucky guy.
The ride in the elevator is quiet. Charlotte’s face is tear streaked, her eyes red and her cheeks blotchy and I’m tempted to yank her into my arms. Hold her close and whisper words of comfort to her, but I don’t because what exactly would I say?
I’m at a complete loss, which is unlike me. I have something to say for every situation, but apparently, not this one.
We exit the elevator in silence and I unlock the apartment door. Doja comes running, a streak of furry black headed straight for her owner and Charlotte bends down to scoop the cat into her arms and hold her close.
“I missed you so much, Doja. I did,” Charlotte coos, Doja’s purring so loud she reminds me of the Chevelle’s engine.
“Oh, Miss Charlotte. You’re home.”
We both glance up to find Jasper standing in the middle of the living room, his hand resting on his chest, over his heart. Looking ready to keel over in utter relief. They lock eyes and Charlotte bursts into tears, scurrying over to him so he can hug both her and Doja close, offering comfort in murmured words and fatherly squeezes.
I watch them, still at a loss, envious of the easy relationship they share, which is ridiculous on my part. He’s her butler and familiar to her, but he’s also more than that. He’s the parental figure she never really got from her actual father growing up. Jasper is the one man she could count on. The one who took care of her from a young age. Who watched over her and made sure she was always safe.
I bet he hates that she ran off to Paris and had such a disastrous experience with that McFucker. He might even hate that dude as much as I do. Jasper and I, we have a lot in common.
We always want the best for Charlotte.
“Shall I draw a bath for you?” Jasper asks her at one point, minutes after they’ve finally withdrawn from each other and she’s still cuddling with Doja. I shake my head at him.
“I’ll take care of her tonight. You go get some rest,” I tell him.
Jasper sends me an appreciative look. “Thank you, sir, for finding her. I was worried. And guilt ridden.”
“Oh Jasper.” Charlotte wraps him up in another hug, holding him close with Doja wedged between them before she releases him. “Don’t feel guilty. I was the dumb one who went down to meet Seamus without my phone.”
I visibly flinch at her saying his name out loud and it’s as if she realizes it a second too late, her guilty glance flitting to mine before she looks away.
“And without me,” Jasper reminds her.
That old softy would’ve tipped right over the moment McFartlick grabbed Charlotte but I just smile and humor him. I don’t want him feeling guilty. It’s not his fault Charlotte was abducted, even though he blames himself.
I take a lot of that blame too. I should’ve come early. Why did I think Jasper could protect her? He’s done a pretty solid job so far, but she’s never dealt with a serious threat before.
And that asshole who used and abused her and fucking abducted her is a serious damn threat.
Author Bio:
Monica Murphy is a New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.
She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere, along with their four cats and one crazy dog. She's a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to sometimes putting her characters through tough, angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.
Monica is also known as USA Today bestselling romance author Karen Erickson (http://karenerickson.com).
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August 16, 2022
BOOK BLITZ: Accidentally Perfect by Marissa Clarke #GIVEAWAY
Accidentally Perfect
Marissa Clarke
(Hideaway Harbor, #1)
Published by: Entangled: Amara
Publication date: March 1st 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Workaholic Lillian Mahoney has given everything to her job. The hugely popular lifestyle show she helped create monopolizes her time, energy, creativity, and anything remotely resembling a life. But all it takes is the show’s womanizing, egomaniac star throwing a massive hissy on live TV to utterly implode Lillian’s career in a New York minute.
Now Lillian’s hiding out in the gorgeous and completely unknown seaside village of Blink, Maine. Out of gas. A stolen wallet. A broken heel. And worse, she’s somehow managed to completely piss off the town’s resident hunk, Caleb Wright. She’ll show that hot, grumpy single father exactly what she’s made of.
But Blink isn’t quite what Lillian expects—and neither is Caleb…or his feisty teen daughter she can’t help but love. And while her entire life and career are in shreds, Lillian might just discover what happens when she gives her bad first impression a second chance.
Each book in the Hideaway Harbor series is STANDALONE:
* Accidentally Perfect
* Accidentally Famous
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Only 99¢ for a limited time!
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EXCERPT:
“Good morning,” Caleb said, taking a step closer to her.
Lillian smiled and brushed some hair back off her forehead. “Good morning. This place is really nice. You built it?”
It was pretty basic. Nothing fancy, but it was well-built and clean. “I had a lot of help, and the residents of Blink raised the funds, but yes. I did a good part of the work,” he said.
She looked him up and down. “And here I thought you were just eye candy.”
“Only if you have a sweet tooth.” He hadn’t known what to expect after the kiss on her porch, but he and his rapidly heating body loved her teasing.
She put her hands on her hips. “Why, Grumpy Caleb. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you had a sense of humor.”
“I have a lot of things. Wanna see?”
Blush flushed from her neck all the way to where her hairline began. He loved this side of her. All-business Lillian liked a good flirt. He was happy to oblige. “Grumpy Caleb?”
“That shoe seems to fit,” she said as she strode toward the kitchen with a grin. He followed.
Author Bio:
Marissa Clarke is a multi-award-winning, RITA nominated author of romance for adults and teens. She lives on the Texas Gulf Coast with her ever-patient husband, two cantankerous Cairn Terriers, and an abundance of bossy chickens.She loves to hear from readers, so please reach out through social media or on the contact form on her website, http://www.marissaclarke.comWebsite / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest
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