R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 29
July 14, 2022
BOOK BLITZ: Playing for Keeps by Jax Calder #GIVEAWAY
Playing for Keeps
Jax Calder
(Sporting Secrets, #3)
Publication date: July 6th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance, Sports
Falling for your former best friend? Never a good idea.
Ethan Lewis is the joker of his rugby team, the guy who’s always up for a good time. The only thing that can wipe the smile from his face is any mention of his former best friend, Luke. He has no idea why Luke has actively avoided him for the past five years. Okay, so he broke the bro-code by hooking up with Luke’s sister, but the result was his son—and he wouldn’t change that for the world. So when he hears Luke’s signed a contract to play for his team, Ethan decides he’s going to do everything he can to get his best friend back.
Luke has returned to New Zealand from playing rugby overseas, determined to achieve his lifelong dream and make the national team. And he’s not about to let Ethan’s presence distract him. So what if one of his new teammates is the person who shredded his heart? Luke’s moved past that, and he’s happy now with his new boyfriend. There’s no way he’s falling back under Ethan’s spell.
But it turns out no matter how good you are at evading the opposition, there’s one thing you can never escape—and that’s the love of your life.
—
EXCERPT:
Seeing that look of concentration on Ethan’s face, I was suddenly whisked back in time to the summer we were sixteen.
Ethan and I were sleeping in a tent on the back lawn of my parents’ holiday home in Wānaka, as we usually did. I’d woken up to find Ethan tossing and turning, his sleeping bag rustling like a bag of potato chips every time he moved.
I propped myself up on my elbow to look at him.
“What’s wrong?” I whispered.
“I can’t sleep.”
“Yeah, I picked up on that. Thanks for sharing your insomnia with me. I really appreciate it.”
“Sorry.”
It was a small tent, and I could feel Ethan’s tension as he tried not to move. He half sat up, then thumped back onto the airbed with a groan. “Urgh! I can’t turn my brain off sometimes. I suppose that’s to be expected with my exceptionally large brain.”
I snorted. “Yeah, you keep telling yourself that.”
He shuffled again, tossing one way, then almost immediately turning back.
“What do you normally do when you can’t sleep?” I asked.
“I jerk off.”
My breath rushed out of me while my cock immediately started to firm up at the thought.
Great. Now the idea of Ethan jerking off was in my head, which meant I wasn’t getting back to sleep for hours. If ever. No doubt my brain would prefer that particular daydream over the random crap my real dreams threw at me.
He shuffled again.
“So jerk off now.” I spoke without thinking, the words channeled from my subconscious.
Ethan’s breath hitched. “What?”
My heart pounded. I needed to keep talking, fast.
“If it means you’ll stop moving, I’m happy for you to sing the entire One Direction album. Whatever it takes to get you to settle down.”
In the silence I heard Ethan swallow. My heart continued to thump.
“If I jerk off, you’ve got to do it too, otherwise I’ll feel weird,” he said eventually.
My mouth went dry and my cock grew even harder.
Oh holy hell. Ethan was giving me permission to jack myself off in his presence. Thank you, Universe, for letting my Ultimate Fantasy Number Five come true.
I went for a jokey tone. “Oh no, you’re forcing me to jerk off. I’ve never done that before.”
Ethan chuckled. “Yeah, cos I believe that.”
We were silent for a few moments.
“Well, are you going to do it?” he asked.
I tried to keep my voice casual. “I just hope I do it right.”
Ethan laughed again. “Is there a wrong way to do it?”
“Not sure. Maybe if it involves sharp fingernails?”
“That’s pro tip number one. No fingernails,” he said.
“Right.” My voice came out slightly breathless as I palmed myself through my boxers.
“You doing it?” His voice was slightly rough.
I slipped my hand inside my boxers, and shit, that felt good.
“Yeah,” I grunted.
“Me too.”
Suddenly the rustling noises coming from Ethan’s sleeping bag were no longer annoying. Instead, my mind imagined his hand on his cock, imagined him stroking himself down his hard length.
Shit. This wasn’t going to last long.
I turned my head slightly, risking a glance at him.
Holy fuck. Ethan’s lips were parted and he had a look of concentration on his face.
He turned his head on the pillow and his eyes met mine for a second before closing. Then his shoulders stiffened and he let out a small gasp.
Ethan’s blissed-out look triggered my own orgasm. Fuck. It was the most intense orgasm I’d ever had. I was surprised I didn’t spontaneously combust.
Once my breathing slowed, I sat up and rummaged in my bag for clean boxers. Ethan did the same.
Neither of us said anything. My heart continued to pound like a fast bass track.
Ethan lay back down. He yawned and stretched. “That was exactly what I needed. You always have the best ideas.”
He closed his eyes. Within minutes, his breathing had evened out and he’d fallen asleep.
I’d been left staring at the tent ceiling for hours, listening to the soft exhale of Ethan’s breath, as my brain swirled with two unavoidable conclusions.
I was definitely gay.
And I was definitely in love with my best friend.
The noise of a car engine startled me and the memory dissolved, leaving me standing there next to Jonathan, staring out the window.
Ethan’s car pulled out of the driveway, and Char waved goodbye from the doorstep. The affectionate smile on her face cut at me, slashes I didn’t expect.
I sucked in a deep breath.
When I turned away, I found Jonathan’s sympathetic gaze on me.
“You had a crush on him growing up, didn’t you?” he said.
Seeing Ethan had left me raw, with no filters working. “A crush? More like I was fucking head over heels in love with him.”
Jonathan eyes widened. Oh holy Christ, yeah, that was probably high on the list of things I shouldn’t admit to my current boyfriend. That I’d been in love with my best friend, who was about to become my teammate.
At least I hadn’t admitted that seeing him had reminded me of the residual love for Ethan that still clung on in my heart—love that I couldn’t shake free no matter how hard I tried.
Jonathan dropped his gaze, looking for a moment as if he was contemplating the pattern on the carpet before lifting his eyes back to mine.
“Maybe you need to stop punishing him for not loving you back.”
Author Bio:
Jax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.
Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers.
Join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.
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BOOK BLITZ: Orb and Arrow by V.L. Stuart #GIVEAWAY
Orb and Arrow
V. L. Stuart
(Exploration, #1)
Publication date: May 15th 2022
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Young Adult
Brillar was expected to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a healer but she was headstrong and impetuous and took the Way of the Bow. Now a highly skilled hunter, she has been forced to kill to release a mage, bound in enchanted chains. It was self-defense, but that is no excuse for a healer.
Releasing a Master War Mage from bondage could get you killed . . . or apprenticed. When Master Elden insists on the latter, Brillar finds herself on a journey not of her making. When it doesn’t end well, she insists on directing a new journey where her healing skills will find newer and greater challenges.
Settled lands are one thing, but in the Wild, she will have to rely on her Master’s knowledge of the terrain and the people. And the Rovers are not always friendly.
—
EXCERPT:
Elden stood transfixed, staring at this madman. “A hoax? A wild hoax? Then why not reveal yourself to the Brotherhood, to your friends? Why am I here? You are a mage; you were my Brother. ”
“And let you off so easily? No, no, there had to be more, a balance for me, for her. I won’t be shut away as mad. There will be more. I can’t remove the blood of the innocents,” he rubbed his hands on his arms, “but the Brother who kills me will bear its stain! That is your punishment.” He was trembling again, fighting to remain standing. ”You, you who left me. You will bear its stain.”
“You wanted me alive then?” Now Elden was angry and shouting. “You gave a dimlock to your bounty hunter! You would have had me dead for all it mattered to you.”
Through fog and pain, Brillar heard shouting and the words “dimlock” and “dead.” She began to gather strength wordlessly, without moving, breathing in deeply, fighting the pain in her body, the fog in her mind.
“It was only to be used if needed,” was the shouted reply. “I expected them to take you sooner and closer. I suspected that you wouldn’t come willingly to kill a Brother, even one such as I have become.”
“I would not,” Elden shouted back. “I’ve not killed in many years. I want no killing!”
“That one,” Harrolen gestured toward Brillar, “has killed, and for your aid. That much, I had from her.”
Elden stiffened again. “She was attacked by your man. The kill was in self-defense.”
“As you say, Brother. No matter, it’s time for you to do a kindness for a member of the Brotherhood. I will not defend myself.” He came down one step.
Elden stepped back again and tripped, falling to one knee before recovering.
Brillar saw him fall through swollen eyes, closed them, and drew in more strength, reaching almost unperceptively for what the archer had left behind, drawing it toward her.
“You will kill now!” Harrolen screamed.
“You have archers,” Elden began.
“They are innocent!” another scream, “the blood must be on a Brother’s hand.”
Brillar, hearing the screamed words, readied, drawing in more strength, praying to the Light that they wouldn’t notice.
“You will kill me; you must,” Harrolen ranted. He sent a sudden bolt of lightning at Elden, who was forced back but turned it aside. A second bolt, this one of fire, singed his clothes but was turned before there could be more.
Hearing the screaming, smelling the smoke from the spells, knowing their attention was on each other, Brillar made one great effort, pulling bow and arrow to her hand, drawing in strength as she could. A deep cold blanketed the room briefly and was gone. She was nearly ready…
Harrolen howled again, filled with anger and frustration, “It must be your hand!”
“Not my hand, Brother.” Elden stepped back finally, submitting, eyes closed, spreading his low-held arms at his sides, knowing it could mean two deaths.
Seeing him through a haze, Brillar pulled herself to one knee, drew the bow, and let fly.
Harrolen crumpled to the ground silently, an arrow deep in his neck, as Brillar wavered and collapsed on the stones.
Author Bio:
VL Stuart is a journalist and author living in Costa Rica with her husband and a small comical dog.
She is a long-time reader - usually of science fiction, historical mysteries, and epic fiction. As a teen, she cut her teeth on Heinlein and found the delightful worlds of McCaffrey as an adult. Her first genres were poetry and essays, and she won awards in both. Her 'Orb and Arrow' trilogy has been well-reviewed and is available on Amazon. Her work in progress, 'Warriors of the Kalahn,' is in progress and she recently completed ‘Master of Magic,’ another book set in the world of Orb and Arrow. As for her writing process, she is a pantser - "May all the gods bless grammarly.com. Even with an English degree, my errors are legion."
At present, she lives between two volcanoes, "But no worries, only one of them is active."
Readers Giveaway Contest
Win a free copy of Orb and Arrow: Duty (Book II)
If you’ve enjoyed reading about Brillar and Elden’s adventure in Orb and Arrow: Exploration, you can win a free paperback copy of Book II in the series, which will be published in September 2022.
Here’s how to enter:
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July 13, 2022
BOOK BLITZ: Committed by Sharon C. Cooper #GIVEAWAY
Committed
Sharon C. Cooper
(Atlanta’s Finest Series)
Publication date: July 8th 2022
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense
Even when he does good, he’s still bad…
Lazarus “Laz” Dimas made plenty of enemies as an Atlanta police detective. Now that he is a security specialist and married with a family, he does everything by the book…mostly. It’s not until someone threatens his family that he falls back into his old, lethal behavior and resurrects his former mantra: By Any Means Necessary.
Journey has it all—an amazing husband, a rewarding career as an assistant district attorney and the most adorable baby girl. Yet, she wants more. She wants to be elected Atlanta’s next district attorney.
Laz is always supportive and makes sure she wants for nothing, but not this time. He insists she choose—their marriage or the job she desires. It should be an easy decision, but it takes almost losing everything she holds dear before Journey checks her priorities.
And when tragedy threatens to rip her and Laz’s relationship apart, they must fight to keep it together…but is it too late?
—
EXCERPT:
Laz had just started up the stairs when Journey came from the living room area. Just as she reached him, Kenton and Angelo strolled into the house.
“Guys, thanks so much for everything you’ve done for us today,” Journey said. “I know you’re probably tired and ready to head home. We can take it from here.”
“They’re not going anywhere,” Laz said with more bite behind his words than intended. This was why he had to get the hell out of there before he made the tension between him and Journey even worse. “You’re going to have a security detail until further notice. At least two guys at all times.”
“Laz,” she started.
“This is not up for negotiation.” He didn’t care how pissed she made him at times. Her safety was at the top of his list of priorities, and until he knew who or what they were dealing with, he wanted her protected. “I especially want someone around since I won’t be here.”
Journey’s perfectly arched brows scrunched together, and she jammed her hands onto her hips. “What are you talking about?”
“I’ll be staying in one of the crash rooms at work for a few days.”
When his boss, Mason Bennett, had purchased an old warehouse to house Supreme Security, he had converted it into a state-of-the-arts facility. In addition to tech-smart meeting rooms, a cook’s kitchen, a gym and weight room, he’d had the foresight to include several rooms that were like studio apartments. Some of the security specialists, especially those who lived outside of Atlanta, used the spaces to grab a nap in between assignments instead of going home.
“Whenever you’re at work or too busy for our daughter during that time,” Laz continued, knowing he was being an ass, “one of the guys will bring Arielle to me.”
“First of all, how are you making these decisions without discussing them with me? Secondly, Arielle is going to Florida with my parents as planned.”
“Like hell she is,” he roared. “Plans have changed.”
Journey moved closer to him, and her I’m-not-taking-your-shit-tonight demeanor was fully in place. He loved this woman like crazy, and she was sexy as hell when she was angry. Any other time, he could appreciate the can of verbal whoop-ass she was about to unleash, but he wasn’t in the mood.
“I know you’ve been through hell today,” she said with controlled fury, “but what you’re not going to do is come in here and start telling me how things are going to be.”
From his peripheral, Laz saw the moment when Kenton and Angelo eased into the living room, which was probably for the best. He had a feeling this argument was going to blow up at any minute.
“I’m done talking to you.” Laz started up the stairs to their bedroom.
“Good, then you can do the listening,” Journey said and stomped up the stairs and shoved passed him. “I’ll meet you in the bedroom.”
A smart man would do a one-eighty and head back down the stairs, but Laz never claimed to be smart. He wasn’t in the mood for a drag-down, blow out with Journey, but it was safe to say that’s exactly what was about to happen.
Author Bio:
USA Today bestselling author Sharon C. Cooper loves anything involving romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies, or real life. She writes contemporary romance, as well as romantic suspense and enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Her stories have won numerous awards over the years, and when Sharon isn’t writing, she’s hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work, or reading a good book (a romance of course).
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest
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BOOK BLITZ: Mermaid of St. Moritz by Jincey Lumpkin #GIVEAWAY
Mermaid of St. Moritz
Jincey Lumpkin
(Mermaid of Venice, #5)
Publication date: July 11th 2022
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Billionaire mermaid Gia Acquaviva is back for the riveting fifth installment of the Mermaid of Venice series. Gia struggles with intense feelings for a man from her past, while her passionate love affair with a Hollywood actress threatens to ruin it all.• Love triangle• Enemies to lovers• Secret affair• Billionaire romance• Paranormal romantic suspenseThe Mermaid Civil War unleashes Ancient Magic, putting both mermaids and mankind in danger. Caught in the middle of warring factions is Gia’s daughter, Serena. Will the child master her magical powers, or will she become a casualty of war?
Everything’s on the line for Gia. Will her risky behavior cause her to lose everything she’s worked so hard to regain?
Tropes:
—
EXCERPT:
They call it the “Top of the World.” The glitterati come to St. Moritz for its famous ski slopes, but they stayed for the champagne climate. Home to mineral springs and abundant forests, the chic village also draws a summer crowd. Late spring brings heavy rain and wildflowers as far as the eye can see. Today, though, the sun awoke and claimed the day.
Gia rose from her slumber to find Florent making her an espresso. They had their coffee on the deck, soaking in all that Alpine glory.
She finally felt relaxed again, knowing that she had taken care of Yiannis for good.
“The scenery reminds me of the Sound of Music,” Florent mused.
“Oh?” Gia asked. “Will you run to the top of the mountain and serenade me like Julie Andrews?”
Florent chuckled. “You would like that, wouldn’t you? Seeing me turn round and round in circles?”
“I am sure we can find you an apron somewhere. I would like the full experience, please.”
He slid out of his chair and approached her, nuzzling her face with his prickly, unshaven skin.
She put both hands on his cheeks and kissed him.
“Mmm!” Florent smiled with a devilish grin. “I almost forgot, Gia! I have a surprise for you.”
She grunted. “You know I hate surprises.”
“Oh, but you will love this. I have organized a private yoga session… with baby goats!”
“Florent, stop. Do not tease me.”
“I am quite serious, Gia! I thought you could bring the au pair… and Serena could pet those smelly little goats. My daughter loves all animals. Serena is probably the same.”
Gia realized for the first time that Serena had never been around any animal. The baby didn’t exactly have a normal start to her life.
“All right,” Gia accepted, feeling amused by this new development on the itinerary. “I will shower and then… baby goats.”
Author Bio:
Jincey Lumpkin is a writer who splits her time between NYC and Lisbon. She has been profiled by Dateline NBC, Vice, and GQ, among others. Out Magazine listed her in its “OUT 100,” naming her as one of the world’s most influential LGBTQ+ people, alongside celebrities like Laverne Cox and Ricky Martin. Sign up for free stories at JinceyLumpkin.com
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BOOK BLITZ: Anubis by Adrienne Wilder #GIVEAWAY
Anubis
Adrienne Wilder
(Wolves Incarnate, #2)
Publication date: June 13th 2022
Genres: Adult, LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction
It was supposed to be over: The Utah Facility discovered, New World Genetics dismantled, and the people hunting Luca, dead.
Finally, Nox and Luca could start their life together.
Then strangers, who call themselves Varu, come to Luca for help.
They call him Cana and claim he’s the only one who can bring back their wolves.
The Varu tell Luca and Nox how a people called Mah are responsible for the atrocities of the Utah facility, unearthing the ichor and infecting Nox with the Anubis.
How the creature will consume Nox’s mind.
How he will become the monster.
Then it will destroy Luca.
But they can stop that from happening if Nox is willing to risk death by letting them purge him of the ichor.
As far as Nox is concerned, it’s a small price to pay to keep Luca safe.
Luca can’t convince Nox that the Anubis isn’t the mindless entity the Varu claim it to be, that it’s not a danger to him or anyone else.
When Nox won’t listen to reason, Luca decides to use the Anubis to help him save the man he loves.
After all, Luca is Nox’s Alpha.
And the Anubis is really Luca’s wolf to call.
*MM Dark Paranormal romance, high heat, heart-pounding action, twists and turns, colorful world-building, devoted couple, size difference, protective alpha male, epic monster battles, love at all costs, self-sacrifice, never give up, genetic manipulation, and unstoppable determination.*
This is the sequel to NoX. Books must be read in order. HFN ending.
—
EXCERPT:
The screen on the laptop dimmed, the screen saver kicked in, and a double helix spun into infinity.
A couple of hours ago, he would have called everything that came to him from those New World servers crap. He had called it crap.
But now?
Fuck, he really needed to call Phillips.
Reese took his phone out of his pocket.
The heat clicked off.
The grandfather clock next to his aquarium ticked.
The pump under the aquarium stand hummed.
Reese’s pulse whooshed through his ears before falling into the background.
Compulsion led him to the picture window.
Porch lights edged the neighbor’s front yard. Leaves skittered from one shadow to the next.
There were no lights in the wide stretch of lawn and Reese’s rows of flower beds. He still hadn’t replanted the petunias destroyed by the helicopter landing in his yard when the US Army showed up at his door, requesting his help.
He’d meant to replace them weeks ago. Even saved coupons for discounts on fertilizer and mulch. Then the weather got colder, the rain more frequent, and deciphering the mess New World left behind gobbled up whatever spare bits of free time he had.
The shadows between the trees shifted with the wind. Just empty spaces filled with night, nothing more.
Yet…
Reese leaned closer and his exhale fogged the glass.
Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Something’s out there.
And why would Reese think that?
“Sleep deprivation, that’s all it is.” Reese pushed his glasses up higher on his nose. “I mean, look how many hours of sleep you get a night.” He checked the time. “Two a.m., no wonder you’re seeing things and talking to yourself and talking to yourself about seeing things. Fuck.” But Reese couldn’t step away from the window. “Pretty sure there’s some Benadryl with your name on it.” A weight settled in his stomach. “Two of those, you’ll sleep like a rock, plus your allergies won’t be an issue.” The ache in his shoulder beat louder. “Still talking to yourself, still running your mouth, Dr. Dante. What the hell are you—”
The streetlamp at the entrance of the cul-de-sac dimmed. Hairs on Reese’s arms stood following the electric rush crawling over his skin.
A shadow ripped free of the darkness and lunged.
Reese raised his arms and jumped back just as the picture window exploded in a hail of transparent daggers. Crimson trails chased the burning lines crisscrossing his flesh.
The clink of raining glass silenced, leaving Reese with his heartbeat in his ears.
He turned.
A massive black dog stood where his coffee table had been.
Only dogs didn’t have prehensile toes or green-yellow eyes void of empathy. And they were never so black they cut swatches in the darkness.
The Anubis roared and leapt.
Author Bio:
I am a writer of contemporary and speculative fiction and artist of all things monsters. I live to create new worlds and the people in them. Several of my books have been best sellers both nationally and internationally. I have also been a finalist in the LAMDA awards, the "Oscars" of gay literary works.
I do my best to write original stories with powerful characters and emotion as well as a fast paced plot. My goal isn't just to deliver a good story but to take the reader into the story and let them experience the characters as if they are right there with them.
While almost all my books have a romantic element, I will be the first to admit, they are not traditional romance. In fact, I'd like to think there is nothing traditional about them. And the stories I paint are done so way outside the lines of traditional genres.
One of my favorite things to do as a writer is push the boundaries of what makes a story and to deliver the unexpected and maybe even change the perspective of the reader.
My characters are more often than not, beautifully flawed, not alway the good guy, and make mistakes. Their stories will take dark turns which, in the end, make the light at the end of the tunnel all the more brighter.
If you're looking for something different, exciting, and unique, my books are for you.
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July 10, 2022
BOOK BLITZ: Lake Bride by Shanna Hatfield #GIVEAWAY
Lake Bride
Shanna Hatfield
(Holiday Brides, #5)
Publication date: June 23rd 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Fall in love with a soldier, a nurse, and a small-town adventure brimming with delightful characters, amusing animals, and abiding hope.
Twenty-one steps. The past two years of Bridger Holt’s life have centered on the twenty-one steps he repeatedly walks back and forth as one of the sentinels guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Now that his duty is coming to an end, Bridger has no idea what to do with the rest of his life. Guilt from his past and trepidation about his unknown future drive him to the mountain cabin he inherited from his beloved uncle to gain clarity and direction. The quirky residents in the nearby town of Holiday, the assortment of wildlife that adopts him, and the woman who shines a light into his tattered soul might be what Bridger needs to find the redemption he seeks.
Outgoing, upbeat Shayla Reeves spreads sunshine wherever she goes. Holiday has become her home, and she enjoys spending time in the mountains around town. She adores the patients in the dementia facility where she works as a nurse. But something is missing from her mostly joyful world. When she mistakenly camps on private land owned by the mysterious and brooding Bridger Holt, she realizes what her life is lacking isn’t adventure but love.
Will two opposite personalities overcome their challenges and figure out a way to build a future together?
Find out in this sweet love story full of hope, small-town humor, and the wonder of falling in love.
—
Author Bio:
USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes sweet romances rich with relatable characters, small town settings that feel like home, humor, and hope.
Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
When this farm girl isn’t writing or indulging in rich, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. She also experiments with recipes, snaps photos of her adorable nephew, and caters to the whims of a cranky cat named Drooley.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her website http://shannahatfield.com or find out more about her here: linktr.ee/ShannaHatfield
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July 9, 2022
BOOK BLITZ: Queen of Hearts by Alta Hensley #GIVEAWAY
Queen of Hearts
Alta Hensley
(Wonderland, #2)
Published by: Dangerous Press
Publication date: July 5th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
No matter how far I run, Nick Hudson finds me.
I’m a pawn in a twisted game of power and revenge. And he’s a masterful player.
He’s going to hold me and hurt me, protect me and punish me. In a dangerous world of wealth, decadence, and sin, I have no choice but to sink into the arms of my enemy.
There’s a price to be paid, though. I must surrender control to enter this new wonderland of seduction. And I must learn to find strength for the fight that’s coming. Being a Morelli has never been so dangerous.
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—
EXCERPT:
I slam my fist into my bedroom wall, furious and suffocating with the urge to kill someone. Bloody knuckles mix with the black soot from the fire I just spent hours fighting. Black and red. Fury and death.
“Where. The. Fuck. Is. She?” My voice pops through the air like bullets being fired from a gun.
I want answers even though the way my security look at me—wide-eyed, fear visible in their stance—I know they don’t have them to give. “Did you search the entire house?”
It’s a stupid question. If she’s not here in my room where I left her, or at the very least in her own room down the hall, then she’s not in the house. I know this. I don’t even know why I’m bothering asking the question other than to try to damper the raging madness inside of me by asking mundane questions.
“We did, sir.”
“How is it that my security team has no idea where Lyriope is? What the fuck do I pay you for? And why the fuck haven’t I just shot you both through the eyes because of your carelessness?” The question burns my tongue, and I have visions of cutting out someone else’s tongue in retaliation.
“We were all extinguishing the fire,” Harrison defends, stepping in with confidence. He’s the only one in this room with the balls to actually speak the truth to me. “Everyone was at the dock.” His eyes lock with mine, silently telling me to calm the fuck down. “Our focus was on putting out the fire before authorities came.”
I take a deep breath, knowing he’s right. We were all there. The entirety of my available staff.
We left Lyriope alone. Vulnerable. A flashing beacon just begging to be stolen.
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: One Bossy Dare by Nicole Snow #GIVEAWAY
One Bossy Dare
Nicole Snow
Publication date: June 30th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow returns with a howling funny office romance where two bitter insta-rivals stumble into the sweetest love.
It was one little dare with razor-sharp teeth—work for him.Yes, he’s a fire-breathing grump and gazillionaire bachelor.Yes, I just gave him an ego check he’ll never forget.Yes, he’s still offering me the job dreams are made of.
But Cole Lancaster is the stuff of bossy nightmares.Too handsome for real life. Big Coffee kingpin. Guarded papa bear.His precious daughter is the only reason he ever stops grumping for five seconds.I’m sure I can deal with his scowls and cutting glances for one huge payday.
Only, sometimes your best assumptions are dead wrong.Like the business trip to paradise that shows me a different Cole.A man with a beating heart and a billion-dollar smile.A master of soul-stealing kisses.A mess of secrets that leave me reeling.
I wish my taste in men didn’t match my coffee.Strong, steamy, and unspeakably complicated.When I took the job, I didn’t know the risks.What if one crazy dare means falling in love?Full-length enemies-to-lovers office romance with slow-burn sizzle. Witness one commanding single dad become so enchanted with the hellion he can’t stand that he’ll do everything to keep her forever.
—
EXCERPT:
Before I even turn around, I know.
I can smell him. Earth, citrus, a hint of espresso, and overpowering alpha male.
“You just can’t sit still, huh? You had to take over the flight attendant’s job?” His voice is a low rumble, a purr that plucks at my nerves.
The attendant rounds the corner and gasps. “Oh, I’m sorry, sir! I offered to do it, but she said she wanted the experience. I didn’t see the harm…”
“Guilty,” I say without looking at him. “I couldn’t pass up a chance to join the coffee mile-high club.”
His eyes flash with a wicked gleam when I realize my mistake.
“Are you done bothering me, Mr. Lancaster?”
He smirks at the flight attendant. “It’s fine. I know how Eliza gets.”
What? He doesn’t even know me.
Why is he acting so familiar?
First the flirting, and now this?
Did he really bring me on this trip for the sake of coffee science? What do I know about Kona beans, anyway? I’ve never picked them by hand.
The sudden crisis of confidence hits like a Mack truck.
“Why don’t you sit down? I’ve got this. I think we’re the only people left without coffee,” I say, ignoring how he squeezes into the tight space next to me.
Lancaster doesn’t move. If anything, he inches closer, watching how I tremble every time he brushes me and—oh, God. He’s enjoying this, isn’t he?
When I grab the new carafe, I almost elbow him in the gut on my way out.
“Do you mind? Like I said, I’ve got this.”
His look reminds me how very little I’ve got anything when it comes to self-control. I almost drop the coffee container on the floor.
When his hand darts around my wrist, I almost hit the ceiling.
I’m barely breathing as he moves his fingers slowly up my hand, gently lifting the carafe away from me.
“You’re shaking like a leaf with a container of hot liquid. Are you sure you don’t need a hand? Serving coffee isn’t below my pay grade, sweetheart,” he whispers.
Dear Lord.
I shake my head fiercely, until he gives up the carafe again when I reach for it, touching his fingers.
For the faintest second, my hip brushes his.
“I can handle my coffee, Mr. Lancaster, but…but thanks.” And because I can still feel his breath when he’s so achingly close, I add, “It’s not as hard as I thought it would be.”
He clears his throat loudly.
At first, my mangled words don’t register.
Shocked that this self-possessed man seems so flustered, I replay the last two lines in my head.
Oh. Shit.
It hits me what that must have sounded like.
Double entendre? More like death warrant.
Author Bio:
Nicole Snow is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She found her love of writing by hashing out love scenes on lunch breaks and plotting her great escape from boardrooms. Her work roared onto the indie romance scene in 2014 with her Grizzlies MC series.
Since then Snow aims for the very best in growly, heart-of-gold alpha heroes, unbelievable suspense, and swoon storms aplenty. With over a million books sold, she lives for the joy of making two people fight with every bit of their soul for a Happily Ever After.
Current fan favorites include her Enguard Protectors series, accidental love novels, plus long beloved MC romance thrillers like the Grizzlies and Deadly Pistols.
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BOOK BLITZ: The Sisterhood of Secrets by Winnifred Tataw #GIVEAWAY
The Sisterhood of Secrets
Winnifred Tataw
(The Gods’ Scion, #4)
Publication date: July 1st 2022
Genres: Contemporary, Fantasy
Author Winnifred Tataw explores kingdoms and worldbuilding in this fantasy novel full of secrets and twists in her latest book, The Sisterhood of Secrets.
The story follows Arcelia, her flawed family, and Prince Rodrick, as they tumble through the deserts and underground city of Siesa Arid. Everything has been off since she found out her mother could be a murderer with the whispers of lies and broken promises hanging over her head. She hopes that a visit to her twin cousins’ homeland of Siesa Arid may be the kind of family reconciliation she’s been hoping to have. Arcelia and Rodrick are troubled by threats from a criminal organization; they become overwhelmed with moral questions of right and wrong. All with the help and under the watchful eye of the Archangel and God of Life.
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—
EXCERPT:
“The queen called for me,” I said.
One of them nodded as he knocked on Queen Riva’s office door. After a short while, she didn’t answer the door, so he hit it again.
“What is it?” she grumbled from the other side.
The guards cautiously opened the door to speak to the Queen.
“Let her in,” was all I heard echoed back.
The two guards stepped out to let me inside the office.
“Thank you,” I said to them as I was face to face with the Queen of Diar. She was still in her royal ceremony attire, with fewer jewels and hairpins adorning her. Her crown no longer sat on her head, yet no strand of silver hair laid out of place. The room’s lights were soft and dimmed, with a light cinnamon aroma.
I bowed. “Good evening, Queen Riva.”
“Good evening, Duchess,” she pointed to the seat in front of her desk. “Please have a seat.” I did as I was told and sat down, letting the yellow dress drape over the legs of the chair.
“So, how did you enjoy my son’s wedding?” she asked.
“It was beautiful. Honestly, it was fun seeing a different type of wedding.” I smiled softly. The queen’s face didn’t move. It was pretty chilling.
“That’s good.” She sighed, “Well. You are smart enough to know I didn’t call you here for just small talk.”
I nodded. I could hear my heartbeat slowly rising. I was so nervous. Throughout all the years I had been with Rodrick, Riva had never asked to talk to me like this.
“The reason for this conversation wasn’t planned, Duchess.” the Queen said. “I had only thought of it until today as my son’s wedding proceeded.”
She rubbed her temple and looked me in the eye. “As you know, Rodrick may be in that same position one day.”
I looked down at my manicure. “Yes—”
She cut me off, “Look at me when you’re talking to me, Duchess.”
I quickly snapped my head back up. “My apologies.”
She droned. “Just don’t do it—no need for apologies.”
I nodded again. “Yes, I’m aware that Rodrick will get married one day…or that he wants to…I think.” My nerves were finally getting to me. I didn’t know where she was going with this. I didn’t know how I was to answer her without stepping on her toes or getting on her wrong side.
“And as we all know,” Queen Riva continued, “Rodrick is the Acolyte of Time.”
She sighed. “As the Acolyte of Time, Rodrick is mighty. Even without the status of the prince, he still holds a great deal of power both physically and institutionally in the world.” Queen Riva clapped her hands together. “And I may not know if this is true for the other followers of the gods, but, for Tempus, this isn’t the first time a Royal has been an Acolyte.”
I raised my brows. This was new information to me. But how would I know?
She stared at me, her icy blue eyes sending shivers down my spine. “So as a contingency plan of some sorts, we placed the rule the Royal family placed in law. If an Acolyte were to marry and be of Royal blood…they would have to give up their title.”
My mouth dropped. “Are you serious?!”
Author Bio:
Winnifred or Winnie, as most know her by, is an artist, writer, and author of her debut novel: The Gods’ Scion: Child of Tempus. As a military child, Winnie has traveled extensively around the US East Coast and Germany, learning about the history, lore, and culture of each region. Winnie has spent the last two years writing and expanding the world of The Gods’ Scion trilogy series. Winnie has had a lifelong love of literature and art. As a new writer she wants to create beautiful fantasy world with compelling and intriguing characters. Winnie resides in South Carolina and is an undergraduate at the College of Charleston. She loves to spread positivity and joy to those around her, and look at the world through a glittery pink lens.
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July 8, 2022
BOOK BLITZ: Heated by Naima Simone #GIVEAWAY
Heated
Naima Simone
(Burned, Inc., #1)
Publication date: July 5th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
From USA Today bestselling author Naima Simone comes Heated, a sizzling novel about a breakup professional who embarks on a fake relationship with a client’s ex—the one person she wasn’t supposed to fall for.
Zora
I’m Denver’s unmatchmaker. Every city needs one.
Why? Because people break up—and sometimes they should. But when I learn that entertainment attorney Cyrus Hart is someone else’s mistake, I can’t believe it. He’s smart, successful, and sexy as hell.
When a chance encounter with Cyrus turns into something more, I can’t help but fall for him. Our chemistry is undeniable. But his ex used my company to send him that letter—and that’s a problem. Especially since he doesn’t know I own the company.
How can this possibly work? I know from experience that the riskiest ventures are the worthiest ones…but falling for Cyrus Hart may be my biggest gamble yet.
Cyrus
I’m a man with a plan—college, law school, a great career. So far, so good.
Until a stranger shows up on my doorstep and reads me a breakup letter from my girlfriend. My carefully laid plans unravel.
But then I meet someone new. It’s spontaneous. It’s electric. And it’s not according to plan.
—
EXCERPT:
"Why are we here?”
“I haven’t quite figured that out yet,” I admit.
It’s not a lie. My hastily thought-of plan drove me here. But part of me hasn’t decided if it also wasn’t simply the desire to see her again. Or an exercise in self-control. Dangling what I shouldn’t take in front of me to see if I possess enough discipline to keep my hands to myself, to walk away. Or tempt myself with this sensual form of edging by embracing what I shouldn’t.
The ambiguous answer seems to be the correct one, though. The tension slowly ebbs out of her body, and she props an elbow on the chair’s arm.
“That makes the two of us, then, because I haven’t figured out yet why I came here.” She huffs out a soft breath. “I’m certain of one thing, though. This isn’t right or smart.”
“Why? Because you’re Val’s friend?” I slice a hand between us. “She’s already seeing someone new. Probably was before she sent you to do her hatchet job. So I don’t care about that.”
“Is that what this is, then?” she murmurs. “Revenge? Payback? You plan to throw”—she twirls a hand in the air—“whatever we’re doing here back in her face one day for breaking up with you and moving on too quickly?”
I almost laugh long and loud at that bullshit.
“There aren’t many things that are a one hundred percent certainty. Weather, election outcomes, the price of gas, Hollywood marriages. But this I can state without a shadow of a doubt. Not happening.”
She studies me, and I can practically read all the questions in those brown eyes. How can you? Why? What happened?
But she lifts her cup and drinks, and instead of asking what she so clearly wants to know, she says, “Not my business.”
“Isn’t it? When you chose to put yourself in the middle of our relationship, it became your business.” The moment comprehension dawns, her eyes widen, then narrow. But I lean forward, a smile curving my mouth. And that smile? It’s possible it isn’t nice. Because nice doesn’t accurately describe this uncomfortable and unwanted gnawing inside of me. I’m feeling hungry. “You owe me.”
I both hear and see the hitch in her breath. The almost nonchalant note in her voice belies the worry in her eyes. Too bad for her; I make a living at reading people. Too bad she’s shit at hiding her emotions. God, I could fucking feast, become a damn glutton on her honesty.
“What?” she whispered.
“You heard me.”
“Yes, I heard you.” My own breath really shouldn’t quicken or my blood pump hotter at the sound of those words coming through clenched teeth. Or the sight of her hand wrapped tighter around her cup. As if only her grip on the cardboard container is preventing her from transferring it to my neck. “But obviously I don’t understand your meaning. I owe you for what?”
For witnessing my weakest moments since leaving my aunt’s house. For reminding me that my life, my world, is not in my control. For throwing me back to that twelve-, fourteen-, sixteen-year-old uncertain boy again.
For refusing to be evicted from my head like a sexy, stubborn squatter.
For being my answer, my salvation, in this moment, when for years I’ve vowed to depend only on myself.
And her most heinous sin? For deviating from my carefully laid-out plans. For stepping outside those lines and hungering for something, someone, I have no business desiring.
But I say none of that because those reasons are mine and mine alone.
She gets, “For not stepping back and letting Val have the guts to do her own dirty work. Instead, you allowed yourself to be her patsy, and I’m pissed with you and her about that. I’m also mad as hell that you both stole the chance for me to have my say.”
A starkness enters her eyes, and she briefly closes them before glancing away, her hair concealing most of her profile. Fisting those curls and moving them out of the way so I can see her expression, her thoughts, is such a fierce urge I shift away from her.
“I didn’t think about that. About stealing your voice. I’m truly sorry for that.”
I believe her. But I’m not letting it go that easily. It isn’t in my interest to.
“Look at me,” I say softly. I order softly. And a coil in my gut draws almost painfully, sweetly tight when she obeys. “You owe me. And I’m offering a form of . . . penance.”
She loses that pained, haunted expression, and anger tautens the skin across her cheekbones, emphasizing their boldness, their strength. As perverse as it might make me, my cock pounds at the sign of her ire. Yeah, I’m turned on, and part of me is hoping she takes it out on me with teeth and nails.
Well shit. When did I become a man who enjoyed an edge of pain with his pleasure?
The answer?
Zora.
Author Bio:
Published since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
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