R.E. Hargrave's Blog, page 54
January 10, 2022
NEW RELEASE: The Holiday Plan by Emma Lynden #GIVEAWAY
The Holiday Plan
Emma Lynden
Publication date: January 10th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
“This book is guaranteed to leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling that will carry you well beyond the holiday and into the next one.”
–USA Today Bestselling Author, Jenny Hale
From one of the freshest new voices in clean and wholesome romantic fiction, The Holiday Plan is the perfect escape for fans of Courtney Walsh, Annie Rains, and Debbie Mason.
Native New Yorker and author Verona Scott is battling heartbreak, both personally and professionally. Coming off a disastrous split with her ex, she’s struggling for inspiration to write her next book. And she’s lost without her favorite Aunt Theoni’s wisdom and guidance.
Hoping for a fresh start and to avoid the holiday completely, she’s planned a Valentine’s detox: a luxurious trip alone to the historic Courtington Castle hotel, near the adorably quaint town of Camelot Creek, tucked into a picturesque valley in the Adirondacks.
But escaping the heart-shaped balloons and red roses isn’t as easy as she thought.
This won’t be the restful retreat she’d imagined. Instead, she’s just walked into one of the biggest matchmaking events of the year. Not to mention, the incredibly attractive single dad and dating coach Troy Turner is heading the whole thing up, and he’s on a mission to include Verona in the festivities.
Troy is in the midst of a professional crisis of his own. After a bit of unfounded bad press, the very last thing he needs is a guest to cast doubt in the minds of his attendees.
Will Troy change Verona’s mind about the most romantic day of the year? Just when sparks begin to fly, an unexpected visitor checks into the castle, stirring up the past. No matter what, for Verona, Valentine’s Day is the day where everything changes.
A heartwarming, sweet romance that will whisk you away to a magical winter wonderland, and have you reaching for the hot cocoa and box of chocolates long after the holidays.
Author Bio:
Debut author of heartwarming, romantic fiction, head over heels for happily-ever-afters.
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BOOK BLITZ: Once Upon Academy Volume 2 by multiple authors #GIVEAWAY
Once Upon Academy Vol 2
Breezy Jones, Cara North, Elle Klass, Marie Long, Valerie Puri
Publication date: January 7th 2022
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
To kick off the end of our first semester, Once Upon Academy is hosting the annual Winter Ball. A night full of magic, love and happy endings.
Join the descendants of classic fairytale characters as they navigate the prestigious halls of Once Upon Academy. Get boujee at the most magical night of the school year and experience a fairytale kiss under the mistletoe.
It’s a night you don’t want to miss.
—
SNEAK PEEKS:
-Perle of Love-
His gaze averted to the table and his untouched tea. She wasn’t going to the ball if he wasn’t. Why is she punishing herself like that? Her words, so full of genuine care and compassion, stung the mixed emotions in his mind. He was still afraid to fully open up his heart to her—to be the vulnerable wolf his family thought. She was the last spark of goodness that warmed his heart. And yet, he didn’t want to lose her like he’d lost his family. Why was this so hard? “I… I can’t stay here anymore. I’m going to go back to the school.”
—
-Magic and Mice-
“This…” Melanie started as I was finally able to peek my little face out from under the fabric that was my dress, just enough to see her. “Will make my revenge even sweeter.” She plucked my wand up from the ground and began twirling it between her fingers. Her smile turned wicked as she stood once again…
“Raven is so done now,” Lacy said as her face twisted into a nasty sneer. Melanie’s expression twisted to match as the three of them turned on their heels and walked away with a sashay of their hips.
Holy shit, Raven’s in trouble and I’m a fucking mouse.
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BOOK BLITZ: Wicked Savage Wolves by Daniela Romero #GIVEAWAY
Wicked Savage Wolves
Daniela Romero
Publication date: January 4th 2022
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Three full-length books in one from USA Today Bestselling Author Daniela RomeroThe wolves of Hellbound High are more beast than man. They’re savage, sinful, and everything a girl with a good head on her shoulders is told to avoid.But, to Isabella, Jo, and Meiying, they’re so much more than they seem.They’re the boys with the power to break their hearts but put them back together again.If they decide to.They’re the ones who make them suffer, make them bleed, but can also make their hearts soar to new heights.
The heir, the bad boy, the brother’s best friend.They’re three grave decisions Isabella, Jo, and Meiying are on the verge of making.And faced with the consequences of their decision, they’ll realize that a chance at love means risking it all.Their health, their happiness, and most important, their hearts.And in the end, will it be worth it?
***This is a dark, paranormal bully romance. Proceed with caution. You won’t find a magical school filled with your future besties. At Hellbound High, life is dangerous, cutthroat, and only the strong survive. Wicked Savage Wolves includes 3 stories, each featuring a different M/F couple. ***
—
EXCERPT:
A flare of something eerily close to jealousy burns hot in my chest at the thought of Isa on a date with Zheng fucking Liu. No. Scratch that. I’m not jealous. I’m pissed. Who the hell does Liu think he is?
I told him to stay away from her. Jordy made it public knowledge that she belonged to the wolves. He saw us together at Shadle Creek. He knows she’s mine. And he’s still sniffing around.
It’s like the guy has a death wish. After what happened that summer before junior year—when the asshole nearly got all four of us killed—you better believe I’m not taking his shit anymore. I can’t believe I was ever friends with that asshole. He might be in my Clan, but he is not Pack. Not in the way it matters. Not after what he did.
I pull Isa closer to me, conscious of my mounting anger. My arm wraps around her narrow waist as I lead her to our usual spot. Lust stirs and my dick twitches as I take in her slim legs and narrow waist, breathe in the strawberry scent of her shampoo. She isn’t wearing a lick of makeup, exposing a faint sprinkling of freckles on the top of her nose. God, she’s so fucking beautiful.
And she was here with him. The get-up she’s in is all for him.
I grind my teeth together as we take our seats. Penny returns, takes our drink orders, and slaps a few menus down on the tabletop before retreating to the counter. She isn’t trying to flirt with Des anymore and that’s fine by me. Every chick in this place is team Liu. Even knowing what he did. Where his loyalties lie. His aunt owns the place, so I shouldn’t be surprised. But neither man nor wolf understand how they can forgive him.
For a while there we stopped coming to Suzy’s, but my pops isn’t a fan of the rift in our Pack. He doesn’t want us making it any bigger and refusing to go to one of the few shifter-run businesses would do exactly that, so, once a week, we make an appearance. We do our part. For the good of the Pack. But I don’t trust Zheng. He put his old man’s wants above the needs of the Pack. And I have zero doubt he’d do it again.
She’s quiet as the guys jump right into talking about the Hellbound Summit. It’s the biggest event of the year for the school and we’re all a little on edge for it. All Pack, Clan, and Coven leaders will be there along with prominent members from the Human community. It’s a way for the adults to mingle. Get a feel for how this little experiment of theirs is going. It’s risky as hell. Putting that many power players in the same room at once. But it’s also a chance for me to show my pops that when the time comes for him to step down, I’m ready. Students are only allowed to attend their senior year so this will be my first opportunity to show him I’m capable of navigating paranormal politics. That I can keep a level head in a high-stress environment.
He has his doubts. He might not have voiced them, but I know he questions me. Questions whether I’m ready, and if I can tamp down my wolf’s impulses. I’m one of the most dominant wolves in our Pack. More dominant than our Clan betas, but he refuses to let me challenge them claiming I’m still too young. Too hot tempered.
He wants me to transfer to another Pack for a few years. It’s common for a shifter to take some time to find themselves and to test their strength against others. To see how high up the ranks they can climb before returning home. But I don’t need to do that. I don’t need to discover myself. I know exactly who I am and what I’m meant to do.
My entire life is here. I was born to lead our Pack. And becoming Clan Wolf’s beta is one more step that will get me closer to that.
Mom does the whole I don’t want to see you hurt bit, but really, she agrees with my pops. She doesn’t think I’m ready. I’ll always be a scrawny pup in her eyes, always getting into mischief.
It’s hard to go against my parents’ wishes. Especially when my pops is my Alpha. But he doesn’t always know best. Not where my life is concerned. I love my old man, but he doesn’t know me. He’s married to the Pack. All he ever does is work. And I get it. As the Southwest Pack Alpha, he’s got time for little else with all of the Clans vying for his attention. Parenting has to take a backseat. I don’t begrudge him for it.
But he doesn’t know me the way he thinks he does. And the Summit is my chance to prove to him how ready I am for the next step. How much I’ve grown.
It’s a chance to prove to my pops that this is what I was born to do.
Isa’s quiet as the guys talk until Jordy asks what we’ve all been secretly wondering. “So, you and Liu a thing now?”
She stiffens beside me and swings her head toward him, frowning. She better not say what I think she’s about to because no, no fucking way is she going to date that douchebag. She’s way too good for a tool like him.
I brace myself for the admission, not that it’ll matter. Isa Romero is mine. She can like Liu all she wants, I’ll wedge myself right in the middle if I have to.
But instead of confirming their relationship, she says, “We’re just friends.”
I raise a brow and she sighs, shaking her head.
“Why is that so hard to believe?”
Our waitress drops off our orders before making a hasty retreat.
Jordy pops a fry into his mouth before saying with a grin, “Because Zheng wants to bone you.” He chews, swallows, then eats another. “Can’t say I blame him. You’re hot as hell, Isa.” She blushes. “But I know who you belong to. Liu does, too, and he’s still making his plays.” He taps his temple with his index finger. “Not smart on his part, but Liu never was the brightest crayon in the box.”
“I don’t belong to anyone.”
I snort, leaning back in the booth and spreading my legs to get comfortable. “Yeah, you do.” She frowns, looking from Jordy to me. “Time to get with the program, vanilla. Admit you’re mine. It’s not nice messing with a cat’s emotions like that. You know how we shifters get. Letting Liu believe he has a chance is cruel.”
“I’m not,” she snaps.
“Yeah, you are. Admit it.”
She scoffs before hissing, “You don’t own me. I don’t belong to you. I am my own person with my own autonomy.”
“Keep telling yourself that but look where I am and look where you are. This is a thing between us and I for one do not fucking share.”
She sets her jaw, turning away from me. Gripping her chin, I force her to meet my gaze, fully aware of Desmond and Jordy’s interested stares. “You. Are. Mine. Got it?”
She jerks away with a snarl that has my wolf jumping to attention. The bastard likes when she gets feisty. If it weren’t for the fact that she’s trapped beside me in the booth, I’m sure she’d have already stormed off and he’d gladly give chase. “Screw you.”
“Already have. And I’m happy to make a repeat go at it, too.”
She makes a sound of disgust in the back of her throat, but it’s all for show. I can smell her desire and it’s giving me one hell of a hard-on.
“Don’t pretend you’re anything but flattered. You don’t want Liu. You don’t want anyone else. Just admit it already. I want you. You want me. Stop being a child and we can all move on.”
Swallowing hard, she swings her glare back to me. Her eyes narrow and her expression is considering before she bites out, “Fine.”
Woah. Pump the brakes here. “Fine?”
A shrug. “Yeah, fine. I want you. You’re hot and the first time around the sex was good.” Her nose crinkles. “Not so much the second time but we all have our off days.”
“Burn.” Desmond gives a rare chuckle.
“Right to the cojones,” Jordy adds.
“That wasn’t very nice,” I bite out.
“Neither is being left without an orgasm. And just so you know, I’m all about second chances in life, but don’t expect a third.” Her smile is slow as it morphs into a warning, her upper lip curling to showcase her bright white teeth. There’s that fire I knew was buried inside her.
A slow grin stretches across my face. “Alright. I’ll try and remember that.”
“Be sure that you do.”
I demolish my food. Shapeshifter metabolism has me burning through fuel faster than I can replace it and within minutes Des, Jordy, and I have all cleared our plates, but I notice Isa has barely touched hers. Maybe half a chicken strip and a few fries. She catches me staring and looks away.
“I thought you were hungry?”
She shrugs. “Yeah. It’s not really sitting right with me.”
That doesn’t sound right and it sure as hell doesn’t smell right. I can scent the lie on her without even trying. I haven’t known Isa long, but she looks thinner than she did when she first arrived at Hellbound High, but I brush it off. I’m not her mom and I’m not her Alpha. She can take care of herself, though even as I think that, my wolf rakes his claws beneath my flesh, angry that we’re not making sure she’s fed.
“So, Isa, you coming to the Hellbound football game this weekend?” Jordy asks.
She perks up in her seat and when Penny returns to clear our plates, Isa passes her unfinished food to her with little concern. I frown but don’t comment. The girl needs to eat, but maybe she’ll grab a bite when she gets home? She might be one of those girls who doesn’t like to eat in front of people. Usually shifters don’t care about things like that but, I don’t know, maybe she’s different.
“I wasn’t planning on it…” she begins.
“You have to come. If you’re one of us, then you gotta represent. No excuses. The game is Friday night at seven. Plan on being there.”
She worries her bottom lips then freezes when my thumb pulls down on her abused lip, my eyes meeting hers. “Come to the game.”
“Is that an order?” she quips.
I run my tongue along my teeth. “If it is?”
She shrugs, tearing her napkin into small little squares. “I might have other plans.”
I growl and pull her against me. I don’t know why it’s suddenly important that she be there, but it is. “You don’t have any other plans. You’re coming. End of discussion.” She doesn’t say anything else, but I catch the small smile playing on her lips and triumph floods through me. She’ll be there.
Author Bio:
Daniela Romero is a Snarky AF, Latinx Author, who happens to also be a Mom of 3. Born and raised in sunny California, she now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest and is happy to enjoy all four seasons even if the snow can sometimes be a bit much. She hates cheese--of all kinds--and yes that means she orders cheeseless pizza. Daniela is an ENTJ all the way which means she loves to talk (a lot) and is probably as extroverted as they come so feel free to shoot her a message, send a raven, throw up smoke signals. Whatever it may be. She love's chatting with readers so feel free to stalk her.
No really!
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January 9, 2022
BOOK BLITZ: A Shifter's Choice by Debbie Cassidy #GIVEAWAY
A Shifter’s Choice
Debbie Cassidy
(Wolves of Hawthorne Cove, #5)
Publication date: January 6th 2022
Genres: Adult, Reverse Harem, Romance, Urban Fantasy
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I’m hoping that isn’t the case for me
I’m the spawn of darkness, and the news has spread, making me a target for forces designed to protect this world.
I can’t be a danger to the people I love.
I need to fight.
I need to master the power inside me and prove I’m not the monster they believe me to be.
But when the tiniest slip can unleash the darkness, every choice matters.
I just hope I make the right ones.
—
EXCERPT:
I was back in the house. The house where I killed the innocent man. Why was I back here?
This was all wrong.
I didn’t want to be here. I didn’t want to be walking toward the kitchen. I didn’t want to see what I’d done, but my feet drew me down the hallway and through the door into the dimly lit kitchen.
I expected to see the man on the ground, dagger in his chest where I’d put it. But the dagger was in my grip and the man stood staring at me, torchlight in one hand, plate of sandwiches in the other.
Oh, God. No. Not again.
The man let out a bellow and charged.
Drop the dagger.
Drop it.
But the damn thing was welded to my palm and my hand was coming up in an effort to warn him off and his gurgle of pain was all I could hear.
“No!” I backed away as he fell to the ground.
Dead.
“No, no, no.”
“Such a shame,” a voice drawled behind me.
I turned to find Tate leaning against the doorjamb.
He smirked. “He was a good man, you know. Did a ton of charity work in his younger years.”
The way he spoke…The inflection in his tone… “You’re not Tate.”
His smile widened. “No, my child. I’m not.”
The taint. How could she be here? I was mated to three Faoladh and those bonds were supposed to keep her out of my head.
“Maybe if you hadn’t done what you did…” She shrugged.
Shit, had I spoken out loud? Did I even need to for her to hear me in this dreamscape?
The taint pushed off the doorframe and sauntered into the room. Tate’s form slipped away with each step until she was standing by the dead body in the form I recognized. Her dark hair spilled down her shoulders and her figure-hugging dress writhed with shadows.
“You killed this poor innocent man.” Her mouth turned down and she shook her head. “You killed him in cold blood.”
Guilt clawed at my chest. “I didn’t know…it was an accident.”
“Excuses, excuses.”
I pressed my lips together. “You’re right. There is no excuse. I killed him and I have to live with that guilt for the rest of my life.”
“But that’s just it, sweetheart, you don’t. You don’t have to live with any guilt. We are apex predators, powerful and untouchable. There is no room for guilt in our hearts. Once you accept that, you can be free.” She shrugged. “Humans are lesser. Cattle to be culled. Would you feel guilt over wringing a chicken’s neck?”
“Humans aren’t chickens.”
“Aren’t they?” She arched a brow. “Humans are nothing compared to you and me. We are more. Evolved. Superior.”
“Killers.” The word was bitter on my tongue. “You’re a killer. A murderer. I’m nothing like you.”
“You are everything like me. You’re made from me. You belong to me, and nothing you do will change that.”
Rage born of frustration ignited in my chest. “What do you fucking want from me?”
She blinked sharply. “I want…”
I curled my hands into fists, nails biting into my palms. “What? What do you want?”
“I want you to stop fighting and accept the inevitable. I want you to be who you were meant to be.”
“And what is that, exactly?”
Once again that strange look came over her face, one that on anyone else I’d have labeled confusion. “My daughter…” She frowned. “Mine. I’m the only one who’ll accept you for who you truly are.”
Panic heated my chest because there was way too much sincerity in her tone and there was no denying the tug of twisted longing in my chest.
I staunched it, gritting my teeth and shaking my head. “Bullshit. My mates accept me. Tate accepts me.”
Her lips curved in a knowing smile. “For now. But things change. You’ll change. That part, my child, is inevitable, and when it happens, you’ll see that their love isn’t as unconditional as you believe it to be. When that time comes, I’ll be there just as I’ve always been. But for now, it’s time to wake up. Time to take another step toward your fate.”
Author Bio:
Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head - in a totally non psychotic way of course. She writes Urban Fantasy, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.
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BOOK BLITZ: A Holiday Haunting at the Biltmore by Eva Pohler #GIVEAWAY
A Holiday Haunting at the Biltmore
Eva Pohler
(The Mystery House Series, #8)
Publication date: January 1st 2022
Genres: Adult, Horror, Mystery
Ellen should have known that a gathering in America’s last castle would entail a few uninvited guests.
During a Christmas eve wedding at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, Ellen and her friends are visited by multiple ghosts. The spirits have come to tell their stories, to right the wrongs that history has done to their memories. Each of them died in Asheville with their voices stifled. One spirit is particularly adamant and threatening, despite her small size, and her mood fluctuates like the mountain winds surrounding the great estate. She claims to be the ghost of Zelda Fitzgerald, and she wants her story told, even if she has to kill to make it happen.
*Although this is book eight in The Mystery House Series, these books can be read in any order.
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—
EXCERPT:
Chapter One: Hot Tub Musings
Ellen clung to the handrail as she eased down the steps into the hot, bubbling water. She adjusted her black one-piece bathing suit, making sure she was still covered. The aquafit class had rearranged everything.
From behind her, Sue said, “I can’t believe I let you guys talk me into this.”
“It wasn’t that bad,” Tanya said from where she was already resting in the tub.
Ellen sat across from her. “Speak for yourself. I could barely breathe.”
Sue followed Ellen through the water, the ruffles of her polka dotted bathing suit dancing on the surface. “I may have even died for a few minutes. I thought I saw a light at the end of a tunnel and my mother waving to me.”
“That was probably just the Nazi instructor on deck telling you to lift your knees higher,” Ellen teased.
Two other women from the aquafit class, both in their early seventies, joined Ellen and her friends.
“That instructor isn’t as good as the one on Tuesdays,” one of them, a petite woman with white hair, said. She was nearly as thin as Tanya.
The other woman, rounder than Ellen but not as round as Sue, nodded. “The one on Tuesday really works you.”
“Oh, Lord.” Sue pushed her dark brown bangs from her eyes. “Let’s not come on Tuesday.”
“We already agreed that we would,” Tanya pointed out. “At least until the wedding.”
Ellen tugged at her shoulder straps, trying to keep everything in the right place. “You can count on me. I’m determined to lose twenty pounds or die trying.”
Sue scoffed. “Well, maybe I love life more than you.”
“If that were true,” the petite woman with the white hair began, “you’d keep coming. I’ve been doing this for over thirty years. I used to be bigger than both of you combined.”
The woman pointed at Ellen and Sue. Ellen tried not to be offended. The audacity of some people, she thought.
“I’m sold!” Sue said comedically, lifting her finger high in the air. “Sign me up! Oh, that’s right. Tanya already did.”
The other women laughed, and Ellen’s mood lightened.
“Did I hear you say that you have a wedding coming up?” the rounder woman asked Tanya.
“Not my wedding,” Tanya said as her blue eyes widened. “It’s Ellen’s son. He’s getting married on Christmas eve at the Biltmore Estate.”
“Oh, how nice,” the petite woman said. “That’s the most beautiful house in the country.”
Ellen leaned against the lip of the tub and breathed in the smell of lavender and musk. “That’s what my son’s future in-laws say, too. They’ve been planning this wedding since their daughter was a baby, I think.”
“Are they from Asheville then?” the petite one asked.
“They live there,” Sue said. Then, turning to Ellen, she asked, “Is it the mother that’s related to the Vanderbilts?”
“Yes,” Ellen said.
“Which means they’re getting the works,” Sue gloated. “The entire wedding party and their guests will be staying at the Biltmore House, which is never done anymore.”
Ellen gave Sue her keep-your-mouth-shut look. Maya’s parents had asked them not to talk about the event with others. They wanted to avoid a media circus.
“How wonderful,” the petite woman said. “You sure you don’t need another grandmother to come?”
Ellen smiled but said nothing in reply.
“That sounds like a once in a lifetime experience.” The round woman climbed from the tub. “I hope you enjoy it, and have a nice weekend, ladies.”
“You, too,” Ellen said as Sue and Tanya waved.
“I should go, too,” the petite woman said. “Will I see you all on Tuesday?”
“We’ll be here.” Tanya turned to Sue. “Right?”
Sue shrugged. “We shall see.”
After the two women left, and she and her friends were alone in the hot tub, Ellen said, “Poor Lane is so stressed over this wedding.”
“I thought that was the job of the bride,” Sue said.
Tanya stood up. “It can be hard on the groom, too. Poor thing. What’s been the most stressful for him?”
Ellen sighed. “Maya’s grandparents. Both sets are still alive, and, apparently, one set can’t stand the other, and vice versa.”
Sue furrowed her brows. “Do you know why?”
“Lane doesn’t know the whole story. The grandfathers were friends long before Maya’s parents were born. According to Maya, they can be really nasty when forced to be in the same room.”
“That’s too bad,” Tanya said as she took her damp blonde hair from its ponytail, and then remade it higher on her head. “I hope they won’t ruin the wedding.”
Ellen’s stomach clenched. She wanted Lane’s wedding day to be perfect for him so that only happy memories would be made.
“I would think the setting alone would be enough to sweeten even the sourest grapes of the bunch,” Sue said reassuringly.
Ellen lifted her brows. “I hope you’re right.”
“Is it Maya’s maternal grandfather or grandmother that’s related to the Vanderbilts?” Tanya asked.
Ellen submerged to her neck. She let out a small gasp of pleasure as the hot water relaxed her muscles, tight from the workout. Then she said, “Grandmother. Melissa Dresden—used to be Brown. She’s the daughter to a cousin of George Vanderbilt, the one who made it all happen. I just read a book about it called The Last Castle by Denise Kiernan. It was interesting to read about the estate’s history. George fell in love with Asheville when he took his ailing mother there to breathe.”
“To what?” Tanya asked.
“To breathe,” Ellen repeated. “Back then, they believed fresh air was the cure for almost everything—especially tuberculosis—and Asheville had become known for its breathing porches that overlooked the beautiful Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains.”
“George’s mother had tuberculosis?” Sue asked. “Most people didn’t survive it.”
“No, she had malaria, and she recovered from it, but not before George fell in love with the area and began buying up all the land.”
“What year was this?” Tanya asked.
“Late 1800s,” Ellen said. “According to the book, George wasn’t interested in the family business like his two older brothers, who took over various railroad companies when their father died. George was more of a scholar. He loved to read and to collect art, and he wanted something different for himself. So, he decided to outdo his siblings by building the largest private home in America.”
Sue nodded. “That he did.”
“It was more than that, though, wasn’t it?” Tanya asked. “Didn’t he build a famous dairy?”
“Yes—though now it’s a winery. He also hired the best forester and horticulturalist and created a forest preserve and foresters’ school. Later, his wife Edith, who outlived him by many years, created a school for the villagers that focused on textiles and crafts, I believe. Apparently, Edith did a lot for Asheville. I think she was the real heart of Biltmore, only because George died young. They had a daughter named Cornelia, but, according to the book, she was never as devoted to Biltmore as her mother.”
“How old was George when he died?” Sue asked.
“Early fifties, I think. Younger than us.”
“Can you believe I turn sixty next year?” Tanya asked.
“Already?” Sue covered her face with her hands. “I’m right behind you.”
“Brian’s sixty-two, and he’s fine,” Ellen pointed out. “It’s not the end of the world.”
“Not yet, anyway,” Sue said.
“That’s too bad about Maya’s grandparents,” Tanya said. “I really hope they behave themselves at the wedding.”
“Me, too.” Ellen sighed and leaned back on the lip of the tub. “Lane says that Maya’s Vanderbilt grandmother was originally engaged to Maya’s other grandfather, and that’s why the two sets of grandparents don’t get along. One man stole the Vanderbilt bride from the other.”
“Must be hard for the grandmother who isn’t a Vanderbilt,” Sue pointed out. “She might feel like chopped liver. Don’t you think?”
“I know I would, in her situation,” Tanya said. “How selfish of her husband that he can’t let it go.”
“Lane doesn’t think that’s the whole story,” Ellen said. “I just hope they can be civil for the sake of their granddaughter.”
“And for the rest of us,” Tanya added.
Sue shrugged. “I don’t know. Drama at the Biltmore might be fun.”
“Don’t say that,” Ellen insisted. “I’m worried enough about the other encounters we may have while we’re there.”
“Did the book say the house is haunted?” Tanya asked.
“No, and when I asked the Biltmore wedding coordinator about it, she said that they weren’t allowed to discuss it.”
“It’s rumored to be.” Sue furrowed her brows again. “And if Biltmore employees have been warned against talking about it, then you know what that means.”
Tanya stretched her arms. “It’s a good thing we’re taking along some of our equipment.”
“I’m afraid not to,” Ellen said. “Ghosts have a way of finding us, and I don’t want to be caught unprepared.”
“They find us because we have the gift, and they can sense it,” Sue said.
“What do Lane and Maya think about it?” Tanya climbed up and sat on the edge of the tub with her legs in the water.
“I haven’t mentioned it to them,” Ellen admitted. “I’d like to keep any ghostly happenings away from the wedding, as much as possible.”
“Have you done any research, to learn if anyone has written about hauntings there?” Sue asked.
Ellen combed her fingers through her short, damp hair. “I’ve read about ghosts in Asheville, but very little is said about hauntings at the Biltmore. One book claimed that George Vanderbilt’s ghost is there.”
“I wonder what unfinished business a billionaire would have, that would keep him from moving on,” Tanya said.
Ellen climbed up and sat beside Tanya. “Hopefully, it’s only a rumor, and the wedding will go off without a hitch—worldly or otherwise.”
“I’m sure it will,” Tanya reassured her.
“We’ll find out in two months’ time,” Sue said. “That is, if we survive Aquafit.”
Ellen and Tanya looked at each other and grinned.
Author Bio:
After earning her Ph.D. in English and teaching writing and literature for over twenty years, Eva Pohler became a USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels in multiple genres, including mysteries, thrillers, and young adult paranormal romance based on Greek mythology. Her books have been described as "addictive" and "sure to thrill"--Kirkus Reviews.
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January 8, 2022
BOOK BLITZ: Ask Me Nicely by Dania Voss #GIVEAWAY
Ask Me Nicely
Dania Voss
Publication date: December 31st 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
He needs to ditch the attitude he has about her. She needs to get over her inconvenient attraction to him.
Successful Chicago real estate developer Spencer D’Angelo will do anything for his family. Well, almost anything. When it comes to his younger sister’s best friend, curvy blonde bombshell Harper Mitchell, all bets are off. Spencer is inexplicably drawn to Harper, but he’s never trusted her. Things just don’t add up. Harper’s trouble with a capital T, even if the rest of his family doesn’t see it, and adores her.
A California native, Harper unexpectedly finds herself jobless and homeless after the Feds raid the real estate firm she’s been working for. When her bestie’s brother, Spencer, the sexy, arrogant Italian who’s starred in way too many of her late night fantasies, begrudgingly offers her a place to stay in Chicago, she jumps at the chance to escape the chaos and darkness that have overtaken her life.
Harper and Spencer have traded insults and barbs from a distance for years, but now they can’t avoid each other. As their scorching chemistry ignites, Spencer becomes protective of her and Harper discovers there’s more to Spencer than his polished, business persona.
How can they continue on as the rivals they’ve always been?What will happen when Harper’s secrets finally catch up with her?
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—
EXCERPT:
Commotion from the hallway drew her attention away from her phone call. What the hell? Only she, Alexander and two real estate agents were currently in the office.
“What’s going on over there,” Ariana asked.
“I’m not sure.” With a knot forming in Harper’s stomach, she cautiously approached her office door to investigate. Feeling uneasy, she glanced down the hallway toward the office entrance and her jaw dropped.
FBI agents, some dressed in plain clothes wearing navy blue jackets with “FBI” emblazoned on their backs and others wearing Kevlar vests, also displaying those three imposing letters on their chests, and carrying assault weapons, were storming into Alexander’s corporate offices.
Harper’s gut clenched, and an icy chill ran down her spine. “Oh, my God. The FBI is raiding our office.”
“What? The FBI? Why?” Bethany’s surprise and confusion matched Harper’s, and she trembled, unsure of what to do. She needed to speak with Alexander. He would know what was going on and what to do. The raid had to be a mistake. There was no other explanation.
“What have you gotten yourself in to, Harper?” Harper startled, taking a moment to register who was cussing her out. Spencer D’Angelo, Ariana’s older brother. He had never liked her and for the life of her, she didn’t know why. And because of his animosity toward her, she disliked him right back.
Unfortunately for Harper, her traitorous body hadn’t received the memo. Spencer’s deep, confident, arrogant tone never failed to arouse her. Heat consumed her, pulsing through her veins at the most inopportune moment.
“I haven’t done anything wrong Spence,” Harper shot back. Why had Ariana gotten Spencer? The situation, although not her fault, wouldn’t do anything to improve his opinion of her. Not that she cared what Spencer thought of her. Not very much.
“It’s Spencer for Pete’s sake.”
Harper knew what his name was. It bothered him when she called him Spence – so she did and had for years, just to mess with him. Cocky, egotistical, sexy Italian. Lust and frustration warred inside her. Get it together, Harper. We don’t even like each other. And now is not the time.
Author Bio:
International best selling and award-winning author Dania Voss writes compelling, sexy romance with personality, heat, and heart. She brings her background as an Italian born in Rome and raised in Chicagoland to create stories with authentic, engaging characters. A favorite with romance readers, her debut novel “On The Ropes,” the first in her Windy City Nights series, was nominated as Best Contemporary Romance in the 2018 Evernight Publishing Readers’ Choice Awards.
The second and third installments in the Windy City Nights series, “The Warriors' Whisper” and “Hannah’s Bliss” received 5-star reviews from Readers’ Favorite ®. “Hannah’s Bliss” received a 5-star review from The TBR Pile and was voted April 2019’s Book Of The Month. All three novels in the series were designated as Recommended Reads in the 2019 Author Shout Reader Ready Awards. "Hannah's Bliss" won an award in the OKRWA 2020 International Digital Awards contest and 1st place in the 2021 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards (NERFA) in the Erotic Romance category. Dania’s work has been highlighted on NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX, and she has been featured in the Chicago Tribune and Southern Writers Magazine. In April 2021, Dania was designated as Chicago's #8 Top Author in Chicago Entrepreneurs Magazine.
The Windy City Nights series of ebooks will be heading to the moon in 2022 as part of the Writers on the Moon project.
When she’s not writing, you can find Dania at a Cubs game, a rock concert or exploring the city of Chicago.
Dania loves to hear from readers.
Keep up with her at: www.DaniaVoss.com
Visit her blog at: www.DaniaVoss.com/blog
Sign up for Dania's e-newsletter and download a free gift: bit.ly.com/DaniaNews
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January 7, 2022
BOOK BLITZ: Text and Confused by Whitney Dineen & Melanie Summers #GIVEAWAY
Text and Confused: It’s hate at first sight…
Whitney Dineen & Melanie Summers
(An Accidentally in Love Story, #6)
Publication date: December 27th 2021
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
Toni Capella always falls for the wrong guy—tattoos, muscles on top of muscles, and an inability to hold down a decent job. Since her last relationship went up in smoke, Toni’s vowed to only date men who wear suits to work. Expensive ones.When her boss hires contractor Cooper Flint, Toni immediately strikes him off her list of potential love interests. Cooper embodies every bad boy trait there is. Besides, her eye is on Milton Rinks. Nice, sweet, and totally boring. Milton is not her regular which is why he’s perfect.Toni insists she and Milton keep their budding relationship separate from work. She even suggests they do their initial courting via text, hoping that romantic interest will follow once she gets to know him better. There’s one problem. She starts to accidentally text Cooper, not Milton.
Cooper can’t figure out why Toni is so terrific via text and such a shrew in person. It’s one thing to keep her private and professional life separate, but she’s not even nice to him when she sees him in person.
Will Toni discover she’s falling for the wrong guy? Will she see past her misconceptions and give Cooper a chance? Will Cooper forgive Toni for throwing her drink in his face at Le Petite Brassierie ? Is this really the last book in the texting series?
Find out in the deliciously funny Text and Confused…
—
EXCERPT:
My mom’s other sisters have been equally involved in trying to help me find my one true love. Aunt Margie has been sending workmen to my apartment for the last month with false claims of leaky pipes and malfunctioning kitchen appliances. I caved and went out with one of the plumbers, but our relationship only lasted two dates. The guy loved to talk about his work and honestly, there’s only so much banter about clogged toilets I can stand. And during dinner, too.
Unbeknownst to me, Aunt Sheila started a Tinder profile in my name. She was swiping right, left, up, and down trying to find me a man. I went out with one guy believing he was my aunt’s neighbor. Things were going well until he mentioned a conversation we’d had online about blowup dolls.
That’s when I discovered he didn’t know who Sheila was and that she told him I’d be up for a threesome as long as the third party wasn’t human. I’m not sure I’ll ever look at her the same way again.
In addition to vowing to never go out on another setup, I’m determined to take my dating life into my own hands. I also decided to change my type (see item six on my list). As a lifelong admirer of working-class men—there’s something so fundamentally manly about a tight T-shirt covered in axle grease, grass stains, or whatever (I refuse to consider what was on the plumber’s T-shirt)—it stands to reason I must now avoid them at all costs.
In a bid to attract a different kind of guy, I decided to channel Melanie Griffith in Working Girl. I’m upgrading from a slick-haired, cheating, lying Alec Baldwin to a sweet, respectful Harrison Ford—à la Jack Trainer (if you’ve never seen this golden oldie romcom, do so now).
After New Year’s, I went out and blew a fortune on clothes I figured a classy woman would wear. No more plunging necklines and tight pants for me. From now on it’s modest dresses with conservative heels—no more drag queen shoes. I’ve also dialed down the amount of makeup I wear, and I’ve swapped out certain phrases in my vocabulary. My penchant for colorful language has been redirected. I now say things like, “Oh, dear, my word, and for heaven’s sake.”
So far the only men I’ve attracted have been a pair of nice young men who wondered if I’d heard about the Book of Mormon. But fear not, it’s early days. I’m sure there’s hope for me yet.
While turning off the cold water tap with my left foot and upping the hot with my right, I decide I can’t keep waiting for the man of my dreams to show up out of thin air. If I’m serious about changing my luck—and I am—I have to be willing to go out with someone who doesn’t make my heart beat like Ricky Ricardo playing the bongos. (I don’t care what generation you’re from, if you haven’t watched every episode of I Love Lucy by the time you’re twenty, you haven’t lived.)
My luck might be about to change. Tomorrow, Sumner Livingston, the fundraiser my boss hired for the foundation I work for, is going to pop by the office for his first meeting with us. I googled him earlier today, and I have to say the guy’s got potential. Clean cut, classic good looks, and a steady job at his family’s company. He grew up in Forest Hills, which means he’s likely well-educated and probably doesn’t catcall women on the street.
I couldn’t find any evidence of a significant other, so I’m putting him at the top of my list of potential future life partners. It’s a short list, consisting of him and Jack Trainer. Being that Jack Trainer is fictional, let’s hope Sumner is single and into me.
Author Bios:
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
Author links
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
--
Melanie Summers also writes steamy romance as MJ Summers.
Melanie made a name for herself with her debut novel, Break in Two, a contemporary romance that cracked the Top 10 Paid on Amazon in both the UK and Canada, and the top 50 Paid in the USA. Her highly acclaimed Full Hearts Series was picked up by both Piatkus Entice (a division of Hachette UK) and HarperCollins Canada. Her first three books have been translated into Czech and Slovak by EuroMedia. Since 2013, she has written and published three novellas, and eight novels (of which seven have been published). She has sold over a quarter of a million books around the globe.
In her previous life (i.e. before having children), Melanie got her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, then went on to work in the soul-sucking customer service industry for a large cellular network provider that shall remain nameless (unless you write her personally - then she'll dish). On her days off, she took courses and studied to become a Chartered Mediator. That designation landed her a job at the R.C.M.P. as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator for 'K' Division. Having had enough of mediating arguments between gun-toting police officers, she decided it was much safer to have children so she could continue her study of conflict in a weapon-free environment (and one which doesn't require makeup and/or nylons).
Melanie resides in Edmonton with her husband, three young children, and their adorable but neurotic one-eyed dog. When she's not writing novels, Melanie loves reading (obviously), snuggling up on the couch with her family for movie night (which would not be complete without lots of popcorn and milkshakes), and long walks in the woods near her house. She also spends a lot more time thinking about doing yoga than actually doing yoga, which is why most of her photos are taken 'from above'. She also loves shutting down restaurants with her girlfriends. Well, not literally shutting them down, like calling the health inspector or something--more like just staying until they turn the lights off.
She is represented by Suzanne Brandreth of The Cooke Agency International.
Author links
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January 6, 2022
BOOK BLITZ: Sidetracked by Lauren Alsten #GIVEAWAY
Sidetracked
Lauren Alsten
Published by: Changeling Press
Publication date: December 31st 2021
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
Librarian Allison Callahan, aka “Encyclopedia Allie,” has always loved her steadfast and dependable best friend Dane. She’s just never admitted it to anyone, including herself. But Dane keeps trying to kiss her, and it’s changing their relationship status from friend-zone to danger-zone. Sure, Allie wants more, but what if Dane finds out she likes her hanky panky with a side of spanky?
He’ll freak, that’s what. So she rebuffs his advances, tries to shake things up… and unbeknownst to him, discovers one of his best-kept secrets.
Meanwhile, Dane is so frustrated he fantasizes about taking Allie over his lap. A good spanking would serve her right for refusing to acknowledge what they both already know: they’re perfect for each other. But he’s so busy trying to make partner at his law firm, he doesn’t notice something’s a bit off about his bestie.
Between the shock of the secret she never knew and her lukewarm launching of the library’s virtual book club, Allie’s ready to let loose. At her and Dane’s high school reunion, it’s clear they’re ready to take the next step, but after a red-hot night of lust and love, will the next morning’s Walk of Shame ruin everything?
—
EXCERPT:
My track record with men in general is sketchy, and with Dane specifically, it’s abysmal. One visit to his frat house at Harvard proved we weren’t meant to be. My teenage crush on Criss Angel came in handy, because nobody suspected I faked throwing back four shots. Only the fifth one was real, and I gagged. Malört is evil. I started acting tipsy, figuring it was now or never. I sat next to Dane, tried to French kiss him, and when that didn’t work, went for broke, pitching face-first into his crotch. Told him I wanted to lick his Danesicle. Disgusted, he picked me up and put me to bed — alone. I left him a note in the wee hours (claiming Malört Memory of the prior night’s events) and slunk back home to die a private death of mortification.
I used to think I was a prude, but after that, I knew Dane is the most sexually conservative person I’ve ever met. Even the word sex makes him cough and sputter. Tara’s extremely open, I’m more the “keep it under wraps,” type, and Dane — well, even his current bedroom furniture is prudish and perfunctory. Square, plain. Mission-style. As in “missionary.”
For now, I drag my mind out of the gutter and prop myself up with a pillow. Watching him sort and pack soothes me, his biceps flexing under the weight of heavy law books he’s dumping into random boxes. The sight of his corded forearms, the biceps hiding inside his tight Henley, the curve of his muscular thighs filling out his jeans. All these things turn me on, but tonight my heart races because I really need to sell Dane on the reunion thing. I don’t want to play the loner librarian, especially if Thomas shows. Overthinking is my specialty, so I swallow the lump of reticence to cue up my rehearsed Reunion Ruse. By the looks of it, I’m not the only one about to take a chance.
Dane is going to try to kiss me again. He always angles for a peck, usually on the cheek, and he’s predictable as ever: his face gets this dopey, hopeful expression, followed by the twitch of his left eyelid. It’s kind of cute, considering.
Mr. Twitchy would freak if he knew how sexually conservative I’m not. To him, I’m still Encyclopedia Allie, strait-laced, straight-A and headed straight for 2.25 kids in a white picket fence suburbia. Dane would never look at me the same again knowing I have less-than-vanilla preferences, and while I don’t think spanking is that strange, he would. People who color outside the lines, like my sister, make him uncomfortable. If he knew my preferences, he’d run. And if he did? I’d die.
So Dane trying to kiss me? Not going to happen. I love him too much as a friend. To him, I’m a nice, vanilla girl, and I want to stay that way, even if it means one day seeing him with someone else.
I still fantasize about him taking me over his lap and whipping my ass to a cherry red, though. I just keep that freaky little fantasy to myself.
Dane grabs two handfuls of books from one box and dumps them into another. He’s trying not to make his machinations obvious, but I know he’s just waiting for the perfect moment to strike. He’s always so damn polite. But as organized and fastidious as the man is, he doesn’t know jack about weight distribution.
“You should split your legal library into smaller boxes so they’re not as heavy.”
Dane snickers, lifting the large box laden with neatly stacked statute books inside. The box bottoms out before he hits the hallway. At this rate, the movers won’t have much to move come Sunday, because it will still all be in piles on the floor.
“Don’t even say it.”
I ignore him. “I told you so.”
With his hands on his hips, Dane acts like he’s mad. His steel-blue eyes narrow. It’s a ruse. He does hate to admit he’s wrong, but instead of grouching, he pauses. Wrings his hands, approaches the bed slowly. I meet his gaze, and his eye starts its preemptive twitch. Here we go.
Author Bio:
When she’s not obsessing over her latest characters and dreaming up meet-cutes for future books, Lauren Alsten loves photographing wildlife while hiking under a warm sun and bright blue skies. Her writing journey began with A-list movie star fan fiction, but these days she prefers penning humorous tales of emotional upheaval served with a side of snark. She currently lives with two ungrateful cats who never lift a paw to help around the house.
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January 5, 2022
BLEEDING SOULS SAVED BY LOVE! Check out this MEGA MYSTERY MIX GIFT-A-WAY!
MEGA MYSTERY MIX GIFT-A-WAY DETAILS:
To celebrate the upcoming release of my latest book, I’ll be putting together a mega mystery release assortment including a signed paperback of Dani and the Outcast, assorted swag, and whatever goodies I can find in NOLA when we visit in late January! Due to pandemic related delays and cost increases, this will be a US only physical giveaway. International participants are eligible to enter for a $50 Amazon Gift Card. Entry link at bottom.
Enter in one (or more) of the following ways:✫LEAVE A REVIEWThis can be at any retailer, Goodreads, Bookbub, your blog, your page, any of your social media, etc. ***ARCs are available at no cost until January 14th here
✫SHARE MY POSTS Check out my Facebook, twitter, and Instagram for countdown and release posts to share starting January 1st. Make sure to tag me when you do!
https://www.facebook.com/REHargrave
https://twitter.com/REHargrave
https://www.instagram.com/authorrehargrave/
✫PUT ON YOUR ARTIST HAT and create your own “now live” graphic for Dani and the Outcast. Tag me when you post to your social media!
✫SAY CHEESE! If the universe cooperates with printing and shipping times, post a picture of yourself with a print copy of Dani and the Outcast. Coming soon to Amazon.
✫ADD TO YOUR TBR LISTS Add Dani and the Outcast to any or all of your to be read lists:
➺Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57087200-dani-and-the-outcast
Bookbub➺https://www.bookbub.com/books/dani-and-the-outcast-by-r-e-hargrave
➺Amazon https://amzn.to/37bhlQ6
Universal Link➺https://books2read.com/DaniAndTheOutcast
✫Join the ✦•✦Bleeding Souls Saved by Love!✦•✦ Facebook Group:
➺http://www.facebook.com/groups/bleedingsoulssavedbylove/
Please help celebrate the Wicked Warriors MC & Fabled Mafia Wars fable retellings by sharing and inviting your friends to join the group, too. Throughout the year, the participating authors will be bestowing you with love, cover reveals, release parties on the 1st of every month, fun games, and incredible gifts!
Use this link to enter your participation info no later than February 15, 2022➺ https://bit.ly/DaniGIVEAWAY
January 3, 2022
BLEEDING SOULS SAVED BY LOVE! Warts an' All by Manda Mellett #NowLive
Buy link: https://books2read.com/u/b6vpZ0
Available on all major platforms
Blurb:
I’ve seen her around with her airs and graces, making out she was better than the rest of us. Head held haughtily high, nose in the air as if the everyone else was beneath her. She had it all, a rich daddy, a fine mansion, fast cars. Yeah, that princess wanted for nothing.
I’ve seen her, but she’s never seen me. Until she needs my help that is. Then she comes crawling, words sticking in her throat as I make her beg.
Grovelling to a biker clearly hurt. Every word out of her mouth was a lie. She said she’d thank me with no thought to paying her debt.
But I know not everything in her perfect life is what it seems. I’ve got the power to bring this snooty princess down to my level. I’ve got her daddy in the palm of my hand.
She owes me, but his debt is bigger. He won’t think twice giving her to me as payment.
Love? Nah, that doesn’t come into it. I’ll show her who gets looked up to around here, and it’s not her.
