Aubrey Wynne's Blog, page 2
August 6, 2025
Lavish by Tinia Montford with excerpt and giveaway
Lavish
Tinia Montford
(California Kings, #2)
Publication date: August 6th 2025
Genres: Adult, Mystery, Romance
Serena King has spent years burying her sins beneath designer heels and ruthless ambition. But no lie lasts forever. When a ghost from her past returns, armed with secrets that could destroy her, she’s forced into a game she can’t control.
The first move? A marriage forced upon her
To him—her brother’s ex-best friend. Her first mistake. The man who was her first… and then broke her heart.
Miles Whitmore.
He’s not the reckless charmer she remembers. He’s colder. Crueler. Hungrier.
Miles wants to salvage his scandal-ridden family’s legacy. He needs power. He needs redemption. But he’s got secrets that could destroy everything too.
Their marriage is a business deal, a show for the public. But behind closed doors?
It’s a war.
A war of lies. A war of seduction. A war of who will break first.
But the deeper they fall into their twisted game, the more hatred turns to heat. The more vengeance turns to obsession.
Because in a world where power is everything and love is the most dangerous game of all…
The biggest threat isn’t their enemies.
It’s each other.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble
—
EXCERPT:
I spotted Mama and Daddy at the far end of the room, whispering vehemently among themselves. It was only when I got close that I heard Mama hiss, “He’s on something, Vincent!”
I almost gasped as Omar Whitmore stumbled through the crowd, his champagne glass tilting dangerously in his loose grip.
That’s not drunk. I know drunk. Drunk is falling into a gardenia bush after too many martinis or flirting with someone’s husband.
What started off as a simple party was now becoming a Jerry Springer episode.
The day after the most beautiful night of my life. Of course everything went wrong.
“Relax, Vonnie. He’s fine,” Daddy said, but I could see he didn’t believe himself.
“This is not the first time. Look! He’s sweating like this is the Mississippi Delta! He’s falling over, and his eyes look blacked out like an alien,” Mama said. “He ain’t been right since his father died.”
“You weren’t any better,” Daddy reminded her. Mama glared at him.
I expected tonight to be low-key. Simple but luxurious. A big King party for the whole town before Laurene’s engagement party next week, complete with rosé, twinkling lights, and that laidback summer feel that Lush brings.
“You saw him at the mayor’s gala when the press was interviewing him. He looked unshaven and dirty like some drifter.”
“That’s just grief,” Daddy said, standing up for his best friend.
Mama’s glare didn’t ease up. “I never let myself go like this when my daddy died. Omar gave a sloppy, rambling speech at the town hall. He crashed my Women of Lush networking brunch, and you know much time I put into that, Vincent, don’t act dumb.”
“It could be depression. Anxiety?”
“And? What does that have to do with him messing up my party?” Mama put her hands on her hips. “The Ashbournes are here. Lord knows we don’t need to give them any more ammunition than they already have. All the families that matter in Lush are here. Mayor Johnson, the Lush Chronicles, investors, donors—”
I knew better than to interrupt when Mama was pissed. My eyes flicked back to Omar.
“He’s our friend,” Daddy said, wincing as he watched Omar fall into a guest who yelped.
Despite what Miles thought, Mama had been dropping hints about giving me King Developments. She wanted to add another venture to King Enterprises, but Erik was too busy with King Aviation. Laurene was obsessed with her art.
This was it. But one wrong move from me tonight, and she’d place it right back into Erik’s lap without blinking.
So, I stayed still.
Author Bio:
Tinia (TUH-NIA) Montford is a Pisces who’s a sap for romance, especially when there’s (tons of) kissing. Loves eighties sitcoms and will consume anything with chocolate. She graduated from the University of San Francisco with a degree in English and Graphic Design. She is currently pursuing her MFA in Fiction.
You can find Tinia at www.tiniamontford.com or on social media: @tiniawritesbooks
Website / Goodreads / Instagram / Facebook / Amazon / TikTok
GIVEAWAY!
Lavish Blitz
—
July 23, 2025
THE WHITE DEER OF KILDARE by Christy Matheson
THE WHITE DEER OF KILDARE
Christy Matheson
GENRE: Time-slip Fantasy
BLURB:
There’s a deer sorting Christmas decorations in Maura’s kitchen…
All Maura wants is a peaceful winter holidays in her dilapidated Irish castle, but her ex is threatening her with family court, and her second grader has invited a strange–completely unclothed–friend, to spend the holidays with them. Oh. And the friend’s dog, which is not actually a dog but probably one of the white deer of Celtic myth.
Maura distracts herself from her husband’s threats by trying to discover why a Fae deer is in her kitchen, when the two women accidentally end up in the Ireland of ancient myth. The White Deer was the human queen of this castle, but it appears she has husband trouble too. Perhaps…the deadly sort of trouble.
Can Maura rescue her new friend — or is Maura herself so tangled in the White Deer’s fate that she won’t make it home to her children alive?
This novella will appeal to readers who enjoy cozy fantasy, ancient history, Irish folklore, and uplifting stories about motherhood and found family.
Excerpt:
Human Saba is slightly taller than I am, very upright, her eyes very round and brown. Her skin is white—not a euphemistic “white” like mine, but white like a piece of paper or bleached linen. It is startling; slightly inhuman. Glancing around the room, a couple of the others have a complexion like hers, a few are fair and blond in the Saxon style, and most are either Black like Oisín, or olive-skinned and black-haired. As a historian, I am fascinated; I suppose this is a period when the different waves of migration are all present.
As a mother…this is not good. Not good at all. Still holding Saba’s hand, I twist and look all around both of us, but Kaylee’s pompom garland is nowhere to be found. I sip my tea. It tastes like the Mandarin Orange Spice I was drinking before, but it does not transport me back to the 21st-century.
“Saba?” My voice comes out half-choked.
She turns to me, her face lighting up with a smile. “Maura, dear! Aren’t you excited? My husband and his men will be back in time for the Solstice!”
I understand her, and I am vastly relieved. Whatever language they are speaking here, it is just as clear to me as Saba’s grasp of everything we said in modern English.
“Do you remember me?” I ask. “Do you remember why we are here?”
Author Bio
Christy Matheson writes award-winning fiction about friends, family, and finding one’s place in an ever-changing world.
She is the author of “The Castle in Kilkenny: Fairy Tales” novella series. Each one sets a traditional Irish fairy tale within a modern blended family, perfect for readers wanting a cozy family adventure.
Christy’s regular historical work (sans fantasy elements) can be found in the award-winning “Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women,” of which she is also an editor. Her Regency novels are represented by Kristina Sutton-Lennon and have won pre-publication awards for women’s fiction.
Christy is also an embroidery artist, classically trained pianist, and sews all of her own clothes. She lives in Oregon, on a country property that fondly reminds her of a Regency estate (except with a swing set instead of faux Greek ruins), with her husband, five children, three Shelties, one bunny, and an improbable quantity of art supplies.
Website: https://christymatheson.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christy_matheson_author/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091887100897
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christy.matheson.author
Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/ChristyMatheson
Substack: https://unspokenstoriesofwomanhood.substack.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/49771827.Christy_Matheson
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222331492-the-white-deer-of-kildare
StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/e19858d0-1d3c-4fd0-a2bd-6a83060e16b5
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/christy-matheson
Universal Buy Link: includes Amazon (different countries), Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play, Barnes & Noble:
https://buy.bookfunnel.com/exmh6b6hgx
Amazon.com Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DPSGKQ5H
Kobo Buy link—book available on Kobo Plus: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-white-deer-of-kildare
July 22, 2025
Seven Hundred Beachfront by Ligia de Wit
Seven Hundred Beachfront
Ligia de Wit
Publication date: July 22nd 2025
Genres: Adult, Magical Realism, Romance, Women’s Fiction
Some places hold memories. Others have opinions.
I didn’t mean to run again.
But when life gets tangled, I untangle it by leaving. And this time, my escape came with strings attached: a five-year-old brother I never signed up to care for, a seaside town I barely remember, and a tattered house on stilts that belongs in Renter’s Hell.
I told myself it was just for the summer. A break. A pause. A way to escape the people I care about but can’t seem to fit with anymore, and the choices I don’t know how to fix.
But the sea doesn’t let you stay distant for long.
Then there’s him. Quiet. Grumpy. Mysterious. The kind of man who doesn’t ask questions, but somehow sees more than he should. I don’t even like talking to him, and yet… here we are. Sharing long silences. Unexpected moments. Maybe even something more.
And as for the house? Let’s just say it has opinions—and it’s not afraid to share them.
Seven Hundred Beachfront is a heartfelt, magical story about learning to stay, letting people in, and discovering that healing doesn’t always come the way you expect it. But when it does, you’ll feel it down to your bones.
—
EXCERPT:
Carole hadn’t sent a thing to keep him busy, damn woman, and I’d only used the TV for movies. Wait a sec—Jessie left a Star Wars movie at my place, the first one, so I should have it here.
“No Scooby, kiddo,” I said while looking in the boxes, “but you’re gonna like this one. It’s the real thing, not a single goofy character one mile near it.”
“ ’Kay.” He sat on the old, flowery couch and gazed at me, expectant.
“How do you want your fish?” I asked while putting the movie on, realizing I had no idea what Bobby liked.
“Dead.”
I gave a small smile. “But how do you like it prepared? Pan fried?”
“No. Like Mom does it.” He lifted his little arms and mimed putting something in a pan. “Like this.”
“You’re not much help, kiddo. I’ll cook it pan fried.”
“ ’Kay,” Bobby whispered, gaze down.
After leaving him with the movie, I got ready to cook. The stove burners were a little rusty but worked. I prepared pan-fried fish, along with steamed vegetables and wild rice. Maybe I didn’t have many accomplishments in my life, but, damn, I could cook. It had been either that or be resigned to eating frozen dinners.
When other kids watched cartoons, I watched cooking shows. At ten, I prepared chicken cordon-bleu. Even Aunt Marie was impressed. Carole just grimaced. It’s overcooked, she’d said.
The aroma of spices and well-cooked fish filled the space, and any knot in my body vanished.
My cell rang, and I picked it up, frowning at the caller ID. “Hey,” I answered flatly.
“Honey!” Carole’s voice came clear. “Darling, you have no idea what a marvelous flight we had.” She laughed, evidently delighted. “First class. The only way to fly. Don’t you ever dare fly coach again, Beverly.”
“Sure. Will do that next time I fly overseas in, I don’t know, my next life, I guess.”
“Oh, don’t be such a bore! Don’t you want me to spill the tea, girlfriend?”
She giggled. Giggled.
“Are you drunk, Mother?”
She sobered up. Nothing like reminding Carole of the maternity role she’d never wanted.
“Sweetheart, you are such a bore.”
I put her on speaker and placed one of my unopened boxes on the counter while Carole talked nonstop about her marvelous, fantastic flight and the wonderful five-star hotel in Madrid.
My Lladró figurine lay wrapped in newspaper. Carefully, I unwrapped it and placed it on the counter. Crap, one of the fruits had broken off.
“Bobby and I are okay,” I managed to say when she took a small pause. “The house’s too old, though. I don’t know if this is a good place for me.”
The wind moaned, and the noisy branch thumped above.
“You haven’t asked me a thing about Madrid,” Carole complained. “Make sure to check the pictures I posted because they are a-ma-zing. I already have more than one-hundred likes!”
“Thank heavens for the social media gods.”
“Don’t give me that snarky tone of yours. You need more good energy in your life, girlfriend. You need a man.”
“Ugh, please.”
“You do. And not that silly cowboy—”
“Gary’s a friend. One of my best friends, actually. Since you’re my girlfriend, then you certainly remember I’ve known him since the seventh grade.”
Author Bio:
Ligia de Wit writes fantasy romance adventures with heart, humor, and just the right dose of magic. A lifelong romantic with a soft spot for fairy tales and found family tropes, Ligia writes characters who are strong in more than just a physical sense. Her characters face fears, fight for themselves, and find love in the most unexpected places.
When she’s not writing (or rewriting) her imaginary worlds, she works for a global distribution company and dreams up stories during lunch breaks. You’ll often find her with her nose in a book, exploring a new city, hiking through forests, or acting like a total goof at theme parks. She’s a proud kid at heart—and owns it.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
—
July 16, 2025
THE PYJAMA BOY by Steven Murphy with excerpt and giveaway
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.
Steven Murphy will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Steven Murphy spent his formative years in Sydney’s Redfern.
Abandoned by his mother when only weeks old, his father left him in the care of a cruel, alcoholic stepmother while he himself was in jail. Unbelievably, the child they dubbed the “Pyjama Boy” fought his way through life to achieve his ultimate goal. His story is a poignant and haunting one that captivates its reader from the very beginning and remains long after the book has been closed.
AN INSPIRATIONAL TALE OF SUCCESS AGAINST THE ODDS
Read an Excerpt
There was something odd about the woman driving the yellow station wagon. Her eyes darted around suspiciously. Steve watched her from his patrol car. Her 1988 Sigma moved off from his right at the green lights, to enter the late-night traffic. She had a passenger, a young man with
a wispy beard. As they moved, the man looked across at the police car waiting third in line at the red light and then glanced momentarily over his shoulder into the back seat. Sparks spat along the dark surface of the road as he tossed his cigarette out the window of the car.
‘Nervy little punk, ’ remarked the older police constable next to Steve.
‘There’s something odd about both of them in that Sigma…,’ said Steve.
‘Yeah, I think we should have a chat with them.’
As lights turned green and when they were clear of the intersection, Steve pulled past the two vehicles in front of them. The Sigma had increased its pace and was nearly out of view as it turned left almost without slowing. Steve’s pulse rate rose with the revs of the police car. They swung into the side street and passed the Sigma with Red and blue lights flashing, then slowed in front of it. The older policeman put his arm out his window, indicating that the Sigma should pull up at the curb.
While the woman searched a handbag for her licence, Steve noticed that there was someone lying on the back seat of the car. Shining his torch through the window, Steve realised with a jolt that the passenger was gagged, with a tee shirt twisted and pulled tightly into an open mouth. The arms were pulled back and bound at the wrists with a leather belt.
Within minutes a second patrol car had arrived at the scene and the couple were taken into custody, their bound and gagged passenger found to be dead. Steve looked at the victim, a man in his mid-thirties and recognised the face of one who had recently ‘helped him in his enquiries.’ Soon there were detectives and forensic officers examining the car and, as the body was being removed, Steve received orders to drive to an address in a nearby suburban street.
About the Author:
I’ve never thought of myself as special-just someone who has lived through life’s challenges like everyone else. But over time, I’ve come to see that by sharing my journey, with all its imperfections, I might offer something meaningful to others. Life moves so quickly, and the choices we make shape everything. My hope is that by being honest about my experiences, others might find encouragement or even a little clarity for their own paths.
Speaking at Schools and events across Australia has been an unexpected privilege. These moments aren’t about presenting a perfect image; they’re about connecting with people on a real, human level. I bring photos, videos, and documents to show the truth of my story-not to impress but to connect. When I speak openly, sharing the vulnerabilities and lessons I’ve learned, something powerful happens: the audience feels it, and suddenly, it’s not just my story-its something they can see themselves in, too.
If you would like to have Steve speak to your School, group or organization he can be contacted through email: stevenmurphy_11@bigpond.com
You can connect with Steven Murphy through a number of platforms to learn more about his story and work.
Website: https://thepyjamaboy.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stevenmurphyauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/56696685.Steven_Murphy
Book Trailer” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUopXLOFQU4
Visit his website to view the one bedroom flats he uses to live in and show his living conditions as described in the book.
Feel free to reach out — Steven is always happy to connect with readers and share more about his journey.
July 9, 2025
EVER SINCE THE BALL by Kate Ellington w/ excerpt and giveaway
EVER SINCE THE BALL
Kate Ellington
GENRE: Historical Romance
BLURB:
Miranda Harlake’s only chance to escape the detestable match her parents are arranging is a sham betrothal to her best friend, Peter, who proposes solely to save her from a loveless marriage. She gratefully accepts, though both know they’ll never wed.
Piqued by her parents’ scheming, Miranda secretly attends a masked ball and dances with a fascinating stranger all night. Upon discovering her partner was the insufferable George Rockford, she tries to forget the romantic evening they shared.
George, lonely despite his popularity and roguish ways, is intrigued by Miranda but she’s apparently immune to his charms.
Miranda must listen to her heart and find courage to be honest with everyone—especially herself—if for once she’s going to fulfill her own dreams.
Excerpt
As Miranda approached the drawing room she heard men’s voices, and neither of them was her father’s. She guessed Mr. Tolwood had stopped by and brought someone with him, but when she strode into the room she nearly gasped aloud.
George and Ebenezer Rockford stood chatting with her parents, glasses of sherry in their hands. So this was why her mother had insisted she change. Nobody looked Miranda’s way when she entered the room and she wanted to tiptoe out and send Cassandra down with a message that she was ill. Very ill. She sighed. It would never work. Mentally preparing herself for an atrocious evening, she walked to her father’s side.
“Ah, here she is at last!” Mr. Harlake said, taking her arm.
Miranda fixed a smile on her face as he steered her over to stand beside Ebenezer.
“You remember Mr. Rockford, don’t you, Miranda?” Mr. Harlake asked, eyes twinkling.
“Yes, of course. Good evening.” Miranda hadn’t seen him up close in a long time. He had dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a short beard. She’d never been fond of beards.
Mr. Rockford took her hand and kissed it. “Good evening to you, Miss Harlake.”
She went to pull her hand away, but he showed no sign of relinquishing it.
“Call her Miranda. So much friendlier,” Mrs. Harlake said with a wide smile.
“Then she must call me Ebenezer.” He motioned to George. “You know my nephew, George? Why, you two must have gone to school together.”
Miranda was glad to remove her hand from Ebenezer’s grip as she turned to face George.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Kate Ellington grew up in a woodsy New England town where summer days at the lake seemed to last forever. She read her first historical romance at age eleven when a teacher challenged her to find a book in the library written by an author she’d never heard of. Thus began a life-long love of love stories.
After graduating from college with an art degree she settled in the Pacific Northwest, where she currently resides with her family.
Kate wrote her first romance when she was sixteen, then set her pen down for years until another story floated into her head out of the clear blue sky. She jotted it down, just for fun, but soon it took on a life of its own.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/29720924.Kate_Ellington
https://bsky.app/profile/kateellington.bsky.social
https://www.kateellington.com/
June 25, 2025
Keeping the Countess by Lille Moore
Keeping the Countess
Lille Moore
Publication date: June 24th 2025
Genres: Adult, Historical, Romance
In this first installation of the DAMSELS IN DISGUISE series, a passionate clergyman on a mission to steal an earl’s secrets finds himself captivated by a cunning and courageous countess.
Charismatic curate Jonah Sinclair survived the deadly streets of south London with two well-trained fists and divine intervention. He will let nothing—not his vocation, nor his yearning to find love—stop him from pursuing the criminals who killed his father. When he learns the notorious Earl of Rochford could hold the key to retribution for his family, he seizes on the chance to become tutor to the earl’s young ward. But the only trace of Rochford he discovers at the mysterious Ravenglass Hall is his abandoned countess, a woman whose fierce strength stirs a forbidden temptation.
Faith Trenton, Countess of Rochford, is on the brink of ruin. Betrayed and abandoned by her husband, she disguises herself as a man to defend her estate from an embezzling steward. Jonah’s arrival threatens her carefully constructed masquerade, and despite the irresistible spark between them, she must send him packing, or risk having him expose the dangerous secrets she keeps hidden. But when a succession of attacks threatens everything that Faith has fought to protect, she’s forced to place her trust in Jonah, and pray he won’t unravel the truth, or her heart.
Helping Faith could sabotage Jonah’s mission. Loving her might cost him everything.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo
—
EXCERPT:
Jonah marched out of the tavern, his vexation blinding him to any semblance of the direction where he headed. It did not take long to realize he was absolutely stranded, alone in a country wilderness.
In the disorienting shadows of the soaking evening, a seed of regret at his impulsivity sprouted. As he contemplated swallowing his pride and turning back to the tavern, a preternatural cry sounded on the moor.
The ground shook, heralding a beast rising out of the fog.
Jonah wouldn’t have dared called the creature a horse; that was far too earthly a comparison. It sped toward him as if it had escaped straight from the ninth circle of hell.
Unholy thoughts clouded his brain. Unholier curses tumbled from his lips. He was pleased to discover the passage of time and years of service in Her Majesty’s Church had not scrubbed them from his memory.
The shriek of the wind rose over the roar of approaching hooves. This was the exact reason Jonah avoided Gothic novels like vermin; he preferred interacting with the supernatural in the controlled boundaries of the King James Bible.
Through the sheets of rain, he spotted a slight figure mounted on top of the enormous steed. Was the rider attempting to bring the monster under control? Or did he urge it on, hoping he might flatten a weary traveler to the ground?
A shrill cry sounded from the rider. Was it a warning? An apology? A prayer?
“MOVE OUT OF THE BLEEDING WAY, YOU DAFT FOOL!”
With a screeching whinny, the beast reared up before him, a black wall of menacing horseflesh. As lightning flashed around them, Jonah braced his arms over his head and curled himself into a protective crouch, precisely as the hell-beast tossed its rider from the saddle.
A moment of raw stillness followed.
The rain relented, revealing where the rider lay motionless on the path.
Jonah staggered across the short distance toward the body. With a deep breath and a short prayer, he kneeled down to examine the fallen man.
The crash of two thick skulls meeting each other upended his balance. He slipped on the drenched ground, falling on top of the rider, who protested wildly by snarling in a manner more feral than a quayside cat. The body entwined with his was as scrappy and slim as one. He had to be a young lad.
“Get off of me!”
“I’m trying!” Jonah protested as they tussled in the mud. Muck worked its way beneath the collar he’d starched himself, to make a good impression for the toffs who’d forgotten him. The potential embarrassment he’d face if he ever arrived at his destination burned energy into his limbs.
An instinct he thought he’d long retired kicked in and he rolled, quickly pinning the rider’s shoulders by pressing his own weight into the lad’s chest.
And therein, he discovered a very distinct set of curves that most decidedly did not belong to a young man.
The body beneath him hissed.
Jonah scrambled away and staggered to his feet. With his last remaining ounce of sense, he extended his hand to the rider.
The woman he’d just groped in the darkness.
Author Bio:
Lille Moore writes romance with a twist on time-honored tropes and tales. Her first career in public diplomacy and strategic communications took her across five continents and six of the Seven Seas and spurred a lifelong love affair with uncovering new worlds through storytelling. She lives with her spouse in Texas
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Newsletter
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
—
June 11, 2025
Shopping for a Highlander’s Elopement by Julia Kent
Shopping for a Highlander’s Elopement
Julia Kent
(Shopping for a Highlander, #3)
Publication date: June 10th 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
I didn’t expect to fall for a Scottish footballer so annoyingly sunny you need shades to be around him.
I didn’t expect to say yes to his heart-felt, if loopy, proposal while he lay injured on the pitch, blathering on about banana pudding and sparkly unicorns.
What I definitely didn’t expect?
For our engagement to explode into a paparazzi circus, our mothers to turn into wedding bulldozers, and for our wedding protector’s perfectly reasonable elopement plan to spiral into a road trip escape.
So here we are.
In Love You, Maine, a town that celebrates Valentine’s Day every single day. We’re here to get married. Quietly. No drama. In disguise.
Although good luck hiding a 6’4” ginger Scottish striker wearing a knee brace and a perpetual extrovert smile.
Instead of being subtle and blending in? Our quiet escape is vibrating heart-shaped beds, mirrors on the ceilings, secret identities, interfering mothers, and one suspiciously enthusiastic moose that humps dumpsters.
This was supposed to be a simple wedding. Just me and Hamish. No fuss.
But nothing about us has ever been simple with us.
Still, this is what love is, right? It’s chaos. It’s compromise. It’s crying in a wedding planner’s office, then kissing in a hot spring.
It’s choosing each other again and again, even when everything goes sideways.
No matter what comes next… this is our comeback story, in more ways than one.
And no – that’s not a euphemism. 🙂
Shopping for a Highlander’s Elopement is a romantic comedy that blends the worlds of four bestselling series by New York Times bestselling romantic comedy author Julia Kent:
– Shopping for a Billionaire
– Shopping for a Highlander
– Whatever It Takes
– Love You, Maine
If you love sports romance, surprise proposals, grand gestures, chaotic weddings, Scottish footballers, golden retriever/black cat energy, and characters who love too hard, mess up spectacularly, and always find their way back to each other with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments (and lovingly-used scrunchies) along the way, then this is your book.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play
—
EXCERPT:
Love isn’t a football game.
It’s a feeling.
A feeling that uses instinct as a tool.
I’m smarter than this. When everything felt off, I should have known that it was off for a reason.
“Jody,” I say softly, “I canna do this.”
“Of course you can. You just have the jitters. Amy’s a wonderful woman and–”
“I dinna mean the proposin’ part. That’s fine. I can do that. I mean doin’ it on the pitch.”
His turn to go green.
“You want to cancel the proposal?”
“Aye. Nae. No’ the proposin’. The doin’ it in public part. I love Amy wi’ all ma body and soul.” I frown. “She’d hate to hear me say it that way. Soul and body.” I wink at Jody. “But it’s really the other way around. Ma body knows more than ma mind.”
“I don’t need to hear every thought that pops into your head, Hamish.”
“I only tell ye the important ones.”
“Like not wanting the big spectacle we arranged for you?”
“I’m tellin’ ye now, aren’t I?”
“We have extra cameramen here for this. Your parents and siblings are in the crowd. Declan and Andrew McCormick are here. We doubled the security.”
“Is this about money? I can pay for all that.”
“It’s not–well, yes, some of it is about the money. But it’s more about publicity and planning. A lot of people put forth a huge effort to make today special for you and Amy.”
“And forty thousand of ma closest fans.”
He closes his eyes and sighs through his nose. “A better time to realize this would have been weeks ago. Not a huge US exhibition game.”
“Ma instincts told me then that this was right. Now ma gut says something else. It all feels off.”
“Your gut.”
I pat my flat stomach. “It’s gotten me this far in life. Good gut.”
He’s right. I know how much work all the coaches, teammates, stadium staff and administrators, sponsors–hell, even the car park attendants–have put into helping me today. I don’t have cold feet, and I love Amy to the moon and back, but something feels wrong.
As Amy says, hinky.
I can’t explain it. If I had words for it, I’d use them. It’s a feeling, and those don’t always line up nice and neat in words that make sense.
Author Bio:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 2 million books, with 4 New York Times bestsellers and more than 21 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French, German, and Italian, with more titles releasing in the future.
From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men’s room toilet (and he isn’t a billionaire she met in a romantic comedy).
She lives in New England with her husband and three children where she is the only person in the household with the gene required to change empty toilet paper rolls.
She loves to hear from her readers by email at julia@jkentauthor.com, on Twitter @jkentauthor, on Facebook at @jkentauthor, and on Instagram @jkentauthor. Visit her at http://jkentauthor.com
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June 1, 2025
Poisons, Potions, and Parasols (Paddy’s Peelers Mystery Book 3)
Poisons, Potions, and Parasols
(Paddy’s Peelers Mystery Book 3)
by Aubrey Wynne
A sweet Regency Romance
She’s content with her life…
Miss Eugenia Chapelle was born on the wrong side of the blanket. After her mother was disowned and fled to London, she pretended to be the widow of a French aristocrat to draw customers as a modiste. After her mother’s death, Genie continues the lie, playing the half-French designer of Madame Chapelle’s and running the business with her aunt. She never expects an earl to search out his illegitimate daughter twenty-six years later.
He will rip it apart…
Mr. Clayton Pierce works for one of London’s most respected investigators. He has two cases on his docket—tracking a gang of counterfeiters passing banknotes and finding a long-lost child of an earl. When he meets the beautiful and talented Miss Chapelle, his attraction for her is as strong as his obsession with solving mysteries and catching criminals.
After Genie witnesses a possible murder at Hyde Park, she becomes a key witness in his first case. Then, by a twist of fate, she also becomes linked to his second assignment. With danger lurking around every dark corner, and the past the murkiest shadow of all, Clayton learns that solving a case does not always guarantee satisfaction of a job well done. As passions flare and the stakes are raised, will his success as an investigator be his ruin in love?
Set in the hectic district of Cheapside during the Regency, Paddy’s Peelers search the dregs of London with skill and cunning to bring criminals to justice and, perhaps, unexpectedly find love along the way. A sweet but action-packed romance.
Complete trilogy now available – Shop Now
Crimes, Conspiracies, and Courtship
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Pads, Purses, and Plum Pudding
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All Vendors – https://books2read.com/pads-purses-plumpudding
Poisons, Potions, and Parasols
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All Vendors – https://books2read.com/Poison-potions-parasols
May 30, 2025
It’s Raining Rogues release day – 8 new Regency novellas!
It’s Raining Rogues
An anthology
Prepare to be swept away by a collection of Regency tales where love ignites amidst tempestuous storms, roaring thunder, and the seclusion of cozy hideaways. Eight captivating romances unfold as circumstances drive these gentlemen and ladies into the arms of unexpected passion.
In this enchanting anthology, storms rage, rain pours, and thunder rolls—bringing together souls destined to find one another and prove that while storms may force us into seclusion, they also bring hearts together when least expected.
Perfect for readers that love cozy firesides, whispered confessions, and love that blossoms in the shadows of a storm. Let the storms rage on—for within them lies the promise of unforgettable romance.
8 All New Novellas:
A Rascal, A Romantic, and A Rarity by Aubrey Wynne
Tangled in a Tempest by Dawn Brower
Rogue to the Rescue by Jane Charles
The Storm Between Us by Lizzie C Koz
Their Forbidden Storm by Christina Diane
Caught in the Storm with an Earl by Ramona Elmes
Miss Harrow and the Tenacious Duke by Aileen Fish
How the Girl got the Earl by Amanda Mariel
May 12, 2025
Head Over Heels In Love by Mariah Ankenman excerpt and giveaway
Head Over Heels In Love
Mariah Ankenman
(Jackson Family Distillery, #4)
Publication date: May 8th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Catching a woman breaking into his car was not the way Ace Jackson wanted to start his day. Finding out she’s the new hire at his family’s distillery is even worse. Sure, she said she mistook his car for her’s, but there’s something about Millie he doesn’t trust. Too bad all his siblings vetoed his vote. What’s the point of being the oldest if you don’t get to be in charge?
Millie Danes told the grumpy Adonis she wasn’t breaking into his car, but did he believe her? No! The guy has a stick up his butt bigger than the pine trees gracing the Rocky Mountains. Unfortunately, he’s her new boss or she’d try and see if she could melt that icy exterior. But she has more on the line than a job, she needs funds to start her dream. Her very own aerial studio.
When a theft is discovered at work, Ace enlists Millie’s help as a spy in exchange for the money to build her dream. Their tentative truce becomes complicated when desires fan the flames of temptation. In the battle of love, who will fall first?
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EXCERPT:
“Millie!”
Her shouted name came from beyond the swinging door. Irritation rose, winning the war over guilt as she quickened her pace. “Ugh, coming!”
She pushed through the door into the back, muttering to herself. “Get your boxers out of a bunch you grumpy asshole. It was five damn seconds.”
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Ace demanded the second the door stopped swinging.
“Well, I was working, until you pulled me back here to yell at me like an angry schoolmarm.”
Confusion drew his brow down. “What the…never mind. How is pulling some dangerous stunt and almost breaking your fool neck working? Last time I checked this was a bar, not some ridiculous stunt show.”
That was it. She knew the guy was her boss, but he was being a giant dick. No one talked to her that way.
“First of all, I wasn’t about to break anything. Before you rushed in and grabbed me—”
“Saved you.”
She arched one eyebrow in disbelief. “Is that what you thought you were doing? Saving the helpless damsel in distress? I got news for you buddy. I have been bottle-walking for years. I know how to fall from the bottles safely. Provided some jackass doesn’t grab me off them and tweak my back.”
His angry demeanor disappeared in an instant. Ace took a step forward, eyes scanning her body as his voice softened. “Are you okay? Did I hurt you?”
Shocked by the sudden switch—and his concern—she shook her head. “No. I’m fine.”
The sudden grab had surprised her and put her off kilter, but he hadn’t injured her back.
He glanced into her eyes, stealing her breath as she saw the unmasked worry filling them. Wow. Who knew Mr. Ice had feelings?
“Really, Ace,” she said gently, placing a hand on his arm. “I’m okay.”
He glanced down at her hand on his arm. The air in the room thickened. A rush of heat filled her. A bolt of electricity shot through her body, her fingers tingling against his warm skin. She quickly pulled her hand back, clenching it into a fist and placing it behind her.
What the hell was that?
Pushing the moment away, Millie cleared her throat. “I know how to fall safely off the bottles. I promise you I would have been fine.”
Ace shook his head, blinking a few times before the angry scowl returned to his face. “Why the hell were you on top of those bottles in the first place? We pay you to work, Millie. Not goof around.”
And there went all her warm fuzzy feelings for this man. Jeeze, it was like Jekyll and Hyde with him.
“I was working.” She lifted onto her toes, still not high enough to be eye to eye with the Grumpy Green Giant. Lifting a finger, she poked him in the chest. “If you take a peek out that door you will see.”
Ace glanced down at her finger, raising a brow when he looked back up at her.
Maybe poking her boss wasn’t the best idea, but he was being a jerk, and she didn’t like to be pushed around. Especially not when she was making him a ton of money.
“Look,” she huffed, flopping back onto flat feet and pushing the door open a crack. “See all those people rushing to get the new drink special? I did that. It’s called creative marketing.”
Ace leaned over her. His chest pressing against her back, the heat radiating off his body nearly suffocating her with its warm, intoxicating scent. Dammit! Why did he have to be so hot? Normally it didn’t matter how attractive a person was, if they were an ass, she wasn’t attracted to them. Her body didn’t get that memo with Ace. Didn’t matter. Wasn’t like she was going to do anything about it.
Author Bio:
Bestselling author Mariah Ankenman lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her two rambunctious children and loving spouse who is her own personal spell checker when her dyslexia gets the best of her.
Mariah loves to lose herself in a world of words. Her favorite thing about writing is when she can make someone’s day a little brighter with one of her books. To learn more about Mariah and her books visit her website www.mariahankenman.com
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