Aubrey Wynne's Blog, page 45
February 24, 2022
Forever You by Leah Busboom with Amazon gift card giveaway
Forever You
Leah Busboom
(Connor Brothers, #12)
Publication date: January 12th 2022
Genres: Adult, Romance, Time-Travel
Can love transcend the bounds of time?
Laci V’s star is bright. The up-and-coming singer just released her new single and it’s climbing the country music charts. Her concerts are filling stadiums, and she’s soon to be nominated for a Grammy award. Laci’s quickly becoming a big-time celebrity. But after a storm rolls through one of her outdoor concerts, Laci wakes up in 1855.
Matthew finds a woman from the future in a field near his homestead. He helps her and takes her home with him, and she fascinates him with stories of inventions that haven’t happened yet. Her determination and grit eventually capture his heart. But this rugged, handsome frontiersman isn’t quite sure what to do with this beautiful time traveler.
As Laci gets to know Matthew, she falls in love with his kind and gentle ways, his fierce love for the land, and his indomitable pioneer spirit. While Matthew may be her perfect man, he doesn’t live in the century she wants to live in. Laci longs for the modern conveniences of the time period she came from, for the friends and family she left behind, and for her blossoming career. Matthew realizes that to show his love for Laci, he must let her go back to the time that she came from. Even though it will break his heart.
Will one man’s love span generations? Can love transcend the limits of time, of past and present—turning what seems impossible into something extraordinary?
Book 12 in the Connor Brothers series of small-town, clean, and wholesome romances. You’ll visit Connor’s Grove before it became a town and Minnesota before it became a state.
This book is a unique blend of historical and contemporary romance, and a story about finding love and never letting it go despite the constraints of time. A clean and wholesome take on Outlander. Fans of The Time Traveler’s Wife or the Little House on the Prairie TV series will love this poignant, powerful twelfth book in the Connor Brothers series. This novel may be read as a stand-alone.
—
EXCERPT:
Matthew
We head towards the creek where I found her. When we get there, she turns in the saddle, puts her hand to my cheek, and gazes at me with love in her eyes. Something takes over and I close the space left between us, pressing my mouth to hers.
It’s a kiss that promises the beginning of forever. It takes my breath away. I’ve dreamed about kissing her for weeks—wondering if her lips are as soft as they look. They are.
Her fingers thread through the hair at my nape and my arms wrap around her, drawing her even closer. She kisses me with a passion that she’s been hiding below the surface. I meet her passion with my full heart—our embrace leaves absolutely no doubt about how we feel about each other. This is my last chance to show her how much that I love her, and I don’t waste the opportunity.
The wind swirling violently around us makes the kiss even more reckless and desperate. It’s as if the wind feels my heart shattering into a million pieces.
After an eternity, she pulls back with a stunned look on her face. “Wow,” she murmurs as we gaze at each other, my arms still embracing her small body, never wanting to let go. “I wish you would have kissed me sooner.” Her voice wobbles and a lone tear tracks down her cheek. I wipe it off with my thumb.
Would she have stayed if I kissed her sooner and let her know how I feel about her? I shake those thoughts from my head. Laci belongs in the twenty-first century, and no matter how much I love her, she won’t be happy here.
Another clap of lightning makes us realize that if she’s going to do this, she needs to do it now. “You need to get to the spot where I found you!” The urgency in my voice is evident, but she rubs my cheek one last time as if she’s memorizing my face.
I help her dismount near the place where I first saw her. When her feet hit the ground, she turns and looks up at me. “I love you!” she shouts. Her voice cracks and her lips tremble, raindrops roll down her face in a torrent and she tosses the wet hair out of her eyes. “Please come with me, Matthew,” she pleads, her voice rising with emotion.
The wind howls and thunder reverberates around us. Rain pelts my skin as if it wants to inflict pain—mimicking the pain I’m going to feel when Laci’s gone. I yell to be heard over the roar, “I can’t go, Laci. My place is here.”
She closes her eyes tightly for a few seconds and nods, then takes a few steps away from Sarge and me. My heart aches as I watch her—a tiny figure standing all alone in the vast field, just like when I found her. Laci’s long brown hair swirls around her, and tears stream down her face. She looks beautiful and fierce—a look of determination lights her eyes. My pioneer woman.
A flash of lightning splits the sky. Sarge whinnies and takes a few nervous steps sideways. “Whoa, whoa,” I say as I pat his neck, calming him down.
Laci is still standing in the field, that bolt of lightning not striking close enough yet to do any damage. She pulls something out of her pocket and tosses it to me. I lean over, stretching my arm out, and barely catch it between my fingertips.
“That’s something to always remember me by,” she shouts. I turn over the delicate locket in my work-roughened hand, then tuck it into my pocket.
“I’ll never forget you, Laci. Just like your song—I’ll love you forever.”
Laci puts her hand over her heart. “I’ll love you forever too.”
“Sing me your song, one more time.” A powerful urgency to listen to her beautiful voice and that haunting song one last time hits me. The need to hear her sing is as strong as the need to breathe. Though the winds still whirl furiously around us, the sound seems to dampen, as if even the storm itself wants to hear her song.
Laci locks her eyes with mine, biting her lip, then starts singing. The words come out wobbly at first, but her voice gains strength as she lifts her voice above the storm and belts out the chorus. “Take me to Forever, With you . . .”
The touching words of the refrain nearly get obliterated as thunder roars full force around us, I feel its vibration shake the ground. Suddenly, a bright flash overtakes my vision, accompanied by a deafening crack! I’m momentarily blinded and Sarge shifts nervously under me. I hold tightly to the reins so he doesn’t bolt.
When my eyes adjust and I can make out the field again, Laci’s gone. . .
Author Bio:
Leah Busboom wanted to become an author since the day she learned how to read! She specializes in the romance genre because she loves a great story with a happy ending. Her books are known for their heart warming stories, intriguing characters and hilarious real life situations that make you want to laugh out loud.
Leah currently lives in Colorado with her wonderful husband, her “Blue Bomber” bicycle and a hundred bunny rabbits that roam free in the neighborhood.
Leah has published several full length romance novel series: Chance on Love series (3 books) and Unlikely Catches series (3 books), which also includes her two holiday novellas – Unwrapping Sam’s Heart and Melting Nick’s Heart. She just published The Connor Brother series – a new Clean & Wholesome small town romance series. Books 1-12 are now available.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook
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February 23, 2022
The Queen’s Keeper by J.L. Vampa
Welcome to the second book tour for The Queen’s Keeper by J.L. Vampa! The first tour went so well, we just had to do another! Read on for details about this gorgeous dark fantasy!
The Queen’s Keeper
Publication Date: October 12th, 2021
Genre: Dark Fairy Tale/ Fantasy
What if I told you that everything you knew about your life was a lie and that you’re being hunted?
What if I told you that you were prey?
This is the reality for Luvenia Rousseau. Amidst the struggle to survive in a famished, war-torn country and the fight against the phantoms of her past, her family is brutally ripped apart by a tyrant queen’s venomous army. Just when all hope seems lost, she stumbles upon an enchanted realm while the queen hunts for the one who got away.
A page-turning debut novel among the likes of Hunger Games, Snow White, and Throne of Glass, this dark fairy tale adaptation will have you on the edge of your seat.
Add to Goodreads
Excerpt
The Queen of Aureland strode into her castle’s training hall like an ancient warrior comprised of bone crushing strength and the breathless wonder of snow-capped mountain air. Rarely did she wear riding pants and a tunic—for she believed one’s attire should reflect one’s character and she was a leader of others into excellence and virtue—but today her leading required a different sort of approach and a gown would not do. Granted, her tunic glistened with fine jewels—there was no need to look like a peasant. Her protégé thought she’d seen fierce opponents in her training, but she hadn’t seen Nuria. The queen’s most guarded secret may be of an entirely different nature, but her hundred years of honed battle skills came in at a close second.
“Hello, Luvenia,” she said to get the girl’s attention, her voice silken. “No need to look so shocked, darling. I will be conducting your training this fine morning. Darius needed to sleep. Though achieving his agreement on that fact was a battle in and of itself.” She rolled her eyes and smoothed her bejeweled tunic, then clapped both hands together. “Right, then, let us get to it. You are weakest in hand-to-hand combat, yes?” Veni nodded mutely, feeling as though she were about to discover the queen’s beauty and gentle spirit had merely been the adorned scabbard sheathing a powerful blade. “Very well.” The queen eyed the girl. “I will not hold back. Your training will not be complete until you are capable of disarming and defeating me. That will not happen today. There is no need for unrealistic expectations. Though you, my dear, will beat me one day. Recognize your potential without masking it in obscured reality.”
Veni’s mind spun. She’s going to run me into the ground, physically and mentally. “Use your words, dear. Are you prepared or not?” Veni smirked and sighed a breathy laugh. “Ready as I’ll ever be, I suppose.” Nuria’s beauty turned lethal as she lunged for the wide-eyed girl. Before Veni could even get her hands up to defend herself, the queen nicked her chin with her bare knuckles, enough to stun her. In an instant, she had Veni’s own arm twisted behind her and forced her to her knees. The queen released her captive and Veni stood as her vision swam a bit from the blow to her chin. Nuria wiped the blood from her split knuckle on her pants. “My Hordemen go easy on you and spar with you.” She shook her head. “You have had enough of that. Sparring is unrealistic and you have grown used to how it works.” The queen put a finger to her temple. “Your mind is quick, dear heart, but wits alone will not win a battle. A sparring session, perhaps, but not a battle. Darius has taught you well how to predict your opponent’s next move, this is wise. However, most of the people you come across in a fight will not be calculated. They will be ruthless. There is a fine line between noble ferocity and ruthless ferocity. The truth of it is you will need to dance on the edge of that line in order to get your sister back. We will help you stay on the noble side, but you must embrace the ferocity. You can spar and train all day long, learning all the perfect maneuvers and defenses, but until you can take a true blow and get back up, you are not learning what you will need to succeed in bringing Ester home. Do you understand?”
Veni’s jaw stung, and her heart pounded, but she knew Nuria was right. It was time to cease pretending that she was learning to fight and to truly take hold of it. “Yes,” she told the queen. “Again. Let’s go.” Fast as lightning, Nuria came at her with no mercy over and over. The girl’s blood was splattered on the queen’s sparkling tunic and Nuria’s knuckles continued to bleed. Veni forgot everything she’d learned in routine sparring sessions and had little success discerning Nuria’s next move. That is, for the first half of their session. Once she’d taken several hits and tasted self-preservation as well as a sense of wildness, her training came back to her in a new way. She ended up on her back or rear or face countless times, but it would only take one hit. Luvenia had to hit that beautiful queen one time and she would be satisfied for the day.“
Are you certain you would like to continue? Your eye is beginning to swell.” Nuria watched her protégé struggle to stand, yet again. “I’m sure,” she said through gritted teeth. “Again.” Her eye was indeed swelling shut and her mouth was thick with blood and saliva, but she was going to hit that perfect face. Just once.
Available on Amazon
About the Author
J.L. was born and raised in the great state of Texas. After attending college in Oklahoma, J.L. became a bookkeeper and office manager. She swiftly discovered she was to be a Keeper of Books and a Manager of Fantastical Worlds, instead. Thus began the unfolding of her literary journey,J.L. now lives with her husband and two children, penning her next masterpiece for you to enjoy, while running her own bookish shop, Wicked Whimsy Boutique.
JL Vampa | Instagram | Twitter | Wicked Whimsy Boutique
February 21st
R&R Book Tours (Kick-Off) http://rrbooktours.com
@atypical.tales ( Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/atypical.tales/
@books_inthecity (Review) https://www.instagram.com/books_inthecity/
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@gryffindorbookishnerd (Review) https://www.instagram.com/gryffindorbookishnerd/
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@the.suspense.is.thrilling.me (Review) https://www.instagram.com/the.suspense.is.thrilling.me/
February 22nd
B is for Book Review (Spotlight) https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
@dany.alvy (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/dany.alvy/
Dark Whimsical Arts (Spotlight) https://www.darkwhimsicalart.com/blogs/news
@devoured_pages (Review) https://www.instagram.com/devoured_pages/
@softestreader (Review) https://www.instagram.com/softestreader/
February 23rd
Nesie’s Place (Spotlight) https://nesiesplace.wordpress.com
Jessica Belmont (Spotlight) https://jessicabelmont.com/
@louturnspages (Review) https://www.instagram.com/louturnspages/
@moonflower.reads (Review) https://www.instagram.com/moonflower.reads/
Timeless Romance (Spotlight) https://aubreywynne.com/
February 24th
@jacleomik33 (Review) https://www.instagram.com/jacleomik33/
@definitelynotreading (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/definitelynotreading/
Bunny’s Reviews (Review) https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/
@NerdyFoxReads (Review) https://www.instagram.com/nerdyfoxreads/
February 25th
Books + Coffee = Happiness (Spotlight) https://bookscoffeehappiness.com/
Sophril Reads (Spotlight) http://sophrilreads.wordpress.com
@tl.reads (Review) https://www.instagram.com/tl.reads/
Rambling Mads (Review) http://ramblingmads.comBook Tour Organized By:
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February 22, 2022
The Last Roman by B.K. Greenwood @bkgreenwood70 @RRBookTours1
Welcome to the book tour for The Last Roman: Exile, the first novel in a thrilling trilogy by B.K. Greenwood. Read on for details and a chance to win a copy of this beauty and a t-shirt inspired by the book!
The Last Roman: Exile
Publication Date: May 29th, 2021
Genre: Historical Thriller/ Roman Mythology
Some debts you cannot repay, even if you live forever…
Seasoned imperial officer Marcus Sempronius Gracchus leads the 9th Roman Legion into a bloody battle against a fierce barbarian tribe. It’s a battle he won’t survive. When he awakens three days later, clawing his way from a shallow grave, Marcus must face the reality of his new existence; he will never see the afterlife. But that won’t stop him from dying time and again over the next 2,000 years. Unfortunately, there are others cursed with immortality, and they are determined to bring the world crashing to its knees. Forced to confront the only brother he has ever known, can Marcus prevent the inevitable and possibly find redemption? The Last Roman: Exile is a fast-paced, action-packed historical thriller that will have readers coming back for more. Don’t miss out on B.K. Greenwood’s debut novel, the first in this exciting new trilogy. Available on Amazon The Last Roman: Abyss is now available too!
Excerpt
Marcus moved along the faltering line and soon encountered the largest man he had ever seen, hacking his way through the thinning ranks. A legionnaire tried to bar his path, but the ogre swung his massive blade, catching the soldier just below his jaw. A crimson arc of blood sprayed from the fatal wound, much of it splattering across Marcus’ face and chest. Behind the giant, more barbarians advanced to exploit the breach.
Marcus grabbed the shield of a fallen soldier and rushed the behemoth, who welcomed the attack with a vicious blow. The force drove Marcus to one knee and nearly knocked him unconscious. Marcus raised the shield to protect his head and shoulders and thrust his sword upward. The point struck metal, so he shoved it harder until he felt the blade dig into the soft underside of a trunk-like arm. Marcus could hear the giant’s howl above the din of the battle and knew that retribution was near. Another thunderous blast crashed into the shield, the metal and banded leather splintering from the attack. The next blow would rip Marcus asunder.
Desperate, Marcus hastily covered his head with the remains of his ruined shield. He mustered all his strength and drove forward into the beast. The shield thudded against his waist, eliciting an angry grunt. Marcus reached around the barbarian’s leg with the blade of his sword, finding the naked thigh. Never meant as a weapon for slashing, the edge of his sword was still razor-sharp. He drew it across the giant’s hamstring, cutting through flesh and sinew as Marcus pushed forward. The Suebi screamed in agony as the two men crumpled to the ground. The barbarian smashed the hilt of his sword into Marcus’s head, knocking off his helmet. The world was spinning as Marcus stood and staggered away. Blood flowed down his face, blurring his vision. His opponent, writhing in pain, was screaming at him.
Marcus heard several men shout, “The giant is down!”
A loud cheer erupted from the Romans, but that only encouraged the other barbarians. Marcus somehow raised his sword in time to block another attack, but the force knocked him to the ground. The barbarian raised his sword to strike a death blow when Gaius appeared out of nowhere and ran him through. With great effort, Marcus regained his footing, lumbering forward to rejoin the melee. He lost his balance again and had to lean on his sword to keep from falling. As he stood watching the raging battle, a sharp pain shot through his side.
He looked down and saw the blade of the stricken giant sliding beneath his armor. The barbarian was sitting on his haunches, trying to stab him again. Marcus summoned his remaining strength and, swinging for the neck, felt the cold steel bite into flesh, then bone. A low gurgle escaped the laceration as the colossal body slumped forward, and the barbarian’s head fell to the ground.
Marcus dropped the sword, trying in vain to reach his wound and stem the flow of blood. His breath grew labored, and he coughed, a coppery trace spilling into his mouth. He slumped to his knees as scores of legionnaires rushed past. Marcus watched the reinforcements plug holes in the line and stem the barbarian attack. More cohorts arrived, and the battle devolved into a desperate struggle. Even with both legions engaged, the outcome was uncertain.
Marcus watched as the ranks dwindled, the men stubbornly giving way to the onslaught. It looked like they may break at any moment when a commotion drew his attention to the right side of the battle. A cheer rose from the legionnaires as the forgotten Roman cavalry rejoined the fight and rolled up the exposed barbarian flank. Within minutes, the Suebi army was in full flight, and the mounted troopers were cutting down the stragglers. As the centurions rushed to put the men back in formation, Marcus slipped to the ground, his gaze fixed on the gray, sunless sky.
Moments later, Gaius knelt beside him. He tried to undo the bloody clasp of his armor, but Marcus pushed his hand away. Their eyes met.
“The men did good,” Marcus said.
“Yes, they did.”
Marcus continued, but it was inaudible.
Gaius leaned over, and Marcus whispered, “Tell my wife—” He coughed up specks of blood onto Gaius’s soiled cheek. “I’m so sorry…” Marcus swallowed back the warm fluid that was rising in his throat, “sorry I left her.”
“I will,” he promised. “I will tell her myself.”
Marcus nodded as a white horse arrived, the rider dismounting. Somewhere in the distance, he could hear the general’s voice.
“Gaius?”
The old centurion did not reply, but the answer was written on his troubled face. Quintus knelt to the ground.
“Marcus, your actions have saved the day. I plan on submitting your name to the Senate…”
Quintus paused when their eyes met, then shifted to the pool of blood gathering around them. As the general spoke of honor rolls and victory marches, Marcus looked beyond him to the sky above. There was a shimmer in the cloud that resembled a bird. He tried to focus on the form as it grew closer, but he could not keep his eyes open. As he slipped into the darkness, he thought of his wife and the fact that he would never see her again.
About the Author
B.K. Greenwood lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and wolfpack of 4 rescue dogs. He loves to travel and has incorporated his experiences into his writing. B.K. enjoys works of fiction and nonfiction, with a heavy emphasis on history, adventure, and classics. His passion for history is on display in his debut novel, The Last Roman: Exile.
B.K. Greenwood | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Giveaway: The Last Roman: Exile and Tee Bundle! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Book Tour Schedule
February 21st
R&R Book Tour (Kick-Off) http://rrbooktours.com
Reads & Reels (Spotlight) http://readsandreels.com
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February 22nd
Liliyana Shadowlyn (Review) https://lshadowlynauthor.com/
@honeydukesbooks (Review) https://www.instagram.com/honeydukesbooks/
Rambling Mads (Spotlight) http://ramblingmads.com
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February 23rd
I Smell Sheep (Spotlight) http://www.ismellsheep.com/
@jypsylynn (Review) https://www.instagram.com/jypsylynn
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February 24th
@books_inthecity (Review) https://www.instagram.com/books_inthecity/
Jessica Belmont (Review) https://jessicabelmont.com/
The Magic of Wor(l)ds (Review) http://themagicofworlds.wordpress.com
Nesie’s Place (Spotlight) https://nesiesplace.wordpress.com
February 25th
@softestreader (Review) https://www.instagram.com/softestreader/
@definitelynotreading (Review) https://www.instagram.com/definitelynotreading/
@the.suspense.is.thrilling.me (Review) https://www.instagram.com/the.suspense.is.thrilling.me/
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Misty’s Book Space (Spotlight) http://mistysbookspace.wordpress.com
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February 21, 2022
Vibes & Feels by Sarah Skye blitz with giftcard giveaway
Vibes & Feels
Sarah Skye
(Unlikely Pairings, #2)
Publication date: February 22nd 2022
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
THE SEQUEL TO SIPS & STROKES!
Falling for your enemy never felt so good.
Marco Woodruff has hit rock bottom. He drunkenly propositioned his ex-girlfriend at his own wedding rehearsal dinner just over a year ago and ended up dumped and jobless with a broken nose. He’s been the pariah of his social circle ever since. Now, he’s trying like hell to change for the better.
Morgan Paulsen loathes Marco. He’s nothing more than the douchebag who broke her best friend Lily’s heart. He’s also the last person in the world she expects to help when she finds herself in a crisis. Her ailing grandma needs a full-time caretaker, something she can’t afford. So when Marco offers to look after Gram for free, Morgan takes it as a sign from the universe and reluctantly accepts under one condition: that they never tell anyone about their arrangement.
But Morgan quickly realizes Marco has a completely different vibe these days. The sweet guy who whips up homemade meals for her Gram and happily escorts her to bridge club definitely isn’t the douchebag she remembers. She’s falling hard for the tall, dark, and handsome hottie who kisses like a demon and rocks out to BTS and Taylor Swift. Marco is equally smitten with beautiful, badass Morgan. Never in his life has he felt so content and comfortable than with her. Never did he think he was capable of feeling so much for somebody.
Soon they’re falling hard into total bliss and blazing passion. But if they make it official, Morgan will lose her best friend forever. Can she come clean to Lily? Can Marco prove that therapy and cutting out his toxic family have really changed him? Or will being open about their love ruin everything?
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo
—
EXCERPT:
Morgan
I’m rummaging in my bag for the valet ticket and not watching where I’m going as I approach the podium, which is why I crash into a brick wall dressed in a white dress shirt and paisley tie. We bounce off each other with a collective “oomph.”
The broad-chested guy reaches out to steady me. He cuts off my muttered apologies with, “No, my fault, I was—”
Nothing else follows that statement. When I blink up at him, I find him looking at me with a kind of sick horror in his eyes. I don’t think my essential oil is so potent as to be offensive. Why is he looking at me like I’m his worst nightmare? Why am I getting dread vibes?
And why does he seem so familiar?
I know him… No, no way… He’s too scruffy and raw to be—
The maître d’ clears his throat. “Can I help either of you?”
“Yes, um, well. I need my car brought around, but, um, you go first, Morgan.”
My head whips back to the guy as my suspicions confirm themselves. “Marco.”
He cringes at the way I whisper-puke his name, but the sour taste in my mouth is too much to suppress. Marco Woodruff is standing beside me. My best friend’s dickweed ex-boyfriend. Hey, creep, how’s it going?
I hurry to slide the valet ticket onto the podium. “Um, it’s a red Mini Cooper,” I say as if he needs to know this, then spin on my heel and race out the door to the front curb. Heavy footfalls behind me tell me Marco, too, has come outside to wait.
We stand side by side in total silence.
“Where did they park them, the North Pole?” I mutter when an eternity has passed.
He breathes out a chuckle that I don’t want to hear. It’s commiseration, and we are not people who have anything to bond over.
I pucker my lips as headlights blaze from our left. A Mercedes glides up. I roll my eyes. “Of course.”
The valet pops out, and Marco frowns. “She was first.”
The annoyance in his voice stops the valet, who was already jogging back toward the parking lot. “Sorry, boss, your car was blocking hers in.”
We trade a look.
“Do you need me to wait with you?”
His voice is thin. Clothing aside, he’s nothing like I remember him. The scruffy beard is definitely new. He isn’t cocky, either. If anything, I sense deep fatigue in him. It’s in his eyes. It’s in his slumped shoulders. It’s in his whole damn aura.
But the question has only one right answer. I jut my chin out and sneer. “If I ever need a chaperon, Marco, I’ll find one who’s at least a modicum of trustworthy, thanks so much.”
He flinches like I’ve delivered the blow he’s been waiting for since we ran into each other. Maybe I have. “I expected that answer. Goodnight.”
And with that, he drops into his car and is gone.
Author Bio:
Sarah Skye is the nom de plume of romance authors Sarah Smith and Skye McDonald. Sarah and Skye met on Twitter as fledgling authors seeking critique partners. That turned into a brilliant friendship, a joint podcast (Quick & Dirty Romance Podcast), and now a novel.
Sarah Smith (Faker; If You Never Come Back; Simmer Down) is a copywriter-turned-author who wants to make the world a lovelier place, one kissing story at a time. Her love of romance began when she was eight and she discovered her auntie’s stash of romance novels. She’s been hooked ever since. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking, eating chocolate, and perfecting her lumpia recipe. She lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband and adorable cat Salem.
Skye McDonald (The Anti-Belle Series) is an author and personal development coach. Skye’s Anti-Belle series feature sassy GRITS (Girls Raised In the South) learning to love themselves before they can claim their happily ever after. (Spoiler: they always do!) Her coaching method uses fitness and life skills to teach individuals to do the same. When not writing sexy books or cheering for you to live your best life, Skye can be found out on a new adventure, usually with her pup at her side.
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February 9, 2022
Perky by Julia Kent – FREE for a limited time!
Perky
Julia Kent
(Do-Over, #2)
Publication date: July 30th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
AN ALL-NEW STANDALONE FROM NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR JULIA KENT
One hundred years ago when I was young and impulsive (okay, it was five, alright? Five years ago…) I let my boyfriend take, let’s just say…compromising pictures of me.
(Shut up. It made sense at the time).
Surprise! The sleazy back-stabbing jerk posted them on a website and, well, you can guess what happened. That’s right.
I’m a meme. A really gross one.
You’re seen the pictures. And if you haven’t – don’t ask. And don’t look!
As face recognition software online improves, I get tagged on social media whenever anyone shares my pictures. You try getting a thousand notifications a day, all of them pictures of your tatas.
So. I’m done.
It’s time for revenge. Let him see how it feels! But how do you get embarrassingly intimate pictures of your jerkface ex who double-crossed you five years ago?
Especially when he’s a member of the U.S.House of Representatives now?
Getting sweet between the sheets with a congressman is pretty much every political roadie’s dream, right? I’m one in a crowd.
Except to this day, he swears he didn’t do it. Pursued me for months after I dumped him five years ago. Begged me to take him back.
And I almost did it. Almost. I was weak and stupid and in love a hundred years ago.
Okay. Fine. Five.
But I still have the upper hand. Second chance romance has all the emotional feels, doesn’t it?
I can’t wait to punch him in the feels.
All I need to do is sleep with him once, take some hot-and-sweaty pics of him in… delicate positions, and bring him down. That’s it. Nothing more.
Pictures first. Revenge after. And then I win.
At least, that’s how it was supposed to happen. But then I did something worse than sexting.
I fell in love with him. Again.
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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 1.5 million books, with 4 New York Times bestsellers and more than 16 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French and German, with more titles releasing soon. 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 lives in New England with her husband and three children in a household where the toilet seat is never, ever, down.
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February 7, 2022
SECRETS OF A RIVER SWIMMER
Secrets of a River Swimmer
by S.S. Turner
GENRE: Literary Fiction
BLURB:
As Freddy gazes at the majestic river gushing past him in the depths of a Scottish winter, he’s ready to jump in and end his life. But what happens next is not what Freddy expects. From the moment he enters the river, Freddy starts a journey which is more beautiful, funny, and mysterious than he could have imagined. And through this journey Freddy’s story becomes interweaved with a cast of unforgettable characters who are equally lost and in search of answers. Eventually they all unite in their quest for an answer to the biggest question of them all: will the river take them where they want to go?
In the tradition of inspirational works of fiction like The Alchemist and Life of Pi, Secrets of a River Swimmer is at once a profound exploration into living with meaning and an affecting story of people on the cusp of change.
Excerpt:
From Page 21-22
My thoughts drift to picture what life as a gillie must be like. I imagine you start the day by carrying all the fishing equipment your fat and wealthy clients will need for a day of luxurious and fully-catered fishing. You carry everything while they take it easy, and you locate the best spot to fish for the largest possible salmon. Your local knowledge about fishing spots has to be extraordinary. You then set up the fishing rod, position your client in the right spot, and talk them through what they need to do to catch that magic fish they’re all searching for. Of course, your clients are always searching for the largest catch of the season, so they can go home and brag to their friends and family about what skilled fishermen they are. It’s obvious to you, if not to them, that the subtext is being able to sing to the world that they have massive willies, bigger than everyone else’s.
Beyond fishing, you’re forced to listen to whatever the hell it is your clients want to talk about for the eight long hours you’re on the river. Your clients are all obscenely wealthy, so it’s more than likely you’ll hear a lot of moaning about all the small things in life they’d like changed. Many of them will complain about local wind farm developments, council plans to develop their neighborhood, and, of course, the big one: immigration. They all believe immigrants are responsible for all the problems in the world. These people are your quintessential NIMBYs, and will always complain about progress if it affects them in any way, no matter how minor. You do whatever you can to bring the conversation back to fishing because it’s an easier conversation for you, and less productive grounds for their complaining. They’re slowly sucking the life out of you with their negativity, so you carefully select your words to bring the conversation onto a more positive pathway. And, of course, your ultimate back-up plan, as it is for many British people, is to pull out the ultimate conversation filler when you’re at rock bottom: the weather. Yes, it’s a desperate move and the equivalent of holding up a white flag, but needs must.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
S.S. Turner has been an avid reader, writer, and explorer of the natural world throughout his life which has been spent in England, Scotland and Australia. Just like Freddy in his first novel, Secrets of a River Swimmer, he worked in the global fund management sector for many years but realized it didn’t align with his values. In recent years, he’s been focused on inspiring positive change through his writing as well as trying not to laugh in unfortunate situations. He now lives in Australia with his wife, daughter, two dogs, two cats, and ten chickens.
https://www.thestoryplant.com/secrets-of-a-river-swimmer
Buy Links:
Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JWTK3WN/
B&N- https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secrets-of-a-river-swimmer-s-s-turner/1139673873
AppleBooks- https://books.apple.com/us/book/secrets-of-a-river-swimmer/id1591209788
Indigo- https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/secrets-of-a-river-swimmer/9781611883213-item.html
Kobo- https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/secrets-of-a-river-swimmer
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Deceiving the Duke (Gems of London Book 1) be Elizabeth Ellen Carter – new release
Deceiving the Duke (Gems of London Book 1)
by Elizabeth Ellen Carter
Hate brought them together. Will love tear them apart?
Welcome to book 1 in the exciting new series from USA Today Bestselling Author Elizabeth Ellen Carter.
William Musgrave, Duke of Auchen, is dying. When he goes to his grave, he will take with him the opportunity to right a wrong that has left Lady Ruby McAllister impoverished.
Ruby has the contract that pledged her father a one-third share in a successful Scottish textile mill. But Auchen never made good on his promise before Ruby’s father died. Now Ruby has lost her beloved Strathaird, home to the McAllisters for centuries. Her only hope is to confront the duke before he dies. And her chance comes when a vacancy arises for a new night nurse in his London household.
Standing in her way is Seth Musgrave, the duke’s estranged son, who despises his father for deriding him as an imbecile. In truth, Seth is the driving force behind his father’s successful enterprise. William Musgrave has heeded no one in his life except for his wife. She died twenty years ago, but Ruby hears him call for her in his nightly delirium.
What if Ruby answered his call, pretending to be the only woman who could ever persuade the duke to do the right thing?
How long can Ruby keep her secret when Seth is trying to distract her with his kisses? And what if Seth learns the woman he’s falling in love with is deceiving the Duke?
Gems of London
Deceiving the Duke
A Curio for The Count
The Elusive Earl
The Matchmaking Marchioness
Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NL99DYN
Biography
Elizabeth Ellen Carter is USA Today bestselling author and an award-winning historical romance writer who pens richly detailed historical romantic adventures. A former newspaper journalist, Carter ran an award-winning PR agency for 12 years. The author lives in Australia with her husband and two cats.
Social Media
• Web: http://eecarter.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethEllenCarter
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/eecarterauthor/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_ellen_carter/
• BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elizabeth-ellen-carter
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ElizabethEllenCarter
February 3, 2022
Talk of Tokyo by Heather Hallman excerpt and gift card giveaway
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Heather Hallman will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
CAREFUL WITH YOUR WORDS
1897 Tokyo is no different than anywhere else in the world: men are exploiting women. Specifically, Western men are exploiting Japanese women, and Suki Malveaux holds no punches in her condemnation of their behavior in her weekly column in the Tokyo Daily News.
Suki knows firsthand when Western men arrive at Tokyo Bay there’s only one outcome for Japanese women: a child and new mother left behind as nothing more than discarded shrapnel from the heartless war on love.
Griffith Spenser is her latest target. He’s been seen with Natsu Watanabe, one of Tokyo’s esteemed war widows. Under full anonymity of the moniker “The Tokyo Tattler,” Suki makes sure Griffith knows exactly why his behavior with Natsu won’t be tolerated.
Away from her Japanese mask as a columnist, Suki never intended to meet the cad. When he seeks her out to hire as a tutor for his niece and nephew, she’s faced with seeing him day in and day out without him ever knowing who she really is.
Caught in her struggle for anonymity so she can keep battling for women’s rights, Suki’s about to learn the full impact of her words on the people behind the story, especially on Griff.
Read an Excerpt
Tokyo 1897
Foreign Quarter of Tsukiji
“The door is over here,” a man called from the house.
Had Emperor Mutsuhito been standing on the front porch, Suki wouldn’t have been more surprised. The irate gentleman she’d been expecting was looking at her with an expression of mild amusement. Up to now, she’d only caught glimpses of the incorrigible rake in passing. Closer examination revealed an angular jawline that an aspiring journalist might wish to trace with her finger and cheekbones ordinarily found on statues of world-conquering kings. Pillow-like lips, one touch of which would make a woman’s insides melt, were already having that very effect on her.
Griffith Spenser was downright handsome. But not in a way that made Suki swoon into the azalea bushes. A crease lined the middle of his chin, and his nose could be described as a bit wide, his brow as a bit too high. The caramel-colored hair atop his head hadn’t been set with a pomade but permitted its thick waves, adding a few inches of unruly height to the already tall, lean gentleman.
Given his reputation, she should have been prepared for a strong dose of masculine appeal. But her head felt light and airy, and her breath had all but disappeared. In its place, a bubbling sensation portended a spell of the giggles. Gripping her satchel, she took in enough air to restore her powers of reason. Unless she got to work, Spenser was going to be the instrument of her undoing. Fortunately, she knew his weakness. Like most foreign men who arrived on Japan’s shores, Spenser was enamored with the nation’s beauties. And although her chignon had loosened to lopsidedness, and her kimono bore the marks of a full day’s teaching, and she was, in fact, only half-Japanese, she could muster enough charm to make Spenser reconsider his plans.
About the Author:
Heather Hallman writes witty, sensual, contest-winning romances set in Meiji-era Japan (1868-1912). She is the author of the Tokyo Whispers series that includes Scandals of Tokyo and Talk of Tokyo. She is fluent in Japanese language, history, and culture, and earned a doctoral degree in cultural anthropology based on fieldwork research in Japan. She lives in Tokyo with her professor husband and two young daughters. In her free time, she can be found translating ancient Japanese poetry and observing the passing of seasons while sipping green tea. Just kidding, she has no free time. But she does watch something that makes her laugh while she does the dishes.
Perennial obsessions include the weather forecast (she checks three different apps at least three times a day, as no single app can be trusted), Baltimore Ravens football (hometown obsession), and making smoothies that taste like candy bars.
Feel free to chat her up about any of her obsessions, or, even better, about historical Japan—any era is fine, she loves them all. She also enjoys exchanging book recommendations, discussions about the craft of romance writing, and stories about life in present-day Tokyo.
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Buy links for Talk of Tokyo:
Boroughs Publishing Group
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February 2, 2022
The Perils of Paris by Ana T Drew with excerpt and giveaway
The Perils of Paris
by Ana T. Drew
GENRE: cozy mystery
BLURB:
When someone tries to kill her sister,
it’s time for Julie Cavallo to don her sleuthing cap!
The Provence sweet shop owner rushes to the home of her twin sister in Paris.
Julie’s main question is: Who would want Cat, a professional medium, dead?
Unfortunately, Cat doesn’t have a clue.
But since when has the absence of clues deterred Julie?
Soon enough, she uncovers a suspicious death, unsolved disappearances, and a spiritual community with a dark secret to protect.
By the time Julie realizes she opened a big can of worms, she’s in too deep.
And her life is in danger.
Cue the handsome captain Gabriel Adinian, Julie’s longtime crush.
Why is he in Paris?
Probably on assignment for the Gendarmerie Nationale. Or maybe a private matter unrelated to Julie.
But what if he’s taken leave to watch over her?
Then, Julie hopes he’ll do a little more than watch—professionally and… otherwise.
Can Julie, with the help of her friends, solve the far-reaching case and cheat death once again?
Excerpt
As always when I try to meditate, I grow sleepy. Just as I begin to nod off, someone near me farts.
It’s a whale of a fart, silent but deadly. In terms of impact, it’s closer to a biochemical attack than to an “oops, sorry” mishap. Incidentally, no one says “oops, sorry.”
I open my eyes and look around. Several other students do the same. Everyone shifts uncomfortably and turns their faces away from the source of the effluvium.
The woman on my left appears to be the culprit. Her cheeks, ears and neck are flaming red.
Oh my God, she’s the raw food eater!
The many health benefits of the uncooked peas and cabbage do come at a price. There’s no such thing as free lunch until proven otherwise. Like Faust signing a deal with Mephistopheles, one must give something to get something. Like Anakin Skywalker transforming into the powerful Darth Vader, one must join the dark side of the Fork.
I stifle a smile.
The raw eater half opens her left eye and looks around, as if trying to assess the damage she’s inflicted. When she catches me looking at her, she shuts her left eye… and immediately opens the right one to check if anyone besides me saw her looking and getting caught.
I crack up.
A deep belly laugh gushes out of me, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. I’m roaring and shaking. My face muscles hurt. Tears stream down my cheeks. I haven’t laughed like this in an awfully long time.
Perhaps not since childhood.
Maybe never.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Ana T. Drew is the evil mastermind behind the recent series of murders in the fictional French town of Beldoc. When she is not writing cozy mysteries or doing mom-and-wife things, she can be found watching “The Rookie” to help her get over “Castle”. She lives in Paris but her heart is in Provence. Visit ana-drew.com for a free cookbook and a game!
Website: ana-drew.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/ana-drew
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnaDrewAuthor
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ana-t-drew
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/anadrew
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authoranadrew
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Audrey by Sean-Paul Thomas
Audrey
Sean-Paul Thomas
Publication date: May 21st 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
From the author of My Sister and I and The Old Man and The Princess (recently optioned to be a motion picture) – comes a new, suspenseful romantic tale that will knock you off your feet. A story that has a reminiscence of ‘500 days of Summer’ and ‘Midnight in Paris’ with a fair dollop of ‘The Graduate’ thrown in. And of course Audrey, a delightful, older female protagonist who takes the young and wayward ex-con Joe under her wing.
Just out of prison Joe, a young builder from Edinburgh who writes movie scripts in his spare time, randomly meets Audrey, a washed-up, hard-drinking, chain-smoking, middle-aged French film actress at his local film festival. After hitting it off and spending one crazy, magical night together, Audrey sees some potential in Joe and his writing and tries to help him win back his estranged daughter by getting his first screenplay made into a movie in Paris. And so, the adventure of a lifetime begins…
Excerpt
“Don’t say that. Jesus. You were brilliant up there. And you barely look a day over twenty-nine.” Joe said with a reassuring grin. Audrey’s eyes widened and she smiled with delight at the compliment.
“Well the dim lighting out here in this dark alleyway is fantastic, yes?” she teased. “It hides all of my lovely wrinkles and skin imperfections.”
“Okay,” Joe said rolling his eyes. “Maybe thirty-five then when you were outside earlier in the natural light,” Joe said, teasing her back, trying his best to flirt with her now, but it had been such a long time since he’d played the flirting game with anyone, that he didn’t even know if he was doing it right anymore. They both chuckled at his words and Audrey even slapped him lightly on the arm. Joe took it as a pretty good sign that she enjoyed his rusty flirting banter, even if she was only humouring him. He was just about to ask her something else. Something a little bit deeper and meaningful. That was when the festival host suddenly appeared through the fire escape, desperately searching for Audrey. Joe realised instantly that he was coming to steal her away even before he gave Joe a quick dismissive look.
“Miss Beart? We need to take some more pictures now. Can you please come back inside?”
Joe had never felt so gutted before in his life. It was like the brick alley walls around him were all crumbling in and there was nothing he could do to stop the imminent disaster. They both hesitated and looked deeply into each other’s eyes like they knew they had so much more to say and ask of the other. At first, the festival host just assumed that Joe was only a starstruck fan and would be dropped by Audrey like a hot piece of coal effective immediately at the host’s mere white-knight presence in front of them. But after a long but comfortable silence, even Joe felt surprised that Audrey was still standing there and hadn’t made her excuses to leave already.
“So…” She finally uttered with that cute and delightful smile of hers, which was directed straight at him once again. “It would appear as if they remembered who I am after all…”
Audrey threw her almost finished cigarette down onto the ground and stamped it out with her shoe.
“I guess it was nice meeting you then… Joseph…”
“Please, just call me Joe”
“Hey, Joe, what do you know?” Audrey replied right back at him with a playful smile and a casual wink.
“You too, Audrey. It was an absolute pleasure,” was all Joe could fire back even though he wanted to say a million and one other things.
There was another fleeting second of hesitation. Joe didn’t want her to go anywhere and he knew she could feel it too, but in the end, he felt utterly powerless to make her stay. Who the hell was he to demand such a thing? In a normal world of boy-meets-girl, this would have been the ideal time to ask for her number or e-mail address or at least add her on bloody Facebook. But Joe did nothing. Not only was he well out of practice on the boy-meets-girl market front, but who the hell was he to ask anything of her? Joe knew he didn’t belong there. He knew he didn’t belong in Audrey’s world at that particular moment in time. He hadn’t yet earned that kind of accolade or respect as an artist. He was a nobody, and she was a somebody. Joe lived in Edinburgh as an ex-con, part-time plumber, and a starving writer and she lived in the vibrant, stunning, and equally chaotic city of Paris, or so he’d read on her IMDB page, deep within the magical film world that Joe hadn’t even begun earning the right of entry into. Plus, it felt even more awkward to him with the festival host still impatiently leering over them, still wondering why on earth Audrey hadn’t made her excuses and left with him yet, but at the same time not wishing to appear verbally rude by enforcing her to come back into the cinema.
“Good luck with the movie, too, and your writing.” Joe finally added, still not taking his eyes away from the middle-aged beauty.
“Merci Beaucoup,” Audrey replied, still gazing right at him before finally turning away and beginning to make her idle move back through the fire exit doors and into the cinema. “See you then,” she continued in a tone that suggested if Joe would only man the hell up and ask her to meet him later that evening for a drink or a late-night coffee so they could chat some more about movies, writing, or whatever the hell other life subjects that came up, then she would absolutely and positively accept his invitation. But Joe didn’t say another damn word, because Joe wasn’t that bold, or charming, or confident. Had he ever been? Yes, perhaps, once upon a time, before five long years of living in a lonely cell had robbed him of some crucial part of his personality and socialising skills to the extent where two minutes conversing with a French film actress convinced him that was two minutes more than what he actually deserved. Then, to the cinema host’s deep frustrations, Audrey suddenly paused at the fire exit door for much longer than he would have liked.
“What are you doing later, Joe?” Audrey asked out of the blue. Joe found himself utterly taken aback by her question, but quickly composed himself with a sharp, cool, and confident response that he would thank himself for in the not too distant future.
“Nothing I can’t get out of. Why, what do you have in mind?”
“Can you show me where to buy some cigarettes around here?”
“Aye. I can do that.” Joe replied, utterly delighted but trying his best to hold it in.
“Good. Why don’t you meet me out front in say… thirty minutes, and I’ll maybe even let you show me around your wonderful city, too, if you’re lucky?” Audrey said, finishing with a wink.
Joe smiled with utter pleasure. He couldn’t quite believe what Audrey had just said, but he went with it all the same.
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Author Bio:
Scottish Author/Screenwriter.
Sean is an author from Edinburgh in Scotland. He is the best selling Kindle Author of ‘The Old Man and The Princess’ which was recently optioned to be a major motion picture.
Sean spent most of his childhood and teenage years on the move with his Scottish and Irish army Parents growing up in the likes of Cyprus, Germany, Wales, and England, as an army brat.
With a keen interest in both reading and writing, he was diagnosed with travel and writing bugs very early in life. Now, writing, travelling, reading, cinema, and Scottish football (Supporting the mighty Edinburgh City for his sins) are his main passions in life.
His main inspiration for writing today comes from living in such a beautiful, charming and hauntingly, Gothic city, such as Edinburgh. An awe-inspiring wee city that has given him so much amazing inspiration to write the more time he spends there.
Recently, Sean has been working on a couple of screenplay adaptations of his books. One of which ‘The Old Man and The Princess’ made the final of the Nashville Film Festival Screenwriting Competition 2018 and has since been optioned by an award-winning Director /Producer team. Scheduled to go into production in Ireland in the summer of 2021 filming has been postponed until 2022 due to the recent covid pandemic.
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