Cara Faith Donvovan's Blog, page 55

Letting Love In - Katharina LeBoeuf

Title: Letting Love InSeries: Damaged Heart #2Author: Katharina LeBoeufGenre: New Adult/Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: May 16, 2017Cover Model: Justin EdwardsPhotographer: RplusMphotoCover Designer: Cover Me Darling
Emma believes it’s only a matter of time before Justin realizes she will never be good enough for him. To save her heart from breaking, she runs from the one person who opened a door she thought was forever closed.Justin is determined to do whatever it takes to make Emma his. But fate is a spiteful bitch, and a secret he’s tried to keep in the past has resurfaced, threatening to destroy everything they’ve started building together. Can Justin earn Emma’s love despite it, or will this revelation prove to be too much for them to overcome?Ryan lost Emma once and he is determined to win her back. Seven years later, a chance encounter brings Ryan and Emma face to face again, and the truth behind what tore them apart all those years ago is brought to light. Will the discovery of those past actions be enough to alter their future choices? Will Emma open her heart to loving him again?Emma has been dealt a terrible hand when it comes to both life and love, and now her heart is torn in two. She realizes she’ll have to make a choice; one that will decide her destiny. Will she choose the boy who stole her heart so many years ago, or the man who finally opened her heart, letting love in?***This is the conclusion to Emma's story*** a Rafflecopter giveaway Katharina LeBoeuf grew up in New Orleans water skiing on the bayous and getting her fill of Cajun food. She graduated from LSU School of Nursing and currently works as a Registered Nurse. She loves sitting in her hammock and reading a good book. On the rare occasion there’s not a book in her hand, she’s watching her favorite shows like Friends, Seinfeld, The Walking Dead, and Criminal Minds on Netflix. She loves cheering on her boys during their baseball games and attending plays her daughter performs in. Oh yeah, and she loves writing! Katharina lives in Orlando with her high school sweetheart, three children, a smelly cat named Chester (it’s not his fault) and a dog named Rhett.

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Grunt - Kailee Reese Samuels

Title: GruntSeries: SOSAuthor: Kailee Reese SamuelsGenre: Dark Erotic SuspenseRelease Date: May 30, 2017
Six days.No one thought I could lastHere in the cell—I now call homeThey didn’t know I grew up in the prison of my crime family’s dream.Six weeks.No one thought I could withstandThe loss, the drugs, the torture They didn’t know how much I would enjoy their game.Six months.No one thought I could survive Their puppet and prey—but I like to play—Hard.And I don’t lose.They picked the wrong guy. Their so-called ‘grunt’ would fight to get home and take revenge. I vowed to come back—for her—for Kaci. But everything changed.My maniacal mind wrapped with a pretty mug, I am an unforgiving opponent, tough—tougher than they ever imagined.And I will never – ever – break.


Embracing diversity. Coffee addict. Mango lover. Blueberry fetishist. Sweet peach tea crazy. Red wine devout. Whiskey deviant. Tattooed & pierced. Loves shoes. Collects rosaries. Fanatical organizer/cleaner/list-maker. Never sleeps. Hermit and recluse.Storyteller. KAILEE REESE SAMUELS has been spinning tales since she can remember. Her books are contemporary fiction with a no-holds-barred attitude. She adores listening to her character’s ramble and putting them into situations that push the boundaries. Creativity is the way to change.  HOSTED BY:
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Room Mates with Benefits - Nicole Williams

Coming June 5th

Pre-order exclusively via iBooks HERE





Soren Decker. He’s the epitome of the “bad boy, good man” persona. The best of both worlds. The worst of them too. He’s the type of guy most girls would not mind sharing a confined space with, except my new roommate isn’t all swagger and chiseled abs.

He’s bossy. Messy. Cocky. Infuriating. Doesn’t believe in personal space. Has no qualms about roaming the apartment with a loincloth-sized towel cinched around his waist. Seems under the delusion he’s my personal protector (refer back to infuriating). He plays college baseball and holds down a part-time job—I don’t know where he finds the time to get on my nerves.


We’re got nothing in common . . . except for one thing. Our attraction to one another. And in six hundred square feet of shared space, the tension only has so much room to grow before one of us gives in to temptation. But really, what chance do a couple of young kids chasing their dreams in the big city have of making it?

Since Soren claims I know squat about sports (he might have a semi-point), here’s a stat for him—one in a million. That’s our odds.









Nicole Williams is the New York Times and USATODAY bestselling author of contemporary and young adult romance, including the Crash and Lost & Found series. Her books have been published by HarperTeen and Simon & Schuster in both domestic and foreign markets, while she continues to self-publish additional titles. She is working on a new YA series with Crown Books (a division of Random House) as well. She loves romance, from the sweet to the steamy, and writes stories about characters in search of their happily even after. She grew up surrounded by books and plans on writing until the day she dies, even if it’s just for her own personal enjoyment. She still buys paperbacks because she’s all nostalgic like that, but her kindle never goes neglected for too long. When not writing, she spends her time with her husband and daughter, and whatever time’s left over she’s forced to fit too many hobbies into too little time. Nicole is represented by Jane Dystel, of Dystel and Goderich Literary Agency.
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Havana Heat - Kim Knight

Title: Havana HeatSeries: Romance Set in Paradise Book 1Author: Kim KnightGenre: RomanceRelease Date: May 12, 2017


Havana Heat is book one of the Romance Set in Paradise Series of modern, steamy, suspenseful and romantic stories, set in exotic locations around the world. In Havana Heat readers are transported to the paradise of Cuba’s capital Havana, following the romantic heat build between Spaniard Detective Sebastian Garcia, and London born and bred wedding planner Melinda Jones. Melinda’s path crosses with the handsome and charming detective at Casa De Amor Hotel as a guest at her client’s exotic location wedding. Both characters are in search of a slice of paradise, away from their own troubled love life back home. Once their paths cross the romance and sizzle begins.
When all hell breaks out at Casa De Amor Hotel, and conflict builds over their past, both characters are faced with a decision to take a risk and see out their romance, or walk away. Forever asking themselves what could have been. Romance, thrills and excitement await in book one of this modern romance series set in paradise.




The code will be valid from 12th -14th May.Available on Smashwords 15% discount code GQ72L.https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/719645


Sebastian takes Melinda’s hand as they leave the dance floor of Casa De Amigos. They weave their way in and out of the crowds. The crowds have built up the bar is now busy with local Cubans and tourists, enjoying the ambience of cheap cocktails, beers, the wide screen TV and small dancefloor to salsa.As they exit the bar into the late afternoon sunshine, the humid heat does nothing to cool down their perspiring bodies hot from all their dancing.“Sebastian, which way from here? I have no idea where I’m going.”Sebastian looks down at Melinda fanning herself with one hand. With the sunshine on her smooth brown skin, Sebastian can’t deny that his attraction toward Melinda is growing. His eyes sweep up and down her curvy body as he admires her sundress and wedge heels. He wonders to himself what’s underneath her sundress, his mind runs wild as he fantasises about the kind of underwear Melinda likes to wear, and the kind of underwear he would like to see her in. Tearing his eyes away from her he hides his smile.“Hmm, let’s try this direction.”“Okay, let’s go.”With a warm glow inside of each of them they take off in the opposite direction from where they came. Walking along the hot pavement they admire the colourful array of pastel colour buildings and downtown hotels they pass, as they walk deeper into the town.  Local youths pass them on moped bikes zooming down the main road, along with 1950s era Cadillac cars which catch Sebastian’s attention.“The cars out here are really something, a real throwback in time.”Melinda follows Sebastian’s gaze over to the main road as he smiles and admires the retro Cadillac cars.“Totally, there’re amazing aren’t they. But totally fitting with the Spanish architecture and colourful buildings.”Within a twenty minute walk the sea comes into view in the distance.“Well, look what we’ve found.” Smiling Melinda tugs at Sebastian’s arm.“C’mon let’s go check out the beach, we have time for a stroll before we head back.”“What about food?”“That’s what the hotel’s for.”Melinda calls over her shoulder as she takes off jogging toward the beach. Sebastian smiles, then ups his pace to keep up with her.“Wow, this looks like some kind of paradise.”Melinda kicks off her wedge heels as she steps onto the warm sand. Sebastian joins her removing his comfortable plimsols.“Sure does, the water is so blue.”They walk farther onto the beach toward the water’s shore.  Melinda and Sebastian take in the ambience of the beach. Palm trees slightly lean to one side as they sway in the light sea breeze. The sand is clean with a bright sugar white colour. The beach is calm but busy with sun worshipers stretched out on their beach loungers, and groups of friends playing volleyball. A few teenagers splash around in the sea making fun of each other. Taken back by all of Santa Maria del Mar beach’s beauty both of them lower their shades as they walk along the coastline at a leisurely pace, with the warm sea water washing over their feet. As they stroll farther up the coastline a secluded area of rockery comes into view, they head over and settle themselves on the sugar white sand to admire the aqua blue sea.“So tell me a bit more about yourself Sebastian, other than work how do you spend your time?”Sebastian thinks for a moment of late his free time has been consumed with morning the absence of his late girlfriend Anna, and what he could have done to ensure Anna felt needed and valued as his partner. A vision of Anna appears in his mind’s eye as he stares out into the calm sea. Sebastian rubs the back of his neck and tries to push his vision of Anna’s face to one side.“Ah, to be honest … not much. I guess I’m kinda boring.”Melinda let’s out a small laugh and looks up at Sebastian.“I’m sure you’re not, seriously you have no hobbies or interests?”“Hmm, I like music— a lot, and to work out I guess, books interest me too.”“What kind of music and books? I love them both.”“I listen to a lot of classical, flamenco and modern music. When it comes to books obviously, crime is my thing.”“Of course, Mr. Detective. And …”“And that’s about it Melinda. I never realised how boring I am until you asked me that question.”The pair crack up laughing.“No girlfriend back in London then?”Sebastian looks down at Melinda sitting by his side, his reflection in her large oversized sunglasses stares back at him. Damn she looks hot in those shades runs through his mind. Suddenly he feels overwhelmed and confused. He loves Anna and is still not quite over losing her. At the same time his attraction to Melinda is becoming more obvious to him. Her style, beauty, rhythm to a salsa beat, and bubbly sense of humour appeal to him in a major way.“Did I say something wrong Sebastian? You’re looking at me like I’m some kind of alien.”Sebastian snaps out of his weird trance of heartache over his late girlfriend, and lust over the ebony skinned beauty with exciting potential by his side.“No sorry... I don’t have a girlfriend as such no.”“As such? What does that mean?”“It’s complicated—I”With disappointment Melinda cuts Sebastian off as she gazes out at the deep aqua sea.“Hmm, it always is with you men isn’t it.”Thoughts of all the wasted dates she had been on over the last year run through her mind.“No, I mean it’s complicated as she… she died almost one year ago.”Melinda looks up at Sebastian as he stares off into the sea again.“Oh, my Sebastian I’m sorry I didn’t mean to—”“It’s okay, honestly by now I should be coming to terms with my loss. Well at least that’s what my shrink tells me.”“You see a doctor?”“Yeah, I have been for a while now. He helps but I know that the main bulk of the work to deal with my grief is down to me.”“It’s hard, grieving is different for everyone.”Melinda places a sympathetic hand on Sebastian’s upper shoulder for comfort. The comfort comes as a surprise to him. He takes her hand in his and squeezes it. Before he knows what’s come over him he places a light kiss on her hand, then slowly makes his way up her arm with gentle kisses. Melinda does not resist him as he leans in closer and places a light kiss on her collar bone. The warm light breeze, aqua sea and lazy palm trees, mixed with too much Tequila and beer arouses them both. Without hesitation, their lips lock in a deep passionate kiss. Sebastian takes full control as he explores Melinda’s mouth with his tongue, while running his hand up her right thigh. Her skin feels smooth and clammy to touch as he raises the hem of her sundress and parts her thighs.As his hand travels farther up her thigh she hesitates for a moment conscious of where they are sitting, under a palm tree fully exposed to passers-by. Even though they are sitting in a much more secluded area of the beach, they left the crowds behind. Melinda breaks away from his kiss, not because she wants to but more for the sake of embarrassment, should a passer-by see them. Sebastian’s kisses are soft and gentle. It feels very much to Melinda like one of the sincerest kisses she has had in a long time.“Let’s go for a swim.”Sebastian laughs out loud.“A swim? With no bathing suits?”Melinda gives him a cheeky smile as she lowers the straps of her sundress, then stands up and steps out of it. She reveals a matching lime green bra and panties set, the colour emphasises her smooth chocolate skin tone.“Who needs bathing suits, there’s no one here and this could pass for a bikini did you see what those other girls were wearing back there?”Melinda points back toward the direction they came from and laughs.“No shit, those bikinis were out there.”“C’mon last one in pays for the taxi home.”Sebastian gets on his feet and removes his cotton shirt and shorts as quick as he can. Glancing around nervously he dumps his clothing and Rolex watch next to Melinda’s sundress, and then races down to the shore. He catches up to Melinda and scoops her up from behind, as he runs with her down into the warm aqua sea. She playfully screams and shouts protesting to be put down, secretly the thrill makes her heart race. Melinda can’t remember the last time she let herself go and had some fun, done something crazy and completely let go. Today, almost five thousand miles from her west London home is the day she let go, with a total stranger. It occurs to her that her safety could have been at risk by wandering off with a strange man on an island. She looks on the flip side, then again Sebastian is a detective, from her home town in London too. He’s there to serve and protect the public— you can’t get more safe than that.Playfully launching Melinda into the water Sebastian dives in, then picks her up again by her legs this time. Playful screams escape Melinda as she holds onto him as tight as she can and looks down at him. She wraps her legs around his body as he cradles her with a firm grip on her behind.“You are crazy Sebastian!”“Me, crazy? What do you call going for a swim with no bathing suit, in broad day light?” The pair crack up laughing as Sebastian lowers her to her feet in the water, they stand face to face in the warm sea with slight waves crashing around them. Sebastian’s six-foot-three well built frame towers over Melinda’s five-foot-six height. Melinda looks up into Sebastian’s large brown eyes and for the millionth time she takes in the handsome Spaniard’s face with sharp features, his low cut hair and great body, large brown eyes and tanned olive skin. His tribal body art tattoo covering his whole shoulder and arm area to his wrist, emphasises his sex appeal. Taking a deep breath to regulate her heartbeat she melts at the sight of him, standing in front of her with the strong sunlight behind him. Melinda’s senses are awakened by his playful side and the paradise surrounding them. Her lust over the gorgeous Spaniard kicks in. Taking the lead starting from his elbows placed at his side under the water, she runs her palms upwards over his strong toned arms, toward his shoulders. As she stops at his shoulders she takes a step forward in the water into Sebastian’s personal space. Without removing her eyes from his intense gaze staring down at her, she slowly continues to move her palms over his chest. Her heart flips at the curves which define his toned torso. Sebastian responds as her hands settle on both sides of his equally toned waist. Leaning toward her into her personal space he gently bends down and blesses her with another one of his gentle loving kisses. They embrace in a passionate hug in the water with Melinda’s arms wrapped around his neck and Sebastian holding her waist. Sebastian is not sure if it’s the warmth of the Caribbean sea and strong hot sun on his back, or Melinda’s curves he explores under the water that bring him to a complete arousal. His need to feel her more intimately take over, as he slowly moves both of his hands from her curvy waist line then stops under her ample bust line. With ease, he lifts the underneath section of her lime green bra now soaked and fully exposing the outline of her erect nipples as the thin material clings to her breasts.

SIGNED COPIES UP FOR GRAB'SOVER ON KIM KNIGHT'S AUTHOR PAGE! >> CLICK HERE <<

Kim is thirty four (born in 1983), and from London in the UK. She’s a mother to a beautiful toddler and a proud author of four romantic suspense novels and novellas, which includes the romance series Romance Set in Paradise released in May 2017. Kim started her journey as a traditionally published author after she scored a publishing contract with a USA based publisher. She was over the moon! However, it became clear to Kim that things were not as she expected. Therefore, she set out on her own journey, she dived head first into the world of self-publishing and republished two of her fictional stories, and became a proud self-published author also. Something great was unleashed, she’ll never look back in regret. As a reader she’s head over heels in love with romance, historical fiction, crime fiction, African- American, suspense and thriller genre books. At present Kim is writing a romantic suspense novel, and brainstorming steamy romance novella ideas. As a writer, Kim enjoys creating stories with a diverse and multi-cultural line up, within the romance, romantic suspense, general thriller and crime genres. When she’s not reading, or writing stories of her own her other passions include practising her French, fashion, make-up artistry, spending time at her sewing machine dressmaking, watching make up and beauty tutorials on YouTube, letter writing and being a mum.



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Love Returned - Jeremy Laszlo

WARNING: This novel contains graphic sexual content and violence. Reader discretion is advised.
Bethany's life hasn't been easy by any measure. Fitting in was impossible. With her struggles with questioning reality, her OCD routine, and the recent loss of both of her parents, it is no wonder she has difficulties finding the right guy.

But what if the right guy is the wrong kind?What if he wasn't normal?What if... he isn't even real?What if she can't tell? 
Struggling with her own sanity, and a litany of unexplained happenings in her home, Bethany finds that where there is a connection that could lead to love, so too can there be pain.


Purchase Today on Amazon:  http://amzn.to/2qTvIAJ
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Title: SoloSeries: Symphony Hall #1Author: Lauren E. Rico...

Title: SoloSeries: Symphony Hall #1Author: Lauren E. RicoGenre: New Adult RomanceRelease Date: May 8, 2017 Publisher: Entangled Publishing When graduate student Katherine Brenner walked into my class, I couldn’t stand her -- all perfect skin and big, blue eyes -- just like the woman who broke my heart.If it wasn’t for that blizzard, if her car hadn’t broken down outside my house, if she hadn’t looked amazing by the firelight, I never would have kissed her. No matter how hard I try, every excuse I make not to see her comes up flat.I can’t stop thinking of her lips. Or the way her curves fit perfectly in my hands. There’s a million reasons why this won’t work. I’m her professor. It’s against university policy.And if this gets out, I could lose everything.
        “Oh, my God,” she gasps softly, pulling the parka all the way out and holding it up so that it hangs its entire length.         Katherine’s face tightens with growing alarm.“Hey!” I say, my voice full of soft concern. “What’s wrong? Don’t you like it? I can return it.”         “What?” she asks, looking confused for a moment. “Oh, no, I love it. It’s just that I – it’s so nice, is all. And I know this store,” she gestures toward the logo on the lid of the glossy black box that the coat came in, “It’s expensive. I can’t really afford to pay you back or anything,” she mumbles, looking down at the floor as she speaks.           “It’s a gift,” I remind her. “A gift. That’s it. No strings attached. Honestly, it’s just that I hate that goddam hoodie you keep wearing!” I chuckle, standing up and taking the coat from her. I hold it up and open for her.         “Here, try it on.”         Reluctantly, she turns around and slips her arms into each sleeve as I hold them up for her. Her eyes are drawn downward as I squat and fasten the zipper at the bottom, following all the way upward as I pull the zipper closed, until our eyes lock. I reach around behind her and pull the faux-fur trimmed hood up, then I stand back so I can survey her with a critical eye.         “Well?” she asks with the most naively sexy smile I’ve ever seen.         “Well, I think you should only ever wear this color,” I say, my voice suddenly husky.         When my lips find hers, they are soft and tentative. When she doesn’t push me away, they become more confident. I’m taller than her by a good six inches and she tips her face up, causing the blue hood to slip back off her head. And then my hands are in her hair and holding the sides of her face, pulling her into me. She doesn’t resist.My lips are still connected to hers when I reach between us to unzip the coat, pushing it off her shoulders so that it hits the floor with a soft puff.         I’m walking her back towards her bed, but she doesn’t seem to notice as her hands tug at my shirt, trying to free it from the waistband of my pants. When she succeeds, I hold my arms up and help her to pull the garments over my head. They join the coat on the floor. My pants follow close behind.         “Wait,” she says, pulling back for a second.         “What? What’s wrong?” I ask between ragged breaths.         She gives me a mischievous smile before clapping her hands twice. As soon as she does, the lights go out, leaving us with only the glow of the moon to see one another by. I chuckle and shake my head, pulling her in close again.         “Oh, Christ, I want you, Katherine,” I murmur against her neck as I kiss the hollow that attaches to her shoulder.         “Then what are you waiting for?” she rasps.         Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I have no intention of waiting a single second longer to be with this woman.a Rafflecopter giveaway
Lauren Rico was going to be principal French horn of the New York Philharmonic. That was HER plan, anyway. The New York Philharmonic had no idea of her intentions, and that's probably a good thing, since she wasn't an especially good French horn player!Lauren was, however, an exceptionally good classical music radio host. Calling herself a "Classical Music Reanimator," she has made a career of demystify classical music for her audiences by taking it off a dusty old pedestal and putting it into a modern context. It's only been over the last couple of years that Lauren has discovered a passion for writing, which she's managed to combine with her love and knowledge of the classical music world. That's when she had the realization that she had something special with this story of love and obsession and music.You can hear Lauren Rico on SiriusXM's Symphony Hall Channel; on WSHU-FM in the New York metro; WSMR in Tampa/Sarasota, FL; WDAV in Charlotte, NC and KMFA in Austin, TXMore at www.LaurenRico.com HOSTED BY:
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A Worthy Man - Jaime Reese

Title: A Worthy ManSeries: The Men of Halfway House #5Author: Jaime ReeseGenre: M/M RomanceRelease: May 2, 2017Photographer: Eric McKinney of 6:12 Photography




A story of two men and the boundless love that forever changed them. 
Vannguard Shaw has spent the last ten years serving a life sentence and adjusting to the ache of solitude. He accepts his fate, a sacrifice for the only man he ever loved and the one person who saw beyond his rough edges.
Drayton grew up with a trust fund and pre-planned future, but an unexpected encounter one night forces him to abandon everything and start from scratch. He is now a self-made man and developer of one of the most sought after electric exotic automobiles in the world with a fortune greater than that of his birthright. Yet, he’d surrender it all—again—for the only man who’s still ever-present in his heart.
After a decade and entirely too much distance between them, Vann is suddenly released back into a world that has been nothing but cruel. Drayton never lost hope they would once again reunite and pick up where they left off, but Vann’s stubborn nature and repeated encounters with a heartbreaking world prove to be a challenge.
Vann needs to tap into his fighting spirit’s reservoir of strength and hope life doesn’t punish him for taking a chance. Only then will he realize his own value and feel worthy enough to finally have Drayton’s heart. And their chance at forever.---
* Although part of a series, this full-length novel can be read as a stand-alone. *Word count: 124K
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“Emotionally, beautiful and inspiring” - Amanda L Amazon Reviewer“A great addition to this series. One of the most romantic books I've read this year.” - Bayou Book Junkie“Overall...Their story is beautiful, heartbreaking, inspiring, sexy, and moving.” - Two Book Pushers

a Rafflecopter giveaway “C’mon,” Drayton said, tugging Vann by the hand. After breakfast and a countertop quickie, they had immediately returned to the bedroom and had been hibernating there since. He had no objection to spending all day in bed, but he had a surprise for Vann and couldn’t stand waiting any longer. “I want to show you the rest of the house.”“But I like the bedroom.”Drayton chuckled, pulling him up with more force. “We can come back after.”“Fine,” Vann grumbled, finally sitting up on the bed with a dramatic pout. “You’re cute when you don’t get your way.”
“Cute enough to stay in bed?” He waggled his eyebrows and petted the bed. “It’s really soft.”Drayton leaned in and gave Vann a chaste kiss, jerking back quickly to avoid his grasp. Vann’s laughter filled the room. “Damn. You’re still super-fast.” He reluctantly stood and stretched his arms over his head. Drayton’s lips parted, enjoying the flex of muscles. “Like what you see?” Vann asked, delivering a cocky grin as he seductively licked his lower lip. “Let’s get back in bed—”Drayton threw his head back and laughed. “You’re still persistent as hell. C’mon. I want to show you something.” “I want to show you something too.” “This is important.” Drayton crossed his arms. “We can skim the other rooms but there’s one that’s special. It’s…yours.” Vann sobered. “You’ve given me enough to cover every event for the rest of my life and then some. I don’t want—”“It’s also for me. I’ll watch you while you use the room.” “Hmm.” Vann pursed his lips. “Okay, you’ve got my attention.”After a little more bargaining, Drayton finally lured Vann out of the bedroom and down the hallway. He opened the door to his office and stepped inside. “This is the room I’m usually in when I’m here.”“Not anymore.”He chuckled as they exited the office. They walked down the hall to the room he’d had converted into a gym.“Damn, this is nice.” Vann checked the different weight options and looked at each of the machines.“You’ve got everything here for all types of routines. And if you don’t like the view, you’ve got a TV.”“The view’s beautiful.” “Whatever we need to change out or add, we’ve still got space. I do a lot of thinking while I’m on the treadmill, so we’re not getting rid of that.” Vann chuckled. “Okay.” He walked over to Drayton and leaned in for a slow kiss.“Mmm. What was that for?”“Is this the room I’ll use while you watch me? I promise I’ll make you sweat too.”  Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished. HOSTED BY:
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Midlife Margaritas

Midlife Margaritas: Stories from Women Who Made It to the Other Side of 40 and Rocked ItAuthors: (Compiled by Hembree) Shannon Hembree, Jen McGinnis, Bree Luck, Sarah Weitzenkorn, Dionne Williams, Anne Karrick Scott Deetsch, Heather Von St. James, Barbara Fleck, Elizabeth Pendleton, Emily Cooke, Bernadette Jasmine, Vanessa Velez, Laura K. Bedingfield, Beckie Cassidy, Sarah Freeman Knight, Jennifer Porter, Rosanne Nelson, Brooke SchmidtGenre: Nonfiction/Anthology/AutobiographyRelease Date: May 8, 2017


Midlife Margaritas is a collection of essays by a diverse group of women sharing their heartwarming and hilarious stories of what it’s like to conquer forty in today’s world and live to tell the tale. They are the stories of women rising up after unimaginable loss, of overcoming impossible odds, and of finding humor in the everyday challenges we all face. These touching essays reveal the true strength, beauty, and heart of women. They show us ordinary women doing extraordinary things. And, above all, they remind us to have fun. Inspiring and encouraging, Midlife Margaritas is the fun companion you never knew you needed at this time of your life. Reading it is like being wrapped in a warm embrace from a beloved girlfriend…who is trying not to spill the margarita in her hand.



1. On Returning to Work (or Trying to) after Raising Kids: White House Easter Bunny Costumes, Tongue Rings, and Résumés, OH MY! by Shannon Hembree 2. On Love and Loss and Loving Again: Rediscovering Joy After the Love of My Life Died by Jen McGinnis3. On Taking the Path Less Traveled: How I Joined the Circus, Went to Prison, and Arm Wrestled My Way to a Joyful Life by Bree Luck 4. On Becoming a Caregiver for a Parent: Being Thankful for What Is Left, Not Lamenting What Is Lost by Sarah Weitzenkorn 5. On Rockin’ the Single Life: Why Sipping Lemonade on the Beach Is Always Better Than Plunging Lemons out of the Toilet by Dionne Williams6. On Depression at Forty: Finding Solutions When You Can’t Wish It Away or Wait It Away by Anne Karrick Scott Deetsch 7. On Hope: Turning a Death Sentence into a Life Well Lived by Heather Von St. James 8. On Motherhood: Taking the Long View from Under the Big Top by Barbara Fleck 9. On Growing Up Black and White in America: How I Learned to Live My Life Boldly in My Own Unique Way by Elizabeth Pendleton 10. On Surviving Breast Cancer: How the Boobs You Love and the Football You Don’t All Come Together in the End by Emily Cooke 11. On Finding Your Inner Warrior: How I Left a World of Abuse and Alcoholism Behind and Built a New Life as the Mother of a Beautiful Boy with Special Needs by Bernadette Jasmine12. On Marriage: Redefining Happily Ever After by Vanessa Velez 13. On Strength: Uncovering My Innate Power, Barf by Barf and Poke by Poke by Laura K. Bedingfield14. On Balancing a Career and Kids: Finding Perfection in Not Being Perfect by Beckie Cassidy 15. On How It’s Never Too Late to Face Your Fears: Even If It Requires Alcohol, Pills, or Prayer by Sarah Freeman Knight16. On Spirituality: How a Preacher’s Daughter Rediscovered and Redefined Faith by Jennifer Porter17. On Confidence: Don’t Ask, Just Do by Rosanne Nelson 18. On the Loss of a Parent: How I Grieved, Coped, and Learned to Live Differently After My Father Died by Brooke Schmidt19. On Friendship: Bonjour, Dear Diary by Shannon Hembree SHANNON HEMBREE Shannon Hembree is a professional writer and editor for a government relations and public affairs firm in Washington, DC. She embraces the idea of living fearlessly…unless the situation involves heights, spiders, snakes, public speaking, or anything else that crosses the boundary for sane living. JEN MCGINNIS Jen McGinnis is a physical therapist and co-owner of an outpatient physical-therapy office. She is married to a great guy, and they have a fun, fabulous little boy. They live on a tropical island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and wake up most days to sunshine and warm breezes. BREE LUCK Bree Luck is a mother, theater director, and amateur arm wrestler. She is always looking near and far for the next big adventure. SARAH WEITZENKORN Sarah Weitzenkorn is a stay-at-home mom of two children. In addition to liking piña coladas and getting caught in the rain, she loves girls’ weekends, mindless celebrity gossip, and oatmeal creme pies. DIONNE WILLIAMS Dionne Williams is a nonprofit project manager extraordinaire. Her coworkers tell her she has the biggest, brightest smile in the office, which could be because she tries to stay positive and lives life one day at a time. In this crazy world, she simply laughs a little, lives a little, and embraces whatever adventure comes her way. It’s all about the journey. ANNE KARRICK SCOTT DEETSCH Anne Karrick Scott Deetsch is a full-time stay-at-home mother with four children, a husband, a dog, and several fish. She cooks with abandon and embraces her disorganized life. HEATHER VON ST. JAMES Heather Von St. James is a courageous mother, wife, and survivor of mesothelioma. She has made it her mission to help other mesothelioma victims around the globe and can be found sharing her story and her message of hope at http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/survivor/#intro. BARBARA FLECK Barbara Fleck is a mom of two, who recently stopped using her fancy science degree to pursue a less stressful job as a substitute teacher…an illusion that lasted until the first indoor recess. She continues to substitute because she enjoys interacting with people her own mental age—and because she spends less money if she is at school all day. ELIZABETH PENDLETON Elizabeth Pendleton is a working mother of a three-year-old wild child. No, it’s not her grandchild. She’s realizing that like it or not, her body has no choice but to keep up with the physical prowess of her budding track star/parkour extraordinaire and that any memory loss is OBVIOUSLY due to sleep deprivation (which her sister failed to really warn her about before motherhood). EMILY COOKE Emily Cooke is a currently single, mother of two who earns her living as a benefits professional in Washington, DC. She finds humor in almost everything, loves to embarrass her kids, and is willing to make you laugh at her own expense. She is always up for an adventure and though she usually gets lost, has fun anyway. You can find her on Twitter at @MLEC03. BERNADETTE JASMINE Bernadette Jasmine is a rockin’ career woman who has been to the dark side and come out on top. She embraces the surprises life throws at her with her happy (and slightly crazy) clan of family and friends by her side. VANESSA VELEZ Vanessa Velez is a policy consultant raising two children with the man of her dreams. She has no regrets about her reimagined happily ever after and instead enjoys quiet evenings at home in her very own Irish pub. LAURA K. BEDINGFIELD Laura K. Bedingfield maintains her strength by writing, practicing yoga, scoring baseball games for her sons, driving a mean carpool, and dominating during family game night. You can find her on Twitter at @LKBHerakovich and on her blog at https://jtandtheob.com/. BECKIE CASSIDY Beckie Cassidy is a full-time working mom who is finding balance amid the goldfish (crackers and otherwise), karate lessons, and doggie day care. After spending twenty years trying to figure out what she wanted to be when she grew up, she gave up and now spends her days telling college students what they should be when they grow up. SARAH FREEMAN KNIGHT Sarah Freeman Knight is a professional writer living in Atlanta. She is married to a fabulous husband and is the mother of two amazing and courageous girls. You can find her on Twitter at @sarahsknight. JENNIFER PORTER Jennifer Porter is a communications professional, wordmonger, political junkie, and chocoholic whose favorite question has always been…“Why?” You can find her on Twitter at @jpgore ROSANNE NELSON Rosanne Nelson is a leadership-development consultant by day and a mother of two confident little girls by night. She enjoys telling her husband about the twentysomething version of herself and remains grateful the Internet was not around during those years. You can find her on Twitter at @rosanne_nelson1. BROOKE SCHMIDT Brooke Schmidt, freelance editor and writer and part-time activities director, lives with her engineer husband, two kids, and two rescue dogs in the ’burbs of Atlanta. Her life goals include educating parents about the link between kids’ diets and their behavior and actually finishing a book club book someday (otherwise it’s just wine club). You can find her on Twitter at @BrookeBBlogs. HOSTED BY:
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Bayside Desires - Melissa Foster

Title: Bayside DesiresSeries: Bayside Summers #1Author: Melissa FosterGenre: Steamy Contemporary RomanceRelease: May 9, 2017
Fall in love at Bayside, where sandy beaches, good friends, and true love come together in the sweet small towns of Cape Cod. BAYSIDE SUMMERS is a series of standalone steamy romance novels featuring alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They're fun, flirty, flawed, deeply emotional, always passionate, and easy to relate to. " With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" -NYT Bestseller Julie Kenner "Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" -NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely In Bayside Desires... As the co-owner of Bayside Resorts, Rick Savage has a fabulous job working with his best friends and brother, and a thriving business in Washington, DC, which he’ll be returning to at the end of the summer. Spending time with his family is great, but being back on Cape Cod has unearthed painful memories. When sweet, smart, and overly cautious Desiree Cleary moves in next door, Rick is drawn to the sexy preschool teacher, and she just might prove to be the perfect distraction. Running an art gallery was not in preschool teacher Desiree Cleary’s plans, but after being tricked into coming to her impetuous, unreliable mother’s aid, she’s stuck spending the summer with the badass half sister she barely knows and a misbehaving dog. If that’s not frustrating enough, she can’t escape the sparks igniting with her strikingly handsome and pushy neighbor, Rick, who makes all her warning bells go off. Passion ignites as Desiree and Rick spend long summer nights sharing heartfelt confessions and steamy kisses. For the first time in years Rick is enjoying life again instead of hiding behind mounds of work miles away from his family. Desiree has touched him in a way that makes him want to slow down. Only slowing down means dealing with his demons, and he isn’t sure who he’ll be when he comes out the other side.
All Bayside books can be read as standalone novels or as part of the series:Coming Soon...Bayside PassionsBayside HeatBayside Escape
Bayside Summers is part of the Love in Bloom romance collection by New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. While each book may be read as a standalone, you might enjoy reading the entire Love in Bloom series. Characters from each sub-series appear in future books. Visit Melissa's website for family trees, series checklists, and more. Oh shit. Rick Savage beached his craft, threw his life vest onto the sand, and ran after the woman he’d soaked. He’d been so captivated by the curvaceous blonde that when she’d started to leave, his first instinct had been to stop her. He’d clearly lost his mind. He knew better than to come that close to the jetty or to fishtail near people.
“I’m so sorry,” he said, jogging over as she stepped off the rocks and onto the beach. She turned, mouth gaping, strands of wet hair stuck to her cheeks, forehead, and shoulders. The most beautiful green eyes stared back at him in shock and horror. He felt like a total ass. “I’m sorry. I saw you watching me, and—” There was absolutely no excuse for what he’d done, so he went with the truth, no matter how bad it sounded. “I wanted to meet you before you took off.” “I wasn’t watching you.” Her eyes darted around them, as if someone else might hear her lying. He cocked a brow. “Okay, maybe I was for a second. But you were stalking me.” She swiped at her sundress, which clung to her incredibly sexy body like a second skin. He tried not to leer, but damn… Forcing his eyes up, he said, “I wasn’t stalking you—” Her deadpan stare stopped him from telling his own lie. “Okay, fine,” he said with a laugh. “I was. You caught me. I’m sorry.” “Does this usually work for you? Drenching unsuspecting women?” she said with a hint of annoyance, and a smile, as she shook the water from her arms. “Not that I’m an expert on being hit on, but it doesn’t seem like the best way to go about it.” “I’m sure you get hit on all the time, but this wasn’t planned. It was a stupid mistake. It’s actually illegal to go that fast near the jetty, so you can have me arrested if you’d like. I wasn’t thinking. I was—” She arched a brow, a slight smirk playing across her beautiful face as she tossed his mannerism right back at him. He felt himself smiling. Man, this woman was as sweet as she was spunky. “What can I say? If you weren’t so hot…” “So, it’s my fault?” She rolled her eyes. “You really do kind of suck at picking up women.” The caveman in him grunted, and he squared his shoulders. “I don’t suck at it. I’m actually really good at it. A pro. A master. A champion.” She laughed. “Sorry, but…” She waved at her wet clothes. “Evidence proves otherwise.” And I’m about to prove that evidence wrong. “Let me buy you a sweatshirt and something warm to drink at Mac’s so you don’t freeze.” Mac’s was a walk-up restaurant by the Wellfleet Pier, a five-minute drive by car. Less by Jet Ski.
Her eyes rolled over his face, as if she were considering it. He’d never had anything close to a poker face, which meant she saw his remorse and his attraction. At six two, two thirty, he was a big dude, and he kept in prime shape with running and water sports. He was used to women ogling him and practically doing cartwheels to get his attention. She drew in a deep breath, her eyes dropping to his bare chest, and she bit her plump lower lip. “Sexy” didn’t begin to describe the dichotomy of sweet and sultry this woman possessed. But she wasn’t doing cartwheels. In fact, those hungry eyes shifted away from him.“It’s okay,” she said. “I was getting ready to leave anyway.”She was blowing him off? There was no way he was letting her leave without doing something to make up for this debacle. Okay, maybe he also wanted to strip away those wet clothes and warm her up. But that was beside the point.“Are you staying at a cottage on the beach? I can give you a ride on my Jet Ski.”“As tempting as that sounds, since I’ve never been on one, I have my car.” She pointed to the parking lot with the hand that held her phone, and her smile faded. “Oh, shoot. My phone got wet.”“I can take care of that.” He took it from her and wiped it on his shorts. She watched his hands, his biceps, his pecs, his shorts, with laser focus. His fish wasn’t off the line yet. “It should be okay now. Want me to put my number in your contacts? In case you change your mind about that drink?”That brought a curious smile. He noticed the cutest dimple beside her mouth when she smiled. “Does that usually work?”“No idea. I haven’t had to use that line before.”He stepped closer, unable to resist brushing a lock of hair that was stuck to her cheek away from her face so he could see her better. Their eyes connected, and the temperature spiked. She must have felt it, too, because she was licking her lips like a hungry tigress. In the next breath, her eyes darted nervously around the beach. Christ, now she looked sweet and innocent. How did she do that in the blink of an eye? Rick was only at the Cape for a few more weeks, working on renovations at the resort before returning to his real life, and design-build business, in Washington, DC. The thoughts running through his mind were not sweet and innocent. He should let his apology ride, get on his Jet Ski, and drive away. But she had his rapt attention, and he was unable to walk away.“You don’t have to use my number,” he said. “But you never know. Maybe when you’re lying in bed tonight, unable to stop thinking about me, you’ll wish you had it.”Her cheeks flushed, and those sparkling green eyes moved over his face and down his chest again, lingering long enough to send a stroke of heat to his core.“Why not?” she said, surprising the hell out of him. “Go ahead and put your number in my phone…?”“Rick.” He entered his contact information and handed it back, curling his fingers over hers and holding them for a beat.Her eyes flicked up, dark and alluring. “I’m Desiree,” she said a little breathlessly. Oh yeah, you feel it, too. Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance (M/F, M/M, F/F), romantic suspense, thrillers, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa's emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success.Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod. Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on Facebook or her personal website.Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa. Check out the Free Books from Melissa  www.MelissaFoster.com/LIBFREE a Rafflecopter giveaway HOSTED BY:
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Letting Love In - Katharina LeBoeuf

Title: Letting Love InSeries: Damaged Heart #2Author: Katharina LeBoeufGenre: New Adult/Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: May 16, 2017 Cover Model: Justin Edwards Photographer: RplusMphoto Cover Designer: Cover Me Darling
Emma believes it’s only a matter of time before Justin realizes she will never be good enough for him. To save her heart from breaking, she runs from the one person who opened a door she thought was forever closed. Justin is determined to do whatever it takes to make Emma his. But fate is a spiteful bitch, and a secret he’s tried to keep in the past has resurfaced, threatening to destroy everything they’ve started building together. Can Justin earn Emma’s love despite it, or will this revelation prove to be too much for them to overcome? Ryan lost Emma once and he is determined to win her back. Seven years later, a chance encounter brings Ryan and Emma face to face again, and the truth behind what tore them apart all those years ago is brought to light. Will the discovery of those past actions be enough to alter their future choices? Will Emma open her heart to loving him again? Emma has been dealt a terrible hand when it comes to both life and love, and now her heart is torn in two. She realizes she’ll have to make a choice; one that will decide her destiny. Will she choose the boy who stole her heart so many years ago, or the man who finally opened her heart, letting love in? ***This is the conclusion to Emma's story*** a Rafflecopter giveaway Katharina LeBoeuf grew up in New Orleans water skiing on the bayous and getting her fill of Cajun food. She graduated from LSU School of Nursing and currently works as a Registered Nurse.  She loves sitting in her hammock and reading a good book. On the rare occasion there’s not a book in her hand, she’s watching her favorite shows like Friends, Seinfeld, The Walking Dead, and Criminal Minds on Netflix. She loves cheering on her boys during their baseball games and attending plays her daughter performs in. Oh yeah, and she loves writing! Katharina lives in Orlando with her high school sweetheart, three children, a smelly cat named Chester (it’s not his fault) and a dog named Rhett.
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