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The Havoc We Wreak by Becca Steele- Release Blitz with Playlist & Giveaway

7/31/2020

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Title: The Havoc We Wreak
Series: The Four #3
Author: Becca Steele
Genre: New Adult College/Romance Suspense/Stepbrother
Release Date: July 30, 2020
Secrets and lies are being revealed. Loyalties are being tested, and betrayals cut deep. My mother needs to be stopped, but at what cost? ⁣
At the end, who will be standing? And...⁣
Who ⁣
Will⁣
Fall...⁣
Eeny, meeny, miny, mo, ⁣
You underestimated the Four and Snow. ⁣
You thought you were on a winning streak. ⁣
But are you prepared for the havoc we wreak? ⁣
"The author completely slayed this book and has made this an epic, must read series!" ★★★★★ - it.sgottabethebooks
"This was the perfect ending to The Four and I can't wait to read the rest of the boys and their adventures. This series has blown my mind, start to finish and it's definitely one I will keep close because of the intense connections I formed with every single character." ★★★★★ - Megan Reads
"WOW! This book was so amazing, it completely blew away all of my expectations" ★★★★★ - Goodreads reviewer 
"Wow what a ride this has been for Cade and Winter! This last book was very fulfilling and It couldn't have ended better!" ★★★★★ - Blossom Books
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Becca Steele is a contemporary romance author from the south of England, where she lives with her husband, two kids, and a whole horde of characters that reside inside her head.
When she's not writing, you can find her reading or watching Netflix, usually with a glass of wine in hand. Failing that, she'll be online hunting for memes, or wasting time making her 500th Spotify playlist.
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Finding Home on Winslow Island by Chrissy Elliot- Release Blitz with Giveaway

7/31/2020

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Title: Finding Home on Winslow Island
Series: Winslow Island #1
Author: Chrissy Elliot
Genre: Sweet Small-Town Romance
Release Date: July 31, 2020



Blurb

Join the residents of Winslow Island for a fun-filled, opposites-attract, sweet romance - full of piggyback rides and scrumptious baked goods.

It might be Winslow Island's annual Matchmaking Festival, but Tessa has more important things to worry about, like how to keep her mother's bed and breakfast in business.

Parker's life is as precise and planned as the surgeries he performs. He's on track for a career-making promotion - if he can improve his bedside manner.

When his mother plans a family celebration for the same weekend as the Matchmaking Festival, Parker suspects he's in for a series of sneaky setups. But with his promotion fast approaching, he has no time for distractions - until Tessa crashes into him in a shower of glitter, wreaking havoc with his plans and his heart.

With a temper as fiery as her red hair, she's a distraction too tempting to ignore.

Tessa is determined to resist Parker's charms - even if his smile makes her toes curl. He's only on the island for five days, and she won't risk a broken heart. But with the festival in full swing, resisting Parker is proving harder than she expected, especially when he becomes the key to saving her mother's business.

Can Parker convince Tessa that he's worth taking a chance on, or will his career-focused heart drive them further apart?

Whether you are fans of the Gilmore Girls or the Golden Girls, you'll fall in love with Winslow Island.


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Purchase Links

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Free in Kindle Unlimited






Author Bio


Chrissy Elliot graduated from the University of Wollongong, Australia, with a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and more books than she could count.

After growing up on the South Coast's sandy shores, she jumped on a plane and settled in the lush green wilderness of the Pacific Northwest.

Her new backyard inspired a life long dream to put pen to paper, and Winslow Island was born.

When she's not scribbling sweet stories full of witty characters and mischievous matchmakers, Chrissy is navigating life as an expat, explaining what fairy floss is and trying to remember that orange-flavored chocolate is not a food group.


Author Links

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WEBSITE
NEWSLETTER
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GOODREADS
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The Layover by Cassie Cross- Cover Reveal

7/31/2020

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Today we have the cover reveal for THE LAYOVER by Cassie Cross! Check it out and be sure to grab your copy today!

Title: The Layover

Author: Cassie Cross

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 13th

About The Layover:

Macy Monroe has spent two years living and working in Rome, dreaming about moving back home to Port City. That dream finally comes true when her assignment ends and she finds a new job and new apartment back in the States. As a last hurrah in Europe, she books a layover in Paris for a long weekend full of sightseeing and all the baguettes and cheese she can eat. But her plan hits a snag when a hotel snafu leaves her stranded by the Seine with nowhere to stay.

Fate steps in when she runs into Beckett McLane, her ex-boyfriend from college. He’s in town working on his next novel and offers her a place to stay. Beckett’s the kind of handsome that you never really forget, and Macy’s heart is still a little broken from the breakup. Without any other options, she reluctantly takes him up on the offer.

Macy encourages work-obsessed Beckett to take a much-needed break from his laptop, and as he shows her around town, they get caught up in the romantic City of Light. When they’re together, it’s easy to forget that Macy’s only on a layover and their time together is running out…

Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

About Cassie Cross:

Cassie Cross is a Maryland native and a romantic at heart, who lives outside of Baltimore with her two dogs and a closet full of shoes. Cassie’s fondness for swoon-worthy men and strong women are the inspiration for most of her stories, and when she’s not busy writing a book, you’ll probably find her eating takeout and indulging in her love of 80’s sitcoms.

Connect with Cassie:

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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Sweet Love by Mia Kayla- Release Blitz with Review & Giveaway

7/31/2020

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Release Date: July 29

That awkward moment when you insult the boss on your first day on the job.

Yeah, that just happened.

In my defense, if I’d known it was Connor Colby of the Colby’s Chocolates and Candies empire standing by the display dressed in a candy cane-striped suit, I never would have opened my mouth to tell him that their signature chocolate bar sucked.

How was I supposed to know he was the boss man?

He was in town temporarily to help save his father’s company.
I was only there for a payday to jump start my art career.

I had one job—help him come up with a rock solid marketing plan.
The task included long nights and late dinners working by Connor’s side.
It did not include kisses, sex in the supply closet, or … worst yet, falling in love.

Why is that so bad you ask?
Because the man is leaving right after our mission is complete. Job done.
Finito.

Will our sweet love turn into sour patched tear jerkers or will he be my big hunk, now & later and forever? 

Grab Your Copy Here!


Heart Review by Ashley

Ok, I admit it, it's been a minute since I've read a Mia Kayla book. But Sweet Love was so dang cute that I couldn't help but get swept away in this workplace romance.

I really liked Charlie. Her goodness. Her talent. Her willingness to speak her mind. Which is exactly how she meets her new boss.  I liked that she wasn't shy about her thoughts and feelings. Connor liked it too. Especially since her thoughts and ideas were exactly what he was looking for.

I liked that Connor didn't try to hide his attraction. He was indeed very vocal about it. And Charlie was just as vocal about them not getting involved. However, it didn't take long for their late night strategy sessions to morph into much more. Neither of them was expecting to catch feelings but it was inevitable. So was the fact that the clock on their time together was running out.

Whew! Mia Kayla had my emotions all over the place. I laughed, I cringed, I swooned and laughed some more as Charlie and Connor tried to figure out how to have it all. I have to say that the supporting cast of this book added so much. Everyone from Kyle to Casey and even Sandy provided another layer of realness to the story. And the ending of Sweet Love brought everything perfectly full circle.


Enter the Giveaway Here!



Meet Mia Kayla
Mia Kayla is a USA Today Bestselling Romance writer who lives in Illinois. She is the wife to the husband of the year, and mommy to three unbelievably cute little girls who have multiplied her grey hairs.

In her free time she loves reading romance novels, jamming to boy bands, catching up on celebrity gossip and designing flowers for weddings.

Most of the time, she can be caught on the train with her nose in a book sporting a cheeky grin because the main characters finally get their happily-ever-after at the end.

She loves reading about happy endings but has more fun writing them.

Connect with Mia Kayla
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram    Goodreads | Amazon Author Page | BookBub



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Violence by Lily White- Release Promotion with Excerpt & Giveaway

7/30/2020

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#VRD

#VRDLW


♦ ♦ ♦


#VRD-2

VIOLENCE Cover Final 

Seventh Circle
Violence
Also Known As Ezra Cross
He’s one of a pair.
Identical twin to Damon.
And an enforcer for the Inferno if one is ever needed.
I knew better than to get involved with him.
With his aggression.
With the constant fights.
With the games the twins were known to play with every woman stupid enough to fall for them.
We made a mistake when we met again as adults.
I fell in love.
He fell in love.
His brother fell in love, too.
What used to be a good time is now a tragedy.
Our story is messy.
It’s cruel.
It’s forbidden.
Despite all that, Ezra refuses to let go.


#VRD-9


   

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Enter the Release Day Giveaway here!


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Read the First Chapter here!


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Lily White is a bestselling author who likes to dabble on the dark side of romance. She is most known for her Masters Series, Target This, Wishing Well, and The Five.
When she isn’t writing as Lily White you can find other books by her under M.S. Willis where she has penned the Control Series, the Estate Series, and Because of Ellison (contemporary romance).
Lily enjoys stretching her writing muscles by continuing to challenge herself with each book she publishes.

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Dark Energy: Return to Becker Circle by Addison Brae- Book Blitz with Excerpt

7/30/2020

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Dark Energy (Return to Becker Circle) is a stand-alone sequel to Becker Circle
Romantic Suspense; Adult/New Adult
 Date Published: June 10, 2020
Publisher:  Tirgearr Publishing

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Cybercrime doesn’t talk. It creeps in and destroys lives right under Gillian’s nose when a cryptojacking scheme lands her boss, Pinkie, in jail. Gillian had just started over with a new career, boyfriend, and confidence after escaping a vicious murder investigation that shattered her ability to trust. Then Pinkie’s arrest leaves her struggling to run his two bars while also unraveling the conspiracy.

Gillian will not let her mentor and friend go down for something he didn’t do. Neither will Jon, the most talented musician on the bar’s stage and the perfect boyfriend…until his good fortune sends her reeling. Gillian forces herself to trust the cops, people who hurt her, and known criminals. Will it be enough to free Pinkie and save her life?


Excerpt

Chapter Seven (portion)

 

When I approach the entrance, a man with a tablet computer approaches my car. “Your name, please? And why are you visiting the FBI today?”

They’re holding Pinkie at FBI headquarters? He doesn’t belong at a place like this. “Yes, hello. I’m Gillian Davis, here to visit with Pinkie—I mean Patrick Cunningham.”

He fingers through pages on his screen. “Your purpose for seeing Mr. Cunningham?”

I shift in the driver’s seat. “I manage a business he owns. I need to talk to him about work—I mean what to do while he’s away.”

“You’re not listed.” The arm holding the computer relaxes to his side.

“Officer Jeff Reeves called ahead. He’s with Dallas police.”

“I’ll make a quick call.” He walks away with a phone to his ear. In a few seconds, the gate opens, and he waves me through.

I let out the lungful of air I’ve been holding and drive. Hurdle one crossed. Three flags line the entrance like they’re waving me away, or maybe they’re inviting me in. Either way, I march through the heavy glass doors, step through the metal detector, follow the signs through the cold marble and stainless steel lobby to the visitor area, and wait.

A lawyer-like young woman in a gray suit taps on her laptop across the otherwise empty room. I feel underdressed. Footsteps echo toward us, and my heart beats as fast as her fingers type. It’s a man in a dark blue suit, his eyes on me.

“Ms. Davis? I’m Agent Redman.” His voice is gentler than I expected. “Come with me.”

While we walk, the million questions I have for Pinkie parade through my head.

What happened? Who would do this to you? When will they let you out? What do I do at work tomorrow? Is your lawyer one of those hotshots who only represent innocent people? Do you have a lawyer?

He opens the door, revealing Pinkie sitting on the edge of a chair in a small room. Dark circles have bloomed like he didn’t sleep last night.

“Gillian, you’re a sight for sore eyes.” He motions to the chair on the other side of the table. “Make yourself comfortable. Can I get you a glass of wine?”

A laugh overpowers my questions. “You can still keep your sense of humor. How are you?”

“Been better.”






About the Author

Addison Brae lives in Dallas, Texas on the edge of downtown. As a child, she was constantly in trouble for hiding under the bed to read when she was supposed to be napping. She has been writing since childhood starting with diaries, letters and short stories. She continues today with articles, video scripts and other content as an independent marketing consultant.

Addison writes new adult and adult romantic suspense and young adult contemporary fiction. When she’s not writing, Addison spends her time traveling the world, collecting interesting cocktail recipes and hosting parties. She’s still addicted to reading and enjoys jogging in her neighborhood park, sipping red wine, binge-watching TV series, vintage clothing and hanging out with her artistic other half and their neurotic cat Lucy. 

Contact Links

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Goodreads
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Purchase Links


Amazon
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Ritual by Kandi Steiner- Release Blitz

7/30/2020

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"If Gossip Girl and Riverdale had a love child, it would be PSU." -- #1NYT Bestselling Author Rachel Van Dyken

Ritual by bestselling author Kandi Steiner is now live! 

Written like your favorite drama television show, the Palm South University series has been called "a mix of Greek meets Gossip Girl with a dash of Friends." Follow seven college students as they maneuver unrequited love, teacher/student romance, the tangles of “no strings” relationships, love triangles and more. Each “season” has six “episodes,” and just like when your favorite show hits Netflix, you can read just one episode at a time or binge the entire thing. With the perfect mix of angst, emotional romance, and romantic comedy, the Palm South University series is your next guilty addiction.

Drama. Lies. Sex.

Welcome to Palm South University.

The weather isn’t the only thing heating up in South Florida. At a school where fraternities and sororities don’t exactly play by the rules, relationships are bound to be tested. Parties and sex are definitely key ingredients in the Palm South recipe, but what happens when family issues, secret lives, and unrequited love get tossed in the mix?

Follow Cassie, Bear, Jess, Skyler, Erin, Ashlei, and Adam as they tackle college at a small, private beach town university. Written in television drama form, each episode of this serial will pull you deeper and deeper into the world of PSU.

Where the sun is hot and the clothes are scarce, anything can happen.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2P8y9xX
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/RitualPSU5KS
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vLkJBm


Also Available in the Palm South University series:

Rush
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2CVlAmJ

Anchor

Amazon: https://amzn.to/30SV0CF

Pledge
Amazon: https://amzn.to/30UvzAC

Legacy
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3hBtRuI

Meet Kandi

Kandi Steiner is a bestselling author and whiskey connoisseur living in Tampa, FL. Best known for writing "emotional rollercoaster" stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance -- in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you're a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she's your gal.

An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women's Studies. She started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her "freedom of press." She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic, and likes to highlight all the challenges of love as well as the triumphs.

When Kandi isn't writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys live music, traveling, anything heavy in carbs, beach days, movie marathons, craft beer and sweet wine -- not necessarily in that order.

Connect with Kandi

Website:  www.kandisteiner.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7319216.Kandi_Steiner
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kandi-Steiner/e/B00JDJOINE 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KandiSteiner/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kandilandks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KandiSteiner
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kandi-steiner
Book+Main: https://bit.ly/39u1KLs


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Can't Fight It by Kaylee Ryan & Lacey Black- Release Blitz

7/30/2020

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Title: Can't Fight It
Series: Fair Lakes #3
Authors: Kaylee Ryan & Lacey Black
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 30, 2020



Blurb

Colton

From the moment she showed up on my doorstep, I knew our lives would never be the same. I felt it deep in my soul that she was going to change us forever. I didn’t know how, but I knew she was important. I tried to maintain the distance between us, but it was too strong to fight.

With each passing day, I saw a future I never planned flash before my eyes—one with a fairytale ending. The only problem is that someone wanted to take that away from me, away from us. I just found her, and no way am I letting her go that easily.  Hollis is family, my family, and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her.


Hollis

Colton Callahan wasn’t what I expected. I was in desperate need of a fresh start, ready for something new, but all it took was one look at those intoxicating blue eyes for me to reevaluate everything. I tried to stay detached, but something about him just called to me.

It took no time at all for me to fall. Not only for the man I share a living space with, but also his son, Milo. The problem is my past is not too far behind, trailing behind me and slowly catching up. When it finally does, I have a choice to make—run away, leaving them behind, or stay and fight, potentially putting them in danger. Either way, I could lose it all.


ADD TO GOODREADS





Purchase Links

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Also Available


99c for a limited time!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited



99c for a limited time!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited






Kaylee Ryan


Kaylee Ryan is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.  When she’s not spinning tales of happily ever after, she’s reading or spending time with family.  Born and raised an Ohio girl, Kaylee resides in Cincinnati with her husband and their son.

WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
INSTAGRAM
GOODREADS


Lacey Black


Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading and writing. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and a chocolate lab. Lacey loves shooting guns and should only consume one mixed drink because she’s a lightweight.

WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
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Rocker by Marie James- Release Blitz with Giveaway

7/30/2020

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Rocker by Marie James is LIVE and FREE with KU!

Life can change in the blink of an eye.

As a member of the Cerberus MC, an elite organization that specializes In the rescue and recovery of trafficked women, I’ve seen it happen more than once.

I’ve witnessed how easily a family can be torn apart from a single bad choice.

We’ve been too late before, and have to live with the guilt of how a few hours would’ve changed everything.

Curveballs with lasting effects happen.

I’ve learned to accept that.

But I never imagined the biggest life-altering situation of my life would show up at our door bruised and bloodied, confessing her role in a man’s death.

It’s a lot to wrap my head around. Unfortunately, it’s not even half of the story...

Start reading today!

Amazon US: https://bit.ly/RockerUS
Amazon UK: https://bit.ly/RockerUK
Amazon CA: https://bit.ly/RockerCA
Amazon AU: https://bit.ly/RockerAU
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/RockerGR

The author is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to celebrate her release. Visit her Facebook Page to enter: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesFacebook

Marie James is a USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary romance. She's book boyfriend crazy, the mother of two rowdy boys, and a wife of 15+ years. She's obsessed with tacos, otters, and FunCo Pops figures. Born, raised, and still living in central Texas, Marie spends most of her time locked away writing and reading.

FOLLOW MARIE JAMES

Facebook:http://bit.ly/MarieJamesFacebook
Twitter:http://bit.ly/MarieJamesTwitter
BookBub:http://bit.ly/BookBubMarieJames
Instagram:http://bit.ly/MarieJamesIG
Amazon:http://bit.ly/AmazonMarieJames
Goodreads:http://bit.ly/MarieJamesGoodReads
Reader Group: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesStalkers
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/MarieJamesNL
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Hasty by Julia Kent- Book Blitz with Excerpt & Giveaway

7/29/2020

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Hasty
Julia Kent
(Do-Over Series, #4)
Publication date: July 28th 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

AN ALL-NEW STANDALONE FROM NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR JULIA KENT

I never thought my perp walk would lead to true love.

Then again, I never thought I’d be arrested on RICO charges and hauled away in zip ties on camera for the world to see, minutes after closing the most amazing deal of my career.

And all of it in front of my biggest viral, billionaire wunderkind Ian McRory.

I am broke.

I am disgraced.

I am alone.

I am a sucker.

But the worst part? I have to go back to my hometown and live in my bedroom filled with relics from my childhood.

Lisa Frank never made me so mad before.

Just when I needed a rescue, I got one — in the form of help from my biggest rival.

He can’t bring back my money.

He certainly can’t bring back my reputation or my pride.

But there’s one thing he can bring back to me.

A sense of hope.

Maybe even love.

Ian sees something in me no one else does, and he’s relentless about making me see it, too. As we grow closer, I’m starting to see that while my entire life used to be a lie, the truth is staring me in the present — and it’s a truth I like very, very much, hot eyes and gorgeous smile and all.

But I have to be careful.

I can’t be too --

That’s right.

Hasty.

The final book in the USA Today bestselling Do-Over Series (Fluffy, Perky, Feisty), as Mallory’s sister, Hastings “Hasty” Monahan gets her turn at a happily ever after that starts off with an arrest.

Hers.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

--

EXCERPT:

Today is the best day of my life.

I know people say that, and they mean it, but they don’t mean this. My best day is better than anyone else’s. Trust me.

I know.

I’m sitting at a table at Essentialz, a five-star restaurant in San Francisco. Everyone at the table watches me as I tuck the signed paperwork away in my black Bottega Veneta woven leather brief bag.

I, Hastings Monahan, just signed a nine-figure investment deal on behalf of the venture capital firm I work for.

Full partner, here I come.

Of course, lawyers will handle the majority of this. The signatures are symbolic as much as they are legal. But the fellow diners at my carefully crafted table will go back to China with an exciting opportunity for their company, Zhangwa Telecommunications, to enter the North American market with climate-change technology projecting yields that are the best aphrodisiac ever.

As I sip from my glass of Montrachet Grand Cru, I catch the eye of Ming Bannerton, a consultant with Zhangwa whose father is a high-ranking U.S State Department official in China, a woman who has a hunger for financial success that I can spot in anyone in three seconds flat. There’s something special about a fellow hustler–and when I use the word hustler, I don’t mean it pejoratively.

People who hustle get things done.

We connect. We network. We pattern match. We ruthlessly apply what we intuitively feel to what we operationally know in order to produce optimal outcomes.

In short–we hustle.

And we win.

But in competition, there can only be one winner.

One.

Tonight, I’m it.

Her smile mirrors mine, red lips stretched over perfectly white teeth that are as straight as a new picket fence. The smile doesn’t reach her eyes, but an intensity infuses her. She’s about five years younger than me, with a knowing eye that tells me we need to stay in touch. Someday soon, she may shoot past me, and that’s where all the legwork pays off.

In this business, you network down as well as you network up, if you want to get anywhere.

And the manila folder resting in my brief bag, the one that feels like a warm gold ingot pressed against my lips? That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you get somewhere.

“Where is Burke?” Mr. Zhao Bai asks, his head at a slight tilt, a gesture of genuine curiosity as his eyes survey me, looking for information that doesn’t come directly from my mouth. He’s the youngest of the four men at the table, a fast talker who looks around the room like he’s a mob boss. Negotiating with him took a steady hand I didn’t know I possessed, but now I understand.

Burke is part of the deal, and I didn’t realize it.

The contracts are signed, though. That makes my husband an off-the-books addendum. No matter what, this is my accomplishment.

My husband, Burke Oonaj, is one of the hottest market makers in finance right now. Even he will have no choice but to be impressed by the deal I’ve just put together.

But the inquiry about my husband makes my uterus fall.

And it’s not like he’s around to catch it.

“Good question,” I say before taking another sip of wine, needing to buy myself a smidgen of space and time. I only need a split second.

Normally.

For some reason that I can’t explain, my emotions are tangling in my mind, and that’s an unpredictable variable I have to weed out.

Fast.

My heart feels strangely heavy in my chest, a sense of dread filling me that has no right to be here. This is MY night, I tell that sense of dread. This is MY deal. This is my culmination of six years of careful work, all coming together, right now.

Go away, dread.

But Mr. Zhao’s question is a good one, because Burke isn’t answering any of my texts or emails or phone calls, and hasn’t for the last three days.

My husband has disappeared.

Not literally, of course, because husbands don’t just do that. Business travel can be intense. Plenty of stretches of time have gone by without hearing from him. They involved twenty-four hours or less, though.

Not eighty-one hours and thirteen minutes.

Not that I’m counting.

I can’t admit any of this to anyone at this table, of course, so instead, I give what my pattern-matching brain tells me is the optimal answer, designed to make me look good.

“Burke’s fine,” I say with a grin, the glass of wine still full enough to make more sips look like an appropriate response. “He sends his best regards. He would have been here tonight, but… you know.”

Two of the men share a look I don’t like. It’s a fleeting glance, the type that is practiced and meant to look like nothing. You think I’m paranoid, that I’m inventing it all?

Wrong.

I’m in a state of hyperarousal.

No, not the sexual kind. Haven’t felt that in a long time, at least not with Burke. My hyperarousal is based around the stress hormones pumping through me from the excitement of what I just accomplished.

Me. Myself. Alone.

Independent of Burke.

As workday smiles stretch to become the more casual, intimate grins of people enjoying bottle after bottle of excellent wine, I loosen up. The answer I gave them sufficed. We can move on.

My body feels numb and excited at the same time. I’m on top of the world. The pinnacle.

I am Peak Hastings.

Which is why, when the maître d’ approaches my side, I don’t pick up on the gravity of his whisper. No one would. Because learning that my credit card has been declined for this business dinner is definitely not part of the plan, and the areas of my brain assigned to processing language literally can’t comprehend it.

“It’s what?” I whisper, standing carefully, legs still steady, my alcohol consumption measured, even if my tablemates have made their way through more wine than an entire wedding party back home.

The maître d’, José, gives me a wide-eyed but polite look. “I’m sorry, Ms. Monahan. This has never happened before when you’ve dined with us. But the credit card company was very firm. You cannot use this one.”

Mr. Zhao gives me an inquiring look. My stomach sinks. Did he overhear?

“Will you all excuse me?” I tell them, hating the disruption, my legs turning into two steel beams covered in chilled skin.

“Something must be wrong with the credit card processor,” I snap at the maître d’ as I hurry away from my group. I want to get the taint of this failure out of the way and get back to my stellar success.

Once we’re out of sight of my table, I rifle through my purse and find another business credit card. “Use this one. And let me be very clear, to you and to your boss, that this is absolutely, abjectly unacceptable.”

He inserts the card, chip side in. “I realize this, Ms. Monahan, but we cannot…”

Beep.

He stares at the credit card terminal.

I read the display upside down. “Declined!” I hiss. “This is impossible! That card has no limit!”

“Perhaps you’ve had your identity stolen, or there are fraud alerts on your account? Perhaps you’re the victim of a financial crime?” José suggests.

“I can’t be the victim of a financial crime!” I snap at him. “I’m a financial expert! This doesn’t happen to people like me. Here!” I shove a third company card at him. This one better work.

I only have one more.

My mind races ahead, conjuring contingency plans, even as my cheeks burn with shame.

Shame.

Why would I feel shame for someone else’s mistake? And yet, there it is, and I have to override it fast. Because if I don’t, it gets a toehold.

And that is the fastest way to lose your edge.

José closes his eyes and lets out a sigh through his nose, a split second before the display terminal beeps.

Again.

“Your computer system is down,” I declare, pulling out the fourth card and my phone, texting my office manager. Maybe something went wrong. Maybe José is right. Maybe we were hacked. But this is surreal enough to let the dread come inside me and have a seat, as it decides whether to become an overnight guest.

It doesn’t matter. What matters is that I’m staring at a mid-four-figure bill that I owe, right now, and have no way to settle.

This cannot be happening.

As he runs the fourth card, the main door opens. My spine straightens, calves stretching tall, and not just from the five-inch heels I’m wearing.

I know that man.

I hate that man.

And he’s the last person on Earth I want to see in the middle of this debacle.

Ian McCrory cannot see me like this.


Author Bio:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 2 million books, with 4 New York Times bestsellers and more than 19 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French and German, with more titles releasing in 2020 and beyond.

From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men's room toilet (and he isn't a billionaire she met in a romantic comedy).

She lives in New England with her husband and three children where she is the only person in the household with the gene required to change empty toilet paper rolls.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Newsletter / Amazon


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