Winter Wonderland Romance
-- EXCERPT: When no one answered, she stepped inside and reached for the light switch she knew was on the wall. “Alex? I’m not leaving until I make sure you’re okay, so you might as well answer me.” She cocked an ear and heard water running. He wouldn’t try to drown himself, would he? Olivia tossed off her coat, set the ice cream and cookies on the counter in the kitchen, and was just headed down the hall to the master suite when a light flicked on and Alex stood there wearing nothing but a towel. The wise thing for her to do would have been to spin around and give him his privacy. However, she was too worried about him and still too keyed up from what had happened to listen to the voice telling her to retreat. She walked the rest of the way into the room, fisted her hands on her hips, and studied him from the top of his head where water droplets clung to the tips of his hair, down his stoic face, past that delectable cleft in his chin, and along the impressive muscles in his arms, chest, and abs. The physician in her categorized his scars, making note of several burn marks and one spot on his side that looked like a gunshot wound. She walked around him, convinced the corresponding wound on his back was the exit point. What terrors had this man survived? Her admiration for him climbed several notches. Alex was a survivor, whether he realized it or not. “Hi,” she said softly, walking back around to face him. His nearly naked state left her feeling wave after wave of things better left alone, but despite how much it unsettled her, she wasn’t quite ready to return to the kitchen.
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Title: Amber Eyes
Series: The Red Club Series Book 3
Author: Aurelia Yates
Genre: Dark Romance
Tropes: Murder, Death, Violence, Loss of a loved one, Abuse, Spanking, CNC, Mafia, Forced Proximity, Virgin male/dominant, touch her and die vibes
Release Date: January 26, 2024
Darkness is all Liz Black has known for her entire life.
Being born to a lovesless mother with an insatiable appetite for drugs, Liz is determined to break free of the shackles of her past and find her happily ever after. An unexpected attack leads Liz to flee her empty life and move in with her friend. Only fate has twisted ways, leaving Liz to find herself in the same predicament, desperate to find a means to make enough money for her own place. Upon taking the job at Club Red, she sells her virginity to the devil himself. Mark O’Brian is a man who knows what he wants, and when he spots Liz, he makes sure that she knows who she belongs to, that the only man to touch her will be him. When Liz moves without Mark knowing, he makes it his mission to find her and bring her back to where she belongs. Only he didn’t expect a family emergency arising when he does eventually find his Liz. Without letting Liz out of his sight, he kidnaps her to Ireland where things take a twist, leaving everyone’s heads spinning.
Wiping my sweaty palms on my cotton skirt, I’m so nervous. I try to take deep breaths to ease my nerves, but it’s not working. I’m on the verge of a panic attack.
I stand in front of a red steel door. Regret settles in my bones. I don’t want to take this job, but I have no choice. I’m broke and need money to provide a safe place to live. Currently, I’m staying with my friend, Carla. I was lucky her dad let me move in with them, but there’s something about her dad that sends shivers down my spine. The way he brushes up against me and says inappropriate things makes me uneasy. I raise my unsteady fist and knock on the door. When a large man with sapphire eyes opens the door, I swallow. Instincts tell me to run, but my feet stay planted like heavy lead. I’m here to talk to Candy Mann about a job. I met Candy a few weeks back, and we discussed my living situation. She told me she manages the girls at Club Red and that I could make a better living working for her than waiting on tables at a five-star restaurant. “I’m here to see Candy Mann.” My voice comes out uneasy. He looks me over, and goosebumps run up my arms. His eyes make me feel exposed. Can he see my insecurities? My inability to feel like I belong anywhere? He pulls the door open and stands aside to allow me to enter. Once I’m inside, he closes the heavy door, shutting it with a loud clap of thunder. Pure darkness replaces any light there is. Darkness. That’s all I have ever known. “Follow me,” he says in a deep accent. My eyes adjust to the blackness just enough to make out the man’s silhouette. Following him down a hallway, I see a sliver of light shining onto the floor. He stops at the door, where the light shines through a crack. I bump into his back, waiting for him to say something, but there’s only silence. He twists the knob to open the door, and the brightness that greets us is almost blinding. The beautiful room we walk into has dark wood trim along the stage, where a gorgeous redhead is dancing on a pole. It’s breathtaking. The red velvet curtains hanging from the walls give the illusion of long windows and pair perfectly with the crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings that the bright lights bounce off of. We walk farther into the beautiful room, stopping at a bar. The dark stranger doesn’t speak. He reaches behind the red mahogany countertop and picks up a phone. I’m not able to hear what he’s saying on the phone because the music is loud. So, I watch the girl on the stage dance around, amazed at her confidence. She’s dressed in only a fancy set of underwear. Men in expensive suits sit around, watching her with lustful eyes as they shove bills into her tiny, barely-there panties, paying her to give them attention. Someone taps on my shoulder, causing me to jump. “Liz Black, you decide to take me up on my offer?” Candy says. “Yes, can we talk more privately?” She motions me to follow her, and we walk to a staircase and up two flights before she opens a door. We’re greeted by two men in black suits. Both men are tall and well-built, but the one standing in front of me with premature salt and pepper in his beard has a wickedness about him. His dark, piercing amber eyes penetrate me, leaving scars as they sweep over my skin. A sudden icy chill breeze swirls around me. I brush my hands over my arms, trying to warm them. I’m used to low-life drug dealers, but men in power suits that could make you disappear without question are deadly. Candy introduces me, but my mind is too far from the conversation, so I don’t hear their names. I give them a nod, wishing this brief encounter would be over. When I tilt my head to the man with piercing eyes, he displays a sinful grin. I’m ready to tell Candy this is not a good idea and that I don’t belong here, but it’s not a choice I have. I need the money, and if selling my virginity is what I need to do, then so be it. Fairy tales don’t happen to girls like me.
Aurelia writes contemporary romance and enjoys reading it just as much! She lives in Alabama with her husband, daughter and fur babies. She spends most of her time taking care of her loved ones and plotting stories. Excited to begin this new journey, she’s looking forward to sharing her stories.
Pity Pact
-- EXCERPT: Paige Who in the world is the new woman walking into the ballroom? She must be someone special because all the cameras, except for the one pointed at Tim, turn in her direction. Staring at her, I realize she looks kind of familiar, but for the life of me, I can’t figure out why. I don’t generally hang out with highly polished and glamorous people, and this chick looks like she just walked off the pages of Vogue magazine. Trina glides back across the ballroom with Tim trailing behind her. “We have a guest!” she announces with so much excitement, you’d think Jesus was here to bless the bread and wine. On impossibly long legs and stilettos high enough to impress any of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the new woman glides toward the host. “Trina …” she croons. “Thank you for coming tonight, Eva.” Holy hell! Eva? As in Tim’s ex, Eva? “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” She turns toward the camera closest to her and offers the most blindingly fake smile I’ve ever seen. No wonder her acting career never took off. Meanwhile, Tim is standing next to Trina as stiff as a toy soldier awaiting his execution. Eva walks toward him and when she arrives, croons, “Tim, it’s so good to see you again. How have you been?” His expression morphs from shock to pure loathing. It’s clear he’s trying to decide his best course of action because he doesn’t respond for several seconds. When he finally breaks his silence, all he says is, “Eva.” “Daaaarling …” She sounds like she’s a long-lost Gabor sister in those old-time movies. “I was crushed when I heard what a hard time you’re still having with our breakup.” I want to punch this woman right in the face. Tim cocks his head to the side before replying, “I’m not sure what you’re talking about, Eva.” Striving for a look of innocence and failing, she says, “Trina told me you’ve been unable to move on because you’re still in love with me.” “I never said love, Eva.” Oh goody, Trina’s decided to enter the fray. “I said that Tim wasn’t emotionally free of you.” Potatoes, potahtoes, am I right? “I know it was hard on Tim when I left.” Eva bats her eyes like she’s holding back tears. “But I had no choice. He and I got married too soon and when Holden showed up, I knew I had to go to him.” Her lashes flutter like a llama with conjunctivitis. “Do you have anything to say to that, Tim?” Trina wants to know. Tim glares at his ex. “You only knew Holden for a week before you left me. We’d been together for four years.” Eva looks at Tim with pity before dropping a bomb. “Tim, I knew Holden before I’d ever met you.” The look of horror on his face says it all. He’s about to lose it—spectacularly. I feel compelled to do something to save him from this humiliation, but I don’t know what. Without thinking, I step forward and declare, “Which makes you the villain, not Tim!” I sound like I’m playing a live-action game of Clue. It was the butler in the pantry with a butter knife! Eva turns her head and sneers at me condescendingly. “Who are you?” “I’m Paige Holland.” When that doesn’t seem like a self-explanatory enough declaration, I add, “I’m an old friend of Tim’s.” “Then why haven’t I ever heard of you?” she wants to know. “Why didn’t Tim know about Holden?” I retaliate. “Are you saying you and Tim were having an affair while he was married to me?” That’s not what I was saying, but it does make me wonder if Eva had been cheating on Tim throughout their marriage. Before I can accuse her of that, Tim steps forward and takes my hand. “Paige, please stop trying to help.” Part of me knows I should listen to him, but I don’t. Instead, I spin around and yell--yell— “No, Tim! This bimbo is not going to come in here and act like the wounded party. She’s the one who cheated, she’s the homewrecker …” Talk about giving Midwestern Matchmaker their money’s worth, I’m full-on guaranteeing they’ll be picked up for another ten seasons if they can keep delivering the level of drama I’m offering. “Timothy …” Eva says, “I want to know if you were cheating on me?” “So would I,” Trina feels the need to add. Tim exhales loudly. “Paige and I went to school together. That’s all. We didn’t become friends until I moved home.” While true, that kind of hurts. I just told the world we were old friends and he relegated me to mere acquaintance status. But then he squeezes my hand and adds, “But we’re very good friends now.” Aaaaand I melt. “I think you’re lying,” Eva tells him. “I can see why a liar might tend to believe the worst in people,” he retorts. Eva spins toward Trina. “You said he was a hot mess. You said the only reason he came on this show was to get even with me!” Before I know what I’m doing, I rush at Eva with the intention of ripping every last hair out of her head. Tim pulls me back in the nick of time, and reminds me, “This is going to be televised, Paige.” “Not if I can help it!” I tell him. And this is where I totally lose my mind…
GIVEAWAY! Love wasn’t part of the blueprint when high school sweethearts reunite in their small town. But this former military man never forgot the girl he left behind and he’s more determined than ever to rebuild their relationship brick by brick and heart by heart. Getting locked in the men’s restroom during my mother’s funeral wasn’t exactly how I expected to run into my high school sweetheart. The one who got away. The one who broke my heart. I could toss the busted doorknob in my hand at him, but I’d prefer to get the heck away. Because twenty years later, Knox Sylver isn’t a teenage boy anymore but a broad-shouldered, thick scruff man with eyes that still look at me like I’m the only person in the room. As a newly divorced mother of two teenagers, it’s been a long time since anyone sees me. And Knox is definitely watching. Unfortunately, he made choices in the past and I wasn’t one of them. According to him, that is ancient history. Also, according to him, it’s never too late for a second chance. He’s out to prove he’s solid and stable, having returned to our small hometown, in a better place after a career in the military. He’s a local hero as a fireman and he wants to rekindle the flame between us. I’m the one with decisions this round. Do I stay where memories hurt? Or do I leave my past, and Knox, behind me again? 3.5 Heart Review by Ashley I'm a sucker for a second chance romance and that is exactly what L.B. Dunbar gave me in Sterling Brick. I'm not going to lie, I swooned hard for Knox. He is book boyfriend perfection. Hardworking, patient and thoughtful. It took me a little longer to warm up to Halle. To be fair she had more than a lot on her plate and getting tangled up with her ex wasn't on the agenda. Too bad Knox shredded that memo. I liked his gentle persistence. How he put himself in her path and only asked for time. How he gave her a safe place to vent her frustration and fear. It took time but her walls came down and a softer, less rigid, more open Halle emerged. It wasn't just the town, though there was for sure some magic in Sterling Falls, but it was the sweetness and sentimentality of Halle and Knox shedding the past pain and falling in love with who they were now. These two are the proof that sometimes first love deserves a second chance. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
L.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbar’s signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever. She’s a USA TODAY Bestselling Author, as well as an Amazon Top 10 Later in Life Romance with her Lakeside Cottage and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox. To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her monthly newsletter, Love Notes. AUTHOR LINKS Facebook Page | Instagram | Amazon | Bookbub | Goodreads | Website | Tik Tok
THE GRUMPY BOSS AGREEMENT After my fiancée left me standing at the altar, I kissed a gorgeous, sultry woman. Months later, that same sunny blonde with a dazzling smile is introduced as Savannah, my new assistant. I try not to panic, but I’ve been fantasizing about her ever-so-kissable lips during my dark, lonely nights. Savannah needs money, and I happen to need a community mouthpiece who can sweet talk the locals. It’s a match made in heaven… or in my personal hell. From the first second I look into Savannah’s pretty green eyes, I am toast. She is bright and chipper and eager to help a grumpy boss like me succeed. I can bark orders at her all day, but she just smiles and hops to it. It’s annyong how Savannah just smiles at people and somehow ends up getting her way. Moving back home to Cape Simon is what’s best for my son Charlie. Being a single dad to him all by myself has been tough. Here he can be surrounded by my large, close-knit family. That’s assuming my pro-athlete brother Rex doesn’t drive me insane with his endless demands first. Lovely, sweet Savannah sticks around to lend me a hand. I’m powerless to resist her sunshine-y charm. She just loves to help anyone and everyone. And what do I do? Grab her by the shoulders, pull her against my body, and kiss her lips until she’s breathless. It’s stupid, reckless, and thoughtless… but it feels so right. Opposites attract, but nothing can happen between us. I’m not planning on staying in town long. And she’s such a good girl that she practically screams relationship material. Been there, done that, got jilted in a tux. There’s no way I’m going to kiss her again. No matter how gorgeous she looks, how desperately I start to want her, or how many times we get stuck together spending all afternoon in a tiny swamp shack…
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Vivian Wood is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Top 20 bestselling author. She specializes in writing about damaged billionaires, ruined princesses, mouthy ballerinas, and anti-heroes that are oh so deliciously bad. Vivian likes to write about troubled, deeply flawed alpha males and the fiery, kick-ass women who bring them to their knees. Vivian's lasting motto in romance is a quote from a favorite song: "Soulmates never die." Get a free book and keep up with Vivian, subscribe to her newsletter: https://vivian-wood.com/get-news To learn more about Vivian Wood & her books, visit here! Connect with Vivian Wood: INFO@VIVIAN-WOOD.COM
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ENCHANTING THE CEO She’s a white-picket-fence kind of girl, but I only do casual. My first mistake? Asking her to be my roommate. Gabe Living with her is turning out to be physically impossible. Every time she saunters through the living room, I can’t help but want her. Whenever she gives me sass, I fantasize about kissing that mouth until she begs for more. Diane The man gives me the hottest kiss of my life— toe curling, sparks-flying, panty-melting hot. Even though I’ve just been through the break-up from hell, I can’t resist his charms. Meet Layla Hagen:
My name is Layla Hagen and I am a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later. I write romantic stories and can’t wait to share them with the world. And I drink coffee. Keep up with Layla Hagen and subscribe to her newsletter: http://laylahagen.com/mailing-list-sign-up/ To learn more about Layla Hagen & her books, visit here! Connect with Layla Hagen:https://laylahagen.com/contact-layla/
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Title: One Night To Win You
Series: The Donnellys of Dogwood Cove
Author: Julia Jarrett
Genre: Small Town Contemporary Romance, Single Mom, Firefighter, One Night Stand
Release Date: January 24, 2024
Cover Design: @shanoffdesigns
A few hours of mutual pleasure, and then I’ll never see Tori Charles again, because one night is all I ever do.
No strings, no commitments and definitely no repeats.
But two months later, the single mom I can't seem to forget moves to my small town.
I know I need to keep my distance. Tori and her son Cooper deserve a forever kind of guy, and I'm more love 'em and leave 'em.
But this woman has gotten under my skin. She's irresistible, even though I'm a committed bachelor.
What harm could a secret-friends-with-benefits arrangement really be?
“I like you,” Sawyer blurts out, his body tensing under me.
Julia Jarrett has a passion for writing sexy, sweet, contemporary romance novels that are full of relatable heroines, and the swoon-worthy men who fall in love with them.
Julia is a busy mother of two boys, a happy wife to her real-life book boyfriend, and the owner of two rescue dogs. If you’re looking for her, she’s probably sitting in a comfy chair somewhere, drinking tea and dreaming of a sunny vacation.
Release Date: January 25
The last thing he wants is to trek into the jungle to save the Presidentâs daughter. Shepherd âShepâ Barlow left the military behind. All he wants is to stay on his Colorado mountainâalone, with no interruptions, and no people. He especially likes to avoid people. Then his former commander arrives, asking him to risk his life on a deadly mission to Central America. A mission to rescue the archeologist daughter of the President of the United States. Once a member of a covert Ghost Ops team, Shep has the skills to get in quietly and rescue Ms. Sinclair. And as much as he wishes otherwise, he canât leave an innocent woman in danger. Hayden Sinclair loves her work. It keeps her far away from the liars, cheats, and phonies in Washington D.C. But when sheâs abducted from her archeological dig in Nicaragua, sheâs plunged into a life-or-death situation. Her captors plan to use her as a bargaining chip, and Hayden knows she has to escape. What she never expected was to collide with the worldâs biggest, grumpiest rescuer. On the run in the jungle with six and a half feet of rugged, muscular, scowling man, she finds Shep rude and annoying. But as her captors ruthlessly hunt them, she also discovers a man whoâll risk his own life to protect hers. Neither of them are looking for love, especially when they have to fight to surviveâ¦besides, there could never be a happy ending for the daughter of the President and a grumpy, battle-scarred soldier, could there?
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Available in KU
3 Heart Review by Ashley
I was so excited to get Shep's book after reading the first book in this series. That man was more than a mystery that I couldn't wait to uncover. I liked Hayden. She was smart and brave and strong in the face of danger and the unknown. Trying to make her own name and not just ride on the coattails of her father, the President. Thank goodness the broody and brash Shep was sent to help her out of her predicament. Nothing like a little forced proximity as you're running for your life to heighten emotions and make you look at what's really important. I have to admit, I feel like there was too much going on, too many obstacles in their path to escape. I felt like I was reading the plot for an action movie. I wanted more of the fall and the romance. That being said, Hayden and Shep's opposites attract romance was intense and didn't let up the whole way through. Plus a few cameo's from some old favorites was a pleasant surprise. I'm looking forward to what Anna Hackett has in store as this series continues.
Meet Anna Hackett
Iâm a USA Today bestselling romance author whoâs passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe itâs possible for all of us to do the same. My parents are to blame for my insatiable need to mix action, adventure, and romance. When I was young, I raided my motherâs romances and my fatherâs action adventure thrillers. I love being exhilarated and left just a little breathless. Iâm a sucker for that moment when the team is walking in slow motion, shoulder-to-shoulder heading off into battle. To learn more about Anna and her books, visit here!
Title: A Risk Worth Taking
Author: Nikki Ash
Release: January 25, 2024
Genre: Hidden Identity, Fourteen year age gap, Secret pregnancy, Broken Heroine, Romantic Suspense
Cover Designer: Jersey Girl Design @JerseyGirlDesign
Lincoln Alexander might think he’s too old for me, but he’s wrong. A fourteen-year age gap is nothing when you’re desperate to feel alive again.
The wealthy business owner has only ever seen me as off limits, but he has the power to put me back together—to chase away my demons with just his touch.
So, for one intense night, without him knowing who I am, I put my trust and pleasure in his hands.
My plan is to walk away, ready to move forward with my life, but when the doctor tells me that I’m pregnant, I find myself taking two steps back.
Lincoln
One night isn’t enough with the masked, green-eyed woman who walked into my club and turned my world upside down.
After I gave her what she wanted, again and again, she walked away without a trace.
When I finally discover the identity of the mysterious beauty who stole my heart on Valentine’s Day—and the secret she’s been keeping—my heart stops.
Ellie Bardot is all grown up, but I remember the innocent girl she was, even if she doesn’t. I hate that she lied to me, almost as much as I hate that I still want her.
Now I’m torn between being the man she needs me to be and doing the right thing.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: this story contains subjects that may be sensitive for some readers. Content warnings (which contain major spoilers) can be found on Nikki’s website. www.authornikkiash.com
Slightly Delayed and Somewhat Haphazard by Amber Laura- Book Blitz with Excerpt & Giveaway1/24/2024 Slightly Delayed and Somewhat Haphazard
-- EXCERPT: The story was outlandish. At turns, both unbelievable and absurdly awful. All the same, the story was true. Leaning forward in her chair, her body braced as if for impact, Miranda Monroe watched as her words sank in. She canvassed the face before her. The high cheekbones tautening, those green eyes narrowing, clouding with confusion, with disbelief as they stared so questioningly back at her. Waiting, Miranda carefully studied the face of Sam Church. Her best friend and emotional benefactor. Her anchor. He looked… gobsmacked, she decided. That was only to be expected. She turned her attention to the cocktail glass in front of her next; it was bleeding with condensation. Absently, Miranda stirred the quickly melting ice—but it was a lost cause. Especially since she had no intention of actually drinking her drink. Probably should have been an odd choice, then, for her to end up at The Oasis Bar and Grill. “That doesn’t—what are you talking about?” Miranda smirked fatalistically as she peeked back up at Sam. “You know, I think those may have been my first words as well.” “Noel got married.” His voice was incredulous. “Mm. Yes. To Kourtney.” “In New Hampshire?” He repeated. “While on a business trip,” Miranda reminded him through numbed lips. All the same, the ache in her stomach intensified, restricted her breathing as she forced herself to relive the horror of those words again. “Apparently,” she added, for good measure, “it seems that for the first time in his life, Noel decided to make an exceptionally grand gesture.” Marry one woman while still dating (while still living with) another woman. “Are you—are you okay?” A stupid question, to be sure, but Miranda couldn’t blame Sam for asking it. It was a hard situation for knowing what to say. …. It was supposed to be her. Miranda was supposed to be the one marrying Noel. (Granted, he hadn’t technically asked but it had been an unspoken though long-expected part of their future.) Four years; that’s how long they’d been together. Pictures of them dotted the walls and shelves of their apartment—a perfectly happy couple smiling back at the camera. Furniture they’d agonized over and purchased together filled every nook and cranny of the place—marking it theirs and theirs alone. And then, in one instant, an instant in which she’d had no say, they simply, they simply weren’t dating anymore. She was left alone. He was left with someone else’s ring on his finger. Tears misted Miranda’s eyes. A few slipped past her lids, inking down her face. She brushed them away impatiently, sniffed the rest back in place. He’d never let on. Never let on that he’d fallen in love with his co-worker. Miranda’s teeth ground together as a picture of Kourtney floated before her eyes. Long, willowy frame; stylishly arranged dark hair always draped just so over her shoulder; large oval eyes with an open, honest face. The snake. Miranda had liked Kourtney. She’d welcomed her into their home. Into their social circle. Stupid fool that she was, she’d thought nothing of her and Noel’s inside jokes or shared smiles. She’d chalked it up to professional camaraderie. Frankly, she’d enjoyed not having to listen to his lengthy stories about this client or that one—she’d enjoyed the reprieve from acronyms and talk of policies and procedures she knew nothing about. She’d been happy to let them carry on without her. She just hadn’t realized then what that meant. (This excerpt is an abridged version of what appears in the book.)
GIVEAWAY! |