Very passionate ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) Reviewer, Book Reviewer, Participates in Blog Tours and am on review teams for Publishers, Indie and Best Selling Authors in the US and UK. Favorite genres are Psychological Thrillers, Medical Memoirs, Medical Fiction, Tear Jerkers, True Crime and Second Chance Romance. Posts honest, genuine and detailed reviews from the heart on my website and social media in return for the book and your friendship.
They tell the world what mysteries to read. Soon, they’ll be caught up in one of their own. When six book influencers take a weekend getaw...
The Perfect Stepmother
Publication Day: June 17th 2021
The Truth Keeps Silent
A.V. Asher
(Truth and Lies Duet, #1)
Publication date: May 8th 2021
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense
Where do you run when everything has been stripped away?
Starting over hasn’t gone well for Mercedes Elliott. After making the biggest mistake of her life, moving halfway across the world felt right at the time. But six months later, she’s isolated, dependent on a dangerous relationship with her boyfriend, Jason Marsh, and no closer to rebuilding her once promising legal career. Running low on hope, Mercedes secretly reaches out to the one man she never thought she’d see again.
Former British Intelligence officer Alec McKinley always regretted letting Mercedes slip through his fingers. So when she invites him for coffee, he jumps at the chance to see her. Warm, funny, and still stunningly beautiful, Mercedes draws Alec in as much as ever. But despite her cheerful smile, he can’t ignore the pain hiding in her eyes.
| WHAT IF GOD'S GREATEST BLESSING CAME THROUGH PAIN? |
Ashley and Cody considered themselves "good" people. They worked hard, loved God, and went to church most Sundays. Then one day their faith was tested when God said “yes” to a prayer they had prayed for years. How do you endure when you can’t see the future? How do you rely on God instead of yourself? One Enduring Hope is an inspirational Christian fiction novel about family, faith, and hope in uncertain times. Inspiring and uplifting, this story dives into the heart of true worship that God desires of those who follow Him—fully and wholly. Christians who know or desire to know what it means to walk by faith will find this inspiring tale of a Christian married couple both realistic and true to life. |
Dario
Eden Butler
(The Carelli Family Saga, #2)
Publication date: July 20th 2021
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense
Dario Carelli has one job—get the new bakery owner to fall in line.
Cuoricino, New York, their sleepy, small town, has rules. Rules his ironically kind-hearted mob boss brother set in place to keep everyone safe. But Ava Anderson has no intention of following a single one.The woman is a hassle Dario doesn’t need. She ignores his ultimatums and mocks his intimidating guards, sending them back to him with a basket of baked goods and amped up on too much espresso.
If Dario thought the charm he once had before landing in prison for a crime that wasn’t his would work, he’d teach Miss Ava a lesson in pleasure she wouldn’t soon forget.
The Do-Over
Melissa MacKinnon
Published by: Entangled Bliss
Publication date: July 12th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
After years in the grueling California dating scene, Maggie Kelley has finally agreed to marry her Mr. Right Now. But there’s just one teensy problem…the county clerk lets her know that she’s technically still married to her Vegas fling: the best three days she ever had…and can’t actually remember. The moment she sees her very hot husband after eight years, with his works-well-with-his-hands attitude, she’s sure their wedding night must have been explosive.
The absolute last person Finnegan Garrity expected at his door is Maggie—his ultimate “one who got away.” Yet here she is in his small-town boat shop, looking just as adorable as ever…and wanting a divorce. Yeah, he has no intention of letting that happen. Now he’s got one week to convince Maggie that they’re still perfect for each other.
But he’s going to need more than just a do-over: he’s going to need a miracle.
They say if you love someone, you have to let them go. But what they are your child?
All Sarah McIntyre has ever wanted was a loving, happy family. So when her husband JP announces on Christmas Day that he is leaving her and their two children, 9 year old Harry and 4 year old Robyn, Sarah is left reeling.
But things are set to get worse when Robyn is diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.
Can JP and Sarah unite to fight their biggest battle yet? or will they be on opposing sides once again?
With the couple at loggerheads and with Robyn's condition deteriorating day-by-day, precious time is running out and JP is getting desperate…
The Last Days of Us is a tender story of hope and forgiveness that asks the question how far would you go to save your child?
Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/2PzCkWJ
Better Together in Boston
Jennifer Wilck
Publication date: June 11th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Do you believe in the legend of True Springs?
Mr. Right doesn’t exist…
Anna Levinson was raised by a single mother, who sacrificed her dreams to give her daughter a warm, loving home. Now a respected professor on the tenure track, Anna is driven to live the life she thinks her mother should have had. She’s long since come to terms with the understanding that “having it all” is impossible if she wants a successful career.
He’s been told he’s Mr. Wrong more times than he can count…
Despite being left at the altar twice, Ben Diamond still believes his soul mate is out there. He’s ready to marry and start a family of his own. He just clearly won’t recognize her when he does find her. And then he meets the maid of honor at his cousin’s wedding, and his world is thrown off kilter.
Playing it Safe
Amy Andrews
Published by: Entangled: Brazen
Publication date: TBA
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports
When an intense attraction develops between Donovan, a professional rugby player who believes he can only embrace his true self once his professional sports career is over, and Beckett, who is out and proud and not looking for a guy who isn’t, sparks fly. But what will happen when their tryst is exposed?
Slow Burn
Jade C. Jamison
(Feverish, #4)
Publication date: June 25th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
When Brian and Sophie meet, there’s spontaneous combustion.
Too bad they hate each other.
Fashion model Sophia Buckley has despised Brian Zimmer from the first time she heard him speak…and so, without even getting to know him, she plots revenge, executing her plan perfectly. Playing a groupie, she engages Brian in a steamy encounter, only to leave him high and dry.
Brian figures she’s simply the mayor of Crazy Town, vowing to forget the experience and move on.
Except she won’t let him because she keeps turning up in his life.
Despite Brian’s protests, the band’s manager forces Last Five Seconds to engage with this woman because she has an innate talent for stirring up drama. Throw in the paparazzi, and both she and the band get some much-needed publicity.
I stare at the newspaper article about a baby snatched from the back of a car thirty years ago, and wonder why someone would post it through my door. Looking closer, my blood freezes. The little girl in the photo has an unusual scar – just like mine. I’ve never met anyone with one like it. Is this stolen child… me?
Aggie the Horrible vs. Max The Pompous Ass
Lisa Wells
Published by: Entangled: Amara
Publication date: July 19th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
One’s playing a game. The other’s keeping score.
When wild-child Aggie Corelissen shows up for an interview with the last person she’d ever want to work for, golden-boy entrepreneur Max Treadwell, she has one goal—to not be offered the position. While she hates to disappoint the two matchmaking grandmothers who’d pressed Max to hire her, she wants nothing to do with a pity job. Besides, the guy could easily win Mr. Pompous Ass of the year.
The last thing Max wants is to offer Aggie a job. The woman, a mixture of bizarre and annoying, has gone through at least a half-dozen employers this year already. He might’ve promised Grandmother he’d hire her, but if Aggie doesn’t take it because he’s more than a little un-charming, that won’t be his fault. After all, his company is on the brink of a major land acquisition, and the last thing he needs is a screw-up as a personal assistant.
Cocktails on the Beach
EmKay Connor, Helen Hardt, Leah Marie North, Lyz Kelley
Publication date: June 8th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Sip something sweet… Savor something steamy…
Feel the heat and find love in these four original romances written by New York Times, USA Today, award winning, and international bestselling authors! AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY.
Are you looking for a hot and naughty book boyfriend to take you away this summer? What’s your pleasure? A sexy billionaire? A smooth-talking bartender? A gorgeous island doctor? A seductive Irishman? These irresistible men are hot enough to melt the ice in your margarita. Start your sizzling read today!
Escape by Helen Hardt
She’s running from one man…and ends up in the arms of another, putting them both in danger.
Exes and Ohs! by Leah Marie Brown
A chance meeting with a gorgeous Irishman has her thinking about Mr. Right instead of Mr. Right Now.
Next Rock on the Right by EmKay Connor.
Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn…that takes you on a wild ride leading to exactly where you’re meant to be.
Her Perfect Guy by Lyz Kelley
She’s his sister’s hands-off best friend. He’s her perfect guy.
One-click now to sip an island cocktail and find your summer bliss!
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play
—
EXCERPTS:
Escape by Helen Hardt
Emily
I stop looking over my shoulder on the fourth day.
I don’t notice this until the evening, when I sit down by myself at the bar. I’ve been at the Wolfe Island Art Colony less than a week, but until today, I’ve been watching my back.
When you’re hiding from the devil himself, you don’t let your guard down.
A second after sitting down on the wooden stool at the beachfront bar, I look behind me.
That’s when I realize it’s the first time I’ve done it today.
Whether that’s good or bad, I can’t say. I shouldn’t be getting too comfortable.
“What’ll it be, pretty girl?”
I shift my gaze toward the bartender’s deep voice—
And nearly drop my jaw onto the counter. His eyes are such a gorgeous mixture of emerald and cognac. Most would simply call them hazel. I see a swirl of Prussian Green and Olive Green with hints of Renaissance Gold.
And believe it or not, those amazing eyes pale in comparison to the rest of him.
I smile shyly. I’ve kept to myself since I arrived on the island, spending most of my time painting the scenes outside my hut. This is the first time I’ve ventured to the beach.
“You going to answer me?” Hunky bartender raises his dark brown eyebrows.
“Yeah. Sorry.” My cheeks burn. “Just some water, I guess.”
“You guess? You can do better than that, pretty girl.”
Pretty girl. The second time he’s called me that in the span of two minutes. I don’t feel pretty. On the outside, I suppose I’m okay. On the inside, a disaster.
“Cat still got your tongue?” He smiles a lazy smile, that makes him even better looking. “Trust me?”
I part my lips and lick them. Trust him? I trust no one. No one. He has no idea what kind of can of worms he’s opened.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” He reaches under the bar and pulls out a martini glass.
I hate martinis, but still I say nothing.
“Try my specialty. Virgin?”
My jaw drops. “Of course not!”
He laughs. “I mean do you want the virgin version of my specialty?”
“Oh.” God, my cheeks can’t get any hotter. I can only imagine what they look like in the light of the setting sun. “That’s what I meant. I don’t want the virgin one.”
“Got it.” He smiles.
Yeah, he doesn’t buy it, but I give him credit for letting me try to weasel out of my embarrassment.
He turns toward the back of the bar and pulls three different bottles from the myriad options.
Three bottles? Maybe I should have gone with the virgin.
He fills a stainless steel shaker with crushed ice and adds a stream of the golden, the yellow, and the hot pink. I eyed the bottle closest to me—the pink one. Crème de Noyeaux. Never heard of it.
Next he adds what appears to be orange juice and then pineapple. A Mai Tai maybe? No, he said it was his specialty. Surely he didn’t invent the Mai Tai. Or maybe he invented this particular version.
He adjusts the lid and shakes several times. Once he’s done, he slides a slice of lime around the rim of the martini glass, dips it in sugar, and then strains the contents of the shaker into the glass.
I notice the color first. It’s a lovely pinkish-orange, the shade of last night’s sunset that I tried to capture on canvas but couldn’t.
He pushes the drink toward me and sets a cocktail napkin next to it. “Tell me what you think.”
Good enough. I inhale and pick the martini glass up by its stem. I sniff. Nice fragrance. Orangey and almondy. Very tropical.
“Well?” he says. “Are you waiting for a little umbrella?”
I can’t help myself. I laugh. I laugh like I haven’t in a long time, and it feels good. Really good.
“You got one?” I ask.
“Your wish is my command.” He reaches under the counter and then pops a tiny pink umbrella into my drink.
If I had my phone, I’d shoot a pic and post this on Instagram.
I don’t have my phone, though, and I deleted all my social media accounts.
In fact, the only person who has a clue where I am is my brother, Buck, and he’s sworn to secrecy. He helped me get the invitation to the colony when I needed to leave town in a hurry. The person I’m running from can’t touch Buck.
No one can.
—
Exes and Ohs! by Leah Marie Brown
“What can I get ye?”
“Something strong.”
“Are ye wanting a drink or a man?”
“A drink.”
“Either way, I would recommend something Irish.” His blue eyes sparkle.
“Whiskey will be fine.”
“Grand choice.”
“Leave the bottle.”
“Not a bother.” He slides the bottle toward me.
He looks like one of the thirst traps I follow on Instagram, all chiseled jaw and dimpled cheeks. His dark blond hair is styled in an undercut, like he just took off his flat cap and stepped off the set of Peaky Blinders. His black button-up is straining to contain his chest and bulging biceps. He winks before walking to the other end of the bar to take an order. Broad shoulders and an ass so sweet it makes me want to sink my teeth into it. Not that I’m into asses…or biting them. Don’t know where that came from.
I drain my whiskey in one swallow. I’m reaching for the bottle to pour a finger or two of the emotion- and tongue-numbing liquid into my glass when I notice a tall, slender woman hovering at the entrance. She’s wearing a J. Crew little black dress with an Exes and Ohs nametag slapped to her chest—more in the region of her shoulder than her breast. She’s clutching her purse to her stomach as if she expects to be accosted by a knife-wielding hooligan. Poor thing looks like one of those cartoon fraidy cats—eyes wide, shoulders dropped, back hunched, like she will startle at the slightest noise. She takes a deep breath and hurriedly walks to the bar, practically collapsing onto a stool near me.
She notices me watching her, slides her glasses up her nose, and offers me a tremulous smile before pulling her phone out of her purse. Classic self-conscious single woman move. I want to snatch the phone out of her hand and replace it with a bottle of vodka and a straw. Everyone knows drinking alcohol through a straw accelerates its effects, and this girl needs twenty-five ounces of liquid courage, stat.
—
Next Rock on the Right by EmKay Connor
Luka
“How was your trip?”
“Long. I’d like to get to the hotel…or wherever I’m staying.” She jutted a hip, planted a hand on it, and cocked her head. “Is it true you don’t have WiFi? That’s going to make it very difficult to do my job if there’s no internet here.”
I bristled at her patronizing attitude. “Grab your stuff, and I’ll show you to your thatched hut. We put up a new hammock just for you, and the women checked every inch of your mosquito netting to make sure there are no tears. We wouldn’t want you inconvenienced by something like a bug bite or no internet.”
She glared at me, and I glared back. I didn’t want to be the Care For All spokesman, and I didn’t want to deal with a spoiled city girl throwing a temper tantrum because she couldn’t check her social media. The commitment I’d made out of respect for Doc felt like rough rope binding my hands and feet and neck. It chaffed and burned and made it hard to breathe.
“Doctor Man not so good at da hospitality.” Martina popped out of the kitchen. She bustled down the hall and wedged herself between us.
Britt Connolly’s gaze dropped to read Martina’s T-shirt and then jumped to me, a pink blush tinting her cheeks.
Hah. I’d teased Martina about the slogan this morning.
Doctors Do It with Skill and Love
“You stay with Oz and Nina. They da owners of Sandcastle Bungalows. Nice place. Good food.” Martina shrugged. “Maybe technology.”
“Maybe?” Britt looked past Martina to me. She dipped her head.
“Our infrastructure is limited.” I regretted my own outburst. “A power plant built in the eighties provides enough electricity for fourteen hours of service each day. There’s no power before seven a.m. and or after nine p.m., although Oz has a generator he uses for paying guests. BrightStar Telecommunications provides satellite internet access to most of the islands in the Caribbean, but the signal isn’t reliable.”
“Thank you for explaining.” She lifted her backpack. “If you’ll give me directions to this bungalow place, I’ll check in.”
“Doctor Man, he show you da way.” Martina glowered at me, giving me no choice. She could make my life miserable if she wanted to.
It was easier to comply.
It would also give me a chance to clear the air with Miss Connolly. I resented being thrust into the role of spokesman. I disliked Big Pharma and distrusted Corporate America. Even nonprofits like Care For All made me leery. Too many rules and too many hoops meant people went without timely, affordable medical care.
Bureaucrats cared about money. I cared about people.
I’d agreed to work with CFA because Doc asked me to and because the islanders would suffer if I let pride get in the way. I could suck it up for two weeks. That fact that Britt Connolly was hot as hell might even make it fun.
I swooped down to grab the suitcase before she could add it to her load. The backpack looked like it carried bricks, the straps digging into her shoulders, pulling her blouse tight against her breasts. Tight enough reveal the lacy pattern of her bra.
Blood raced to my groin, my cock engorged in seconds. I flashed back to life in the States and the casual availability of sex. Young women at nightclubs in slinky dresses or on beaches with everything hanging out. Singers and performers whose careers exploded, not because of talent, but how well they bounced their tits and ass. The infamous Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
Don’t misunderstand. Totally not judging. I love eye candy just as much as the next guy.
There aren’t many eligible women my age on this or any of the nearby islands, so my visual sweet tooth has long gone unsatisfied. Catching sight of Britt’s bra was a tease, a tiny bit of deliciousness, like the corner broken off a chocolate bar and laid on your tongue to slowly melt.
“Are you hungry, Miss Connolly?” I led her out the front door, down the short walkway, and out to the street. “Because I am suddenly ravenous.”
—
Her Perfect Guy by Lyz Kelley
He turned—and blinked. Devon was standing in his room, surrounded by luggage. She looked adorable, her hands fidgeting like she didn’t know whether to stand there or leave.
“Devon? How did you get into my room?” He stared at her and did his best to appear calm.
“Kayla was supposed to call you.” Devon took a step forward, even though she looked like she wanted to turn around and leave. “It turns out your uncle and aunt’s arrival was unanticipated, and the hotel is a room short.”
“And?” He crossed the room, wanting to be near her. Her sweet scent of suntan coconut oil hit first, and then the smell of her light perfume.
“Kayla thought that, since you have a suite, you wouldn’t mind sharing your room. I told her about the fake fiancée thing, and she decided this would solve her problem…and yours.”
“My problem?” He chuckled at his sister’s audacity. “You were the one who announced our engagement.” He stopped far enough away to avoid touching her or pulling her into his arms. Peeling back those layers was getting more and more tempting.
He released a breath of pent-up frustration. “This seems like a solution Kayla would come up with to please my parents and avoid my aunt’s complaints. My father’s sister is demanding, and knowing her the way I do, I guarantee she’d complain nonstop if she had the inconvenience of staying at another hotel, even though it’s her fault for not being organized enough to avoid last-minute plans.”
“Don’t blame Kayla.” Devon softened her tone. “Appeasing everyone is her way of showing she cares.”
Kayla was a pain in his ass, always badgering him to take a break, have some fun, and stop working so much. When she started sounding like a video meme on a constant rewind loop, he stopped taking her calls, but then she’d just discover fresh ways to get him to stop working, like sending him tickets to his favorite sports events and the new release of his favorite role-playing video game. He appreciated that she cared, but he wished she were more supportive of his dreams.
Personally, he didn’t blame his sister for her show of concern. They might have their differences, but he adored Kayla. Besides, she just wanted him to be happy and to stop hiding. She’d witnessed two of his very public and messy breakups after neither woman would sign his prenuptial agreement. Both had wanted his wealth and status, not him. Kayla swore there were women in the world who were not like that, but he had yet to find one.
Then again, it could be that one of those rare women was standing in front of him right now, but he’d never know, because his heart couldn’t go there. Not again.
However, the vulnerable Devon looked even more luscious than she had this morning. His head was saying don’t touch, but his heart was sending different signals.
What the hell am I doing?
He had a new product to get launched. If past relationships were any indication, women wanted his time—time he didn’t have to give. He needed to stay focused, and focusing on Devon wasn’t where he needed to spend his time right now.
“I should go. I told Kayla this wasn’t a good idea. I’ll see myself out.” Devon bent to retrieve her backpack.
“And where will you go?” he asked, just to make sure she’d thought her decision through. “You said so yourself. The hotel is fully booked. Staying with me is the only option.”
“There must be a couch or a rollaway somewhere. Like you said, I’m the one who created this problem. I’ll solve it.”
He liked the way her chin lifted a little. “I’m sure you will.”
She crossed her arms and bristled. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“Just that. You’re a problem-solver.” And he would have liked nothing better than to have her solve his problems, but his business issues would have to wait. “Don’t make me look like the bad older brother who doesn’t support his kid sister during her wedding preparations. The best solution would be for you to stay here.”
“So you want me to stay?” Her brows hitched to their highest level.
“Yeah. I do.” He walked to the door and closed it.
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In Your Dreams
Julia Kent
(Her Billionaires, Book 0 – Prequel)
Publication date: June 1st 2021
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
Sometimes your wildest dreams really do come true…
Laura Michaels sat up in her dark, lonely bedroom, heart slamming in her heated chest, the dream so real she could still taste his mouth against hers, feel hands pressed into her soft curves, sense fingers exploring where she wanted them most in the lush territory of her abandoned body. Yet her bed was empty, as always.
Except for the three cats who thought they owned it.
And the empty ice cream pint, spoon jutting out like it was identifying her in a line-up.
Heart racing, she tried. She really did. She should have calmed down. She should have been able to shake the reverie. She should have let it all fade.
The Happy Family
A mother who disappeared…
When Beth was 10 years old, her beautiful, wild mother Alice walked out and never came back. Beth’s life since hasn’talways been smooth sailing, but now she is happy and settled, with a successful career, a loving family and a beautiful home.
An unexpected visitor…
Then one day there’s a knock at the door. Alice has returned. Overjoyed to have the chance to rebuild their relationship, Beth invites her mother to move in.
A life that comes crashing down…
At first, everything seems wonderful. But then Beth’s friends begin to drift away, strange things start to happen at home, and rumours begin to circle about her past. As the mysterious events around Beth become darker and more dangerous, she is forced to question everything. Is somebody in her life trying to destroy her happiness? And how far will they go?
Purchase Links
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Happy-Family-gripping-psychological-bestselling-ebook/dp/B08N47DHNP
US - https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Family-gripping-psychological-bestselling-ebook/dp/B08N47DHNP
Jackie Kabler worked as a newspaper reporter and then in television news for twenty years, including nearly a decade on GMTV. She later appeared on BBC and ITV news, presented a property show for Sky, hosted sports showson Setanta Sports News and worked as a media trainer for the Armed Forces. She is now a presenter on shopping channel QVC. The Happy Family is her sixth book; previous novels include the international bestseller The Perfect Couple. Jackie lives in Gloucestershire with her husband.
Social Media Links –
Twitter @jackiekabler
Instagram @officialjackiekabler
First, I want to thank Jackie Kabler, One More Chapter and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
Ohh Jackie Kabler’s The Happy Family is anything but happy!! Far from it actually with so much family drama, secrets and shocking revelations it makes for a great read.
Jackie cracked me up with her menopause-brained stories. Never did I know there was such a thing! Great! Something I now have to look forward to!
The Happy Family is packed with Mother Daughter reunions,heartbreak, long lost secrets with shocking reveals, and twists and turns.
Two Kinds of Us
Sarah Sutton
Publication date: June 9th 2021
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
In a life of diamond bracelets and country clubs, I’m the perfect daughter. I get all the right grades, volunteer at all the right organizations, apply to all the right colleges.
And I hate every second of it. At the rate my life is playing out, under the strict rule of my parents, politicians and housewives will be my future.
Until I meet Harry.
Harry’s a singer in a rock band with a voice so drop-dead sexy that I actually feel hypnotized. Doesn’t hurt that he’s hot either, and with the kind, flirty personality to match, it’s the perfect trifecta. And even better, he sees me as the me I want to be. The me who can break free of the life I’m trapped in, the me who can control my own future.
It’s Not PMS, It’s You
Rich Amooi
Publication date: October 31st 2019
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Romance
“Romantic Comedy of the Year!”
“This novel is a Netflix movie waiting to happen.”
“I loved every second of this book!”
“Warning: This author causes book hangovers.”
“Oh my. Be still my heart.”
“Laugh out loud of epic proportions.”
“Loved it. Still laughing.”Ruth “Ruthless” Harper is on the verge of becoming managing partner at her all-male consulting firm and she won’t let anything stand in her way. That includes men, relationships, and that dreaded F word, FEELINGS—distractions she eliminated long ago.
After the worst day ever (a near-death experience and a public wedgie, for starters), Ruth realizes she doesn’t want to live and die alone. She puts together a business plan to find the perfect man and dives head first into the murky online dating pool. All she wants is a high-powered executive who understands how important her career is. If only it were that easy.
Problem is most men are intimidated by Ruth’s confidence and shocked by her bluntness. The exception being her landscape designer, Nick, whose cool demeanor and unsolicited dating advice are driving her nuts. He’s the antithesis of the business-oriented man Ruth envisions for herself, so why do all signs keep pointing back to him?
A romantic comedy novel for the ages. Order now. Don’t delay. Operators are standing by.
Only 99¢ for a limited time!
—
EXCERPT:
RUTH
I have orchestrated multi-million dollar business deals and have butted heads with Fortune 500 CEOs and some of the biggest corporate lawyers in the country, but my biggest challenge by far was trying to remove a monster wedgie during my spinning class without the gorgeous guy behind me noticing.
Casually turning my head to the right, I checked my periphery, confident I looked like some halfwit who was thinking of changing lanes on a stationary bike.
I couldn’t tell if the man had his eyes focused on me or on the instructor in front of the class, but it didn’t matter at this point. I had real-world issues here and needed to solve the dilemma before my butt sucked all my clothes inside my body and turned me inside out.
With every revolution of my bike’s spinning wheel, the wedgie seemed determined to go deeper, like a burrowing squirrel who hadn’t found a suitable place for habitation.
I got up at five in the morning for this torture?
To make matters worse, the instructor—Manson, Mussolini, or whatever his name was—appeared to be on a mission to send us all into cardiac arrest. And don’t even get me started on the chafing from a bike seat that was obviously manufactured with materials excavated from the surface of Mars.
I needed a distraction for the extraction.
Glancing down at my water bottle in the drink holder, I came up with the perfect plan. I would wait for the instructor to get us up off our seats again for the next sprint, then drop my water bottle on the floor to create a ruckus.
If the man behind me was a gentleman—no wagers, please—he would get off his bike and get the water bottle for me, thus taking any attention away from my derrière long enough for me to perform the embarrassing and delicate wedgie-removing procedure without him seeing.
Ironically, the song changed to “Shake Your Booty” by KC and the Sunshine Band.
“Off your butts!” the instructor barked out like a psychotic sea lion with Tourette’s. “Take it up to level five for a sprint. Thirty seconds. Go! Go! Go!”
Perfect timing.
I slammed my water bottle to the floor behind me for the distraction.
It crashed against the back wall with a loud BOOM.
Never let it be said I did anything half-assed.
No pun intended.
I checked my periphery again to see if the guy fell for the trap.
Bingo.
He slowed his pedaling and glanced behind him at my bottle on the floor.
After he made a move to get off his bike, I lifted my butt off the seat, leaned forward on the handlebars, shifted all my body weight over to my left hand, and used my right hand to reach behind me and remove the mother of all wedgies.
Oh, no.
Completing the task was proving to be difficult since it was almost impossible to pedal while standing up on the bike with only one hand gripping the handlebars.
I used one finger, then two, then three, but still couldn’t dig out the wedgie that must have been halfway to China by now.
Losing confidence with every second that passed, I wobbled back and forth like the Elvis bobblehead doll on the dashboard of my dad’s 1977 Cadillac Coupe deVille.
Things were heading south in a hurry.
There was a sharp pain in my left wrist.
My elbow buckled.
Timber!
The fall to the floor was not graceful.
I banged my shoulder on the handlebars on the way down, slid off the bike sideways, and hooked my foot on top of the pedal. My other leg flew over my head and got wedged in between the bike seat and the drink holder.
Great.
Now, I had two wedgies.
Before I had a chance to untangle and upright myself, two hands gripped me from under my armpits and lifted me to my feet in one swift motion.
I looked up, dazed, confused, blinking a few times.
It was the guy who had been on the bike behind me. “Are you okay?”
There was genuine concern in his voice, but I was a big girl and could take care of myself.
Flustered, I said the first thing I could think of. “I do that all the time.”
A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Of course.”
Author Bio:
Rich Amooi is a Taleflick Discovery Winner, Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Recipient, Holt Medallion Finalist, and the Amazon Bestselling author of 17 romantic comedies, including It's Not PMS, It's You, Dying to Meet You, There's Something About a Cowboy, and Madam Love, Actually.
A former radio personality and wedding DJ, Rich now writes romantic comedies full-time in San Diego, California, and is happily married to a kiss monster imported from Spain. Rich believes in public displays of affection, silliness, infinite possibilities, donuts, gratitude, laughter, and happily ever after.
Get a FREE romantic comedy by visiting his website at richamooi.com.
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No Gentle Giant
Nicole Snow
Publication date: June 5th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow returns with a steamy and electrifying standalone romance thriller where one ginormous protector goes all-in to win Miss Unlucky.
You know the drill. Big hands, big feet, humongous—
Yikes. We’re not going there for the thousandth time.
I’ve got small-town problems aplenty and zero time for Paxton “Alaska” Charter.
Crushing on smokeshow men with caveman vibes can’t end well.Sure, he saved my little coffee shop from total ruin once.
Yes, my ovaries melt watching single dad of the century with his little boy.
Of course, I’d sleep like a baby if I let him work his former SEAL hero magic on my mess.
That’s not why I’m freaking out.Nobody told me how devastatingly kind Alaska can be.
Or the fact that his stubborn heart’s even more guarded than mine.
If he comes barreling into my life, it’s certain doom.
And it’s all thrown to the wind the day his kiss claims me.We have to say goodbye. Right now. Before it’s too late.
He can’t keep sheltering my body, stealing my heart, and igniting my soul.
I won’t drag this gentle giant down my abyss of ugly secrets.
But Alaska has other plans—and they scare me.
Because they all involve impossible happily ever afters, no matter the cost.Full-length small-town standalone romance heaven. The butterflies come in force when one large and in-charge single dad steps in to rescue the girl who abandoned all hope and forgot how to love.
—
EXCERPT:
Look, I’ve had a stressful few months. Years. Life.
I’m a little on edge, and a little emotionally raw.
But he saves me from having to fumble for words by turning a roguish smile on me, mock-squinting. “You, though. I’ve got my eye on you. I think you could be trouble.”
My laugh this time comes out weaker. “I wish that wasn’t true. I’m kind of a bad luck trap, Alaska.”
“Like an avalanche of coffee mugs?”
“Yep. Just like a mug storm.”
Another silence.
Another smile that makes my heart wobble.
Another long look from him, one that makes me wonder how he went from “coffee girl I vaguely recognize” to a sort of confidante in a matter of minutes. All over some smashed mugs and a cut on his knee.
But, hey, at least I’m not going to break down crying in front of a total stranger because he has mercy on me and changes the subject.
“So what’s the damage, lady? Give me all of it. Don’t forget the table, too.”
“We’ll forget the table. And the floor. Call it pain and injury compensation.” I smile wryly. “We’re at a cool eight hundred for the mugs, though. Manufacturer cost. I’m not charging you full retail.”
“You got it. I’d pay up now, but I’m not carrying eight hundred in cash around with me.” He cocks his head. “I’ll bring it by in the morning unless you want a check? Ladies’ choice.”
“No rush, but cash is fine.”
Too easy. Even if I’m already doubting the wisdom of keeping that much cash around here for more than a day or two, but that’s another problem I don’t want to think about right now.
So I stand, bracing my hands to my knees and levering up.
Of course, I forget not just how small my office is, but how much space Alaska occupies.
As I straighten and lift my head, I find myself practically eye to eye with him, and only because sitting on my desk knocked off like a foot from his titanic height.
I lock up, my heart crawling up my throat as I stare, barely an inch away from our noses touching.
This jittery little fantasy.
It’s not quite insta-love, but it’s bad.
If he didn’t still look so calm and unfazed, I’d probably dissolve into a stammering mess. But it’s like his inner chill stabilizes me, and I’m able to skitter back without tripping, clearing my throat and finding another smile in me.
Somewhere.
“Should we check on Eli?” I tilt my head toward the door. “Either he’s cleaned the whole shop by now or bailed.”
Alaska snorts. “He knows better, but yeah. He’s probably getting a little anxious out there.”
I sweep a mock-bow, pulling the door open for him. “Polar bears first.”
He throws back an evil eye over his shoulder.
“I’m gonna regret telling you that,” he grumbles.
Author Bio:
Nicole Snow is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She found her love of writing by hashing out love scenes on lunch breaks and plotting her great escape from boardrooms. Her work roared onto the indie romance scene in 2014 with her Grizzlies MC series.
Since then Snow aims for the very best in growly, heart-of-gold alpha heroes, unbelievable suspense, and swoon storms aplenty. With over a million books sold, she lives for the joy of making two people fight with every bit of their soul for a Happily Ever After.
Current fan favorites include her Enguard Protectors series, accidental love novels, plus long beloved MC romance thrillers like the Grizzlies and Deadly Pistols.
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub
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Honeybees & Sexy Tees
Katie Mettner
(Butterfly Junction, #2)
Publication date: July 20th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
The devil is in the details, and the Lady of the Lake holds the clue.
Honey Blois is no stranger to pain. The lasting effects of an abusive childhood have made her life challenging, but it’s the ache of unrequited love she can no longer bear. When her confession goes unanswered, she has no choice but to fall out of love with her best friend.
Mathias Jørgensen is living a lie. The billionaire playboy buries the pain of loving the one woman he can’t have with flashy cars and bad decisions—until Honey’s letter comes to light. With renewed hope for the future, he vows to find his way back to the boy she fell in love with if it’s the last thing he does.
Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews (heidilynnsbookreviews@gmail.com) Published @ 2014 by Crossroad Reviews
