Category Archives: Uncategorized

Already released in the series

Pregnant in Pennsylvania: https://amzn.to/2kGlBSE
Cowboy in Colorado: https://amzn.to/339oEnN

About the Author

New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and internationally bestselling author Jasinda Wilder is a Michigan native with a penchant for titillating tales about sexy men and strong women. Her bestselling titles include Alpha, Stripped, Wounded, and the #1 Amazon.com and international bestsellerFalling into You. You can find her on her farm in northern Michigan with her husband, author Jack Wilder, her six children, and a menagerie of animals.

 

 

Title: The Second We Met

Series: Fulton U #2

Author: Maya Hughes

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Design: Najla Qamber Designs

Photo: Wander Aguiar

Release Date: October 17, 2019

Blurb

Dear Jerk Across the Street, sorry for accidentally walking in on you and catching an eyeful of your—equipment. And hard pass on the open invitation to join you in the shower “anytime”, A-hole. 

That’s the note I should’ve written. Instead I sent a pleasant and apologetic version. 

Had I known Phoenix “Nix” Russo would’ve been the neighbor from hell, I’d have told him right where he could shove my words. 

Nix is the big man on campus with everyone lined up at his games to make sure he knows it. Sure, he’s got piercing green eyes, abs that don’t quit and a smile that could set fire to a set of panties from a hundred yards away, but he’s also the biggest pain in my ass. 

Dear Pink-Haired Menace, learn how to take a joke and stop being such a kill-joy…

Elle Masterson called the cops on one of my parties—again. My sweet talking usually gets me out of trouble, but this time it got me into a nice pair of silver handcuffs. Now I’m on a reputation rehab tour with a stop at a spring break community service project. 

Guess who’s my new boss? 

Now we’re shoulder to shoulder, sweaty, tired and…she’s not anything like I expected. There might just be a heart under that hardass exterior. She’s invading my dreams and I can’t shake the feeling she’s the key to unlocking a piece of me that I’ve hidden away. 

It’s only a matter of time until she finds out why I’m really here.

Maybe I can break through her walls and into her heart before that happens…one screw at a time.

Add to TBR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45022943-the-second-we-met

Excerpt

“Do you need some help, B and E?” Nix called out from his porch, leaning against the railing with a beer in his hand.

“Not from you.” I stacked another box on top of the one in my arm and used my leg to heft them both higher. Picturing him with a beer gut in fifteen years lifted my spirits slightly.

“Don’t be silly.” He swung his body over the railing, and a solid thud landed behind me. Showoff. “Let me grab one. Those look heavy.”

I swung the boxes away. “Touch them and die.” It probably would’ve been a bit more convincing if the top box hadn’t toppled out of my arms and fallen over, spilling out some of my volunteer stuff all over the sidewalk and street, namely a jumbo box of condoms.

Everyone who’d been hanging around to get some face time with Nix watched our little tug of war, which meant everyone was now one hundred percent locked onto the two hundred blue-foil-wrapped discs splayed everywhere.

“Busy semester for you,” someone called out, and the please-open-a-portal-into-the-underworld feeling was back. Leaving the condoms, I rushed back across the street and into my house. I’d get the rest of my stuff after my shift later. Maybe the cover of night would be enough to tamp down my embarrassment.

At this point, I’d have napped on the mystery-stained couch if my sheets weren’t in the box I’d brought in. No way was I going back out there unless absolutely necessary until the semester started.

Was it too late to find another place? Yes. We’d been lucky to find this death trap.

The hard thump of a knock stopped my embarrassment spiral from pulling me down into the depths of my clown freak-out at Becky Smith’s ninth birthday. I tugged the front door open.

Nix stood there with his arms loaded with the discarded condoms. “You left these behind.” He turned up the charm, flashing dimples and everything, looking like a shiny new toy on my ramshackle porch.

“She forgot some more,” someone shouted across the street, the foil wrappers catching the later summer sun. Great, now I’d be known as the prostitute of Aspen Drive.

I glared at them and back at Nix. Grabbing the half-empty box off the floor, I held it out to him and let him dump the contents out.

“We’re having a party—”

The rest of his sentence was cut off by me slamming the door in his face. Really? And make my humiliation totally complete? ‘Hey guys, this is the chick who walked into the wrong house like a dumbass, gawked at me naked, and then exploded a condom factory all over the street.’ No thanks.

I was sure he thought I’d be all over him after the way I couldn’t keep my eyes off him. I slapped my hand against my forehead. I knew all about guys like him. Arrogant. Hungry for the attention of anyone around them. All about the adoring fans and accolades and expecting every woman under retirement age to throw herself at them. Screw that!

Wouldn’t you know it? My sheets were absolutely not in the box. Mystery stains and a balled-up sweatshirt would have to do.

The front door swung open and slammed shut sometime later. Jules pushed up her glasses with the back of her hand, her travel pole in its bag slung over her arm, backpack on her shoulders.

“Damn, you look like shit. I’ll make brownies.”

Her go-to solution for any situation was exactly what I needed right now.

She peered out the front window. “There are a ton of people out on the sidewalk blowing up condoms like balloons. What’d I miss?”

ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE FULTON U SERIES

#1 The Perfect First

US: https://amzn.to/2GsWvNM

UK: https://amzn.to/2vfiBht

CA: https://amzn.to/2PonNJm

AU: https://amzn.to/2GAVh4k

Free in Kindle Unlimited

Author Bio

Maya Hughes can often be found sneaking in another chapter while hiding in the bathroom from her kids! 🙂 I’m a romance writer who loves taking inspiration from everyday life, namely my husband and biggest fan. Inspiration also strikes when I hear a song, meet someone new or daydream while at soccer practice.

I’m the mom of three little ones, the wife to an amazing husband and also work full time. Some of my favorite things are cinnamon rolls, white wine, laughing until I can’t breathe and traveling with my family.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayahugheswrites/ 

Bookbub: http://bookbub.com/authors/maya-hughes

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/mayahughes 

Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/mayahughes

 

Delicate Promises

A stand-alone romance novel in the Southern Bride series

Coming October 18, 2019

Blurb 

At eighteen-years-old, I made a promise with my best friend in high school. If neither one of us were married by age thirty, we would marry each other. Now Miles Warner is back in town and wants to cash in on that promise we made all those years ago.

The fact that Miles is still unmarried and single baffles me. The young man I remembered from high school has grown into one of the most handsome men I’ve ever laid eyes on. And he refuses to take no for an answer. You see, he needs a bride, and I’m his last resort. Romantic, isn’t it?

Well, no thank you. That is not going to happen.

At least that’s what I keep telling myself. But as the days pass by and Miles settles back into life in our hometown, I find myself falling head over heels in love with him. Again.

What is the lesson I’ve learned, you ask?

Never make a promise you don’t intend to keep.

Universal Pre order links for LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT 

Amazon Universal Link ➙ https://geni.us/sFEcwx

Apple Books, B&N, Kobo ➙ https://books2read.com/u/bowYjV

Meet the Author

Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings. 

Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, The Playbook, and Lost Love, to name a few.

Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, two pups, four cats, and endless wildlife creatures. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.

www.kellyelliottauthor.com

Social Media Links 

BookBub ⇒ https://goo.gl/j1mWX8
Amazon Author Page ⇒ https://goo.gl/RGVXqv
Instagram ⇒ https://goo.gl/t828NF
Twitter ⇒ https://goo.gl/S6oKp5
Facebook page ⇒ https://goo.gl/ZM61Xg
Pinterest ⇒ https://goo.gl/VEhCYi
Website ⇒ www.kellyelliottauthor.com

ATONE (The Disciples #2) by Cassandra Robbins

Release Date: October 9th

Cover Designer – Michele Catalano Creative

Photographer – Michelle Lancaster @lanefotograf

Cover Model – Tommy Pearce

Add to Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44771078-atone

Blurb

I don’t apologize or regret the destruction I’m about to cause. I’m at peace with what I must do… nothing can or will stand in my way. Not even the raven-haired beauty with golden eyes who haunts my dreams.

No one is innocent in the story of my life. Fairy tales don’t exist!

I. Make. No. Excuses.

Everyone needs to atone, and I’m the man who is going to see to it.

Excerpt

The warm breeze takes one of her locks and blows it in front of her exquisite face. Brushing it away, I say, “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

Her golden eyes narrow. “You might be biased.” I smile and shake my head No. My thumb rubs her lips as I bend down and taste her candy sweetness. It’s slow and I groan into her as she reaches her hands into my hair.

Our tongues are slow as they taste and twist, and if this could be the moment I remember forever, I’d be happy. Slowly I raise my head. My eyes caress her face. As she tries to tackle my pain, the tears dampening her face tell me she doesn’t know how to start.

About the Author

Cassandra Robbins has threatened to write a romance novel for years. After a stint as an actress, she finally let the voices take over. She’s a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic driven to create obsessive, angst-filled characters who have to fight for their happily ever after. Cassandra resides in Los Angeles with her hot husband, two beautiful children, and fluffy Samoyed, Stanley. Her family and friends are her lifeline, but writing is her passion.

Connect w/Cassandra

Website: https://www.cassandrafayerobbins.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cassandrafayerobbins
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cassiessassycrew/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CassFayeRobbins
Instagram: http://instagram.com/cassandrafayerobbins
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/scarllettt
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17753407.Cassandra_Robbins
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cassandra-robbins
Amazon: https://amzn.to/308y5WK
Newsletter Signup: https://www.cassandrafayerobbins.com/newsletter

 

 

 

“This is Penny Reid at her finest.” — L.B. Dunbar, author

Beard With Me, an epic and breathtaking story from New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Penny Reid, is available now!

No one is better at surviving than Scarlet St. Claire and making the best out of circumstances beyond her control is Scarlet’s specialty. In an apocalyptic situation, she’d be the last person on earth, hermitting like a pro, singing along to her CD Walkman, and dancing like no one is watching.

Scarlet is clever, Scarlet is careful, and Scarlet is smart . . . except when it comes to Billy Winston.

No one is better at fighting than Billy Winston and raging against his circumstances—because nothing is beyond his control—is Billy’s specialty. In an apocalyptic situation, he’d be the first person on earth to lead others to safety, overcome catastrophe, or die trying.

Billy is fearless, Billy is disciplined, and Billy is honorable . . . except when it comes to Scarlet St. Claire.

‘Beard With Me’ is the origin story of Billy Winston and Scarlet St. Claire (aka Claire McClure) and is just the beginning of their epic love story.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2lAQAj8

Apple Books: https://apple.co/2kwugqz

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/BeardWithMe

Nook: http://bit.ly/2kz1KV8

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2k8J1zM

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2kwnscx

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2koehLl

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2lzgOCt

Enter the giveaway for a signed paperback set of The Winston Brothers Series!

http://bit.ly/2mGr64Q

My Review

Heading into Beard With Me, I knew that this was not going to be a ‘typical’ Winston Brothers read, and I took to heart the author’s PSA about just how different Billy Winston and Scarlet St. Claire’s (aka Claire McClure) origins story would be.

Billy has always been a bit more myth than man to me, and even though it’s because his personal history hadn’t been provided yet, I didn’t quite know if the Billy of the past would be more or less like the Billy of the present. But what I realized the further into the story that I got was that Billy’s past defines his present, explaining why it seems to always be on the outskirts of the family even though he’s a pivotal member of the Winston clan. The one aspect of Billy that stuck out in both time frames was his need to protect those he loved, even if it meant sacrificing his own well-being and happiness.

Scarlet’s pain and suffering is palpable; it resonates from the pages of her story and the deeper into her personal history and mistreatment readers get and become privy to, the easier it is to understand just how much she had to overcome and just how amazing it is that she turned out the way she did despite her upbringing and abuse.

Since the onset of the Winston Brothers series, it was made perfectly clear just how vile and despicable Darrell Winston was, but because Beard With Me takes readers back to an earlier time in Green Valley, we’re privy to just how much damage he caused and exactly why there’s a place in hell reserved for this man.

The Bethany Winston readers are introduced to at the beginning of the series is not the one Reid portrays in Beard With Me, which makes sense given the time frame of the story. She is very much the matriarch of the Winston children, dispensing important lessons and doing what she can to protect her kids, forging bonds that would hopefully carry them through even after she was gone.

As much as I thought I was prepared to take this journey with one of my absolute favorite fictional families, there were still aspects of the text that left me overwhelmingly raw and emotionally off-balance. But that’s exactly why Penny Reid is one of my must-read authors…she doesn’t confine herself to telling one type of story…she takes risks and refuses to be a one-dimensional author…she crafts smart romances that allow her characters to tell their stories in their own voices…in their own ways, never compromising who they are or what they want to say, which illustrates just how in tune Penny is with each and everyone of her characters.

I can’t wait for part two of Billy and Claire’s story because while I know that there will still be trials and issues for them to endure and overcome, their well-earned happily ever after will happen, making all they had to go through to get to that point worth it in the end.

4.5 Poison Apples

Excerpt

*Scarlet*

“Do you want me to leave?”

Yes. That would be best, a wise voice said between my ears.

So of course I inhaled deeply and said as calmly as I could manage, “I thought we were going to go get firewood.”

“Okay. Good.”

“But then,” I blurted, flustered and irritated with myself for not speaking wisdom, “You should go. You can’t tell me carting firewood back and forth between your house and here is how you want to spend the last of your Thanksgiving weekend.”

“I didn’t say it was.” He began making his way up the incline.

“But you just said—”

“How about we make a deal.” Billy dropped the kindling next to my little woodpile, dusting his hands off on his pants. “I’ll cart the firewood, and you sing.”

“You want me to serenade you while we carry firewood?”

He smiled, slow and easy as he walked to me and reached out his hand. On autopilot, I accepted it and allowed him to help me up.

As soon as I was standing, his gaze moved from my hairline down to my nose, lips, and then chin, saying quietly, “I’ll take a serenade from you anytime.”

Thunk ka-thunk. That was my heart. It had been doing the thunk ka-thunk quite a lot around him. I ignored it, because what else could I do?

“And you’re not carrying the wood.” He tugged on my hand, pulling me out of my daze and past my tent.

“I will too carry wood.” Struggling to find my bearings, I stumbled after him. “I can carry logs just fine.”

“You’ll carry a log.” Billy fit his fingers between mine, pressing our palms together and grinning at me like he was waiting for me to argue and he couldn’t wait.

Snapping my mouth shut, I glared at him.

“Nothing to say?”

Maintaining my glare, I walked next to him. I wasn’t being led anywhere I didn’t wish to go. Not anymore. He wasn’t talking me into anything else.

“That’s an awfully mean look, Scarlet.” His grin grew, his brutally attractive eyes glowing happily as he peered down at me.

“Well, you deserve it. Always trying to tell me what I can and can’t do. I’m not arguing with you about this. I’m carrying as much wood as I want and you can take your stupid, chauvinistic opinions and shove them up your pretty-boy ass.”

Goodness. Where had that come from?

Billy’s steps faltered and his mouth fell open, his eyebrows rising high on his forehead. He stared at me, looking shocked as hell. And then in the next moment, he threw his head back and laughed. But he did not let go of me, instead bringing my knuckles to his chest as his deep, rumbly laughter filled the empty spaces between the trees, surrounding us.

Crushing me.

Yes. I was well and truly crushed as I could only watch Billy Winston laugh, desperately basking in the image of him so delighted and relaxed. I had the odd sense that his laughter also filled the empty spaces inside of me, the neglected, vacant rooms, and even a few places that felt brand-new, like he’d created them.

All that noble honesty he carried around like a boulder abruptly lifted, revealing him. Just him. Carefree and young and happy. Someone he might’ve been if his burdens hadn’t been so heavy, his responsibilities so broad.

It lasted only a minute, maybe two, maybe less, but I had the sense of being caught afterward. Billy’s laughter had receded, but he’d spun a web while I’d been staring at him, holding his hand.

His grin became smaller and he bit his bottom lip, his gaze dropped to my mouth. “You think I’m pretty?”

“You know you’re pretty,” I said, bizarrely out of breath, rattled, needing to anchor my focus to a tree beyond him and waging war against the heat climbing up my neck to my cheeks. Oddly, my eyes stung. I blinked.

His attention was still on me. I felt it, but I didn’t dare look at him. I couldn’t handle one of Billy Winston’s intense stares right now. He’d probably use my scattered wits to his advantage, talk me into something I shouldn’t want to do, and then I’d be kicking myself later.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice deep with concern, all trace of his earlier humor gone.

I huffed, trying half-heartedly to steal my hand back from him. He didn’t let it go, instead taking my tugging as a signal to step closer, filling my vision.

“Scarlet—”

“Are you ever going to teach me how to play the guitar?” I closed my eyes.

He didn’t answer right away, and I felt him hesitate, his mind work before he muttered, “It’s only been a week.”

A quality to his voice made me think he wasn’t answering the question I’d asked, but rather he was reminding himself that it had only been a week since we’d struck the deal.

Was that only last week? Why does it feel like so much has changed?

Then he said, “Don’t be angry.”

“I’m not angry.” I was muddled, my head and heart hurt, I was incredibly confused, but I wasn’t angry.

The air shifted and I felt him move closer. A second later, the fingers of his free hand were at my ear, tucking my hair behind it, his fingertips lingering at my neck, sending wave after wave of goose bumps every which way. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t swallow. I couldn’t think. Every nerve in my body strained toward him and I didn’t understand it. What is happening?

“Have you ever been kissed, Scarlet?”

Meet Penny Reid

Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

Connect with Penny

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennyReidWriter/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lakzsD

Twitter: @ReidRomance

Mailing List: http://pennyreid.ninja/newsletter/

www.pennyreid.ninja

THE LOVIBOND SERIES from Georgia Cates is being rebranded with NEW COVERS and NEW TITLES and is now the SOUTHERN GIRL SERIES!

The covers will be revealed on October 24th!

Bohemian Girl Release Date: December 5th
Neighbor Girl Release Date: January 9th
Intern Girl Release Date: January 30th

 

Bohemian Girl Blurb

A faceless name.
That’s all she was when I agreed to play a part in deceiving her.
And then the unexpected happened.

We met.

I yearn for her skin against mine.
I crave her scent on my body.
I want to make her laugh and then moan.
And I do… in secret.

I promised my business partner I wouldn’t touch his sister.
But I broke that promise.

Our little dirty weekends together are no longer enough.
span style=”font-weight: 400;”>I want my bohemian girl in my bed every night.

She wants a ring, marriage vows, and babies
… all things that I can’t give her.

Our romance is explosive.
Our love, epic.
Our ending, miserable… unless I bend.

If I don’t bend, I’ll break.

About the Author

Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author and hasn’t looked back yet.

When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. When she’s being domestic, she’s listening to her music and visualizing scenes for her current work in progress. Every story coming from her always has a song to inspire it.

Connect w/Georgia

Website: http://www.georgiacates.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgia.cates.9
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeorgiaCates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgeorgiacates/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/georgiacates1/
Bookbub:https://www.bookbub.com/authors/georgia-cates
Sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/2HrWkV7

War of Hearts by S. Young

Release Date: October 1, 2019

War of Hearts, an all-new adult paranormal romance by New York Times bestselling author S. Young.

Thea Quinn has no idea what she is. All she knows is that her abilities have been a plague upon her life since she was a child. After years of suffering at the hands of a megalomaniac, Thea escaped and has been on the run ever since.

The leadership and protection of his pack are of the utmost importance to Conall MacLennan, Alpha and Chief of Clan MacLennan, the last werewolf pack in Scotland. Which is why watching his sister slowly die of a lycanthropic disease is emotional torture. When Conall is approached by a businessman who offers a cure for his sister in exchange for the use of Conall’s rare tracking ability, Conall forges an unbreakable contract with him. He has to find and retrieve the key to the cure: dangerous murderer, Thea Quinn.

Thea’s attempts to evade the ruthless werewolf are not only thwarted by the Alpha, but by outside dangers. With no choice but to rely on one another for survival, truths are revealed, intensifying a passionate connection they both fight to resist. At war with themselves and each other, Conall and Thea’s journey to Scotland forces them to face a heartrending choice between love and betrayal.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2vKc7HI

Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/SYoungWoH

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2Ukhdby

Nook: https://bit.ly/2JQ4pFY

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2V2z0Bo

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2D5fVYf

My Review

What happens when one of your absolute favorite romance authors writes a paranormal romance?!?!

Well….if you’re me, you get swept away into a world unlike your own and you revel in the characters’ rich histories, their unexplainable, otherworldly connections and skillsets, and their absolute magnificence when it comes to what they’re willing to do for those they love and how those actions help to define exactly who and what these characters are.

I know that War of Hearts is classified as an enemies-to-lovers’ storyline, but I never saw Conall and Thea as true enemies, not in the way that most would define that idea. These two start off as strangers and then are put on different sides by misleading information and lies. Conall’s disdain forThea stems from a litany of false facts, so while yes, he took issue with Thea and what he deemed as her ‘reprehensible’ acts, the truth wasn’t that difficult for Conall to see once he stopped viewing the world in only black and white and used his instincts and his ability to read people to perceive exactly who and what Thea is, his entire life was turned upside down, in both positive and negative ways, making every action he took, every command he gave a choice between his sister and the woman who has become more to him than any other one has.

Even though Conall frustrated me a bit with his closed-minded views on various aspects of life – ones that were eventually explained the further I read in the story, I was completely captivated by him the second S. Young introduced him to readers. He is definitely a man’s man, even if he is a werewolf. He exudes a commanding presence and he demands respect at all times, unwilling to allow anyone or anything to act in ways unbecoming of a clansman/woman. I loved how Young slowly unraveled Conall’s control when it came to the pull he felt toward Thea, a being who was supposed to be a means to an end, a tracking job that would benefit him greatly and would also keep the world safe against a woman he believed was a danger to society.

For everything that Thea has been through, for all the unknowns she can’t find answers to, the fact that she still views humanity the way that she does and understands that not all people are like the sadistic bastard who used her for his own maniacal needs is amazing. She’s done things she’s not proud of and things she wished she didn’t have to do, but they needed to happen so that she could survive and no one can fault her for those actions. At the heart of Thea is a ferocious fighter who helps those who cannot help themselves regardless of all that she herself has suffered. And the fact that she doesn’t trust easily or truly understand how to show positive emotion fits how she has lived for so long on the run or in the hands of someone who wanted her for purely selfish reasons.

The connection between Conall and Thea is almost instantaneous, despite the fact that they don’t see eye-to-eye on many things and then as the story unfolds and the truth is told and learned and accepted, their bond only fortifies further, changing the dynamics of both of their lives for the better, despite the push and pull that still exists between them due to their alpha demeanors and behaviors. It’s a battle of wills, of strength, and of passion with these two and all of that plays out extremely well among the pages of War of Hearts.

The way that S. Young uses research, journals, and history to unravel Thea’s origin story was a unique way to figure out what she is and what her life was meant for and once all of the truths are gathered and understood, where it leads not only Conall and Thea but Conall’s clan as well as those who want Thea dead is filled with suspense, action, and declarations that brought everything together in a way that not only complemented the story line but also showed how Conall and Thea were where they were both meant to be – by each other’s side.

I truly hope this is only the beginning of S. Young’s foray into paranormal romance. I had so much fun reading this story and there are many secondary characters who I would love to know more about, especially a certain alpha female and Conall’s beta.

4.5 Poison Apples

Excerpt

Stepping back inside the motel room, Thea halted as Conall came out of the bathroom. His height caused a logistical problem for her next move.

Although his color hadn’t fully returned to normal, the wolf was looking much stronger. She didn’t know if she could take him in a fight when he was at full strength, which was more than a little concerning. As if he’d read her mind, he cut her an expressionless look. “You should have left me to die, lass.”

“Probably. I guess I’m just going to have to take the chance you were bluffing.”

He frowned and opened his mouth to question her, but Thea had already made her move.

Before he could comprehend it, she was on the bed behind him and reaching for his head before his weakened reflexes could catch up.

The crack of his neck echoed around the room, causing a sick lurch in Thea’s stomach.

For some reason, stupid tears stung her eyes as she watched his body hit the ground with an almighty thud. Why should she care? It wasn’t like he was dead. She’d knocked him out. For … however long he took to heal.

And he had stuck her with that goddamn injection.

Speaking of …

Thea jumped off the mattress, avoiding Conall’s body. Earlier when she’d been treating his wounds, she’d spied the syringes in the first aid kit. Grabbing them, Thea hurried out of the motel room and toward the fields beyond. Quickly she dug a hole with her bare hands and buried the syringes. Hurrying back, she avoided staring at Conall because he looked very much dead.

She grabbed his wallet and as she took his money, leaving him his credit cards, a folded-up photograph caught her attention. Curiosity got the better of her and she pulled it out. Smoothing her fingers across the picture, she spotted who she thought was Conall only to realize it wasn’t. The man who looked like him was standing next to a much younger Conall, and Thea deduced it was his father. The younger Conall had his arm around the waist of a small, redheaded girl buried into his side. And beside the man she’d mistaken for Conall was a beautiful redheaded woman.

Was this Conall and his family?

They were standing on a rocky beach, a beautiful lake and mountains behind them.

Thea wondered which one of them was sick. Which of these people was he willing to sacrifice her for?

Memories of her own parents swelled in her throat, burning and screaming to get out. But Thea shoved them back down as she shoved the photograph into his wallet.

There were times she pulled those memories out and let herself swim in the pain because it was worth it to remember the happy moments.

But now was not the time.

With a ruthless supernatural sure to wake up from a broken neck wanting to kill her, and some unknown entity out there hunting her too, now was very much the time to go.

About S. Young

Samantha Young is a New York Times and #1 International bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. On Dublin Street was Samantha’s first adult contemporary romance series and has sold in thirty countries. She has since published over thirteen romance titles including the New York Times Bestsellers Into the Deep, Hero, and her most recent contemporary romance Fight or Flight. When writing Adult Paranormal romance she writes under the pen name S. Young.

Connect with S. Young

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSamanthaYoung/

Website – http://authorsamanthayoung.com

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/authorsamanthayoung/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/AuthorSamYoung

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/samyoungauthor/

Email – authorsamanthayoung@gmail.com

Amazon – http://amzn.to/2H47kEP

Goodreads – http://bit.ly/2FWgYdn

Bookbub – http://bit.ly/2D241eO

Blurb

Following the sudden death of his wife, Nathan Bell has spent nearly two years burying himself in work and neglecting his biggest responsibility: his daughter. Overcome with guilt, he wants to connect with little Marley, but he doesn’t know how to do it alone. And then Jenna Savage throws him a lifeline.

A single mom of twins, Jenna  is more than capable of taking care of Nate’s adorable two-year-old, and wants to help Nathan however she can. Soon, attachments are made, forcing Jenna and her kids into new territory. And the closer everyone becomes, the more right it feels.

Falling in love forces Nathan to face his biggest fear, and when hearts, both big and little, are on the line, the only thing scarier than needing someone is losing them all.

☆ Amazon ➜ https://geni.us/downtoodeep

☆ iBooks ➜ http://bit.ly/dtd_ibooks

☆ Nook ➜ http://bit.ly/dtd_nook

☆ Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/dtd_kobo

Excerpt 

Marley kept whining. She stomped her foot and shook her head at her father when he held out a stuffed giraffe. Nate swapped it out for a book, turning to a page and pointing at one of the pictures. She wasn’t interested. Marley fell back onto her butt as tears hit her cheeks. Her legs kicked against the floor with fury.

Nate pinched his eyes shut, ran a hand through his hair, and looked down at her. He appeared lost, and possibly on the brink of a melt-down himself.

He was overwhelmed, that was clear.

“Has she eaten dinner? Maybe she’s hungry,” I said, walking over to the play yard. On instinct, I bent over the gate and held out my arms. I wanted to soothe her somehow. I at least wanted to try. I hated seeing this sweet thing so upset.

Marley immediately stood up and came to me. When I got her on my hip, she settled down and played with the chain around my neck again.

“I don’t know what she is,” Nate replied. He held up his glasses and rubbed at his eyes. “I guess she could be hungry.”

“If you want, I can take her out there and she can eat with us. It’s just me and my kids.”

“Really?”

“Sure. What does she like off the menu?”

He looked at Marley, thinking hard on that question. “Normal two-year-old stuff?” Our gazes met. I saw the embarrassment in his eyes before he looked down and away. “Sorry. I really don’t know what she likes. I haven’t spent much time with her.” He gripped the back of his neck, mumbling, “I’m sure that’s obvious right now.”

His shame was palpable.

Something about the way Nate spoke, the humiliation in his voice, the rejection—he wanted to know his daughter. He wanted to have the answer to any question I could ask him about her, and he didn’t know how.

Everything inside me that made me who I was, wanted to help him.

 

J. Daniels is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Alabama Summer, Dirty Deeds and Sweet Addiction series.

Best known for her sexy, small-town romances, her debut novel, Sweet Addiction, was first published in 2014 and went on to become an international bestseller. Since then, she has published more than ten novels, including the Dirty Deeds series with Forever Romance.

Daniels grew up in Baltimore and currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two kids. A former full-time Radiologic Technologist, she began writing romance after college and quickly discovered a passion for it. You’ll still catch her in scrubs every now and then, but most of her time is spent writing these days–a career she is eternally grateful for.

Always an avid reader, Daniels enjoys books of all kinds, but favors Romance (of course) and Fantasy. She loves hiking, traveling, going to the mountains for the weekend, and spending time with her family.

 Facebook➜ https://www.facebook.com/jdanielsauthor

Twitter➜ https://twitter.com/JDanielsbooks

Instagram➜ https://www.instagram.com/authorjdaniels/

Website➜ www.authorjdaniels.com

Newsletter➜ http://authorjdaniels.com/newsletter/

Reader’s Group➜ https://www.facebook.com/groups/JsSweeties/

Synopsis

It should be the most shocking news I’d ever gotten—My boyfriend is getting married.

Okay, technically he’s my ex-boyfriend. Two months ago he decided he wanted a break. I still thought he was my happily ever after.

On any other day, knowing he was gone for good would be the worst thing that could possibly happen.

But not today.

Because not only is my boyfriend getting married—his bride is my best friend.

And they’ve sent me an invitation.

There’s no way I’m going to attend.  I don’t care if it’s in beautiful Scotland.

Nothing and no one could convince me.

Not even when a deliciously handsome stranger tells me he needs to go as my plus one.

Not even when he shoots me a wickedly, sexy smile.

But then he offers me the opportunity of a lifetime—a dream come true. How can I say no?

But I have one condition. He has to be my new boyfriend. I mean, my pretend new boyfriend.

I’m about to find out that faking it can be a whole lot of fun

Mr. Mayfair, a brand new Fake Relationship, STANDALONE Romance from USA Today Bestselling Author, Louise Bay is NOW LIVE!!

Get your copy today!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2mZGngY

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2mQGLi5

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2nOm46j

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2nRrcqw

Apple Books: https://apple.co/2koPxTc

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2kzA6rg

B&N: http://bit.ly/2k9mG56

Start listening today!

Audible US : https://adbl.co/2lIsrYg

Audible UK : https://adbl.co/2mkmml1

My Review

I’ve read quite a few romance novels in the fake relationship trope, but I don’t recall hardly any having the twist that Louise Bay’s newest release, Mr. Mayfair, takes on this type of story. And to be honest, I wasn’t sure how everything would play out given the fact that Bay’s heroine, Stella, agreed to a deal with hero, Beck Wilde, that would place her at the wedding of her ex-boyfriend and her best friend.

I truly don’t know if I would have been able to attend my ex’s and best friend’s wedding regardless of what I stood to gain by doing so, especially when neither of them took her feelings into consideration or had the common decency to be upfront with Stella, and, really, what was she getting out of the deal…except hurtful words, self-recriminations, and a supposed-to-be best friend who did everything she could to one up Stella…to prove that Stella was nothing. 

I have to admit…at the beginning of the story and when Stella and Beck first get to Scotland for her ex’s wedding, I didn’t know what to think about her. She didn’t seem to have a backbone and allowed everyone to use her and walk all over her because they knew that she was a pushover. I couldn’t understand why she would allow people who are supposed to be her friends…supposed to love her treat her so badly and just simply take it. But with the way that Louise Bay evolved Stella’s character, I was able to see her grow into, thanks partially to Beck’s help, being her own person, with her own wants and needs and not allowing everyone to push theirs on her. She’s definitely a work-in-progress throughout the course of the book, but I was able to see her make decisions on her own and put herself first for once after what seemed to be a lifetime of putting herself last.

There was a part in the story where Stella wanted to try to mold Beck into someone more like her ex, which I found aggravating to say the least, but as she laid out her reasoning, it somewhat made sense, but I’m glad that she finally say the light, for lack of a better term, and figured out that she didn’t want a man like her ex, but working through all of that took time and way more backward steps than I would have anticipated given the situation she’s in when the story begins.

Louise Bay set a good pace for Stella and Beck’s fictitious relationship turning into something real…something much more personal than professional and while there were more than a few bumps along the way, when everything was said and done, both Stella and Beck realized that what they found in each other was exactly what they never thought they wanted but desperately needed, and that played out quite well amidst the pages of their story.

4 Poison Apples

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes sexy, contemporary romance novels – the kind she likes to read. Her books include the novels Faithful (not currently on sale as undergoing maintenance!), Hopeful, The Empire State Series, The Royals Series, The Nights Series (both series of standalone books each following different characters) and the standalone Gentleman series.

Ruined by romantic mini-series of the eighties, Louise loves all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so she disappears into the fictional worlds in books and films.

Louise loves the rain, The West Wing, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, being on her own, being with friends, elephants and champagne.

She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!

Connect w/Louise

Website: https://louisebay.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlouisebay
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/louisesbay
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louiseSbay
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2VSsbDb
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8056592.Louise_Bay
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/louise-bay

 

.

 

“Another brilliantly written winner. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up, you will not regret it.” —Kate Stewart, USA Today bestselling author

Perfectly Adequate, an all-new must-read romantic comedy from Jewel E. Ann, is available now!

Dr. Elijah Hawkins needs … something.

After his wife jumps headfirst into a midlife crisis, he’s left with his young son, Roman, and a lot of unanswered questions.

That something turns out to be a someone—Dorothy Mayhem, nursing student, patient transporter, reckless driver, and emu owner.

Dorothy studies humans, the neurotypical kind, through books and television. Then she emulates their behavioral patterns to fit in with her peers.

But nothing can prepare her for Dr. Elijah Hawkins.

Single dad.

Brilliant pediatric oncologist.

And the sexiest doctor at the hospital.

When his failed attempts at asking her out turn into a string of playdates with his son, Dorothy finds herself unexpectedly enamored with the boy and his father.

And that’s a problem, a huge one, because Elijah’s ex-wife is a famous plastic surgeon—and Dorothy’s idol.

Perfectly Adequate is a beautiful, hilarious, and heart-felt journey along the “human” spectrum.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2o6sJZF

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/PerfectlyAdequate

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2lZxdRm

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2OWq81s

My Review

Perfectly Adequate is exactly the story I needed after a string of darker and more intense reads. I’m all about single dad romances and then add to it a quirky, lovable heroine who connects with the hero’s child and it’s the perfect mix of everything I love about romance stories and the message it sends to readers is one that all human beings need to be reminded.

Dorothy Mayhem is an absolute gem of a heroine. Her honesty, her quirks, her literal and logical view of the world and all that it holds is so refreshing and endearing. She’s most definitely the sum of all her parts and those parts make her shine…make her real…make her relatable. She’s everything a person should be but might be afraid to be because of society’s perception on those who are different. 

Dorothy’s no filter made me laugh out loud and while some people didn’t understand the reasons for the way she acted or how she saw things, anyone who was willing to truly see her…to not allow her diagnosis to make assumptions and judgments about her had the privilege of her company, of her spirit, and her clear view of the world and those who inhabit it. The smallest things in life give her so much joy and every human being could learn from that attribute alone. 

The bond that Dorothy has with Eli’s son is one of the reasons I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The scenes with Roman and Dorothy warmed my heart and left me with all the feels because each time they were together there were genuine feelings shared between them.

Eli…there were times I adored him, times where I wanted to give him a hug, but there were also times I wanted to shake him…times his words and actions just didn’t make sense to me, but that is probably more me than him given the fact that I have never been in the situation he was in and he had to do his best with what he was left with, and while I can logically understand that, perhaps never experiencing it for myself made me less empathetic to certain events, particularly those toward the end of the book.

It’s clear that Jewel E. Ann did her research about ASD and the behaviors and personalities that correspond with the diagnosis, but what I loved the most about this aspect of the story line is that it was referred to as the ‘human’ spectrum, and I don’t know about you, but we could all use a bit more humility and humanness in our lives.

It’s difficult in any genre to craft fresh and unique stories, but it’s especially hard in the romance world that is saturated with a plethora of books and authors all looking to write the next best seller. But Jewel E. Ann found a way to do just that with Perfectly Adequate, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it.

4.5 Poison Apples

 

Excerpt

“You can call me Eli.”

She swallows hard. “I don’t actually think I can.”

“Why not?” I force my gaze away from her mouth.

The second our eyes meet, she averts her attention to her feet. “Because you’re half of the Hathaway-Hawkins duo.”

This is a new one to me. “I’m divorced.”

“I know. I …” She makes an attempt to look at me, but her attention shifts to my temple then maybe my ear. “I mean you’re a brilliant doctor, and Dr. Hathaway is too—so brilliant. God, she’s just phenomenal. Like there are no words. But still … you change the lives of young children. You save them. You’re what every young person entering the medical field can only dream of becoming. You’ve earned the title. I can’t call you by your name. It’s too personal. I don’t know … almost intimate.”

She has Julie on a really high pedestal. Me? Down a few pegs. Sounds about right for my life at the moment. It’s not that Julie doesn’t deserve to be on the pedestal. No matter how much I hate her, I still love her. And her skills as a pediatric plastic surgeon are unmatched. She deserves Dorothy’s admiration.

But I don’t want to talk about medicine, accolades, and saving lives. I know … I know … how terrible of me. Sorry, but I need something for myself. Something personal and maybe a little selfish.

Definitely intimate.

“I don’t need a babysitter for Roman.”

She jerks her head back, giving me her full attention, eyes squinted, gaze locked to mine. “What?”

I trap my top lip between my teeth, drowning in coconuts as my heart races, sending ample blood to all regions of my body. God … I just want—need—to kiss her.

“Oh jeez …” She shakes her head, closing her eyes for a breath. “You invited me to dinner to … flirt.” Her eyes open to their widest point.

A tiny laugh escapes me. I can’t help it. Everything about this woman feels like a rebirth. “I invited you to dinner because Roman really likes you. And I just can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for him. You’re so generous.”

Gah! I suck at this!

What is my problem? Yes. The answer is yes! Yes, Dorothy, I invited you over to flirt, maybe even kiss. And other things …

“Oh.” She takes a step backward, stumbling a bit as the front door catches her, and more embarrassment tints her cheeks. “Well, now I feel stupid. Yes, of course you invited me here because Roman likes me. Duh. Now I just look like an idiot for assuming you wanted to flirt with me. And really, no need to thank me. My generosity is selfish. It makes me feel good to do nice things. That’s all. And really, you’ve bought me coffee and made me dinner again. It’s like I should be thanking you again. But that’s probably weird. So … I’ll just go now.”

Really, really weird shit goes through my mind as she fidgets. Dr. Hawkins is nowhere to be found. Neither is Roman’s dad. Raging-puberty-hormones Eli Hawkins invades my head—both of them really. And I just want to kiss Dorothy. That’s the PG version of my thoughts. Most of them are R-rated. Worse than the R-rating. All I can think about are the ways Dorothy and I can be generous with each other, leading to never-ending thank-you’s that don’t involve stationary, replacement scrubs, superhero capes, pasta dinners, lunch boxes … or clothing.

“Should we call it even? No more thank-you’s,” I suggest.

“Okay.” She lifts her gaze, eyes going a little cross-eyed like her focus is centered on the bridge of my nose.

“Okay.” I release a slow breath, but it does very little to relax all of my body. “Can I ask your age?” I’m not sure why I’ve been so chicken about asking her age. I think it worries me that she’s too young, and I’ll feel like a dirty old man having really inappropriate thoughts about her.

“I’m thirty. Why?”

“You just look young.”

“I wear massive amounts of sunscreen.”

I nod slowly.

Just kiss her, you big chicken!

What if she doesn’t want to be kissed by me? Or flirt with me? I internally laugh at the memory of her comment and at myself for being just as awkward. Why does something so simple have to be so complicated?

“I have a forty-five-minute drive home.”

And school the next day. Where is my head?

Oh, that’s right …

“Of course. I’m sorry. I lost track of time.”

“Okay.” She smiles.

I love her okay’s. They feel like more than the average okay.

“I’ll walk you out.”

“Have you not closed all of your rings?” She holds up her wrist, signaling to her watch.

I chuckle. “All rings were closed hours ago.”

“We could track each other. Share our rings. Did you know that?”

Rings. Kisses. Trips to the on-call room for sex.

For the love of God … get your shit together, Elijah!

“Never mind. That’s weird.” She shakes her head, rolling her eyes at herself just before opening the door and scurrying ten steps ahead of me. Her pace gains momentum with the hill of my driveway.

My long strides catch up to her at the bottom of it. She looks both ways and bolts across the street to her car, clicks the locks, and opens her door.

“Goodnight!”

“Dorothy Mayhem … you’re killing me.”

She turns just before ducking into the driver’s seat.

“What do you mean?”

Resting my hands on my hips, I drop my chin in defeat and stare at my untied gray canvas shoes. “What if I did ask you to dinner tonight to … flirt?” I glance up, digging my teeth into my bottom lip on a slight cringe.

Her body remains stoic as her eyes shift from side to side, like she’s been caught on a hidden camera. “Well … then I wore the wrong outfit.” She refuses to look me in the eye.

“I think you look amazing.”

“Yes. But this is a playdate outfit. Maybe even one I’d wear to apply for a babysitter position. It’s fun, but wholesome. Practical and safe.”

I just want to spend one day in her head. Everything about her fascinates the hell out of me. The curiosity gives me such a high.

“Tell me about your flirting outfit.”

“Well …” She clears her throat, keeping her focus on the big hill leading out of my development. And of course … her cheeks are perfectly flushed as she talks to the wind. “Since Romeo was involved, I would have chosen my red dress with white stripes. It hits just below my knees, but it’s strapless. And I would have worn my blue cardigan with it and matching blue wedge sandals with straps that tie around my ankles. Flirty … but appropriate for young eyes.”

“And if Roman wouldn’t have been here tonight?” I stare at the side of her head, wondering if she’ll look at me again before driving home.

She narrows her eyes. “I would have taken off the cardigan after you invited me into your house.”

The picture she paints in my head does all kinds of wicked things to me. Why imagining her in a striped strapless dress has such a physical effect on me is a mystery. It’s not like she suggested showing up wearing nothing but high heels and a trench coat. Dorothy Mayhem possesses her own brand of seduction, and I’m completely entangled in every part of it.

“And in this scenario, would you have kissed me after I walked you to your car?”

She turns completely red. I feel certain even her toes hidden in those blue shoes have to be red. “You’re making fun of me.”

Her comment knocks me back a good ten steps, even if my body remains right next to her. Why would she say that?

About Jewel

Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.

With 10 years of flossing lectures under her belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.

After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the Contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.

When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree at a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course…heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

Connect with Jewel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjeweleann/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JewelE_Ann

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjeweleann/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jewel-e-ann

Stay up to date with Jewel by joining her mailing list:

http://www.jeweleann.com/free-booksubscribe/

http://www.jeweleann.com