Release Day Blitz & Review…Earn Your Extra Credit by Meghan Quinn

by Courtney

EARN YOUR EXTRA CREDIT by Meghan Quinn

Release Date: April 15th

Genre: Romantic Comedy

EARN YOUR EXTRA CREDIT IS NOW AVAILABLE IN BOTH EBOOK AND AUDIO!

Universal Link: mybook.to/EarnYourExtraCredit

Audio Universal Link: mybook.to/EYEC-AUDIO

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Universal Link: mybook.to/EarnYourExtraCredit

Audio Universal Link: mybook.to/EYEC-AUDIO

Blurb:

“She went home with someone else that night?”

Hearing the disbelief from my best friend’s mouth makes the events of my failed date sting that much more.

I would like to make it known, I have a lot more swagger than what it seems. I don’t normally ask a girl out, have her fail to recognize it’s a date, and then give me a high five–as if I’m her wingman–and take off with someone else.

No. Normally I’m the one taking the girl home but with Stella, it’s been one failed attempt after another and frankly, I’m done trying.

But thanks to my best friend getting married in Hawaii right before the school year starts, I’m stuck on a tropical island, watching Stella parade around in what she claims is a bathing suit.

Unfortunately, that’s not the worst of it, just the tip of the iceberg. Because what I think is going to be a relaxing vacation, avoiding the one girl I can’t seem to make it work with, has turned into a spectacle of being recruited as Stella’s doting fake fiancé so she can save face with an old “friend” from high school.

Now I’m navigating through purgatory while trying not to get turned on by the way she holds my hand or kisses my jaw. It’s all fake, that’s what I keep telling myself, even though it feels entirely too real.

Excerpt:

“Do you want to sit next to Stella on the airplane?” Arlo asks.

“What? Fuck, no,” I say while turning up the game so I can hear the announcers over my tedious, wedding-planning best friend.

Arlo snatches the remote from my hand and turns off the TV. The room is silent for a moment before uproarious objections fill the air.

“Gentry is up next,” Gunner, my other best friend and former teammate, complains from next to me. “He’s three for three so far.”

“We need to talk,” Arlo says in that stern, alpha-like voice that won over his fiancée. Little does he know it doesn’t work on me.

I reach for the remote but he swats my hand with a resounding thud, causing me to yank my hand back. “What the actual fuck, man?”

When I decided to have the guys over to my loft, I assumed we’d tear up some wings, drain some brews, and watch the Bobbies game. Never in my wildest fucking dreams would I have pictured Arlo Turner, the grumpy curmudgeon of the Forest Heights English department, to roll in like a beaming bride, holding a wedding planning folder to his chest, and consume the night with questions about what he should wear and if coconut cake is too “Hawaiian-y” for his Maui destination wedding.

But here we are.

“Cut the crap, Romeo.”

“Cut what crap?” I reach over to the coffee table and pick up my almost empty glass of beer.

“I’m not about to have the Bickersons attend my wedding, so what the hell is going on with Stella?”

“Nothing is going on,” I answer, then take a small sip of my beer, making the liquid last so I don’t have to get up for a refill.

Gunner leans in and asks, “If we get to the bottom of the problem, can we turn the TV back on?”

“Yes,” Arlo answers.

“Then it was the baseball game he took her to.”

“Dude,” I say in protest while sitting up on the couch. “What the fuck happened to don’t say anything?”

Gunner unapologetically shrugs. “I really want to watch the Bobbies kill the Rebels in interleague play.”

“What baseball game?” Arlo asks. “Do you mean the game you took her and Cora to?”

“Yup.” Gunner pops a chip in his mouth from the bowl on the coffee table. “Except Cora wasn’t supposed to go. It was supposed to be a daaate,” Gunner drags out.

“You asked Stella out?” Arlo asks, shocked.

“Way to sell me out for a game, you dick.”

Not showing an ounce of remorse, Gunner stands from the couch and takes my glass from me.

“I’ll top you off. You’ll need it.”

Seething, I pass my hand over my head and say, “Yeah, I asked her out. She invited Cora. End of story.”

“That’s not the end of the story,” Gunner says from the kitchen, the open concept of my loft allowing his voice to carry to us easily.

When you think a friend is trustworthy and then they go and shock your fucking nuts right off by divulging everything you told them in secret . . . without even a blink of an eye. Gunner is dead to me.

You’re probably wondering why I didn’t say anything to Arlo about what happened, given he’s one of my best friends, right? It’s simple. Gunner got me drunk and I relished in the comfort of far too many cold beers and a listening ear. If it wasn’t for that, I’d have kept my mouth shut, because the entire incident was fucking humiliating.

Between you and me, I’ve liked Stella Garcia, the Spanish teacher at Forest Heights, for a while now. Far too long actually. I can’t quite pinpoint when it happened, but all I know is over the three years I’ve known her, I’ve been pining after the girl for the majority of the time.

Fucking bold, quick-witted with a sharp tongue, loves sports, shy when it counts. Flat-out gorgeous with her long, wavy brown hair and fascinating green eyes that have a ring of brown around the pupil. She’s had my attention for a while and last year, I decided to finally make a move.

Enough was enough. We shared too many dinners together as friends. She’s pressed her lips to my beer glass without a second thought way too many times. The moment presented itself, I grew a pair, and asked her out to a baseball game knowing she loves watching the sport as much as I do.

But fuck did it backfire.

“What’s the end of the story?” Arlo asks, growing agitated. His patience runs thin, which is surprising, given his profession of educating the youth.

He’s not going to drop it.

Arlo’s relentless when he wants to know something.

Dragging my hand down my face, I say, “It was supposed to be a date.” Gunner sits next to me and hands me my refilled glass, which I gladly take. “She invited Cora. Which was fine. We had a good time, I still sat next to Stella, and we shared jokes even if there was a third wheel. But it was what happened afterwards that—”

“That gutted him,” Gunner finishes for me. When I snap a look at him, he smirks. “That’s what you told me. Just thought I’d help tell the story.”

“I wasn’t gutted.”

Maybe I was a little.

Hell . . . I was humiliated.

Gutted isn’t a strong enough word for what happened.

“What the fuck happened after? Christ. Why are you taking so damn long to get to the point?” Arlo practically growls.

“Go easy on our guy.” Gunner grips my shoulder. “He was embarrassed, man.”

“It’s fine, I’m over it now,” I say in a passive-aggressive tone.

“You’re clearly not if you and Stella can’t even be in the same room together. I don’t want anything ruining this trip for Greer, and your constant arguing with Stella is driving everyone fucking crazy.”

“Great, then I just won’t talk to her. Simple.”

“Just tell him,” Gunner says, nudging me.

Christ.

Staring down at my beer, I quietly say, “She went home with someone else that night.”

The room falls silent.

They don’t have to react for me to know what they must be thinking. They know I’ve liked Stella for a while. They know I’ve been trying to figure out a way to ask her out.

And this . . . hell, this was an epic fail on my end.

It wouldn’t be as bad if I weren’t already carrying a chip on my shoulder about the way I was forced to twist my life around.

Five years ago, everything changed.

Five years ago, I was stripped of the one thing that brought me life.

A ruptured Achilles tendon ended everything for me.

I never got the chance to appreciate my last game.

I never had the opportunity to sit on the field and say goodbye.

Instead, playing professional baseball was stripped from me and I was forced to fall back on my teaching degree I earned while playing in college.

To say I’m bitter, resentful, and fucking angry . . . yeah, that’s an understatement.

I live with regret daily and harbor more animosity than anyone should.

So, when I took Stella to the game, on a date, hoping to tell her how I feel, and she went home with someone else, it fucking stung.

Do you know what stung more, though?

The fact that she looked right past me and instead went for a rookie on the Bobbies.

Why go out with a washed-up baseball player turned phys ed teacher with a slight limp in his walk, when you can go out with an unmarred professional baseball player?

Yeah. There’s resentment for a reason. She chose the star. That’s who she wants.

That’s who I’ll never be.

And that’s why I plan on staying as far away from Stella Garcia on this trip as I can.

And when we get back to Chicago and the school year starts, everything will go on as planned.

Avoid. Avoid. Avoid.

Too easy, right?

3.5 Stars

Earn Your Extra Credit features, Romeo and Stella, who readers met in See Me After Class. Don’t worry, you don’t need to read that one to read this one, but it definitely helps in getting a deeper connection to everyone.

I was really looking forward Romeo and Stella’s book – this two have quite the interesting relationship. They have been coworkers for quite awhile and even close friends after working together for so long. They watch baseball games together and compete on the faculty league team.

At some point, things became strained between them and nothing has been the same since. Romeo and Stella, along with their other friends, are all now in Hawaii for their best friends’ wedding. But that’s not the only problem, they both find themselves fake dating because Stella has some point to prove.

I want to say so much more, but I hate when reviewers talk about scenes in reviews or give away plot points, accidentally. But there is a lot that goes on this on this book – growth, acceptance and moving forward.

Yea – not sure what to say about this one, to be honest. Did I enjoy the book? Yes. But, it dragged for me. Stella annoyed the hell out of me, a lot. Her antics, while entertaining, just became annoying after a bit. Romeo – the man has the patience of a saint.

It kills me to say this because I truly love Meghan, the characters she bring us and their stories. But this book was right down the middle for you. While I enjoyed it, it was not my favorite. But I am definitely in the minority on this one. I would still recommend this book to others because while it wasn’t a 5 star for me, I know that other readers will enjoy it.

About the Author:

USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Connect with Meghan:

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7360513.Meghan_Quinn

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMegQuinn

Website: http://authormeghanquinn.com

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/meghan-quinn

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LitE4x

April 2021 Contemporary Romance Excerpt New Releases New Reviews Release Day Event Romance Sports Standalone Three Loves

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Release Day Blitz & Review…The Poet by Lisa Renee Jones

by Courtney

Title: The Poet

Series: Samantha Jazz Series #1

Author: Lisa Renee Jones

Release Date: March 9, 2021

THE POET

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones brings a fresh, modern take to the thriller genre that will keep you guessing until the very end.

“The poet is a liar who always speaks the truth.” -Jean Cocteau

Some call him friend or boss.

Some call him husband or dad.

Some call him son, even a favorite son.

But the only title that matters to him is the one the media has given him: The Poet.

A name he earned from the written words he leaves behind after he kills that are as dark and mysterious as the reason he chooses his victims.

One word, two, three, a story in a poem, a secret that only Detective Samantha Jazz can solve. Because he’s writing this story for her.

She just doesn’t know it yet.

This title is a standalone that follows a single case. There is no cliffhanger. But the world of Samantha Jazz will continue with The Girl Who Forgot!

BUY THE POET

EBOOK AND AUDIO

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GET THE MASS MARKET PAPERBACK AVAILABLE AT WALMART, TARGET, AND OTHER STORES NATIONWIDE!

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Amazon → http://mybook.to/ThePoetPaperback

Barnes & Noble → http://bit.ly/2YgkHMH

EXCERPT

I move on to what I know. “The Poet, an organized killer, a planner. Highly intelligent. Well employed. These types like to appear stable and we’re most likely looking at someone in a circle of family to shelter himself, even convince himself he’s normal. None of this is on paper. And I don’t feel like I have room for error on this one.”

“The Poet?”

“That’s what I’m calling him.”

“Whatever you call him, do you really think he’s a serial killer?”

“I know he’s a serial killer. We just have to find his victims.”

“I’ll get you your profile for peace of mind.”

“Thank you, Wade,” I say, gratitude in my voice.

“Thank me by being careful. If this asshole came after Roberts, you could be next.”

“If Roberts was his type, I am not.”

“Be careful, Detective Jazz,” he says, and this time he uses his best Special Agent Wade Miller voice, the detective title meant to make the “I’m serious” point.

“I am. I called you for a reason. I’m going to get him before he ever has the chance to get me.”

We disconnect a few seconds later and I pull up the poem compilation Chuck put together for me on my MacBook. I gravitate toward the poem The Poet left called “Fate, The Jester.” His message could be in those few lines or in another verse inside the full poem. I read it all slowly, all eight paragraphs, dissecting each one, but I return to the three lines he left in Summer’s mouth:

Who laugh in the teeth of disaster,

Yet hope through the darkness to find

A road past the stars to a Master

A master, a statement that seems to reference superiority and drives home my earlier thoughts. The Poet judged Summer beneath him. Perhaps he judges us all beneath him. He believes he’s above the law, and that’s dangerous to those who come into contact with him.

That means I need to become dangerous to him, and quickly.

The Poet grabbed my attention with the cover and the blurb. The blurb had set my expectations for a suspenseful and twisty thriller, but in turn, it was more of police procedural than anything else. It was not bad, just not what I had anticipated.

A serial killer, nicknamed “The Poet,” is on the loose and leaves behind poems as his signature. Detective Samantha Jazz is called in to take over the case as she has a bit of a background in poems from her college years.

The books flips back and forth between views from both Sam and The Poet. It was interesting to see how Sam takes this case on, digs into things, and tries to figure out who it is. Her “spidey sense” and her process of going through the case file are quite detailed and you can tell that the author did a lot of research in this area to make it more authentic and true to life.

While I enjoyed the book, it was bit a slow, with very little suspense in terms of a thriller. I enjoyed walking through the aspects of how a detective works a case, their nuances and how they piece everything together. There isn’t a lot of action but again – this book was definitely more police procedure and not focused on the killer and his actions.

Overall, it’s a good read and one I enjoyed reading, despite wanting more thriller aspects added in. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

THE SERIES CONTINUES WITH THE GIRL WHO FORGOT!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57319878-the-girl-who-forgot

ABOUT LISA

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones writes dark, edgy fiction including the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series and the upcoming, crime thriller The Poet. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland and Bad Mom’s) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense.

Prior to publishing Lisa owned a multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine. She lives in Colorado with her husband, a cat that talks too much, and a Golden Retriever who is afraid of trash bags.

CONNECT WITH LISA

Newsletter ➜ http://lisareneejones.com/newsletter-sign-up/

Bookbub ➜ http://bookbub.com/authors/lisa-renee-jones

Amazon ➜ https://amzn.to/2MoWosB

Twitter ➜ https://twitter.com/LisaReneeJones

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Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/LisaReneeJones

Excerpt Four Loves March 2021 New Releases New Reviews Psychological Thriller Thrillers

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by Courtney

This is all of me. The good, the bad, the used, and the broken…

Heartbreakingly beautiful and completely engrossing, A young woman’s life takes a disturbing and utterly fascinating turn as the past she’s put behind comes back to haunt her. USED is packed full of twists, turns, and a gripping romance sure to leave readers emotionally spent and asking for more.

USED, a brand new standalone romantic suspense from debut author Kate Dunbar is OUT NOW! Grab your copy today!

“USED was amazing. Like seriously amazing. I can’t remember the last time I hated to put a book down so I could go to sleep and then immediately pick it up to finish it the next morning. And yet, here we are and that’s what I did.” ~ Samantha Chase, New York Times Bestselling Author

“Rarely have I read a book so vividly described, so rich with emotion, that I felt like I lived it. USED is the kind of book that engages your heart and takes you on a journey that leaves you hopeful and empowered by the end.” ~ Erika Kelly, Award Winning Author of the Rock Star Romance Series

Photography by K Keeton Designs
Cover Design by Uplifting Author Services

Model: Cameo Hopper

BLURB

At the age of seventeen, after a decade of lies, hurt, and severe abuse by her brother Lucas, Sabra Valentine is able to breathe.

Lucas is behind bars thanks in large part to Sabra’s quick thinking and self-preservation-even if that’s one more secret she has to keep.

Now, seven years later, life is moving forward, and Sabra is starting to heal, live, and love again with her friends and Trevor Collins by her side. He’s tall, dark, and sexy, and he doesn’t fall for Sabra’s games. The future is finally looking bright-until one phone call shatters everything.

Used is a romantic suspense with domestic thriller elements. Please be aware that there are topics that may be triggers for some readers, and this work is meant for mature readers.

✦Amazon US ➜ https://amzn.to/2LJCEQV

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✦Goodreads ➜ https://bit.ly/38AlFct

“Heartbreakingly beautiful. This book isn’t about angst and pain. It’s about a fighter-a survivor-that we all attain to be. The story tears you apart in the best ways and builds you back up in the most beautiful.” ~ Nichole Chase, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

“Used is a raw, heart-wrenching story of surviving trauma, but it’s also so much more. It’s a romantic, emotionally gratifying tale of unflinching, all-in love. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.” ~ Brenda Rothert, Author

USED is being narrated by Stella Hunter is out now!

http://adbl.co/37D8fvJ

“So, that’s rule one. What do you think?”

I shake my head and snap out of my reverie. “What?” I inch my way toward him and place my hand on his thigh. “I’m sorry. I got distracted. Tell me again.” Trevor’s jaw tightens. His eyes shift toward my hand.

“You got distracted? I’m telling you the rules to our relationship, and you got distracted? How is that even possible?”

“I started thinking about last night and your lips on me. And that made me start thinking about your lips on me again. And that made me think about your hands on me. And that made me think about everything else on me.” Trevor stares at me with his mouth hanging open.

“I swear, you never cease to surprise me, Sabra.” He grabs my hand and pulls me toward his chest. After a few moments, he uses his finger to gently lift my chin and brush his lips over mine. “Screw the rules. We’ll just wing it.” I smell his minty breath as he moves down my jaw with those magical lips and across my collarbone. Trevor’s fingers grasp the edge of my shirt. All I can think about is that same breath and those same lips scorching my skin again.

I’m losing myself in his touch. His kisses. The sweet words he’s whispering into my ear. I’m lost in him. And then my phone rings, blasting through the room. Shaking us out of the moment. Trevor pulls back to look over his shoulder at the intruder.

You have got to be kidding me. How is it possible the entire world seems to be calling me this early?

I glance at the phone sitting on the coffee table beside us and realize I don’t recognize the number. “I’m sorry. I have to answer this.” Trevor grabs my hand and settles it on his lap. I can feel how much he doesn’t want me to answer it.

“Are you sure it can’t wait, Say?” He smiles his crooked grin and cocks his head to the side. “Can’t they leave a voicemail, and you call them back?”

“It could be my agent. I had that audition yesterday. I just need a second.”

“Fine. I’ll go get a donut hole.” He grins and stands. “And then I’m coming back for yours.”

“Ew, gross.” I snatch my phone and slide my finger across the screen, rolling my eyes at him as he walks into the kitchen laughing. “Hello?”

“Hello, Sabra. How are you, sis?”

*****

No. No. Nooooo…NO. This can’t be happening. I yank the phone away from my ear and stare at it. Absolutely not. The air feels thin. My lungs feel like they’re about to burst.

“Sabra? What is it?” Trevor stares at me with this look on his face, like he thinks I’m crazy.

Did I say that out loud?

I hit the end button and get up, pacing from one side of my extremely small living room to the other. This is a nightmare. No. It has to be a wrong number. He’s in prison. There’s a chant happening in my head.

He’s in prison. He’s in prison. He’s in prison.

“Sabra.” I flinch as Trevor touches my arm and instinctively move away.

“Don’t touch me.” The hurt in his eyes is obvious. So deep. I might as well have slapped him. And I don’t care. “Don’t. Touch. Me.” I growl it at him.

He’s in prison. He’s in prison. He’s in prison.

“Sabra, what the hell is going on? What happened?” Trevor paces a step away and turns to look at me. “Who was that?”

“No one. A wrong number. No one at all.”

But I know it wasn’t. He’ll call back. Come back for more. He always comes back for more. Dammit. How is he coming back for more?

He’s in prison. He’s in prison.

I feel Trevor’s heat before I realize he’s next to me. “I don’t believe that. It was someone.” He grabs me by the upper arms and shifts me back against the wall. “You’re shaking and white as a sheet. What’s going on? Who the hell was that?”

I’m shaking?

He’s in prison. He’s in prison.

Wait. My mom called…

And I realize why she was calling so early. Dammit. Everything clicks into place. Tremors course through my body. I can’t control them. The chant changes in my head.

He’s out. He’s out. Oh my god, he’s out. I. Can’t. Breathe.

Used is Kate Dunbar’s debut novel. It’s one she has been writing on and off for years. And I am so glad that she released it to us to read.

This novel felt very real to me – not just the characters but the story itself. It’s unfortunately a life others have lived. We’ve all heard the stories on the news or through others but for a reason I can’t explain, Dunbar’s book made it all more real and personal to me.

“Nine Steps.”

Dunbar does a great job of giving us the details without laying all the gory details out for us. I know for some, they may want that more dark and twisted part to make the book more suspenseful, but it wasn’t needed. You can tell that Sabra has a very hard time talking and rehashing her past and that shows through the past reflections. And I think that’s why not having those descriptive details works with this book – the character can’t handle that and if Dunbar were to go that deep into it Sabra’s memories, we would lose the true character of Sabra.

Trevor – oh that boy is a Saint. And I know any mom’s out there would love for their young sons to turn out to be just like Trevor. Sabra and Trevor started out as friends four years ago when she first arrived at college. Trevor has always wanted more, but respected Sabra and her reasons for not wanting to ruin what they had. Sabra has always expressed that she’s not a commitment type of gal and Trevor has seen that over the years. His loyalty to Sabra won me over immediately – even as a friend, he was there for her.

Dunbar wrote a very real and personal story. Her characters and their story really helped in making this book feel more alive. While I know that those who love their psychological thrillers to be a bit darker, I think that Dunbar still keeps the thrilling suspense alive with just the minute details she gives – it adds to the appeal of not knowing everything.

I hope Dunbar continues to write as I would love to read another novel by her.

About Kate Dunbar:

Kate Dunbar is a wife, mom of three, and obsessive tea drinker who loves a great story. She’s passionate about people and learning what makes them tick. You can find her eavesdropping, people watching, and living her best life wherever the winds take her.

Website: https://katedunbar.com/

Facebook: https://fb.com/KateDunbarAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kdunbarwrites

Newsletter: https://katedunbar.com/

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3q6SqEa

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kdunbarwrites

Sample Social Media Post:

This is all of me. The good, the bad, the used, and the broken…

Heartbreakingly beautiful and completely engrossing, USED is packed full of twists, turns, and a gripping romance sure to leave readers emotionally spent and asking for more.

USED, a brand new standalone romantic suspense from debut author Kate Dunbar is OUT NOW!

✦Amazon US ➜ https://amzn.to/2LJCEQV
✦Amazon Intl ➜ https://geni.us/4fBU5
✦Apple ➜ http://apple.co/3nDaQuK
✦Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/39s8hGz
✦Nook ➜ http://bit.ly/2LMTD4z
✦Audio ➜ http://adbl.co/37D8fvJ
✦Paperback ➜ https://amzn.to/3qBDYET
✦Goodreads ➜ https://bit.ly/38AlFct

Excerpt Four Loves March 2021 New Releases New Reviews Release Day Event Romance Romantic Suspense Suspense

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Release Day Blitz & Review…The Wedding Game by Meghan Quinn

by Courtney

The Wedding Game by Meghan Quinn

Release Date: March 1st

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2M6OJQG

Get your copy here–>

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3cwCnfi

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3j9yDS8

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3jevWPp

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3pGbdX1

AVAILABLE NOW!!!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3j9yDS8

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Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3pGbdX1

BLURB:

USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn’s latest bauble is the charming story of a crafting queen battling a jaded divorce lawyer on a wedding reality show.

Luna Rossi is a veritable crafting genius—she can bedazzle and bead so hard her Etsy site is one of the hottest in the world. So it’s only natural that Luna would convince her brother and his husband-to-be to compete on The Wedding Game, a “do-it-yourself” TV show, for the title of Top DIY Wedding Expert.

As a jaded divorce lawyer, Alec Baxter scoffs at weddings and romance. But when his recently engaged brother begs him to participate in The Wedding Game, Alec grudgingly picks up a glue gun and prepares for some family bonding.

Both fierce competitors, Luna and Alec clash on national TV as harsh words and glitter fly with abandon. But as they bicker over color swatches and mood boards, they find themselves fighting something else: their growing mutual attraction. While Luna is torn between family loyalty and her own feelings, Alec wonders if he might have been wrong about love and marriage all along…

EXCERPT:

“Are you ready?” Farrah says, coming from behind me and massaging my shoulders. I move my head side to side while we both hop up and down. “Did you do those finger exercises I told you about?”

I flex my fingers and nod. “Yup, all warmed up.”

“Do you have your game face on?” Farrah spins me around and grips my shoulders as I mean mug it at her. “Ooo, you’ve been practicing in the mirror. I can tell.”

“When I brush my teeth. I really feel like I’ve mastered the scowl.”

“Honey, you mastered the scowl years ago. Now you’re just coming into your own with it.” She holds up her hands, and I start boxing into them as we leap around the apartment. “Quick on your feet, quick on your feet.” Farrah swings her hand at me, and I duck. “Focus, hone your attention.”

“Focused.”

“Tell me, who’s going to kill it today?”

“I am.” I bob back and forth and then give Farrah a one-two punch to her hands.

“Who’s going to do anything necessary, even sit on someone’s face if you need to, in order to win today’s challenge?”

“I am. Show no mercy. My ass is coming for your face.”

Farrah pauses, winces. “I’m not sure I like that.”

“Just go with it.”

“Okay, Luna’s ass is coming for your face.” She shrugs. “Next week let’s work on your trash talk.”

“Might be necessary.”

Circling again, I box at Farrah’s hands, feeling light on my feet and ready for anything that comes my way. “You’re going to ignore all conversations from Mr. Snobby Shoes.”

“I don’t even know he exists.”

“Your eyes are on the prize. And what is that prize?”

“Giving Cohen and Declan the best wedding possible.”

“Exactly.” She lowers her palms. “Quick, flash me your hands.”

I lift my hands, and she inspects them carefully.

“You lotioned—good. Nails are clipped to a perfect length, and those fingers are stretched and strong. Rotate your wrists for me.” She lowers her ear to my wrists as I circle them around. “Perfect, no cracking, no tension.” She points to the ground. “Fast feet.”

My feet start bouncing up and down, like in those football movies, and I hold my hands at my hips, ready for the call . . .

“Draw!” Farrah shouts.

I pull my glue gun from my hip and point it at her. “You’ve been glued.”

Farrah claps her hands. “Reaction time was spot on. You’re ready.”

“Yeah?”

She nods. “You got this, girl. This competition is yours for the taking. And remember what we talked about: don’t focus on what you think will win . . .”

“Focus on what will bring Cohen and Declan joy.”

For anyone who follows my reviews, y’all know Meghan is another author where I will read anything she writes. They may not always be 5 star reads for me, but I love her writing style and won’t not ever read one of her books.

Meghan is also a go-to for me when it comes to rom-coms so grabbing The Wedding Game was an obvious choice. And she did not let me down.

I love the concept behind this story. The Wedding game is actually a show on a DIY network that our characters, Luna and Alec find themselves a part of. They are each helping their brothers create their dream wedding in hopes of winning a penthouse in NYC.

Luna is die-hard crafter and a very good one. She had to deceive her brother into participating because with her abilities, she felt they were a shoe-in. I loved the dynamics between Luna and her brother. It was not only super cute, but extremely beautiful.

Alec is a divorce attorney. He no longer believes in love, let alone marriage. He brother all but begs him to help him out and Alec sees this as an opportunity to fix their relationship.

I enjoyed everything about this book. From the romance, to the family dynamics, to the interactions between everyone. Meghan really knows how to mix the humor with the romance to make it feel natural and neither aspect overpowers the other.

I highly recommend this to any romance lover to read. But if you truly enjoy a good laugh while reading, this is definitely the book for you.

Connect with Meghan:

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7360513.Meghan_Quinn

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Website: http://authormeghanquinn.com

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/meghan-quinn

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LitE4x

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Review…Eastern Lights by Brittainy C. Cherry

by Courtney

Eastern Lights, an all-new heartfelt and emotional standalone romance and second standalone in the Compass Series from bestselling author Brittainy Cherry is available now!

I once met a man on a cold Halloween night. He dressed as a superhero, and I dressed in red. For one night, I was his break from reality, and he was the temporary fix for my broken heart.

Two years later, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to become a senior editor at one of the biggest magazine companies in the world. The only catch? Nail an exclusive interview with New York’s finest bachelor: Connor Roe.

To the rest of the world he was becoming one of the wealthiest men in New York City. To me, he was simply my once upon a time superhero.

My job was to get an exclusive interview with New York’s hottest bachelor. Never in my life did I expect him to want an exclusive with my heart, too.

The only problem with my growing feelings for him? I was set to marry his new business partner.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
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Excerpt

Aaliyah

His playful look shifted a bit as he looked my way and nibbled on his bottom lip. “So there was a recent breakup.”

“He broke up with me about five weeks ago.”

“What an ass.”

“Yeah, but I love him. I wish I could say past tense, but here we are. My roommate Sofia said the best way to get over a man is to get under another one, but I can’t even consider that right now. The last thing I want to do is sleep with someone else.”

“Plus, sex wouldn’t fix a broken heart and—holy shit!” He clapped his hands together and hopped up from the ground to a standing position. The grin on his face was so big, but I didn’t understand what caused his sudden shift. “I got it, Red! I know what we can do to help you.”

I arched an eyebrow and stood. “I’m confused.”

“I know, I know, and you’re going to think I’m crazy—which, maybe I am—but here’s the deal: You can’t bang your way out of a heartbreak. That’s not how love works. Love isn’t a physical connection; it’s an emotional one. Plus, after breakups, people replay the good memories over the bad in their minds and start thinking they somehow failed, when, in reality, the bad probably always outweighed the good. You simply held the good tight in your grip because it was few and far between in the end. Otherwise, the good would’ve been enough to keep you together.”

I hated that he was speaking facts. Over the past weeks, all I’d done was replay all the good times Mario and I had together. My mind was stuck on a loop of moments that meant the world to me in my past relationship.

There were only a handful of good memories, yet I simply played them on repeat, making them feel bigger than they already were. Mario was a master at doing the bare minimum, and I celebrated that fact as if he was a god. It wasn’t his fault he gave me mediocre love. It was my fault for accepting it.

“So what’s your point?” I asked.

“Do you believe in destiny?”

I chuckled. “Don’t tell me you do.”

“I think everything happens for a reason, even if the reasoning isn’t clear as day right away. Maybe that’s why we met tonight, Red, because we were meant to. Maybe I had to get socked in the eye and whipped with a lasso because we were supposed to cross paths so I could help you get over your ex.”

“How?”

“The best way to get over a love is to find a stronger connection with another person. So, I present to you, your Halloween love story.” He took a bow as if he was making any sense at all.

I stood still, confused as ever. “Am I missing something?”

“Clearly, because you’re looking at me as if I’m having a mental breakdown—which, I mean, is probably accurate.” He cleared his throat and stood taller as he smoothed his hands over his chest. “I’m asking you to fall in love with me.”

I snickered. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Give me the chance to make you fall in love with me before the sun comes up in the next”—he glanced down at his phone—“five hours or so. It’s just past midnight. Give me those hours to make you fall in love with me. Then we’ll end the love story on a good note. No tragic heartbreak, no hard moments or relationship struggles. No cheating or scandals. Just two people who fell in love, then life or, in our case, morning made them say their goodbyes.”

“You really think two people can fall in love within five hours?”

“I don’t know.” He shrugged and held his hand out toward me. “Want to try?”

I should’ve said no. I should’ve laughed off his crazy idea and ended the night right there on the rooftop, but I didn’t want to go home. I didn’t want to be alone. But most of all, I wanted more time with Captain, even if only a few more hours. Even if there wasn’t a real chance of me falling in love with him but just a chance of more time to feel happy.

Happy.

I felt happy.

I hadn’t even known how much I’d missed happiness until it found me that night.

So, I did what any insane girl would’ve done. I took his hand and agreed to the idea of falling in love within the next five hours.

He clasped my fingers with his and pulled me in close to him. It was the closest we’d stood since meeting, and the way he looked down into my eyes caused the butterflies to intensify. He had to be well over six-foot-two as he hovered over my five-foot-eight frame—and that was with heels. The way he looked at me made me feel important, as if he was going to give this crazy plan of his all that he had.

“Knock, knock,” he said, with the goofiest grin known to mankind.

“Who’s there?”

“Will you fall in love with?”

“Will you fall in love with who?”

“Me.”

Love didn’t only show its face during happiness. It didn’t skip by only during the sunshine. No. Sometimes—most of the time—love was a storm at war.

This book was so much more emotional than I had anticipated. If you read Southern Storms, then you met Connor. I was so excited when I heard that Eastern Lights was his book. You do need to read Southern Storms to truly enjoy this book. This book can easily be read as a standalone.

Connor is a sweet southern boy from Kentucky who moved to New York to conquer his dreams. He has this outlook on life that will grip your heart. He’s been building his empire the last two years when he has a chance run-in with Aaliyah.

Aaliyah didn’t have the best life growing up, but found family in the most random strangers. She’s always looking for the best in people and sometimes that causes her to put trust and love in people who don’t deserve it. When she and Connor run into one another, she is going through one more rough moment in her life.

I absolutely love their first meeting. Instead of exchanging actual names, they call each other Red (Aaliyah) and Captain (Connor). They spend an entire night enjoying one another’s company but agree to go separate ways the next morning and leave it to fate for them again later in life…

“Find your ugly truths,”…….”Its better to sit with the ugly truths than bathe in the beautiful lies.”

This book was everything that I needed and didn’t know it. I have so many highlights and notes in this book, it touched me so much. I laughed, I grinned like a goofball and I had tears running down my cheeks. There are so many life lessons littered throughout this book and that made this book stand out even more.

Brittainy not only writes characters that are relatable and real, but she delivers a story that will impact you in ways you don’t anticipate. You feel Brittainy’s words deep in your soul. Eastern Lights is another amazing read from Brittainy and I cannot wait to see what she brings next in this series.

“Confidence is a repeated habit. Act confident in your own skin until it becomes your outer layer.”

About Brittainy
Author Brittainy C. Cherry is an Amazon #1 bestselling author.
She has been in love with words since the day she took her first breath. She graduated from Carroll University with a Bachelor Degree in Theatre Arts and a minor in Creative Writing.
Her novels have been published in 18+ countries around the world. Brittainy lives in Brookfield, Wisconsin with her fur babies.

Connect with Brittainy
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2Fc8izo
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https://bcherrybooks.com

Blog Tour Contemporary Romance Excerpt February 2021 Five Loves New Releases New Reviews Romance Standalone

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Excerpt….Like You Love Me by Adriana Locke

by Courtney

Like You Love Me, an all-new sweet small-town standalone romance in the Honey Creek series from USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke is available now!

Two childhood friends are playing house—and maybe playing for keeps—in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s funny, sexy, and unpredictable marriage-of-convenience romance.

To save her Tennessee bed-and-breakfast, Sophie Bates needs a fast-cash miracle. Holden McKenzie, her childhood best friend, needs to prove to a prospective employer that he’s a committed man. Their fortunes on the line, Holden proposes…a solution.

He’ll take care of Sophie’s bills if she agrees to a temporary marriage of convenience. And why not? They’re comfortable together, they have fun, and they trust each other. It’s as simple as saying “I do.” But the off-the-cuff wedding has all of Honey Creek talking—and Sophie and Holden realizing that their perfect arrangement is working too well. If they’re not careful, this marriage could turn into a love story.

Download your copy or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oWWqXM
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/LikeYouLoveMe

Excerpt

“This Chad guy sounds like a real champ,” he says.

“I’m the moron that married him.”

I pick at the edge of the table to keep from meeting his eyes.

Chad was not my best work. Not my best choice, or the greatest guy I’ve ever dated, nor am I proud that I went through with the whole thing. But I did it and I can’t change it. I need to figure out how to accept all that.

“I’m sure you had great intentions,” Holden says.

“I did. Want to know how deep his intentions ran?” I strum my fingers against the tabletop as I look up at him. “He left me by sticking a note to the kitchen table with a dollop of strawberry jelly.”

I blow out a breath and regret word-vomiting all that. It was too deep. Too raw and real. Opening up to Holden is too easy, and I probably just ruined the mood.

He watches me for a few seconds before grinning. “He didn’t even use grape? Rude.”

I smile, relieved that he didn’t dig deeper. “Right? He didn’t even use grape on his sandwiches.”

“Big red flag right there,” he says, pointing a finger my way.

“You know, Gramma always said not to marry a man that cuts the crusts off his peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.”

“And why is that?”

“Because that’s an indication that someone doesn’t like boundaries. Guess I should’ve listened to her. He even cut the crusts off his grilled cheese.”

He gasps, his jaw falling to the table in mock horror. “That’s serial-killer shit right there.”

“Hey, I don’t know what he’s been doing the last couple of years of his life.” I take a napkin from the dispenser. “You might be right.”

“So why did you marry him? You didn’t get serial-killer vibes from the start?”

It’s a question I’ve asked myself a million times, because down deep, I knew it wasn’t right for me. I just ignored my gut and did it anyway.

About Adriana

USA Today, Washington Post, and Amazon Charts Bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, four sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket.

Connect with Adriana

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Website: https://adrianalocke.com
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Excerpt Reveal…The Crush by Penelope Ward

by Courtney

Title: The Crush

Author: Penelope Ward

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance

Release Date: February 22, 2021

BLURB

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone, second-chance story of forbidden love…

It’s natural to want the one you can’t have. And for as long as I could remember, I’d secretly wanted my brother’s best friend, Jace.

He was six years older and always treated me like the sister he never had.

Fast forward a decade.

We were all in our twenties now. Jace had moved in with my brother, Nathan, and me to help us make ends meet after our parents died.

It was just the three of us—an odd family dynamic.

Living under our roof, Jace was as bossy and protective as ever.

But he certainly didn’t look at me like a sister anymore. That was what made things so complicated.

I was pretty much hot and bothered twenty-four-seven.

And he was torn.

The signs were subtle, at first. Like on movie night, I’d casually rest my leg against his, and he wouldn’t exactly shift away.

Still, I assumed he would never…go there.

Nathan would kill us.

The knowledge of that wasn’t enough to stop the inevitable, though.

Eventually our slow burn exploded.

But more than the physical attraction, we’d developed a strong connection.

We just couldn’t get caught, right?

That sounded simple.

Until it wasn’t.

This is a story of forbidden love, broken trust, and an unexpected second chance.

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EXCERPT

“I’m gonna grab a beer,” he said. “You want something?”

“I’ll take a beer, too.”

He chuckled. “Is it bad that I had to think for a second whether you’re legal to drink? It feels wrong giving you alcohol, for some reason.”

“You’ve dropped me off at the damn bar! How could you think that?”

“I know. It’s fucked-up.” He laughed as he walked backwards into the house. “Be right back.”

A minute later, Jace returned with two chilled bottles of Miller Lite. He popped one open and handed it to me.

“Thanks.” I took a long sip that felt great going down.

We polished off the rest of the food, and by the time I finished the beer, I felt pretty tipsy. Between the soft breeze blowing Jace’s scent my way and the buzz, I was on cloud nine.

Jace took it upon himself to clear our wrappers and napkins, stuffing everything into the paper bag. As he went back into the kitchen, he asked, “Want another beer?”

“I’d love one.”

When he returned, he set the bottle in front of me and sat back down. He put his feet up on an empty chair and leaned his head back, closing his eyes.

He sighed. “This is exactly what I needed…to chill at home.”

That made me happy. “Give your head a break tonight. You can always worry about work tomorrow.”

“Yeah. I think I’m gonna take your advice on that.”

While his eyes were closed, I was able to enjoy staring at his profile—his strong, angular jaw and slightly cleft chin, his perfect nose and kissable lips, the way the sun brought out a reddish tone in his otherwise black hair. Jace was even more beautiful with the sun shining on him.

I eventually closed my eyes as well, enjoying the breeze that offset a little of the heat. My eyes opened suddenly when I heard his chair skid against the cement.

“Fuck it.” He got up. “I’ll be right back.”

My heart raced a little. What is he doing?

A few minutes later, Jace returned in his swim trunks. They were blue with tiny anchors, a nautical pattern. Not that I was looking closely at his lower half or anything. I’d just started to make my way up to his chest when he dove into the pool, his gorgeous, hard body disappearing under the sky blue water.

He emerged and shook his head to clear the water from his hair. “You comin’ in or what?”

I got goose bumps. I hadn’t planned to, but I couldn’t resist the invitation.

“Sure.” I got up from my seat and unwrapped the towel.

Jace watched as I entered the pool. But what was he thinking?

I dove in and swam toward him, feeling more comfortable in my bathing suit now that I was submerged in the water.

He flashed a mischievous grin. “Wanna race?”

I splashed him. “Why? You think you can beat me just cuz your legs are longer?”

He cocked a brow. “There’s only one way to find out, right?”

Over the next several minutes, Jace and I swam in tandem from one end of the pool to the other. Sometimes he’d beat me to the other side, and a few times, I beat him.

Eventually, we got into a water fight. The next thing I knew, he was chasing me, then lifting me up and tossing me in the water. He did that several times. It was the most fun I’d had in a long time. I hadn’t a care in the world.

Then he lifted me up again, and I was certain he was going to toss me into the water, just like all of the other times. Instead, though, he just held me. Our eyes locked as my legs wrapped around his waist. He was going to have to drop me, because I sure as hell wasn’t climbing off him willingly. As he continued to hold me, the world seemed to stop. I could see the reflection of the palm trees in his gorgeous eyes, made luminescent by the sun. Those eyes then dropped to my lips. I could see his chest rising and falling. He swallowed hard. Holy shit. Something was happening. My heart was going a mile a minute.

And then…

“What are you doing?”

Jace dropped me like a hot potato at the sound of Nathan’s voice. My body hit the water with a loud splash.

What the hell is he doing here? My voice was shaky as I wiped the water from my eyes. “Wha…why are you home? I thought you were driving to meet that girl.”

“She canceled on me, so I came back after the job interview.” Nathan’s eyes traveled between Jace and me. He seemed suspicious.

“Oh.” I exhaled, moving a strand of hair out of my mouth. “How…how did the interview go?”

“It was okay. Too hard to tell if they’re gonna call me back, though.” He looked straight at Jace. “You guys seemed to be having fun. Didn’t realize I was missing out on a…pool party.”

Jace was silent.

I felt the need to chime in. “Jace decided to take his debut dip in the pool. We were just playing around.”

Nathan looked between us again. “I see.”

Jace finally spoke. “Well, it’s hot as all hell today. So…”

“You guys down if I make some dinner?” Nathan finally asked.

“We actually already ate,” I told him. “Jace went to Checkers.”

Nathan turned to his friend. “Since when do you eat dinner this early?”

Jace cleared his throat. “I was starving.”

“We didn’t think you were going to be home,” I said. “Otherwise, we would’ve waited.”

“I guess I’ll give you that.”

Jace got out of the water and dried himself off. He then laid out on one of the loungers, displaying his gorgeous, tanned body in all of its glistening glory. His feet dangled off the end of the chair.

Nathan snapped his fingers in front of my face. “I asked if I got anything in the mail. Earth to Farrah.”

Jesus. I hadn’t even heard him the first time.

AUTHOR BIO

Penelope
Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling
author of contemporary romance.

She grew up
in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a
television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son,
and beautiful daughter with autism.

With over two
million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author
of over twenty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen
languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

AUTHOR LINKS

FACEBOOK
FACEBOOK GROUP
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER

OTHER BOOKS BY PENELOPE WARD

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Excerpt Reveal…Beneath The Stars by A.L. Jackson

by Courtney

Beneath the Stars Excerpt Blitz

A Friends-to-Lovers Rockstar Romance from A.L. Jackson

Coming February 22nd

Beneath the Stars is coming 02/22, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the except blitz. Check out the fire that is coming to you in this friends-to-lovers romance!

“Just how strong are ya, Mag Pie? Think you can sling me on that back and carry me inside?” He managed to only half slur the words.

Droplets of giddiness dripped into my chest. A well gathering fast. “You’re asking me if I can lift a Mack truck?”

“Hell, no. Just if you can tackle a stallion.”

He waggled his brows, though it was sloppy and goofy and kind of adorable, and god, how easily I could fall for this man.

Like slipping into quicksand.

“What would you say if I wanted to try?” I whispered, throat so tight it was difficult to speak.

He grunted. “I’d say that sounds like a mistake.”

“I thought you said I needed to make a few mistakes along the way?” I lifted my chin, my eyes searching his face in the darkness.

He forced a grin that felt wholly faked. “Ahhh…a few mistakes are called for. But believe me, baby, you don’t want this kind of tragedy.”

“Rhys—”

He shook his head to cut me off. “Don’t.”

I glanced back at the house. “I really should get Royce. He can help me get you inside.”

Rhys huffed out a laugh, shoving off the darkness that had gathered around him like a violent storm. He cocked a playful grin. “Think I’ve received my full allotment of death threats from your brother today, thank you very much. I can make it just fine.”

“Death threats?”

“Let’s just say he made our boundaries very clear.” He gestured at the bare space between us. “Just so you know, we’re already crossin’ them.”

I scowled. “When?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

I huffed a sigh.

Freaking Royce.

“Richard?” I offered instead.

“Nope. Good as new. Can’t keep a good man down.” His words were all slurry and mushed together.

He hopped up like he was going to prove the point.

Only he stumbled three feet to the side.

A goliath who swayed.

I jumped up and rushed to his side. “Whoa there, cowboy. You keep it up, and you’re definitely going down.”

He leaned against me, slinging his arm over my shoulders.

The man heavy and hard and pure masculinity.

He staggered a bit, and I struggled to keep him upright, because holy crap, he was made of brick.

Suddenly, his nose was in my hair. “Why you gotta smell so good, Mags? And this dress.”

My brain was short-circuiting with him this close.

With the words that slipped from his mouth so errantly.

With the way his fingertips grazed over the silky fabric in the barest brush.

Wildfire.

It consumed my flesh.

But it was my heart that was at risk.

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“AL Jackson wrecked me and put me back together with this book. I fell for Rhys and Maggie’s story from page one!”

-Jessica Prince, Romance Author

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GIVEAWAY

Win a Signed Paperback of Kiss the Stars

Join A.L. Jackson’s Reader Hangout to Enter

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A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, and FALLING STARS novels. Watch out for her upcoming stand-alone, BENEATH THE STARS, releasing February 22nd.

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Connect with A.L.

Newsletter: http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson

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Contemporary Romance Excerpt Excerpt Blitz Excerpt Reveal February 2021 Pre-Order Romance Standalone

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Review…Condemned To Love by Siobhan Davis

by Courtney

“Condemned to Love will hook you from page one and make you fall in love.”– Alley Ciz, bestselling author

Condemned to Love, an all-new stand-alone dark mafia romance from USA Today bestselling author Siobhan Davis, is available now!

Her teen crush is now a ruthless killer and powerful mafia heir.
Will one life-altering night unite or destroy them?

Bennett Mazzone grew up ignorant of the truth: he is the illegitimate son of the most powerful mafia boss in New York. Until it suited his father to drag him into a world where power, wealth, violence, and cruelty are the only currency.
Celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Sin City should be fun for Sierra Lawson, but events take a deadly turn when she ends up in a private club, surrounded by dangerous men who always get what they want.
And they want her.
Ben can’t believe his ex’s little sister is all grown up, stunningly beautiful, and close to being devoured by some of the most ruthless men he has ever known. The Vegas trip is about strengthening ties, but he won’t allow his associates to ruin her perfection. Although it comes at a high price, saving Sierra is his only choice.
The memory of Ben’s hands on her body is seared into Sierra’s flesh for eternity. She doesn’t regret that night. Not even when she discovers the guy she was crushing on as a teenager is a cold, calculating killer with dark impulses and lethal enemies who want him dead.
Understanding the risks, she walks away from the only man she will ever love, stowing her secrets securely in her heart. Until the truth becomes leverage and Sierra is drawn into a bloody war—a pawn in a vicious game she doesn’t want to play.
As the web of deceit is finally revealed, Ben will stop at nothing to protect Sierra. Even if loving her makes him weak. In a world where women serve a sole purpose, and alliances mean the difference between life and death, can he fight for love and win?

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qMGpnW
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/condemnedtolove
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2Mhe1vg

Many of Siobhan’s fans know that she is very strong writer when it comes to writing powerful characters with very compelling story line. So for many of us, this was no surprise that she wanted to challenge herself and write in a new genre.

Condemned to Love (CTL) is Siobhan’s first endeavor into the mafia world. Many know that I edit and beta read for a lot of mafia books (both of the romantic and not so romantic sub-genre) so I got really excited when an author that I truly love and respect takes on this endeavor.

CTL is very lengthy but chocked full of depth and details that are absolutely necessary when starting out a new mafia world. Siobhan delivers a very in-depth look at this world, these characters and how everything came to be.

CTL focuses on mainly on Bennett and Sierra and their story, but there are a lot of secondary characters that play key roles in the underlying mafia storyline playing out throughout the book. Siobhan implements a captivating story and you can tell she did a fair amount of research about the mafia world to make this story more authentic and not to far fetched.

As I said previously, I edit and beta read for a lot of mafia books. CTL is definitely one of the least violent mafia books and focuses more on the relationships of the characters and the inner workings of the mafia world. There is a lot of action and thrilling scenes, but nothing too graphic that will turn readers off. Siobhan does a magnificent job explaining the different mafia families and their operations in the US and that adds another layer to her story.

Bennett and Sierra’s story is told in dual POVs throughout the whole book. Siobhan’s strong writing skills allows this book to flow beautifully and getting a glimpse from each character’s perspective adds to the gripping story telling.

Overall, this is a great start to Siobhan’s new series. While there are a few things that I (as an editor) would have done differently, as a reader, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the length, the depth of story and the characters she has introduced to us. I am looking forward to what Siobhan brings next in this world.

Excerpt

SIERRA

Just as I was starting to lose my anger, it returns full force, slapping me in the face. “I don’t want your dirty money!” I hiss, prodding my finger in his chest.

An amused grin spreads across his mouth, and I want to scream. “I run several successful legitimate businesses. I assure you my money is about as dirty as yours.”

He has an answer for everything. It’s infuriating. “You truly have no shame,” I seethe. How dare he invade my privacy like this. He has no right. “Next, you’ll be telling me you know my bra size.”

His eyes lower to my chest, and I scowl, wanting to wrap my arms around myself to deprive him of the view. But I won’t give him the satisfaction of letting him know how much he is getting to me either, so I don’t move a muscle.

“You were definitely a B cup in Vegas, but I’m guessing you’re a C cup now.” He steps a little closer, and though my instinct is to fall back, I stand my ground, refusing to let this asshole intimidate me again. Bending down, he presses his warm mouth to my ear. “I would need to conduct a physical exam to make an accurate assessment.”

I push him away, glaring at him. “You’re a pig.”

His lips pull up at the corners. “I don’t remember you complaining in Vegas. In fact, I distinctly remember you begging me to suck harder on your nipples as I plowed my cock into your greedy pussy.”

“Get out!” I bark, pointing at the door. “Just go.”

He winks, and I invoke every shred of willpower I possess not to lunge at him and gouge out his eyeballs.

“Until tomorrow.” He gives me a curt nod before exiting my kitchen, and I slump back in my chair, relieved he is gone but a little disappointed too.

About Siobhan

USA Today bestselling author Siobhan Davis writes emotionally intense young adult and new adult romantic fiction with swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and tons of unexpected plot twists and turns that will have you flipping the pages beyond bedtime!

Siobhan’s family will tell you she’s a little bit obsessive when it comes to reading and writing, and they aren’t wrong. She can rarely be found without her trusty Kindle, a paperback book, or her laptop somewhere close at hand.

Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Siobhan forged a successful corporate career in human resource management.

She resides in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.

Connect with Siobhan

Subscribe to romance newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dl4l5v
Amazon Author Page: http://smarturl.it/SiobhanDavisAmazon
Author website: http://smarturl.it/SiobhanDavisWebsite
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Facebook page: http://smarturl.it/SiobhanDavisFacebook
Facebook group: https://smarturl.it/SiobhanSquad
Twitter: http://smarturl.it/SiobhanDavisTwitter
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BookBub: http://smarturl.it/SiobhanDavisBookbub

Excerpt February 2021 Four Loves Mafia Romance New Releases New Reviews Romance Romantic Suspense Standalone

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Review…The Villain by L.J. Shen

by Courtney

“A love story with teeth and claws. I dare you not to fall in love with Cillian Fitzpatrick.” – USA Today bestselling author, Parker S. Huntington

The Villain, an all-new twisted modern day Greek tragedy from USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author L.J. Shen is available now!

Cruel. Coldblooded. Hades in a Brioni suit.
Cillian Fitzpatrick has been dubbed every wicked thing on planet earth.
To the media, he is The Villain.
To me, he is the man who (reluctantly) saved my life.
Now I need him to do me another, small solid.
Bail me out of the mess my husband got me into.
What’s a hundred grand to one of the wealthiest men in America, anyway?
Only Cillian doesn’t hand out free favors.
The price for the money, it turns out, is my freedom.
Now I’m the eldest Fitzpatrick brother’s little toy.
To play, to mold, to break.
Too bad Cillian forgot one, tiny detail.
Persephone wasn’t only the goddess of spring; she was also the queen of death.
He thinks I’ll buckle under the weight of his mind games.
He is about to find out the most lethal poison is also the sweetest.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lWU0pT
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TheVillain
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3757c81
Audible: http://adbl.co/3npfKvW

Add The Villain to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/LJVillianGR

For more information, join L.J. Shen’s reader group: http://bit.ly/2lTnonw
Stay up to date on all release news.
Follow L.J. Shen on Instagram: https://bit.ly/LJShenIG

Excerpt

I leaned against the doorframe, hands tucked in my front pockets, and observed. It took her three minutes to notice me. Another two to lift her jaw off the floor, straighten her spine, and turn scarlet. Our eyes met across the room, and that nagging murmur in my chest happened again.

Get that checked. If you drop dead from a heart attack at forty, you’ll have no one else to blame. She winced, looking like I physically slapped her.

“Mr. Fitzpatrick.”

“Miss Penrose.”

“Veitch,” she corrected, just to spite me.

“Not for long,” I noted dryly. “A word?”

“I know many. My favorite one right now is—leave.”

“You want to hear me out.” I cracked my knuckles. “Now say goodbye to your little friends.”

She looked back and forth between the kids and me, then turned and murmured something to the teacher next to her, and hurried my way, dunking her head down. “What are you doing here?”

She closed the door behind her, whisper-shouting.

I’ve been asking myself the same question since bailing on Keith and his snooze-fest speech. What the hell was I doing here?

The Villain is the second book in Shen’s Boston Belles series and can be read as a standalone, but I would highly recommend reading them in order to get the full scope of everything.

I was quite curious as to how Cillian’s story was going to develop. He’s crude and has no emotion, for anyone or anything. And Shen wrote him and his story extremely well.

And then we have Persephone. Holy hell was she a surprise for me. This girl was the perfect match for Cillian and none of us knew it.

Their story developed and played out so well; it gave me goosebumps at times. But I have to applaud Persephone and her personal growth through this whole story. She came into her own and truly showed everyone that you do not judge a book by it’s cover. Hot damn I love her.

There is a lot of tension and angst between Kill and Persephone. And good gracious is just oozes off the pages and I loved every single bit of it. I gobbled up this story like it was a Thanksgiving feast. I could not get enough of these two.

I need to applaud Shen for truly sticking to her characters and their characteristics. Cillian is a man who has no emotion – he is like a machine. He does not mad, angry, hurt, annoyed – nothing. He feels nothing. And yet, as the story moves along and Persephone challenges him and has him doing things that are totally out of character for him, you see the changes without them being too obvious.

I want to go on and on about so much, but I won’t. I do not want to give anything away (I feel as I already gave too much away). This book is addictive; once you start, you will have this burning need to finish it immediately.

I cannot wait to see what Shen brings us next in this series.

About L.J. Shen
L.J. Shen is a USA Today, Washington Post and Amazon #1 best-selling author of contemporary, New Adult and YA romance. Her books have been sold to twenty different countries.

She lives in California with her husband, son, cat and eccentric fashion choices, and enjoys good wine, bad reality TV shows and catching sun rays with her lazy cat.

Connect with L.J. Shen
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2OhSvp1
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Instagram: http://bit.ly/2AIOiTo
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Website: http://www.authorljshen.com/

Coming of Age Contemporary Romance December 2020 Excerpt Four Loves New Releases New Reviews Romance Standalone

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Excerpt Reveal…The Relationship Pact by Adriana Locke

by Courtney

THE RELATIONSHIP PACT by Adriana Locke
Release Date: December 17th

Add to Goodreads:
https://geni.us/6A5zx

Preorder:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/36HMIR2
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/38Zya26
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/35Qego8
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3fkga3q

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Or text the word Adriana to 21000 (US numbers only)

Excerpt:

I reach for the chair in front of me. Instead of finding leather, my fingers brush against something else. Something warmer. Something smoother and rougher all at the same time.

My heart jumps in my chest at the same moment that my head snaps to the side.

Oh. Shit.

The most beautiful set of hazel eyes I’ve ever seen traps my gaze. The warmth of the chocolate brown is cooled by the spring green embedded in the orbs. Gold flecks twinkle as the man slowly withdraws his palm away from mine.

I open my mouth, but I’ve somehow forgotten how to speak.

“Hey,” he says, his southern drawl rippling across my ears. “You can have it.”

I shake my head to try to jolt myself out of the haze I’m in. “I … I can have what?”

His full, pouty lips split into a sexy smirk. “I meant the chair, but if there’s something else on your mind, just let me know.”

My heart flutters in my chest as a wave of heat courses through my body from head to toe.

A couple of days’ scruff peppers a sharp, chiseled jaw. His skin is sun-kissed and imperfect and there’s the slightest mole beneath his left eye that gives a bit of softness to his appearance. His body is long, well over six feet, with broad shoulders and a thick chest.

It’s one heck of a picture.

Slowly, oh-so-slowly, the fog in my brain lifts.

“Can I buy you a drink?” he asks.

A crazy idea pops into my brain. The longer that I watch the stranger peer at me from under his thick lashes, the more it seems possible.

Crazy, yes, but possible.

“Want to do me a favor instead?” I ask before I can talk myself out of it.

My chest rises and falls in quick succession as he, and I, ponder my question. He narrows his eyes as he undoubtedly considers why a woman he just met might need his help.

His heavy brows tug together. “That depends on what it is.”

Blood pours through my ears as I realize I’m teetering on the edge of something impetuous. Again. I’m about to do the one thing I told myself I wouldn’t do.

Wasn’t I going to put the brakes on this kind of thing? Didn’t I swear that I was not going to tangle myself up with men? Wasn’t I going to save myself time and energy until good men come back into the universe?

I look up and down his long, muscled body.

I bet he’s a damn good man.

“Are you going to ask or not?” he asks, killing me softly with a playful quirk of his brow.

Screw it.

I take a quick lungful of air and commit to this insanity. “I’m going to need an answer to two questions.”

“Shoot.”

“Quickly.”

He grins. “I can’t answer them if you don’t ask them, beautiful.”

I steady myself against the term of endearment and stay focused.

“Do you have a girlfriend?” I ask.

His eyes sparkle with mischief. “I like where this is going.”

“That’s not an answer and we’re running out of time.”

“No,” he says hurriedly. “Hard no. Definitely not. No girlfriend.”

“Second question …” I take another deep breath and then go in for the kill. “Will you be my fake boyfriend for five minutes?”

His grin knocks the breath I’m holding right out of me. “When do we start?”

For Hollis and Larissa, starting is the easy part. It’s ending their fake relationship that’s hard. Fall in love with them here: https://geni.us/Hq6TNb

Blurb:
How hard can it be?

That was the question rolling around Larissa Mason’s mind just before she asked Hollis Hudson to be her fake boyfriend.
It was only supposed to be for five minutes, after all.
Granted, that was also before she felt his hand on the small of her back as he charmed the heck out of her family.

She hadn’t heard his laugh yet either.

And it was definitely before she saw the football god shirtless. Otherwise, she would’ve had an idea of just how hard some things could be.
It turns out that pretending to be in love with a crazily handsome, somewhat enigmatic, and absolutely unforgettable tight end (that has an amazing tight end) is easy.
Reminding herself that just because opposites attract doesn’t mean they’re forever is much harder.

What they have isn’t love—it’s a relationship pact. Right?

About the Author:
USA Today and Washington Post bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket.

Connect w/Adriana:
Website: https://adrianalocke.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoradrianalocke
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/booksbyadrianalocke
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authoralocke
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoradrianalocke
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8379774.Adriana_Locke
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ivy7xd
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/adriana-locke</a
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College Contemporary Romance December 2020 Excerpt Excerpt Blitz Excerpt Reveal Pre-Order Romance Standalone

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Review…Condemned To Love by Siobhan Davis

“Condemned to Love will hook you from page one and make you fall in love.”– Alley Ciz, bestselling author

Condemned to Love, an all-new stand-alone dark mafia romance from USA Today bestselling author Siobhan Davis, is available now!

Review…The Villain by L.J. Shen

“A love story with teeth and claws. I dare you not to fall in love with Cillian Fitzpatrick.” – USA Today bestselling author, Parker S. Huntington

The Villain, an all-new twisted modern day Greek tragedy from USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author L.J. Shen is available now!

Excerpt Reveal…The Relationship Pact by Adriana Locke