* Release Day Launch / Excerpt * DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION by Lori Foster

 

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lori Foster comes DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION, the first in Lori’s sizzling new Road to Love series! Grab your copy today!

 

DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION Synopsis:

When desire gets this hot, you’d better buckle up…

Mary Daniels doesn’t let anything get in the way of her job acquiring rare artifacts for her wealthy boss. But this particular obstacle—huge, hard-muscled, unashamedly masculine—is impossible to ignore. Stuck in a cramped car with Brodie Crewsfor hours en route to their new assignment, Mary feels her carefully crafted persona—and her trademark self-control—is slipping, and she won’t allow it.

Brodie can’t imagine what secret in Mary’s past has left her so buttoned-up, though he’d dearly love to find out. Maybe then she’d trust him enough to explore their explosive chemistry. But he needs this job, so he’ll play by her rules and bide his time…until an enemy determined to outwit them strikes and he needs to get close—in every way—to protect her. Otherwise they could lose much more than a precious collectible. They could lose it all.

 

Order DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION here!

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EXCERPT:

As he wove them seamlessly through the traffic, off an exit ramp, along a short drive through a commercial area, then back onto the expressway again, Mary had a revelation: everything about Brodie Crews was over the top.

His rugged good looks.

His teasing manner.

His frank way of speaking.

And now, she had to add, his skill at driving. He maneuvered with ease, weaving through traffic without speeding, seeming to find his way in and out of communities instinctively, all the while being completely relaxed.

In fact, if it hadn’t been for seeing his anger at the men who’d approached his car, she would wonder if Brodie Crews took anything seriously.

For the rest of the drive, she helped keep watch but she didn’t spot the SUV again.

Finally, she could relax too. “I think you lost them.”

He shot her a look of comical indignation. “You had doubts?”

Not really. And for some absurd reason, she was proud of him. What would he think if she told him that? He’d probably make a few more jokes, laugh it off, and continue being outrageous.

Belatedly, she answered him. “No.”

“No?”

“I didn’t have any real doubts.”

“Good. Because my guess is that they’ll somehow catch up to us on the way back. I mean, if they’re following, the whole point would be to steal from us whatever your boss bought, right?”

That was always a possibility. There’d been other times where she and a driver were waylaid, the goods stolen, and she’d had to go back to Therman empty-handed.

She would avoid that as best she could. “Yes, it’s possible.”

Cavalier, somewhat cocky, he said, “Hey, don’t sweat it. I’ll make sure we make the delivery, and on time, too.”

Mary appreciated his confidence because it boosted her own—especially as they left the highway for the less traveled roads that would take them to their destination.

Giving up her vigilance, she watched Brodie instead. His relaxed posture belied the alert way he took in his surroundings.

She realized that he knew trouble could happen, but also believed that he could handle it.

Astounding.

She’d never known a man so convincingly capable. She’d call him arrogant, except that he was so big, so powerful and formidably hard all over, it was easy to believe he could handle just about everything that might come their way.

Thinking that warmed her and she slipped off her button-up shirt, leaving her in the thin tank top, her arms exposed to the cooler air-conditioning. That helped, but not enough.

Especially when she knew that Brodie noted her every movement, even though he wasn’t obvious about it.

More heat uncurled from deep inside her, making her breasts feel heavy, her inner thighs tight. It was an un familiar heat, but she recognized it for what it was—base lust.

For Brodie. Insane. Ill-advised.

But apparently unavoidable.

Before she did something stupid, it seemed wise to distract herself by ensuring Brodie understood every possibility. “They could have been following us for another reason.”

“Yeah?” He pulled up to a red light and, after checking the traffic in every direction, turned to look at her. “What’s that?”

Having that dark, direct gaze aimed at her didn’t help to redirect her thoughts. His eyelashes were almost girly, they were so thick and dark, but Brodie was more elementally male than any man she’d ever met.

He quirked a brow. “If we were anywhere else, I’d take that as an invitation.”

As if coming out of a trance, she blinked. “What?”

“The way you’re looking at me?” His voice was deep, a little rough. “That usually means—”

“They may just want to rule out what Therman is getting,” she blurted, cutting him off. Dear God, she had been staring at him like a starving woman.

She almost considered putting her button-up shirt back on, just to make sure he didn’t misunderstand. But maybe that would be even more obvious, displaying her uncertainty in situations like this.

“They?” he asked, his supercilious brow still up.

“The men following us.” She jumped on the topic, hoping to talk past her own embarrassment. She wanted him, really wanted him, and it didn’t make any sense at all. She tried for her confident smile. “There are several collectors who want the same items. Usually whoever is willing to pay the most comes out the victor.”

He grinned. “Sounds like some serious sport.”

“Oh, believe me, collectors take it very seriously.” Needlessly, she checked her hair, smoothed her skirt, and overall squirmed over her own revelations.

She’d been forever without a man. Why now, and why him?

She didn’t have any answers; she only knew that he was off limits. Damn.

 

 

About Lori Foster:

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN. Visit her online at LoriFoster.com.

 

 

 

 

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* Blog Tour / Review / Excerpt * SEARING NEED by Tracey Devlyn

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review / Excerpt * SEARING NEED by Tracey DevlynSearing Need by Tracey Devlyn
Series: Steele Ridge: The Kingstons #3
Published by Steele Ridge LLC on November 9, 2018
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Goodreads
three-half-stars

To escape a brutal killer, a brilliant researcher teams up with a tortured soldier who poses an even greater threat . . . to her heart.

Her sister might be the law and her brothers the brawn, but Riley Kingston is definitely the brains of the family. She's a talented botanist well on her way to a PhD--so why does she feel like a failure? Fired from a dream project in Costa Rica, Riley's stuck back in her hometown. Cataloguing plants on Steele land keeps her busy, but it's far from compelling work. Until she discovers a fascinating new specimen. One with a body made for pleasure . . . and eyes filled with a pain she longs to understand.

Delta Force operator Coen Monroe doesn't want to be studied. Not even by the sexy scientist whose inquisitive glances stir up desires he isn't ready to handle. He came to Steele Ridge to be alone, to battle his nightmares and the memories triggering them. But Riley's gentle seduction is as relentless as her curiosity. She soothes his wounded soul . . . and fires up his defensive instincts. But when her research sparks a deadly conspiracy, Coen is exactly what she needs.

When Riley is targeted by a sociopath bent on silencing her forever, Coen will do anything to protect her. But can he save the woman he loves without losing himself in the process?

 

Danger abounds as we head back to Steele Ridge! With the third book in the Kingston family spin-off, we get cousin Riley’s story. We get a nice glimpse into what’s up with the beloved Steele family as we delve into the extended family a bit more, which is always fun. Riley is the studious Kingston, and she’s a bit down on herself right now and looking for something to pass her time. A manly military man hanging out on Steele land just might fit the bill! I’m torn on this story. I loved seeing the Kingstons and the Steele’s again very much and the aspect of the story that involved them was a joy to read, but the rest came across very stilted. We started out getting the low down on Riley and Coen and then all of a sudden people we had never seen or heard of before were taking over a scene. I wanted more groundwork before being thrust blindly into secondary locations. The intrigue was rushed, and the happily ever after was left up in the air a bit. Overall, I enjoyed getting the next story and parts of the book were interesting, but it wasn’t one of my favorites in the series.

Botanist Riley Kingston is left feeling like a failure when a research mission in Costa Rica that she spent several years on is abruptly ended and she finds herself back home in Steele Ridge. Britt is keeping her busy cataloging plants on Steele land, but she’s hoping something more exciting comes around soon. She might be regretting that wish before she knows it when danger comes knocking!

Delta Force operator Coen Monroe is thankful the opportunity to become one with nature again on Steele land as he works hard to come down from the nightmarish aftermath of a mission gone wrong. He’s in the throes of the worst time of his life, and he’s not really in the mood for a snarky researcher setting her sights on why he’s hanging around, but the more time he’s around Riley, the more he starts to feel a connection with her. When her past comes back to haunt her, he’s the first in line to make sure she’s kept safe … and left hoping for a happily ever after in the end!

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Tracey Devlyn writes contemporary and historical romantic suspense and mainstream thrillers. An Illinois native, Tracey spends her evenings harassing her once-in-a-lifetime husband and her weekends torturing her characters. For more information on Tracey, including her Internet haunts, contest updates, and details on her upcoming novels, please visit her website TraceyDevlyn.com.

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About the Book:

Her sister might be the law and her brothers the brawn, but Riley Kingston is definitely the brains of the family. She’s a talented botanist well on her way to a PhD—so why does she feel like a failure? Fired from a dream project in Costa Rica, Riley’s stuck back in her hometown. Cataloguing plants on Steele land keeps her busy, but it’s far from compelling work. Until she discovers a fascinating new specimen. One with a body made for pleasure . . . and eyes filled with a pain she longs to understand.
Delta Force operator Coen Monroe doesn’t want to be studied. Not even by the sexy scientist whose inquisitive glances stir up desires he isn’t ready to handle. He came to Steele Ridge to be alone, to battle his nightmares and the memories triggering them. But Riley’s gentle seduction is as relentless as her curiosity. She soothes his wounded soul . . . and fires up his defensive instincts. But once her research sparks a deadly conspiracy, Coen is exactly what she needs.
When Riley is targeted by a sociopath bent on silencing her forever, Coen will do anything to protect her. But can he save the woman he loves without losing himself in the process?

Add to Goodreads

EXCERPT:

An animal’s scream pierced the moist North Carolina air.

As she’d heard all manner of screeches, cries, chirps, ribbits, and howls, Riley Kingston’s radar barely blipped at the minor disturbance. She swiped at a bead of sweat on her nose before entering the GPS coordinates for the precious patch of Panax quinquefolius she’d located.

American ginseng, also known as seng, thrived in shaded, moist, well-drained slopes located across the middle and eastern United States. Many believed the root, resembling a windblown parsnip, cured diabetes, boosted energy, and managed sexual dysfunction, making it a coveted commodity across the globe, especially in Asian cultures.

Kneeling, Riley concentrated as her fingers wended their way between the compound prongs in search of the thick sympodium rising out of the rich black soil. “One, two, three…” She counted each plant with painstaking precision, careful not to miss a single one. In the growing shadows, she relied more on touch than sight.

Although she still had quite a bit of the Steele Conservation Area to survey, she was growing concerned about the scarcity of Panax she’d logged so far.

“Riley, you there?” barked a familiar, staticky voice.

She closed her eyes and drew in a deep, frustrated breath before resuming her counting. “Four, five, six, seven—”

“Riley, it’s Britt.”

No duh.

“Eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve—”

“Answer the damn radio, Riley, or I’m coming out there to find your scrawny ass.”

“Gahrrr!” She dug into one of the many pockets of her field vest. “Can’t a girl get some freaking alone time?” Being a female in the Kingston-Steele family was a royal pain in the butt sometimes.

Walkie-talkie in hand, she asked in her calmest voice, “What can I do for you, boss?”

After her Costa Rican research trip abruptly ended, she’d returned home in utter misery. Noticing her struggle, her cousin Britt offered her a much-needed distraction. A job.

At first she’d refused his offer, unable to bear the possibility of another failure, especially one where her strong, got-it-together cousin was concerned. But Britt’s annoying and persistent texts and the enticement of getting back into the field lured her into acceptance.

“Are you headed back?” Britt asked.

“Not yet. I want to finish this transect first.”

“Look around, Riley.”

“Okay.” She scanned her immediate surroundings. Patches of jewelweed intermingled with sprigs of Solomon’s seal and mayapples on the forest floor. Great canopies of oak, hickory, and maple darkened the landscape above. “Am I searching for anything specific?”

A very male, very big sigh preceded, “Daylight—or lack of it. You need to get out of there before nightfall.”

Riley blinked several times, only now realizing she’d been squinting into the shadows. “Um, right. I’m on my way.”

“Straight back,” he warned. “No distractions.”

“Did you miss the part where I grew up and became an adult?”

“No, but I think you did. Hurry up. Randi’s taking me out to dinner.”

“You don’t have to wait—”

“Chop-chop, Riley.”

The whole alpha-male thing was downright suffocating. So much testosterone surrounded her that it was a wonder she hadn’t grown a set of balls yet.

Clenching her teeth, Riley dropped her walkie-talkie back into her vest and stowed away her handheld GPS unit. With the coordinates marked, she would be able to return tomorrow and finish inventorying Panax.

If she didn’t love Britt so much, she would’ve taken the long way back just to piss him off. But no matter how much she’d like to kick his shins, he’d saved her in ways even she didn’t comprehend when he offered her this job.

Following her internal compass, she set off for where Britt awaited her at the wildlife research center. Rather than retrace her steps, she made a sharp ninety-degree turn, opting for a shortcut. She knew this land better than anyone. Well, maybe not Britt, but she was gaining ground on her cousin.

She’d spent hours traipsing these hills, conducting vegetative surveys and observing Britt’s beloved red wolves. Watching the emergence of a new pack of pups this spring had been amazing. Calypso and Apollo demonstrated as much tolerance of their babies’ antics as Ross and Sandy Kingston showed their five children.

The importance of the survey and the knowledge that Britt trusted her to do a good job went a long way in repairing her battered ego. But lately a restlessness had settled into her bones, scrambling her thoughts and feelings into a million different directions.

She needed… something more.

Another scream arrowed through the trees, sending ice shards down her spine.

“That was no animal.”

Riley sprang forward before her brain could catch up. Ascending a steep rise, she grasped small tree trunks as the toes of her hiking boots dug into the loamy earth.

Once she reached the crest, she spotted a creek cutting along the hollow, creating a shimmering dark ribbon in the gloom. Stands of towering silver-barked beech trees and glossy-leaved rhododendrons fanned out from the rushing water. Not a single bird fussed at her nor did a mosquito buzz at her ear. Every creature in the vicinity held its breath, anticipating.

What?

Another scream, more guttural, more wounded, barreled into her, stripping away her breath and shoving against her heart.

Sweat snaked down her temple as she stalked the ridgeline, searching for the source of so much torment, so much pain.

Time slogged by, though her pulse ticked away each nerve-racking second.

Another scream. No. A man’s roar of anguish and hatred and fear.

This time she caught movement up ahead. She sprinted the short distance, her chest near to bursting with anxiety. Below, a small two-person tent, the color of muddy grass, sat amid a blanket of ferns. The domed structure shook as if it straddled a seismic fault line.

Her instincts urged her to rush down the hill. But her too-stupid-to-live meter was clicking off the charts. What if someone was being attacked? Or murdered? Or…

Riley threw her imagination in neutral and reached for her walkie-talkie.

That’s when the tent’s occupant flung himself out of his shelter and clambered to his feet.

His hair disheveled.

Eyes wild.

And body buck-ass naked.

 

Giveaway:

  • $25 Gift Card (eRetailer of Choice)

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three-half-stars

* Blog Tour / Review / Giveaway * A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL by Cathy McDavid

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review / Giveaway * A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL by Cathy McDavidA Cowboy's Christmas Proposal by Cathy McDavid
Series: The Sweetheart Ranch #1
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on November 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

At a magical time of year…

Can a cowboy help falling in love?

For single dad Owen Caufield, living and working at Sweetheart Ranch for a month is the perfect change of pace. While the cowboy turned wedding officiant can now spend more time with his children, Molly O’Malley, his new boss, is less thrilled. A wedding ranch isn’t the best place for three rambunctious youngsters. But amid the chaos—and the coming holidays—it may be the best place to fall in love…

 

An adorably sweet family-oriented romance! She’s too uptight, he’s too lackadaisical … but together, they shine! In a story of trying to pick up the pieces of a life that hasn’t quite worked out the way you planned, two people meet and fall in love in less than ideal circumstances. She’s stressed about making a success of a business she really needs to work out for a chance, and he’s trying to make sure his kids know what they mean to him in a time that is in fluctuation. Neither are looking for love, but as much as they try to resist the attraction they have for each other, sometimes you just have to go with the flow. The characters were well developed, the plot was steady and filled with cuteness and the story was overall a joy to read!

Single dad Owen Caufield needs to reconnect with his children, and taking a month long job at Sweetheart Ranch might just be the way to do it! When his Uncle Homer calls and asks him for a favor, Owen is quick to agree to fill in as the wedding officiant at the newly opening B&B wedding venue. He thinks this time on a peaceful ranch will do his kids some good and allow him to show them he’s going to be there for them.

Molly O’Malley isn’t thrilled with the idea of a fill-in when the most stressful time of their life is upon them as they try to get this fledgling business off the ground. What was her grandmother thinking? Three children under the age of five underfoot as they try to plan the most important day in every couple’s life? She can see trouble on the horizon for sure!

 

 

 

 


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal
(The Sweetheart Ranch #1)
By Cathy McDavid
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
November 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

At a magical time of year…

Can a cowboy help falling in love?

For single dad Owen Caufield, living and working at Sweetheart Ranch for a month is the perfect change of pace. While the cowboy turned wedding officiant can now spend more time with his children, Molly O’Malley, his new boss, is less thrilled. A wedding ranch isn’t the best place for three rambunctious youngsters. But amid the chaos—and the coming holidays—it may be the best place to fall in love…

GoodreadsAmazonB&NBook DepositoryHarlequiniBooksKobo

 

About the Author

In the third grade, NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Cathy McDavid made it her goal to read every Black Stallion book ever written. Who knew such an illustrious ambition would eventually lead to a lifelong love of all things western and a career writing contemporary romances for Harlequin? With over 1.2 million books sold, Cathy is also a member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll.

An “almost” Arizona native, she’s married to her own real-life sweetheart, whom she re-met a few years ago at a high school reunion. Her grown twins are out on their own and finding their happily-ever-afters. In 2014, Cathy retired from the corporate world to write full-time. She now spends her days penning stories about good looking cowboys riding the range, busting a bronc, and sweeping gals off their feet. It a tough job, but she’s willing to make the sacrifice.

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Tour Schedule

November 7th:
Launch
It’s All About the Romance
Hearts & Scribbles
Candrel’s Crafts, Cook, & Characters
November 8th:
My Devotional Thoughts
Remembrancy
November 9th:
Andi’s Book Reviews
underneath the covers
November 12th:
Kimber Li
E-Romance News
November 13th:
Christy’s Cozy Corners
Colorimetry
Rockin’ Book Reviews
November 14th:
Jorie Loves A Story
Nicole’s Book Musings
November 15th:
Thoughts of a Blonde
Splashes of Joy
Inside the Mind of an Avid Reader
November 16th:
I Am A Reader
Book by Book
November 19th:
Book Lover in Florida
Britt Reads Fiction
November 20th:
Heidi Reads…
Reading Is My SuperPower
November 21st:
Grand Finale


Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive their choice of two previously published Christmas stories by Cathy McDavid (print or ebook, winner’s choice), a small gift bag of promo bling, a holiday ornament, and a $10 Amazon Gift Card
US only
Ends November 23, 2018

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five-stars

* Blog Tour / Review * HOW ABOUT NO by Lani Lynn Vale

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review * HOW ABOUT NO by Lani Lynn ValeHow About No by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: The Bear Bottom Guardians MC #3
on November 6, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-half-stars

Wade had everything he could ever want in life…then he lost it.

Now, his life—his forever girl—is living in a house he built for her while he’s struggling to move on and find meaning where there isn’t any to be found.

Landry Hill was his girl. His everything. His first kiss. His first and only love. His old lady and wife.

Then one day he does something monumentally stupid, and she walks away knowing she’ll never come back.

Fast forward two years, and he’s still just as in love with her now as he was when she left. The only problem is that she’s moved on with her life, found a new man, and has seemingly forgotten him. Then there’s Wade—stuck in the same awful place where she abandoned him. The only thing he has left is his job as a police officer and the Bear Bottom MC.

Just when they both think things can’t get any worse, life kicks them both in the teeth, and Landry finds out really quick that the only person she can depend on is the one that let her walk away.

With that understanding comes a deal. One that Landry has no hope of ever breaking free from, and one Wade will do everything in his power to make a reality.

But one thing is still certain. The force that split them apart is still out there, and there’s no hope of escaping fate.

 

Another great story about the guys at Bear Bottom MC! If you’re looking for a down and dirty, raunchy motorcycle club, this series is not going to work for you. It’s sexy, but it’s mild. What it will do for you is bring you a close knit family of guys that have each others backs through thick and thin and love each other’s families like they were their own. They love hard, they have strength and integrity and they keep finding a way to bring another lady into the mix that makes them stronger than ever. Really enjoyed!

Police officer and Bear Bottom MC member Wade Johnson once had the world in his hand. He married the love of his life, built their dream house together and was living the good life … until it all fell apart with the blink of an eye. It’s been five years since she walked away from him and he is no closer to moving on from her than he was the day she left. She’s living with another man in that house he built for her, and he’s standing on the sidelines looking on.

Landry Hill has a painful past, and that past is what reached out and slapped her, forcing her to walk away from the only love she’s ever known. Happenstance has brought her back to Wade’s side again, and at just the right time it seems because danger is circling around her. When her past walks in again, will they be able to overlook it this time and find their way back to each other?

 

 

 

 

Wade had everything he could ever want in life…then he lost it.

Now, his life—his forever girl—is living in a house he built for her while he’s struggling to move on and find meaning where there isn’t any to be found.

Landry Hill was his girl. his everything. His high school sweetheart. His first kiss. His first and only love. His old lady and wife

Then one day he does something monumentally stupid. And she walks away knowing she’ll never come back.

Fast forward five years, and he’s still just as in love with her now as he was when she left. The only problem is that she’s moved on with her life, found a new man, and seemingly forgotten him. Then there’s Wade—stuck in the same awful place where she abandoned him. The only thing he has left is his job as a police office and the Bear Bottom MC.

Just when they both think things can’t get any worse, life kicks them both in the teeth, and Landry finds out really quick that the only person she can depend on is the one that let her walk away.

With understanding comes a deal. One that Landry has no hope of ever breaking free from, and one Wade will do everything in his power to make a reality.

But one thing is still certain. The force that split them apart is still out there. And there’s no hope of escaping fate.

AVAILABLE NOW

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | iBooks | B&N

 

EXCERPT:

“No, Wade,” I snarled. “It’s not just that easy.”

He frowned. “What are you talking about? I realize that it’s tough, and it’s going to hurt, but baby, this is your sister! Your sister is your family. Your blood. You can’t just leave her in need.”

That was when I felt everything inside of me still.

“The first time I donated bone marrow to my sister, I was a toddler. Barely the age of two and a half,” I said, almost in a whisper. “The second time, I was four. The third? Seven. Do you see a pattern, Sergeant?

Wade frowned and tilted his head to the side, confusion spreading over his face.

“My parents had me to be their donor baby,” I whispered. “They never wanted me. I was never allowed to be a child. I was a useful object to them.”

Wade looked startled. “What do you mean by not being able to be a child?”

I laughed maniacally.

“I’m saying that I was bred to be their baby’s saving grace,” I hissed. “And I’m not doing it anymore. My sister is an asshole. My father’s a conniving bastard, and my mother is the biggest bitch known to man. Don’t you think that there’s a reason that I’ve never spoken of them?”

He looked at me like I was crazy. “Honey, you told me that you had a falling out. But this is your sister.”

I looked over at where my sister was sitting out on the front porch, silently crying her big, fat crocodile tears.

She’d always been good at them.

There was a time when I was younger that all she had to do was get that look on her face, and I’d be scared shitless.

Because if Lina wasn’t happy, nobody was happy, least of all me.

There was always going to be hell to pay if a single tear fell down Lina’s perfect cheek.

Lina also looked like a little China doll. She had perfect blonde curls, soft, milky white skin, blue eyes the color of a crayon, and she was tiny.

I, on the other hand, was none of those things but short.

I had brown hair to her blonde, brown eyes to her blue, freckled skin to her perfect complexion, and when I tried hard, I was also skinny.

Except, lately, I had been drinking beer and having the time of my life—living it like I’d always wanted to live it.

“I won’t do it,” I refused again, sounding petulant now.

I knew he didn’t understand.

Deep down, Wade was a really good man.

He’d experienced a lot in his life. He was a cop and had seen some very bad things.

But, what he did not have, was a bad family.

His family was awesome. His mom was the best mother in the whole world, and his dad was the kind of father I’d only ever dreamed of having when I was younger.

God, even his brother was the best.

He had no clue what it was like to hate your family like I did.

Hell, the only reason he hadn’t heard of them sooner was because my sister hadn’t gotten sick enough to need me.

Had she, Wade would’ve learned the truth about who my family was a hell of a lot quicker.

“I’m going to tell her that you’re thinking about it, and we can discuss it more later, okay?” Wade offered. “I don’t want you to make any hasty decisions because you’re overreacting.”

 

 

Lani Lynn Vale is a USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple also meaning over twenty) chickens.

When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading.

Lani is married with three children and lives in the Great State of Texas.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub

 

four-half-stars

* Blog Tour / Review * WICKED WHISKEY LOVE by Melissa Foster

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review * WICKED WHISKEY LOVE by Melissa FosterWicked Whiskey Love by Melissa Foster
Series: The Whiskeys
Published by World Literary Press on November 7, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

After escaping abusive parents and, later, an abusive relationship, Sarah Beckley has spent a lifetime watching snakes shed their skin. With two small children to care for and another on the way, she's finally found a home in Peaceful Harbor with the brother she hasn't seen in more than a decade. She's still searching for her sister, but life is good. If only she could stop thinking about the sinfully sexy doctor/biker who has taken to her children like a loving uncle-and to her like a hungry man.

Trust doesn't come easily for Sarah, but Bones Whiskey is patient and protective, amazing with her children, and he looks at her like she is the only woman he could ever want-and more. With two little ones underfoot, Sarah expects him to move on quickly, yet with every tender kiss and each trying moment with the children, Bones surprises her. But will the fiercely loyal biker stick around when Sarah's worst secret is revealed, or will he shed his skin, too?

 

Melissa Foster has done it again! She has an amazing way with words that manages to wrap a hero around our hearts time and time again, and Bones Whiskey is no exception! This story line was raw and packed with emotion as this seriously sexy man tries to prove to a wounded soul that she deserves the amazing goodness he and his family have to offer her. Great characters, major tugs on our heart strings, and a well-earned happily ever after … really enjoyed!

Single mom Sarah Beckley has trouble accepted help. In her past, there have always been strings attached and every time she started to think there wasn’t, ugliness reared it’s head and bit her again. She’s extremely thankful for the Whiskey family and all they’ve done for her family since the accident, and she’s trying really hard to let her guard down with them … especially Bones who her children simply adore and who makes her heart speed up every time he’s in the room.

Doctor, family man and member of the Dark Knight Motorcycle Club, Wayne “Bones” Whiskey can’t get Sarah and her little family out of his mind. Most men might be running for the hills when they lay eyes on a mom of two toddlers with a third baby on the way, but Bones is all in. He wants her … he wants them … he wants forever.

 

 

 

 

 

Wicked Whiskey Love
The Whiskeys series
Melissa Foster
Releasing November 7th, 2018
World Literary Press

 

BLURB:

Fall in love with Bones Whiskey in WICKED WHISKEY LOVE, an emotionally riveting, sexy new standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. A magnificent love story for those who enjoy fiercely loyal and insanely sexy alpha heroes, smart, sassy heroines, families, bikers, babies, and more!

In WICKED WHISKEY LOVE…
After escaping abusive parents and, later, an abusive relationship, Sarah Beckley has spent a lifetime watching snakes shed their skin. With two small children to care for and another on the way, she’s finally found a home in Peaceful Harbor with the brother she hasn’t seen in more than a decade. She’s still searching for her sister, but life is good. If only she could stop thinking about the sinfully sexy doctor/biker who has taken to her children like a loving uncle—and to her like a hungry man.

Trust doesn’t come easily for Sarah, but Bones Whiskey is patient and protective, amazing with her children, and he looks at her like she is the only woman he could ever want–and more. With two little ones underfoot, Sarah expects him to move on quickly, yet with every tender kiss and each trying moment with the children, Bones surprises her. But will the fiercely loyal biker stick around when Sarah’s worst secret is revealed, or will he shed his skin, too?

For more hot Whiskey love, check out Melissa’s other Whiskey novels.
TRU BLUE
TRULY MADLY WHISKEY
DRIVING WHISKEY WILD
And don’t miss RIVER OF LOVE, the first story in which the Whiskeys were introduced!

 

 

Goodreads link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37840670-wicked-whiskey-love

Goodreads series link:

https://www.goodreads.com/series/204908-the-whiskeys

 

 

Buy Links:

➜KINDLE: http://smarturl.it/WWL_K
➜APPLE: https://apple.co/2CNjjcc
➜KOBO: http://smarturl.it/WWL_Kobo
➜NOOK: http://smarturl.it/WWL_Nook
➜GPLAY: http://bit.ly/2CW9zZQ
➜PAPERBACK: http://smarturl.it/WWL_Pb

 

EXCERPT:

“Hey, beautiful,” Bones said softly.

Her eyes clashed with his. He sat with one arm across the back of Bradley’s chair, watching her in her moment of turmoil. She may not believe in happily ever afters and she definitely had trouble trusting, but she longed to be closer to him, to experience this loyal, thoughtful man on a more personal level. Emotionally and physically. Swallowing hard, feeling happy and sad, nervous and calm, petrified and curious. It was so overwhelming, she was sure everyone could sense it. But it was Bones who pushed his hand farther across the back of Bradley’s chair until his fingertips brushed her arm, concern written in those dark eyes.

“You okay, darlin’? Want to go for a walk?”

A walk? No, she definitely wouldn’t survive this night with Dr. Whiskey looking at her like he could heal all her wounds. She needed space to clear her head.

“No, thank you,” she finally managed. “I’m just going up to the house to change Lila.”

He pushed to his feet. “I’ll walk you up.”

“No,” she said quickly. “I’m fine, really. I just need…” Grasping for an excuse, she decided to go with honesty, because at the moment she was just that pathetic. “To breathe, and you sort of make that impossible.”

A slow grin spread across his lips.

“Ohmygosh,” came out before she could stop it. “Could you please look the other way?”

“Not a chance, darlin’.”

His arrogance came out smooth as velvet. Ugh. She pushed to her feet, needing to escape before he worked his magic on her. “Come on, Bradley. Let’s go potty before dinner.”

“I don’t have to go,” Bradley whined.

“I’ll watch him,” Bones offered, that panty-melting grin still in place.

Great. Another ovary-exploding dose of goodness. Just what I need.

 

Author Info
Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Author Links:  
Website:  http://www.melissafoster.com/
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster
GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster
Newsletter: http://melissafoster.com/newsletter/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-foster
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafoster_author/

 

 

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five-stars

* Blog Tour / Review / Excerpt * MUFFIN TOP by Avery Flynn

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review / Excerpt * MUFFIN TOP by Avery FlynnMuffin Top by Avery Flynn
Series: The Hartigans #2
Published by Entangled: Amara on October 29, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-half-stars

The only thing about me that’s a size zero is the filter on my mouth. I’ve got a big personality, a big rack, and a big number on the scale. And I’m perfectly fine with that.

But when some random guy suggests I might not be eating alone if I’d ordered a salad instead of a hamburger I’m shocked silent, which is a feat, trust me.

That brings us to one sexy fireman named Frankie Hartigan. He’s hot. He’s funny… And he’s just apologized for being late for our “date” then glared at the fat-shaming jerk. Next thing I know, he’s sitting down and ordering himself dinner.

I have no problem telling him I don’t need a pity date…unless of course it’s to my high school reunion next week. Oops where did that last bit come from? And what do I do now that he’s said yes?!

Because this is no make-over story, and I think Frankie is using me for something. I just have to figure out what…

 

Feisty, eye-openingly real and laugh out loud funny! With the second book in her The Hartigans spin-off, Avery Flynn brings us another story of a non-societly perfect woman getting her happily ever after. The story line grabbed my attention very quickly, and kept my emotions invested throughout. Great characters, a fun wit and a tackling of a really important subject . Really enjoyed this story!

Even after being a plus-size woman all of her life, publicist Lucy Kavanagh still can’t believe some of the things people have the audacity to say to her … take tonight for example. She’s quietly minding her own business having dinner at a bar after a horrendous day at work and some jerk comes up to her and tells her she might be able to get a man if she had ordered a salad instead of that burger. What an imbecile!

When firefighter Frankie Hartigan sees some guy getting under Lucy’s skin at the bar, he steps up to see what he can do to have her back. She’s the best friend of his brother’s girl and family is family. He gleans the problem quickly and steps in to apologize for being late to their date and puts the jerk in his place. Sharing a dinner with Lucy is fun, and amid their chatter, the fact that she’s not going to her high school reunion that’s coming up makes it’s way into the conversation. It just so happens he has time on his hands that he can’t figure out how to fill, so he’s taking her to that reunion … and she’s going to have fun no matter what she thinks!

 

 

 

 

Muffin Top BT Banner.jpg

“Smart, sassy, and utterly delightful! Get ready to fall head-over-heels in love with Lucy, one of the wittiest and most inspiring heroines I’ve ever met!”

– Annika Martin New York Times bestselling author

Muffin Top, a hot romantic comedy from USA Today bestselling author Avery Flynn is available now!

 

Muffin Top 1600px.jpg

 

The only thing about me that’s a size zero is the filter on my mouth. I’ve got a big personality, a big rack, and a big number on the scale. And I’m perfectly fine with that.

But when some random guy suggests I might not be eating alone if I’d ordered a salad instead of a hamburger I’m shocked silent, which is a feat, trust me.

That brings us to one sexy fireman named Frankie Hartigan. He’s hot. He’s funny… And he’s just apologized for being late for our “date” then glared at the fat-shaming jerk. Next thing I know, he’s sitting down and ordering himself dinner.

I have no problem telling him I don’t need a pity date . . . unless of course it’s to my high school reunion next week. Oops where did that last bit come from? And what do I do now that he’s said yes?!

Because this is no make-over story, and I think Frankie is using me for something. I just have to figure out what…

 

MUFFIN TOP AN FB.jpg

 

Download your copy today!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2CG0Oqm

iBooks: https://apple.co/2Qm9apZ

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

Nook: http://bit.ly/2Mk8OwN

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

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

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2O8JAmS

 

MuffinTop Teaser 2 AN.jpg

 

Excerpt:

The temptation to say “Yes, Frankie, please squash him like a bug while I clap and watch” was so, so strong—like, the guys who pull semi trucks with their teeth strong. Instead, Lucy played along with her best friend’s fiancé’s brother— OMG, that was now the name of her imaginary all-girl ska band—and smiled sweetly up at him.

“He was bothered by my dinner order, honey.”

“Really?” Frankie looked down at her plate, over to the dipshit, and then right at her. There was no missing the devil in his eyes right before he turned his attention back to the other man. “What’s wrong with what my girl’s eating?”

Mr. In Her Business blanched. Literally. The color drained out of his face so fast that he resembled one of those swipe right before and after photos on makeover blogs. How in the hell she managed to not laugh out loud she had no frickin’ clue.

“N-n-nothing,” the man stuttered.

Nope. He was not getting off that easily.

She looked up at Frankie, still standing next to her chair, his big hand braced on the back of it, and said in the clueless voice that anyone with a brain would know meant there was danger ahead, “He said I should have ordered a salad, then I might have a chance to move from a five to an eight. I’m a five because I have great tits.”

Thunderous didn’t begin to describe the dark look of pure vengeance that crossed Frankie’s face, making even the freckles that crossed over the bridge of his nose look scary. Mr. Buttinsky made a little squeaking noise that reminded Lucy of the sound of air coming out of a balloon when someone pulled the tip taut as it was deflating. Frankie took a step forward, menace vibrating off of him in waves. The other guy didn’t bother to say a word, he just took off, weaving his way at a fast clip through the crowded bar and out the front door. Lucy liked to imagine that he peed his pants a little as he did so.

“Thanks, Frankie,” she said to the man still staring at the departing figure of Mr. Peed His Pants. “I owe you one.”

Her ginger knight in well-fitting jeans and a T-shirt made some kind of noise that maybe was a response in the affirmative. It sounded kinda like “no problem.” Whatever. She was used to that from guys. She was only of interest until a hotter, skinnier, or prettier woman came along. It

was the universal fat chick cloaking device.

Determined not to let it annoy her as much as it usually would, she turned back to her jalapeño cheeseburger, spicy fries, and soda. Now she could finally enjoy her dinner in peace.

Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Frankie clunked down a three-fourths filled mug of beer on the other side of her table, pulled out the chair across from her, and sat down. Before she could even ask what he was doing, he waved the waitress over and told her he wanted whatever Lucy was eating, plus an extra order of fries and another beer. Once she’d left, he turned his attention to Lucy and gave her what could only be described as a vibrator smile. She named it that in her head—thankfully only in her head—because she now had a desperate need for her vibrator and maybe a fresh pack of batteries.

“You’re not gonna make me eat alone now that we’re on a date, are you?” he asked, swiping one of her fries.

 

About Avery

USA Today bestselling romance author Avery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip.

She fell in love with romance while reading Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory books. It wasn’t long before Avery had read through all the romance offerings at her local library. Needing a romance fix, she turned to Harlequin’s four books a month home delivery service to ease the withdrawal symptoms. That worked for a short time, but it wasn’t long before the local book stores’ staffs knew her by name.

Avery was a reader before she was a writer and hopes to always be both. She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs.

 

AveryFlynn.jpg

 

Connect with Avery

Instagram: @AveryFlynn

https://www.instagram.com/averyflynn/

Website: http://averyflynn.com

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/avery-flynn

Mailing List: http://averyflynn.com/newsletter/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/averyflynn

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Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/averyflynnbooks/

Join the Flynnbots: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Flynnbots/

four-half-stars

* Blog Tour / Review / Giveaway * RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER by Catherine Lanigan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review / Giveaway * RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER by Catherine LaniganRescued by the Firefighter by Catherine Lanigan
Series: Shores of Indian Lake
Published by Harlequin Heartwarming on November 1, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

He saved her life…

But will he destroy her dreams?

Firefighter Rand Nelson is tall and handsome and has literally walked through an inferno for Beatrice Wilcox. He’s a hero…and that’s exactly the problem. Beatrice knows all too well the risks of loving a man with a dangerous career. But when Rand’s report threatens her beloved children’s camp, Beatrice can’t refuse his offer of help…even though she knows they’re both playing with fire.

 

Such a touching story! With a return visit to Shores of Indian Lake, we see lots of the old regulars and meet some news ones as we embark on a heartwarming story of hope. Bea pledged her life to helping less fortunate kids have an enjoyment they couldn’t get elsewhere at her camp. She teaches them their own worth, she shares fun life lessons with them, and most of all, she makes sure each and every one of them knows they are loved. The characters catch our attention from the start and the plot is quick to draw us in. The story is a bit slow in parts and light on the romantic connection somewhat, but the connection with the kids is superb … overall a really sweet story of love when you least expect it and reaching for it even when it’s outside of your comfort zone. Sweet kids, a sexy fireman and a story about reaching for the stars and achieving them!

Beatrice Wilcox loves her job running a camp for challenged kids, but some days it’s almost more than she can handle. Like the night a fire breaks out and she has to go charging through it to find two missing campers. Luckily for her, a firefighter is in the right place at the right time to rescue them all!

Firefighter Rand Nelson is a by the books guy, so when he does his report of what happened that night, he can’t sugar coat it. He likes Bea though, and the job she’s doing for these kids out there at the camp, so he tries to ease the hardship by helping her with a repair himself. He’s instantly drawn to her, but she’s holding herself back .. turns out she doesn’t like a man that puts himself in danger on a daily basis!

 

 

 

 


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

 

Rescued by the Firefighter
(Shores of Indian Lake #10)
By Catherine Lanigan
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
November 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He saved her life…

But will he destroy her dreams?

Firefighter Rand Nelson is tall and handsome and has literally walked through an inferno for Beatrice Wilcox. He’s a hero…and that’s exactly the problem. Beatrice knows all too well the risks of loving a man with a dangerous career. But when Rand’s report threatens her beloved children’s camp, Beatrice can’t refuse his offer of help…even though she knows they’re both playing with fire.

GoodreadsAmazonB&NHarlequinKobo

 

 

Other Books in the Series

 

About the Author
Catherine Lanigan is the international bestselling and award-winning author of over forty-five published titles in both fiction and non-fiction, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. Ms. Lanigan’s novels have been translated into over twenty-four languages. Lanigan was tasked by the NotMYkid foundation to pen a collection of compelling and informative true stories of teen addicts. Ms. Lanigan’s SHORES OF INDIAN LAKE series for HARLEQUIN HEARTWARMING includes LOVE SHADOWS, HEART’S DESIRE , A FINE YEAR FOR LOVE, KATIA’S PROMISE, FEAR OF FALLING, SOPHIE’S PATH, PROTECTING THE SINGLE MOM, FAMILY OF HIS OWN, HIS BABY DILEMMA, RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER and MY RACING HEART (2019).

Ms. Lanigan is a frequent speaker at literary functions and book conventions as well as inspiring audiences with her real stories of angelic intervention from her Angel Tales series of books. She is an outspoken advocate for domestic violence and abuse and was honored by The National Domestic Violence Hotline in Washington, D.C. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs including “Coast to Coast” and on television interview and talk show programs as well as blogs, podcasts and online radio interview programs. She writes a monthly blog for Heartwarmingauthors.blogspot.com.

WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterest

 

 

Tour Schedule

October 29th:
Launch
It’s All About the Romance
Uplifting Reads
October 30th:
Locks, Hooks and Books
Book by Book
October 31st:
E-Romance News
deal sharing aunt
Hearts & Scribbles
November 1st:
My Life Loves and Passion
Thoughts of a Blonde
November 2nd:
Kimber Li
Rockin’ Book Reviews
November 5th:
Stacking My Book Shelves!
Reading Is My SuperPower
November 6th:
underneath the covers
Singing Librarian Books
November 7th:
Jorie Loves A Story
Among the Reads
November 8th:
Harlie’s Books
Remembrancy
November 9th:
Teatime and Books
Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader
November 10th:
Grand Finale

 

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
1 winner will receive a print copy of RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER (US only)
Ends November 14th

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four-stars

* Blog Tour / Review * EAGLE by Janie Crouch

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Blog Tour / Review * EAGLE by Janie CrouchEagle by Janie Crouch
Series: Linear Tactical #2
on October 30, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-half-stars

Finn Bollinger. Military codename: EAGLE.
A single dad, a warrior, a hero.

And the only person who can save Charlotte Devereux. The woman who once shattered his life.

When former Special Forces soldier Finn Bollinger is asked to help with an undercover mission, he's up for the task. His job teaching survival skills to civilians at Linear Tactical keeps him sharp, and he can still handle himself in the field.

But the Army damn well didn't teach Finn how to handle Charlotte Devereux. She's back and she's all sorts of bad news.

Charlotte can't change the past. Can't change the choices she made or the fact that they cost her everything. All she can do is endure the fallout. Even if that means putting her future in the hands of Finn, the man who has every right to want to destroy her.

And can in so many more ways than he thinks.

When Finn's undercover mission goes impossibly wrong, he'll have to depend on Charlotte's strength in order to survive. But everyone has a breaking point.

He's fighting for what's right.
She's fighting just to survive...

 

Reunited love, secrets exposed and exhilarating undercover action! With the next book in her Linear Tactical series, Janie Crouch brings us the story of Finn and Charlie. Young lovers with the world at their fingertips were torn apart and each experienced hardships the other knew nothing about. Now reuniting and finding themselves feeling that same old pull towards each other, they set out to see if they can really be in each other’s lives again after all of this time. The plot is filled with emotion, action and possibility while the characters snag our attention early and keep it throughout. Really enjoyed their story!

Finn Bollinger has a full life raising his challenging son and working hard with his Army buddies at Linear Tactical now that they are out of the service and settling into life. He certainly doesn’t need additional drama walking through the door … especially in the form of Charlie, the woman who tore his heart out years ago when she left him!

Charlotte Devereux hates that she hurt Finn so badly years ago, but there were things in play that he knew nothing about, and she had to make the decisions that she did … no matter how much she has regretted them. Now divorced and trying to settle back in at Oak Creek, she’s got problem coming out of the wazoo and not much in the way of a support system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title: Eagle
A Linear Tactical Standalone
Author: Janie Crouch
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: October 30, 2018

 

Blurb

 

Finn Bollinger. Military codename: EAGLE.
A single dad, a warrior, a hero.
For Charlotte Devereux he’s also the man whose heart she broke years before. And now, he’s her only chance for survival.When former Special Forces soldier Finn Bollinger is asked to help with an undercover mission, he’s up for the task. His job teaching survival skills to civilians at Linear Tactical keeps him sharp, and he can still handle himself in the field.

But the Army damn well didn’t teach Finn how to handle Charlotte Devereux. She’s back and she’s all sorts of bad news.

Charlotte can’t change the past. Can’t change the choices she made or the fact that they cost her everything. All she can do is endure the fallout. Even if that means putting her future in the hands of Finn, the man who has every right to want to destroy her.

And can in so many more ways than he thinks.

When Finn’s undercover mission goes impossibly wrong, he’ll have to depend on Charlotte’s strength in order to survive. But everyone has a breaking point.

He’s fighting for what’s right.
She’s fighting just to survive…

 

 

Purchase Links
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Author Bio

USA TODAY bestselling author Janie Crouch writes what she loves to read: passionate romantic suspense.  She is a winner and/or finalist of multiple romance literary awards including the Golden Quill Award for Best Romantic Suspense, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the RITA© Award by the Romance Writers of America.

Janie recently relocated with her husband and their four teenagers to Germany (due to her husband’s job as support for the U.S. Military), after living in Virginia for nearly 20 years. When she’s not listening to the voices in her head—and even when she is—she enjoys engaging in all sorts of crazy adventures (200-mile relay races; Ironman Triathlons, treks to Mt. Everest Base Camp) traveling, and movies of all kinds.

 

Author Links
four-half-stars

* Cover Reveal * HOLD STILL by Arell Rivers

Title: Hold Still
Author: Arell Rivers
Genre: Rockstar Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 15, 2018
Cover Design: Cassy Roop at Pink Ink Designs

 

 

 

He’s a rockstar who lost his muse. She’s a graphic designer who discovers that kickstarting his imagination is the easy part…
 
Ozzy Martinez is smoldering.
 
Ripped.
 
Tatted and pierced. Everywhere.
 
With his sold-out Vegas residency ending, he’s scheduled to record his next album soon. Only problem? His creativity—and trust—are both MIA following a soul-crushing, deeply personal double betrayal.
 
McKenna James is feisty.
 
A Las Vegas original.
 
Brunette with an ever-changing shock of dyed hair.
 
She’s vying for a spot in a national competition that will give her the funds she desperately needs to keep her mother at home. But her contest submission hinges on new songs—from the one man whose productivity has run dry. Not to mention he embodies everything she’s vowed to leave behind.
 
For McKenna, he can’t be anything more than a ticket to success. For Ozzy, she’s an honest straight-shooter with a curvy body he remembers well. But then he finds himself divulging his darkest secrets. With every confession about his past, with every heart-pounding kiss, all the reasons why a romance between them can never happen fades.
 
Until he discovers her secret.
 
And another.
 
To have a chance at a life together, they both must learn how to HOLD STILL.
 

The wedding coordinator enters the room and announces it’s time for us to line up. Since I’m the only attendant besides the flower girl, I’m up first. I turn to Rose. “I’ll see you at the altar. I’ll be the one next to your man with the big, sappy smile on my face.” As we hug, I whisper, “So happy for you.”

I mean it. I am ecstatic for her. Just because this won’t happen for me doesn’t mean I want everyone to remain alone. And Rose deserves all this happiness after everything she’s been through. I grab my bouquet of roses and lead us to the double doors.

 

The music changes and the sound of people turning in their chairs indicates it’s time for me to make my entrance. “See you on the other side, Miss Bloomer.”

 

I strut my stuff up the aisle, carrying my bouquet at hip level just like the coordinator told me to do. My nude stilettos are killer with my midcalf deep orange dress, if I do say so myself. I smile at friends I haven’t seen in a while and new ones I’ve met.

 

Better soak in all this happiness. It has to last me a lifetime as well.

 

Everything’s going great until I get up near the front. There he is. On the aisle. Of course he’s here—why did I think he’s non-appearance last night at the pre-wedding party meant I was out of the woods?

 

My cheeks deflate as my eyes lock onto the dark brown ones belonging to Ozzy. The ultimate bad boy rocker. One whose wild streak no longer fits into my recently re-ordered life.

 

He’s wearing a tux that’s molded to his broad shoulders and trim waist. Dayum. His back straightens, and he nods at me.

 

Stay strong, McKenna.

 

I force my feet to keep a steady pace forward, my smile returning in full-force once I get past the man who makes my heart race, panties drop and heart break. Emilie’s nearby, next to her fiancé, Wills. I give her a little wave and take my place at the makeshift altar, across from Cole. He looks so calm. So sure of himself.

 

From the doorway, Suzanne urges Emma forward. She starts up the aisle, throwing rose petals all over. Literally. I shake my head at how cute this little girl is.

 

The music stops. Cole strides over to a piano and begins playing ‘To Have and to Hold,’ his latest hit that he co-wrote with Rose. As we practiced, when he sings, “You’re my heart—I’ll fight for us both,” Rose appears.

 

All the guests stand.

 

Rose glows as she glides up the aisle, carrying an overflowing bouquet of multi-colored roses. She stops a few feet away from me and when Cole finishes the song, he joins her, kisses her hand and they complete the walk together. Their eyes never stray from the other.

 

I inhale their love.

 

The celebrant begins, “Dearly beloved.…”

 

His voice becomes background music.

 

Do not look past the couple. Do not look past the bride and groom. Do not glance at. Shit. Ozzy’s eyes are squarely on me. His kissable lips tick upward. Look away! Look away! His tongue swipes his lower lip. My nipples harden. Stop. Focus on Rose and Cole.

 

For as long as Arell Rivers can remember, she has been lost in a book. During her senior year in college, she picked up a romance novel … and instantly was hooked on the genre.
 

 

Arell started writing her first novel because the characters were screaming at her to do so. The story started coming out in her dreams and attacking her in the shower, so she took to the computer to shut them up. But they kept talking.

 

 

 

Born and raised in New Jersey, Arell has what some may call a “checkered past.” Prior to discovering her passion for writing romance, she practiced law, was a wedding and event planner and even dabbled in marketing. Arell lives with a very supportive husband who doesn’t care that the bed isn’t made or dinner isn’t on the table. When not in her writing cave, Arell is found making dinner in the InstantPot, working out with Shaun T or hitting the beach.

 

 

 

Arell is a member of the New Jersey chapter of Romance Writers of America.

 

HOSTED BY:

* Release Day Blitz / Review / Excerpt * CROSSING HOPE by Kimberly Kincaid

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Day Blitz / Review / Excerpt * CROSSING HOPE by Kimberly KincaidCrossing Hope by Kimberly Kincaid
Series: Cross Creek Series #4
Published by Kimberly Kincaid Romance on October 15, 2018
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-half-stars

Marley Rallston would rather be anywhere other than too-small-for-a-map-dot Millhaven, Virginia. But thanks to a heap of debt, what was supposed to be a quick trip to fulfill her mother’s dying wish has turned into an extended stay with the family she never knew she had and the father who never wanted her. To top it off, now she’s being forced to do community service with the town’s biggest bad boy, when all she wants to do is make enough cash to get out of Dodge? Life can’t get much worse.

The only thing Greyson Whittaker cares about is his family’s farm. He’ll do anything to keep Whittaker Hollow in the black, including live up to his rough, tough reputation by running the place by himself, no matter the cost. Mandatory community service with the daughter of their biggest rival is the last thing he wants or needs. But the more time Greyson and Marley spend together, the hotter their attraction burns, and the more the unlikely pair begins to realize that forbidden fruit just might taste the sweetest…

 

Decadently delicious! With the fourth and final book in her beloved Cross Creek series, Kimberly Kincaid brings us the story of the surprise sister. She knew nothing about a father and three brothers until just before her life was devastated by her mother’s death, and she’s carried her bitterness and anger tightly around her soul for months now, but when one obnoxious jerk of a man is the one to make her open her eyes to the family she has right in front of her, well, sparks are going to fly!

Marley Rallston lost the one person who meant the world to her, and she hasn’t been willing to open her heart to the family she stumbled upon afterwards. She came to Millhaven, Virginia to meet her birth father Tobias, but only because her Mom made her promise on her death bed that she would … now she’s only hanging around out of necessity. As soon as she has the funds together to abandon ship, she’ll be out of this town faster than they can turn around!

Greyson Whittaker is the known bad boy around town. His rivalry with the Crosses is legendary. When Greyson and Marley find themselves in a bit of a pickle on the same night, they wind up going before a judge and getting assigned to community service together. A Whittaker and a Cross together in the same space? Blasphemy! When their up close and personal interaction starts the beginning of a burning attraction between the two of them, things are about to get good!

 

 

 

 

From USA Today bestselling author Kimberly Kincaid comes CROSSING HOPE, the next standalone title in the Cross Creek series, now available! A series filled with rugged, salt of the earth heroes who happen to be brothers, and strong family dynamics, CROSSING HOPE is filled with heart, humor, and heat. Grab you copy today!

 

Marley Rallston would rather be anywhere other than too-small-for-a-map-dot Millhaven, Virginia. But thanks to a heap of debt, what was supposed to be a quick trip to fulfill her mother’s dying wish has turned into an extended stay with the family she never knew she had and the father who never wanted her. To top it off, now she’s being forced to do community service with the town’s biggest bad boy, when all she wants to do is make enough cash to get out of Dodge? Life can’t get much worse.

The only thing Greyson Whittaker cares about is his family’s farm. He’ll do anything to keep Whittaker Hollow in the black, including live up to his rough, tough reputation by running the place by himself, no matter the cost. Mandatory community service with the daughter of their biggest rival is the last thing he wants or needs. But the more time Greyson and Marley spend together, the hotter their attraction burns, and the more the unlikely pair begins to realize that forbidden fruit just might taste the sweetest…

 

Grab your copy today!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Kobo

 

 

EXCERPT:

Marley’s boots clapped to a halt on the linoleum at the same time her heartbeat cranked way, way up in her chest. She blamed the former on the way the deputy—who had nervously picked her up from The Corner Market—had stopped short beside her, as well as the sight of her oldest brother Owen’s best friend standing a few feet away, his face locked in disbelief. The latter was entirely the fault of the man planted next to Lane, though. Between his tanned skin, the tall, muscular frame that nearly gave Lane’s a run for its money, and the inky black tattoo curling from beneath the sleeve of his T-shirt all the way to his left elbow, Marley really couldn’t help the visceral reaction.

Even if the guy was leveling her with a dark and stormy gaze that said he didn’t like what he was looking at in return.

“What the hell is going on here?” Lane’s voice crash-landed in Marley’s thoughts just in time to chase the flush from her face. What did she care what this scowling stranger thought of her, anyway? She had bigger problems at the moment, thanks.

Case in point. “I, uh,” Deputy Collingsworth stammered, turning roughly the color of summer strawberries as he cleared his throat. “I made an arrest.”

“I can see that,” Lane replied tightly. “What I meant was, would you care to elaborate on exactly why it is that you’ve arrested my best friend’s little sister?”

Marley’s gut fluttered, but she refused to let the sensation get anywhere near her face. She’d known exactly what she was doing when she’d claimed those groceries as her own. Even if the steel bars and jail cell were a whole lot more real now that they were standing starkly in front of her.

Deputy Collingsworth straightened. “She was shoplifting at The Corner Market. Travis Paulson caught her red-handed, and she admitted it, to him and to me. What else was I supposed to do?”

Shock streaked over Lane’s face, but it didn’t last. “Radio me, for starters,” he hissed, and the guy next to him released an audible, oh-please scoff that sent Marley’s brows hooking up. She opened her mouth to tell Lane and the deputy and God and anyone else within earshot that she didn’t want any special treatment.

But Lane was already shaking his head, the thought forgotten. “You know what, never mind. We’ve got a more immediate issue to deal with here.”

“Okay,” Woody said, enough of a question hanging in his voice that Lane huffed out a breath.

“I’ve also made an arrest, as you can see.” He jerked his chin at Tall, Dark, and Scowling. “And we can’t put two people of the opposite sex in the same jail cell.”

The guy’s face changed then, sending another curl of heat through Marley’s blood. “By all means. Ladies first,” he said, gesturing grandly at the single cell. His smirk was its own entity, taking over his unnervingly rugged and (ugh) undeniably good-looking face as if it had a life of its own. He could fill Wrigley Field with his arrogant attitude and ultra-cocky bravado. Even then, he was brimming with so much of both that he’d probably have to use a crowbar to cram it all in. Too bad for him and his sexy little smile, Marley was packing boatloads of backbone, herself.

And she was in just the mood to let it fly like a fifty-foot flag.

“Oh, no. Really. Age before beauty,” she maintained, planting her hands on the hips of her cutoffs and smiling so sweetly at the wide-open door to the cell, she damn near needed a root canal. “After you.”

The guy’s black brows shot toward the tousled waves falling over his forehead. “It wouldn’t be gentlemanly of me to step on your cute little toes. Please. I insist.”

Oh, my God, was this guy even for real?

 

And don’t miss the first three standalone titles in the Cross Creek series, CROSSING HEARTS, CROSSING THE LINE, and CROSSING PROMISES!

 

Hunter Cross has no regrets. Having left his football prospects behind the day he graduated high school, he’s happy to carry out his legacy on his family’s farm in the foothills of the Shenandoah. But when a shoulder injury puts him face-to-face with the high school sweetheart who abandoned town—and him—twelve years ago, Hunter’s simple life gets a lot more complicated.

Emerson Montgomery has secrets. Refusing to divulge why she left her job as a hotshot physical therapist for a pro football team, she struggles to readjust to life in the hometown she left behind. The more time she spends with Hunter, the more Emerson finds herself wanting to trust him with the diagnosis of MS that has turned her world upside down.

But revealing secrets comes with a price. Can Hunter and Emerson rekindle their past love? Or will the realities of the present—and the trust that goes with them—burn that bridge for good?

Amazon

 

Cocky farmer Eli Cross plays twice as hard as he works. When his latest stunt drums up a heap of negative PR for the family farm, he grudgingly agrees to play host to an ambitious New York City photographer. Her feature on Cross Creek could be just the ticket to show the country what the Cross brothers do best…which is more problem than solution for Eli.

Scarlett Edwards-Stewart has photographed everything from end zones to war zones. She’s confident she can ace this one little story to help her best friend’s failing magazine. At least, she would be if her super-sexy host wasn’t so tight lipped. But the more Scarlett works with Eli, the more she discovers that he’s not who he seems. Can his secret bring them closer together? Or will it be the very thing that tears them apart?

Amazon

 

For Owen Cross, the only thing that matters more than family is farming. As the oldest Cross brother, the land is his legacy, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make Cross Creek a success—including hiring local widow Cate McAllister to manage the bookkeeping tasks that are growing in his office like weeds. Cate’s as pragmatic as she is pretty, and she rattles his hard-fought composure at every turn.

Cate had known a lot of things about her husband before he died three years ago in a car accident, but how much debt he’d gotten them into wasn’t one of them. She needs her job at Cross Creek, even if her boss is both gruff and gorgeous. But Owen’s a family man, through and through, and the last thing Cate is interested in is anything—or anyone—with strings attached.

As Owen and Cate join forces to right the farm, they discover there’s more to the other than the surfaces shows, and that passion can be found in unexpected places. Can Cate heal from the loss of one family to gain the love of her life? Or will the past prove too much for the promise of the future?

Amazon

 

About Kimberly Kincaid:

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet. When she’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a USA Today best-selling author and a 2015 RWA RITA® finalist who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. Kimberly resides in Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

 

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four-half-stars