August 2023 – TBR Book Blog

Release Tour ~ Duke in Shining Armor ~ by ~ Hayleigh Mills

Lady Catherine Davenport never planned to be a damsel in distress, while Lord James Hastings, Duke of Pembroke, enjoyed the pleasures of any man with no intention of considering marriage. When a twist of fate brings them together, he unexpectedly becomes her savior, yet a threat to her at the same time. Fans of Alyssa Clarke, Stacy Reid, and Tamara Gill will swoon for Duke in Shining Armor by Hayleigh Mills, an Open Door, Opposites Attract, Historical Victorian Romance.

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Far from a helpless maiden, Lady Catherine Davenport had her wits and a trusty derringer pistol at her disposal. As she journeyed to Switzerland to attend school, she did not plan to play the

damsel in distress. Yet, even the most independent lady could use a bit of unexpected assistance when faced with the threat of highwaymen.

Enter Lord James Hastings, Duke of Pembroke, a man of wealth often maligned as a rogue or a rake. The truth, however, lay far from these labels – he was an industrious man of leisure, delighting

in worldly pleasures as any man of his station might. Marriage was the last thing on his agenda until he crossed paths with the fiercely independent and intellectual Lady Davenport.

He becomes her savior in a turn of fate, offering her protection under the most extraordinary circumstances. He was able to keep Catherine safe from the highwaymen, but the real question

remains: could he protect her from the danger he himself posed?

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Excerpt

She was surprised to see the duke walking into the bedchamber so early in the afternoon. The door remained open, and the maid hovered there. Deep inside, where she held all her secretive

improper thoughts, Catherine wished they were alone without a chaperone. Perhaps then she would learn even more hidden complexities about the duke. And she so wanted to know everything.

“Good afternoon, Catherine. Yesterday you mentioned needing some fresh air, and I have considered this. The physician believes you are healing well so a short visit outside is in order.”

Catherine’s face lit up with a smile. She longed to feel the sun caress her skin and to breathe dew kissed air. She was pleased to learn that James would indulge her.

“I have had cook prepare us a hamper, and we shall have a picnic in the garden.”

“I am most grateful, James.”

A ghost of a smile touched his mouth, and he briefly dipped his head. “Well, that is settled, and everything is prepared. Now, we must have regard for the physician’s instructions. You cannot

stand on your feet, so I shall lift you, and take you there. Shall we?”

Lift her? There gazes collided and suddenly she knew without any doubt that the duke’s heart was pounding as harshly and loudly as hers. There was something in those hazel eyes, a guarded

awareness yet a delight. As if he had longed to hold her closer.

“Yes,” Catherine replied in a soft murmur, releasing the edges of the sheets that she’d gripped.

James padded over and scooped her effortlessly from the bed. She was so close to his face that her eyes were suddenly drawn to his lips before she quickly averted her gaze.

She placed one arm around his neck and the other on his shoulder. Her heart jerked and Catherine marveled at the feel of his muscles beneath her fingertips. It was rather uncanny, but she

had a sense that … that she belonged right here in his arms. They felt powerful, and protective. She knew no harm would befall her when he held her.

Oh, Catherine, she silently scolded herself, do not be silly and fanciful!

About Hayleigh Mills

Hayleigh Mills became passionate about romance when she started reading Mills & Boon in her late teens. She is an avid reader of historical romance, including the medieval period. Hayleigh pursued a career in the medical field but maintained a strong affinity for all things historical. She made the bold decision to relinquish practicing to follow her dream of becoming an author of historical romance.

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New Release ~ Son of a Peach ~ by ~ Claire Hastings

Peaches, Beaches, and a whole lot of misunderstanding…this hero has his work cut out for him! The local chocolatier is his exact opposite and someone he should stay away from, but he can’t. There’s no harm in a little fling, right? Readers who enjoy instalove and fun in the sun romance will love Son of a Peach by Claire Hastings, a steamy, small town, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine romance.

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Peaches are my life. I’m talking about the sweet, fuzzy fruit that represents my home state of Georgia—not the emoji that most people use for a different peach. If you know what I mean… When there’s the chance to show off my peaches at a Christmas-themed island for the Peach on the Beach festival, it’s a no-brainer. Then I arrive in Candy Cane Key. Turns out, they aren’t celebrating my favorite fruit. Nope. This event is about that other type of peach. To make matters worse, I can’t stop thinking about the event organizer, the local chocolatier—Tizzy. And that’s exactly what she’s worked my insides into. The strawberry blonde wild child is my exact opposite in every way. Someone I know I should stay away from. Yet, I can’t. There’s no harm in a little fling, right? Son of a Peach is an opposites attract, insta-love, fun in the sun novella about an uptight horticulturist and a happy-go-lucky chocolatier with a guaranteed HEA.

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Excerpt

“See, not so hard.” Maybe this isn’t, but my dick… “It’s not dirt,” I say, repeating the motions, “but I can see how this would be fun.” “Dirt is not more fun than chocolate.” I stop dead, chocolate fork held in midair, Oreo precariously perched on it. She cannot be serious. Then again, of course this free spirit of a woman would think that. “Dirt is basis for all life. From dirt you came and to dirt you shall return,” I paraphrase. I can practically hear the preacher back home from Hickory Hills Baptist rolling his eyes for getting that piece of scripture wrong. The meaning is still there though. “Maybe, but…chocolate gives life meaning,” she counters. “Does it though?” Dipping her finger into the bowl, she scoops out some of the melted goodness before running her finger along her lips, then sucks all the chocolate off. My dick surges and I swallow hard, wishing that were me she was licking. Fuck, I need to get it together… “It does. Besides, doing this with dirt is less fun.” I don’t have time to ask, “doing what.” Tizzy’s too quick with the spatula, flicking it at me, sending chocolate flying. It’s warm as it hits my skin, catching me off guard. I scoff, unable to believe she just did that. Well, two can play this game. Grabbing the fork, I mimic her movements, splattering chocolate across her face. Tizzy gasps, her smile wide. She clearly was not expecting me to retaliate. I laugh, enjoying her reaction and the playful fight that ensues. Back and forth we go, each one flinging bits of chocolate at each other. I can’t remember the last time I did anything like this. Certainly not with food. Mud, maybe. Mud fights were plentiful as children. Anton and I never passed up a chance to enjoy a good puddle. But it’s been years since we did that. Since I really let loose and played. And then I met Tizzy. It’s time to up the ante though, the little splatter from the kitchen instruments no longer having the same effect. So I do what any man would do. I go big. I dip my whole hand into the chocolate bowl, scooping up as much as I can. I hear Tizzy’s breath hitch, like she knows what’s coming. She doesn’t move though, the impish look on her face turning even more devilish the closer I get to her. I’ve wanted to lick this chocolate off her since the moment she spread it on her lips. Time to create my chance. Only, physics has a different idea. Stepping forward to close the distance between us, I slip. My legs wobble underneath me and I lunge forward, trying to keep my balance, and fall into Tizzy. The momentum sends us backward into the counter, which thankfully stops us from hitting the ground. A second later, both of us trying to catch our breath, I pull back slightly, noticing the placement of my chocolate-covered hand. Smack-dab on Tizzy’s boob.

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About Claire Hastings

Claire Hastings is a walking, talking awkward moment. She loves Diet Coke, gummi bears, the beach, and books (obvs). When not reading she can usually be found hanging with friends at a soccer match or grabbing food (although she probably still has a book in her purse). She and her husband live in Atlanta.

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Kickstarter Tour ~ War of the Sea ~ by ~ Dana Claire

This exciting Kickstarter Campaign features Surprise Dual Narrators for the War of the Sea Audio Book with Special Edition Covers for both War of the Sea and War of the Land. Also featured are Early Advance Reader copies of War of the Land, A sneak peek of the final companion novel, War of the Mind, and Never Seen Before collectibles and swag. Be a part of the surprise swag bags. Fans pick what goes inside, a value of up to $100.

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His powers could save the ocean. Her vendetta could sink a kingdom.

Captain Elouise Farrington, the youngest pirate on the Caviar Sea, seeks revenge on her father’s killer. But when her oddly hypnotic foe proposes a pact to kill the Siren Queen and end the War of the Sea’s bloodshed, she must make a choice. Put aside her long-brewing retribution or act the underhanded pirate and use the alliance to claim the life of the man who destroyed her family?

Captain Rylander Bordeaux, the revered royal navy captain of the Isle of Cava, has one mission—kill the Siren Queen and end the War of the Sea. The ocean is the only place Rylander calls home, but to bring peace to his beloved waves, he must defeat his past so he can reshape the future. His greatest hope is Captain Elouise, who calls to him like no siren song ever has. Too bad she’s almost as bloodthirsty as the fanged heart-eaters themselves. She promises to lend her all-female crew to his war on the sirens, but can he trust a brigand—especially one who wants him dead—to uphold her end of the bargain? Or will she be his undoing?

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Excerpt

The Freedom and its sailors were immune to the sea’s worst treacheries. With a crew composed mostly of women, we sailed any waters we wished, without fear of the vicious creatures known as sirens calling us to our deaths and consuming our hearts. We were two generations of salty females, skilled to fight pirates, steal treasures, and evade the songs of our enemy. Over the years, we’d become known as a refuge for women. We trained them, fed them, and gave them shelter when they had none. I’d grown up on this ship, yielding a sword at age nine, joining the crew at thirteen, and leading it at seventeen, after my father’s murder.

The War of the Sea still affected us. Yes, we were immune to the seductresses below, and they hated us for it. They pilfered ships we pursued, killed the men we sought, and took treasures we coveted. In my darkest hours, I believed my lack of command had pitted the sirens against us. I couldn’t understand how my father had evaded them, and for that reason alone, Rylander’s offer piqued my interest, as much as I hated to admit it.

“And what can you trade in return for our assistance?” I raised a brow.

Rylander flexed the apples of his windburned cheeks. “What would you like, milady? Jewels? Gold? What riches do you fancy?”

I matched his smirk with a snicker. The wheels in my mind spun an answer of retribution. “We can pilfer our own fortunes. I want a different reward.” I crossed my arms. “I want a man.”
Rylander’s guttural laughter stirred the gulls. He tucked stray brown curls behind his ear. “I have hundreds of men who would love to lay their heads next to yours, Captain Lou.” He waved his hands around him. “You may have your pick.”

“I choose the killer of my captain. His head severed by my hand and served on a platter to this crew.” I motioned to my female fleet. “Only then will we assist you in ending the War of the Sea.”
Rylander’s mouth turned down, but it was young Lanard who asked the question. “How do you expect us to find the man who killed your last captain?” he snarled. “Do you even know his name?”

I smiled, taking long-absent pleasure in breathing the name of my father’s killer. “Captain Rylander Bordeaux.”

PRAISE FOR War of the Sea:

“Mesmerizing. Claire has crafted a romance that will leave you breathless in a world so vivid you can almost taste the salty sea air and hear the clash of swords.”- Jordan Bartlett, Author of The Frean Chronicles

“When the world needed a swashbuckling adventure, Dana Claire stepped up to the plate and delivered. 10/10 would recommend.”—Michael Chirichella, Author of Deadly Nights On The Island

“Claire does such a great job at capturing feelings and suspense. The story gets better and better with each turn of the page.” —Sara Stone, Author of Forgotten Witch

“If you’re looking for romance with a touch of magic, piracy, and mythos, War of the Sea is definitely worth a look.”—Austin Worley, Author of Unsheathed: An Epic Fantasy Collection

“Gripping and action packed, this story is dripping with high stakes and slow burn romance. You’ll remember these characters long after you’ve turned the last page.” –Book Of Matches Media

About Dana Claire

DANA CLAIRE is an award-winning author whose stories explore identity, fate, and destiny in the crossroads of romance and adventure. She’s either got her nose in a book, streaming a movie online, or going to see an off-Broadway show. Dana is all about embracing the art of storytelling in every possible way.

From coast to coast…she lived most her life in NY but left the tall skyscrapers to come to Los Angeles, CA and enjoy the sunshine with her adoring husband, the cutest, sweetest, quirkiest character of all. One day she’d like to get a furry friend, but for now she’s babysitting her brother’s houseplants while he’s deployed and feels like that’s enough of a responsibility 😉 She believes she is very fortunate to live her dreams: writing books, telling stories, and changing the world, one reader at a time.

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate this AMAZING Kickstarter Opportunity, Dana Claire would like to offer ONE LUCKY WINNER an Epic Prize: A voicemail from the War of the Sea, surprise narrators!

Enter The Giveaway Here!

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New Release ~ Insatiable ~ by ~ Leigh Rivers

♦ ♦ ♦

𝗜𝗙 𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗡’𝗧 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗥, 𝗡𝗢 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗘𝗟𝗦𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗡.

𝙆𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙨.

A snake in an angel’s skin, Stacey Rhodes is everything he can’t forget – the girl who shattered his heart and drove him deep into the darkness of the underworld.

𝗛𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀. Killed anyone who came close to her. But now, granted a brief moment of freedom from the life he’s trapped in, he’s back home and driven to claim her again, breaking every rule he’s ever made for himself. Not even his hatred can stop the pull between them.

𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙚’𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧… 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙚?

♦ ♦ ♦

I gulp, quickly looking away before he notices I was letting my gaze travel up the new tattoos littering his body.

His knees parted, gym shorts showing off his legs, he leans back against the driver’s seat, still texting. My scowl deepens as I watch him reply to messages instead of driving me home.

He must have been working out in the home gym at the manor. His top is tight against his chest, the taut muscles still swollen from his session. There’s a cigarette tucked behind his ear, and wavy black hair nearly as dark as his soul falls over his forehead.

He has a sun-kissed tan that makes me look like a ghost.

As much as I’d like to say I’ve forgotten everything about Kade Mitchell, I’m a terrible liar.

♦ ♦ ♦

Read the First Chapter HERE!

♦ ♦ ♦

Leigh Rivers is a Scottish Biomedical Scientist who has ventured into the world of writing dark, morally gray characters with rollercoaster storylines to drive her readers wild. When she isn’t reading, writing on her laptop, or gaming until ridiculous hours, she dances at the pole studio, goes to the gym, and walks her four dogs with her two sons and husband.

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New Release ~ Book Me, Baby ~ by ~ Tamrin Banks

What happens when the uptight town sheriff arrests the town librarian? Nothing but fireworks! Until a new man shows up in town and the sheriff wants to stake his claim. Readers who enjoy instalove and humor will love Book Me, Baby by Tamrin Banks, a steamy, small town, enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, age gap romance.

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Hartley Hanover: Oooh! I hate that man! Booker Sloan is the most uptight, arrogant, annoying man I’ve ever met! He even has the nerve to arrest me for not filing a permit. A permit! And when it turns out that I did file it, it just got lost in the shuffle….does he apologize? Heck no! He proceeds to tell me all the things I do wrong every single day of my life! I’m surprised he doesn’t yell at me for breathing! But when I’m alone at night…why do I keep thinking about him? Why does the occasional sadness on his face make me want to fix whatever’s wrong in his universe? Why can’t he stay out of my dreams and keep those dang handcuffs to himself? Booker Sloan: I know I messed up and I should apologize. I shouldn’t have acted the way I did. But something about that dang, sweet woman just has me so screwed up that every time I open my mouth the worst things come out! It’s not her. It’s me. And I know it. But I feel like if I give her one little inch, the gorgeous woman will take every piece of me I have left. I’m barely hanging on and if I have to push her away to protect myself? Well, that’s just how it’s got to be. So why does it bother me so much when a new man in town shows a little interest in the petite, sunny woman who’s got me tied up in knots? She’s not encouraging him. In fact it seems like she’s running away from him. So how come I still want to punch his grinning mouth and grind him into dust under my boot heels and then haul her over my shoulder and make sure she understands that she’s mine?

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Excerpt

Laughing, I reach over and hug little Edward Reese. He hugs me back hard. He is just the sweetest boy. “Now, I know that you’ve been waiting for this book!” I pull it from behind my back. “Surprise! It came in early and I made sure to set it aside for you!” “You are the best, Miss Hanover!” His huge, gap-toothed smile makes my heart light. He hasn’t had an easy time of it lately. His dad got hurt while driving home from work last month and broke his leg so the whole family has had to pitch in to help. Even nine year old boys. So he hasn’t been able to spend as much time in the library as he usually does and he loves to read. “You just get it back to me when you’re done. Doesn’t matter how long. I’ll take care of it.” His little round cheeks flush and his freckles disappear in a wash of red. “Thank you so much, Miss Hanover. I can’t wait to read it!” He dances off and his mom smiles at me, watching his light steps before she turns back to me. “We really appreciate you doing this, Miss Hanover. We’re all working really hard. And Sam is worried about him.” She nods her head at Edward. I can’t even speak, my throat tight with my own tears. But I clear my throat and say, “I’m glad. I hope that this helps him relax a little bit.” “It will. Thank you.” She moves off and I turn back, groaning when I’m faced with the last person I want to see. “Sheriff? How nice to see you.” His arctic blue eyes glare at the setup on the sidewalk. “I talked to you about this last month with the Christmas in July to-do. You cannot block the sidewalk like this. And did you get a permit this time?” I nod my head and sigh. “Yes, I did. Last month when you had your hissy fit.” He stands up straight and pushes his broad shoulders back and I feel that little pull in my belly that I absolutely hate! Why the fuck do I have to react like this around this man? I mean, sure he’s hot. His light brown hair is thick and gleams in the sunlight. But it’s so tamed that it almost doesn’t look real. His body is tall and tanned, muscles upon muscles to drool over. I jerk my brain back in line. No, not drool over. Dread. You dread seeing this man. He smiles at me and I growl under my breath. “Can I see it?” “I don’t have it on me.” He nods his tawny head at me. “I’ll be back then.” He steps away and I see him on his little radio talking to someone and I roll my eyes and turn to Mrs. Cassidy, discussing the latest thriller that she just read that I recommended to her. “I loved it, Miss Hanover! So good! Do you have any more like that?” I’m nodding at her when I feel a big hand grab my wrist and pull it backwards. My mouth falls open when I see that the Sheriff has a hold of my wrist. “What the heck are you doing? Get off of me!” I try and pull away and he grits hit teeth, his firm jaw tensing. “Stop resisting.” “What are you doing, Sheriff?” Mrs. Cassidy’s mouth is hanging open and she’s glaring at him like he’s mugging me. “I’m arresting her for disturbing the peace, not having a license for a demonstration and now resisting arrest.” “You must be joking,” I huff, staring at him. “Nope.” He grabs my other hand and pulls it behind my back, clicking the handcuffs on my wrists. The cold steel against my skin makes me shiver and freeze in my tracks. His blue eyes look me up and down and I swear there’s some kind of emotion there that I don’t understand. I don’t think I want to understand it. I just want him to get away from me and leave me alone. And take his handcuffs and shove them where the damn sun doesn’t shine!

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About Tamrin Banks

I’m a mother of three who works for a school district as a cafeteria aide but I’ve also had a lot of different hats over the years. Divorced single mom fresh out of the military working nights in a plastics factory all the way to teaching cardio kickboxing and zumba at the YMCA. I’ve been married to my honey bunny for 22 years now. He’s absolutely the best and tries to keep me in check as much as possible because I am a crazy person that stacks too much on her plate and then does it all no matter what. Even if it drives everyone nuts! I love the kind of romances where you know what you’re getting. I don’t like happily for now. That just feels like cheating to me. I also don’t like love triangles. I’m an easy girl and I like my books like I like my men…lol! Uncomplicated. So if you’re reading my books, you know that no matter what, there’s a happily ever after!

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