New Release – Page 3 – TBR Book Blog

New Release ~ Hot Stuff ~ by ~ Ashton Brooks

This man of the month has it all, but his world goes up in smoke when a saucy out-of-town woman crashes into his life. If only she would let him capture her heart. Readers who love Sweet on Wilde by Fabiola Francisco and Something That Could Last by Ashley Cade will enjoy Hot Stuff by Ashton Brooks, a steamy, small town, enemies-to-lovers, cinnamon roll hero, thriller, found family romance.

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This man of the month has it all. His own pizza restaurant, a family of five loving sisters and a mother who dotes on him, best friends he can always count on, and he’s one of the town’s most eligible bachelors. Watch as his world goes up in smoke when a saucy out-of-town woman crashes into his life. If only she would let him capture her heart.

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“CalSone Day?” I read the banner that is currently being hung up outside our family restaurant in preparation for the big celebration that is a week away. “Joseph, it’s Cal-Zone. With a Z!” I yell up at him, and watch his body sway slightly on the ladder. He looks over it and checks his phone. “That is a Z,” he shouts back and waves his hand over the sign. “It’s a fucking S.” I growl back. “Hold on.” I leave him and head into the restaurant to find my backup. Thank god all five of my sisters are in today so they can back me up. Our mother is in the kitchen preparing for the big event, so I won’t bug her, but the rest of them are needed. “Rosie, I need you all,” I whistle at her from behind the register, waving her outside. The look she shoots me is as sharp as daggers, but I know it’s only because I dared call her in such a manner. She must see the frustration on my face though, because her scowl quickly turns to concern. I hear her yell for the others and I let the door shut while I keep an eye on Joseph. He’s mumbling to himself, words I can’t hear, but the redness on his cheeks shows he must have realized he’s wrong. “What the heck, Rome?” My oldest sister, Romi, flings her hands up in the air. She’s scowling at me, and I meet her raised brows with my own. The rest of them follow out and stand amongst each other. “What happened?” Rumer asks, and I love that, as usual, she remains the calmest in the chaos. She’s the second oldest child and she has always been the peacekeeper. “I don’t know, he flipped a lid inside and said we all had to be out here,” Rosie lifts her shoulders. She is the youngest in our family so I can’t help but smile at her, even though she isn’t helping me. “The sign,” I point up at it and all five sets of dark eyes, the one trait we all share, jump to where the hanging red tarp is. “Cal..Sone Day,” Reagan reads, and I see her brow furrow. “With an S?” “Ahh, fuck,” Remi, the sister closest to me in age, laughs, “Joseph, what the hell did you do?” She is the wildest of my sisters, and she cusses about as much as I do, much to our mother’s dismay. “It says Calsone Day!” He yells down at all of us. “Calzone is spelt with a Z, Joseph,” Romi snaps back, her big- sister voice coming out. She sounds scarily like our mother when she does that, and Joseph is speechless. “Baby,” Joseph calls to her, “My phone says S. I’ll change it, I’ll change it.” He throws his hands in the air and starts taking down the sign. I wait him out, my hands on my hips, standing next to Romi. Joseph is her new fiancé, and he’s been trying to help out around the restaurant, but he still gets on my nerves. “Quit scowling at him,” She whispers next to me and nudges her elbow into my side. I grunt from the impact and turn to her with a smirk, “It’s not my fault the guy can’t spell Calzone right. And he wants to work here? Take over a share?” “He doesn’t want a share,” She sighs and stomps her foot, something all the women in my family are known for, “He just wants to be part of the business with us. I would think that is what you all would want. We need the extra hands. Rumer’s baby is due in a month, and her shift will need to be picked up.” “Romi,” I slide my arm around her shoulders, “It will be fine. And leave Joseph to me. He needs to learn just like Tommy did for Rumer. And now look, he’s the best meat guy in the town.” “I know you mean well Rome, but we both know that Joseph will never be good enough in your eyes. You hold grudges like no one else, and the fact that he ran over your bike tire when you were ten still makes you mad,” She argues, and I see the turmoil in her eyes. “It was a great bike,” I shrug my shoulders. “Roman!” “I’m kidding,” I give her a squeeze, “I will try and take it easier on him. Once he fixes the damn sign.” Romi huffs, shaking her head, but I do see a small smile on her lips. She heads back into the restaurant, and my gaze finds its way back to Joseph, who is rolling up the sign and tapping away on his phone. “Are we good?” His eyes shoot up to mine, “I ordered a new one, with rush delivery. It will get here before Wednesday.” “Great. We can hang it up right as everyone is walking in,” I grunt and shake my head. Joseph grabs his bag and his ladder, and scurries to his work truck. I watch him drive away and try to remember to breathe in and out. Calzone Day needs to be perfect. It’s a staple holiday at Mohagen’s, and has been since my grandfather first built it here in Candy Cane Key. My father, Rebel, inherited it from him, and when he married mother, they took it over. Their wedding reception was hosted here, all six of us were raised in these kitchens, and took afternoon naps in the booth. The sign needs to be perfect. We can’t not have Calzone Day.

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About Ashton Brooks

Ashton Brooks is an author with a variety of stories that are in Contemporary Romance and New Adult romance. Her writing style is suspenseful and sometimes leads to heart-wrenching conclusions. With a background in forensic psychology she really goes for those investigative, dark and twisty feels. And of course, lots of love! Brooks enjoys reading as much as writing. Television shows such as Criminal Minds, Scandal, and One Tree Hill are her go-to binge worthy series. She loves spending time with her friends and family with a good glass of beer or wine. If she isn’t reading or writing, Brooks is Pinteresting future home projects for her wonderful husband to accomplish.

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New Release ~ Mister Write ~ by ~ Elyse Kelly

A sexy, but growly author gets annoyed at his quirky landlord’s attempts to cure him of his writer’s block, but the more time he spends with her, the more her personality seeps into his story. Will his book have a happy ending? Or will his surly attitude run off his gorgeous new muse? Fans of Hope Ford, Kat Baxter, and Mia Brody will love Mister Write by Elyse Kelly, a steamy, small town, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, instalove romance.

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He’s moody, she’s perky, and he might wind up punched in the face… When a sexy but growly author finds himself chasing away his cheery, quirky, and maddeningly adorable landlord, he’s annoyed at her attempts to cure him of his writer’s block. But as Nate spends time with the charming beauty, more and more of Teddie’s alluring personality seeps into the pages of his manuscript. Will his book have a happy ending? Or will his surly attitude run off his gorgeous new muse? MISTER WRITE is a stand-alone, super sexy, grumpy/sunshine, beach romance with a HEA! So get yourself a fan because you’ll definitely need to cool down after reading this spicy, fast-paced, instalove book!

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“And the hits keep coming,” I say as I answer the call. Peter gives me a faux-offended look. “I’m just checking in on my dear little brother! For all we know, your Tracey—” “Teddie,” I answer before I can stop myself. I immediately regret opening my mouth when Peter gives me a mischievous grin. “Right,” he drawls. “Tawney—” I suck on my teeth. “Pete. Petey. Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater…” He snorts and raises an eyebrow. “I thought you were never going to call me that again.” “Well, you’re intentionally goading me.” His grin quirks up at the sides. “I’d call it more of a test. You failed, by the way.” “What? How could I fail?” I blurt out before relaxing back into my seat. “I mean, I don’t know what you’re testing, but I’m good at taking tests. I’m quite intelligent.” Peter shakes his head in amusement. “And yet you fall for my tricks every time. I can’t lie, though. I rather enjoy it.” I’m getting annoyed that he’s beating around the bush. “What was the test?” “Well, I thought I’d check and see how you’re getting on with… Teddie.” I narrow my eyes at him, and he rolls his before adding, “Yeah, I knew her name. And the fact that you corrected me means you know it too.” I lift an eyebrow. “Of course, I know it. We’ve been together for five days, fourteen hours, and twenty-seven minutes. Give or take.” “So, you’d say your routine has been shaken up? And how does that make you feel?” “Don’t lose sight of your qualifications, Peter. You’re a pencil pusher, not a therapist.” He shrugs. “My plan is working. I don’t care what you say. You obviously like her since you’ve felt bothered enough to remember her name. She might be just what you need.” I grunt and lean back in my chair, far enough to crack my back. “What I need is peace and quiet. What I need is time alone. But what I get is Teddie.” “What do you mean?” Peter cocks his head to the side like a dog trying to understand his owner’s gibberish. “She’s everywhere, all the time! Whenever I leave my room, she’s in the kitchen baking cookies or cakes or whatever the fuck she’s making for the day.” Peter gives a low whistle. “Sounds rough.” I glare at him, trying to think of other things I find annoying about Teddie. “She’s always… humming or singing.” “Yikes. Can’t carry a tune?” I throw my hands up. “No! Always on-key with perfect pitch, which makes it even worse! She’s like an angelic little songbird.” Peter gives me a sarcastic look through the screen. “Ah, yes, that must be fucking horrible.” “And she’s practically sunshine in a sundress. I’m losing my goddamn mind.” I run my fingers through my hair as if to showcase the point. “I know this is all some sort of cover, like she has a nefarious plot to snuff me out before I can leave a bad review or something.” Peter shakes his head at me. “Oh, my sweet, naïve little brother… You’re in a mess—that’s for sure. Let me tell you what’s actually going to happen.” He leans in closer, so I mimic his movements. “You’re going to fall in love with this woman and stay in Christmas Key forever.” “It’s Candy Cane Key,” I reply robotically before realizing what he said and sputtering. “That’s never going to happen!”

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About Elyse Kelly

Hi, I’m Elyse! I’m just a true southern girl, reading and writing books, asking you to love me! My books are extra steamy, contemporary romances, all with HEAs and no cliffhangers! They’re short, smutty, and tastefully trashy. If you love over-protective, sexy, alpha book boyfriends who make you swoon and reach for your favorite… bookmark, then you’ve come to the right place. When I’m not writing books or doing bookish things, I’m probably listening to music, designing smutty stickers, adding to my spectacular band t-shirt collection, or learning how to do something new like arm-knitting because I’m neurodivergent AF! And yes, I really do know how to knit with my arms.

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New Release ~ Gettin’ Figgy ~ by ~ Gail Haris

Rose is convinced Thanasis is a complete jerk, and he sees her as the ultimate thorn in his side. However, after a few signature drinks, ‘Gettin’ Figgy,’ they just might discover each other’s sweet side. Readers who enjoy romance with flirty bartenders and holiday towns will love Gettin’ Figgy by Gail Haris, a steamy, small town, neighbors to lovers, opposites attract romance.

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Are you ready to meet your next Man of the Month? What happens when you drop a Halloween fanatic on a Christmas themed island in the Florida Keys? Rose didn’t expect to find herself toe to toe with her handsome neighbor on a holiday called Sweetest Day… and all because of a fig. Gettin’ Figgy from Gail Haris is a small-town, opposites attract romance about Candy Cane Key’s charming Greek restaurant and bar owner, Thanasis Diakos, and his wickedly attractive neighbor, Rose Verbeck. While Rose is convinced Than-ass-is a complete Jack, but not Frost, he sees her as the ultimate thorn in his side. However after a few signature drinks, ‘Gettin’ Figgy,’ they just might discover each other’s sweet side. The Man of the Month Club is a steamy small-town collection featuring a new hottie (or two!) every month. In 2023, escape to Candy Cane Key, Florida, and celebrate ALL the holidays with your favorite group of romance authors and their delicious paradise men. Can’t wait to see you there!

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Thanasis doesn’t look amused. “You know kids live on this street. Stringing the lights to look like Santa is peeing off the side of the house isn’t appropriate. And having my elves holding a body bag with the rest of my Christmas decorations in it is borderline disturbing.” I can’t help it. I snort with laughter. Thanasis’ eyes soften and I notice a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. “I wanted us to become friends. To make peace.” Doubtful. But I’ll play along. “Fine. Let’s be friends.” “Too late. You don’t mess with a man’s yard.” I scoff, Thanasis continues. “I want you to remember you started this.” Started what? “Nothing has started. It’s finished. Consider that as me getting even for last night.” “What happened last night?” “You were being obscene.” I hate the way my eyes drift to his lips. His perfect teeth are on display with his sexy knowing smile. His tongue snakes out only a bit to wet his lips, but it’s enough to have me squeezing my thighs together. “And you’re being childish by vandalizing my property.” “Is it vandalizing if it’s an improvement? When you think about it, I did you a favor. Consider it my gift to you for Sweetest Day.” “You definitely spiced up the neighborhood. I’ll see you for our playdate.” I loathe the fact that he looks so sexy when he winks. I wonder if I can teach the dogs to pee on him.

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About Gail Haris

Gail Haris loves blending romance out of life’s everyday chaos. Stories filled with humor, steam, and moments of sweetness, along with suspense and twists.

Fueled by coffee and with a wild imagination, she writes in a variety of genres, including romantic comedy, romantic suspense, and new adult/coming of age romance.

Always laughing too loud and thriving on awkward situations, Gail enjoys traveling, binging series, and trying out new recipes (that sounds better than just eating).

Gail believes whole heartedly to never stop believing in love, dreams, and yourself. And coffee…especially the coffee. Don’t give up on coffee and books.

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New Release ~ Almost Paradise ~ by ~ Evelyn Sola

When Nia Nash got involved with Drake Paradise, she never thought she’d end up heartbroken, raising their son alone. Four years later, Drake’s returned, demanding a piece of the life he wanted no part of. But when the truth begins to unravel will they be able to turn their lives into their own paradise? Readers who enjoy second chance romances will devour Almost Paradise by Evelyn Sola, a steamy secret baby romance.

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Can a chance sighting lead to a second chance? When Nia Nash got involved with Drake Paradise, heir to the Paradise Construction empire, she never thought that she’d end up raising their son alone.

Hurt and furious, she’s spent four years trying to forget everything about him. From the way his piercing blue eyes would follow her every move, to the way he set her body on fire with only one kiss. Drake Paradise not only broke her heart, but he changed the course of her life forever.

Now he’s back and demanding to be a part of their son’s life, the son that he once had no interest in. Or so Nia thought. Refusing to let Drake in is not an option when he has power and money to his name.

As Drake mourns his own losses and tries to navigate his new roles in his business and professional life, they are both forced to deal with everything they thought they knew and the whole truth that begins to unravel.

Can Nia ever trust Drake again? Can they figure out a way to turn their lives into their own paradise?

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Excerpt

The bell rings, and I leave him in my office to answer the door. I hear his footsteps once I have the door open.

“Ms. Nia Nash?” a young woman asks. When I nod, she says. “You’ve been served.” She slaps a large manila envelope in my hand and leaves before I can utter a word.

I can feel my world cracking, and I know who’s responsible. I slam the door shut and practically collide with him when I turn around. He crosses his arms and stares down at the envelope. I rip it open, and it confirms every thought I’ve had since that woman handed it to me and fucked my life up.

I flip the page and scan it before letting out a guttural sound. I toss the lawsuit in his face and run to the kitchen. I grab the big kitchen knife and take menacing steps toward him.

About Evelyn Sola

A Boston native, wife, mother, and wine enthusiast. If she’s not writing, thinking about writing, you will find Evelyn with a book in her hands. While a new publisher, she’s been writing for years, and she will continue to write for many years to come.

Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion, and humor.

She currently lives in Chicago, IL with her husband and two daughters.

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New Release ~ In Tune ~ by ~ Jade Royal

A grumpy single father is making his first album in three years and he doesn’t need any distractions. Especially not from the nanny he hired to care for his daughter while he works. Readers who enjoy romance short, steamy reads will love In Tune by Jade Royal, a small town, grumpy/sunshine, billionaire romance.

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Single father musician hires a nanny to help him care for his daughter while he makes his first album in three years. He doesn’t need any distractions. Not even from the patient woman willing to put up with his grumpy behavior. This is a grumpy sunshine story. ***About the series*** The MAN OF THE MONTH CLUB is a steamy small-town collection featuring a new hottie (or two!) every month. In 2023, escape to Candy Kane Key, Florida, and celebrate ALL the holidays with your favorite group of romance authors and their delicious mountain men. Can’t wait to see you there!

Buy Now or Read FREE with KindleUnlimited!

About Jade Royal

When the voices begin to speak, Jade Royal sits down in her lab to tell the tale. Each story unfolds when she listens to her instincts, bringing the words to life. Jade has always expressed her creative nature artistically, especially by writing. She refers to herself as “Slave to the Pen” because it’s difficult for her to resist the call to write.

Jade resides in Cincinnati, Ohio where she was born and raised. Always traveling, she looks for the next adventure in everything she does. Coffee is always part of her plan with shenanigans thrown in the mix and music of all genres blasting from her playlists. Jade Royal has never met a stranger and once you’re part of her pack, she holds on tight keeping those in her fold protected.

Jade Royal is the author of the “Limits of Love Series”. The series focuses on love, romance, and the eroticism of the two combined. She writes interracial romance in lots of sub-genres including; BDSM Romance, Paranormal Romance, Suspenseful Romance, and more. She also dabbles in non-romance genres of Thriller and Suspense.

As an author, Jade pulls her readers in to experience raw stories that readers can relate to on various levels. The emotional roller coaster bestowed will hopefully make her readers stalk her words and indulge in her realm of fun.

Queen of her world, Jade Royal pushes the envelope of ideal, bringing you something a little different than you’re used to. To explore her domain, follow her on her website and social media avenues.

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New Release ~ Once Upon A Halloween Night Anthology

Join us this Halloween for the exclusive Once Upon a Halloween Night bash in the New Orleans Warehouse District for an evening of fun, costumes, and romance. The Indie Pen PR and Beyond the Bookshelf Publishing are excited to kick off spooky season with eight brand-new, fun and sexy novellas from Lauren Helms, Kate Stacy, Mel Walker, Susan Renee, Kartina Marie, Courtney W. Dixon, and Louise Lennox.

Buy Now: https://books2read.com/u/3k2QKG

Congratulations!

You’ve been invited to attend the exclusive Once Upon A Halloween Night bash.

This year, join us in New Orleans Warehouse District on Halloween Night for an evening of fun, costumes and… romance?

Wait. What?

That’s right.

The Indie Pen PR and Beyond the Bookshelf Publishing is proud to host Lauren Helms, Kate Stacy, Mel Walker, Susan Renee, Kartina Marie, Courtney W. Dixon, and Louise Lennox – in this fun Halloween romance anthology.

So, throw on your best costume and get ready to sit back and enjoy seven brand new novellas to celebrate spooky season with a romantic twist.

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She sets the drink down and turns to me. “You must love Robin Hood if you’re willing to invest.”

“Robin Hood and I have a lot in common, actually.” I inform her.

Her nose scrunches. “Oh really? How so?”

“Well, for starters, I’m a master archer”

“Nope. I don’t believe it.” She giggles.

“I am. Really. I learned at summer camp when I was twelve. Hooked ever since.” I tell her almost defensively.

“Ah, okay then. What else do you have in common?”

“I’m glad you asked. See, I’m also a master of disguise.”

Her eyes widen playfully, “Oh my. I can see that. Is this even your real face?”

I lean my head back and smirk at her. “Everything about me is real, baby. Truth is, I’m not worried about disguising myself tonight, so what you see is what you get.”

“I’ve heard that he’s also a charmer. A ladies’ man. Obviously, that checks out.” She grins.

I nod. “I was born a charmer. It’s in my blood.”

“Right.” She nods in understanding, laughter dancing all over her face. “So what you’re saying is that you are the embodiment of Robin Hood.”

“Oh, I like that. The embodiment of Robin Hood.” I snap my fingers. She’s brilliant and beautiful.

Her brows furrow, “Does that make you an outlaw then?”

“Nah, I mean, if stealing from the rich and giving to the poor is considered breaking the law…”

She huffs out a laugh. “Stealing is totally considered breaking the law.”

I shrug, “Meh, maybe, but I’ve got a heart of gold, so that’s all that matters.”

“I suppose that’s true.” She reaches for her drink and sips it, keeping eye contact with me over the glass. She’s flirty and I’m digging it, but she’s not getting all touchy-feely with me, so I’m a little unsure of where this is going.

“Come with me,” I say, grabbing hold of her hand.

Remi’s laughter rings through the night air as I lead her between the cathedral and museum, slipping into one of the alcoves there. The joy in her voice mirrors the twinkling stars in the sky, and her eyes sparkle with a mix of amusement and excitement. Fuck, she’s beautiful.

Carefree looks incredible on her.

Shrouded in shadows, I watch Remi as her laughter subsides into a contented sigh. She looks at me and smiles, so I kiss her again, pressing her body against the hard stone behind her.

I can’t get enough.

The way she tastes.

The feel of her body against mine.

“Luke,” she murmurs breathlessly against my lips.

I trail kisses along her jaw, groaning when she tips her head back, giving me access to more of her soft, silky skin.

“Luke,” she says again, and I want to hear her say it a thousand times more. “We can’t do this here.”

“Afraid of things that go bump in the night?” I murmur, smiling as I kiss down the column of her throat.

She sucks in a breath.

“No. Just charges for indecent exposure, public lewdness, or—”

Chuckling, I take her mouth with mine, kissing her deeply.

“You promise to wait for me?” She asks the question, already knowing the answer. At a concert in Detroit that had technical issues with the lighting and sound equipment, Aaliyah spent nearly an hour reaming out the organizer. She came out an hour later and was shocked to see me waiting for her. I committed to her that day that I would never leave a venue without her.

“The rest of my life if I have to.” The words slip from my heart to my lips without thinking. My chest thumps heavily with my misstep. She twists to read in my eyes the meaning of my words.

Lights bounce off her glasses, and I fail in my attempt to read hers. An explosion of cheers erupts in front of me, and I look up to investigate. Ali is bowing at the front of the stage. The performance has ended.

The house lights rise in the theatre, and Poppy leads the girls back to their families. Whistles and cheers continue to float in the air.

A warm set of lips land on my cheek. I hold my breath and record this moment, stored alongside a treasure trove of protected memories.

Aaliyah’s lips linger for a heartbeat longer than normal, a hesitation I pick up on because when it comes to her, I notice everything. “Really good work today. Congrats. See you in ten.”

“Here, let me …” I take her hand to help her out of the pit. I chew on my tongue to distract myself from the spark that shoots through my body.

“Such a gentleman. Someday, some lucky woman will …” She doesn’t complete the sentence. The words hang like a challenge.

A challenge I’ve yet to answer.

My eyes linger on Aaliyah as she navigates the narrow aisle. She moves with a purposeful stride, a woman on a mission. My eye refuses to look away until she disappears out the exit. Only then do I take a breath. Only then do I realize I hadn’t.

Like I said, I got it bad.

She has work to do. But I’ll wait. I’ll always wait for her. I whisper the words I don’t have the courage to say to her face. The words I pray may come true someday. “Someday. Someday that lucky woman will be you.”

“How do you make it so easy to breathe, Scarlett?” Oliver asks me, his forehead pressed to mine.

“Because I don’t expect you to be someone you’re not, Oliver. You’re free with me. Zero expectations. Consider me your safe space.”

“I’m finding myself overwhelmingly attracted to you,” he says. “And I’m sorry if that’s too much. Maybe Rowena was right. I’m not good at hiding my feelings.”

“It’s perfectly fine to have feelings. I have them too.” I bring my hands to his cheeks. “I wasn’t sure how this day was going to go, but somehow, you’ve managed to make every moment perfect. You let me take the lead instead of treating me like your personal arm candy. You’ve asked about my feelings. My desires. What I want for myself and for my future. Do you know how long it’s been since a man has asked how I feel? Hell, I could marry you right now and have no remorse given what I was about to walk into.”

“I’m really fucking glad you didn’t marry him.”

“Me too.”

“My bad.” He doesn’t look sorry at all. The wide grin he’s sporting as he watches the people still staring at us says he’s pretty proud of himself. I don’t blame him, though. He never would have had the confidence to do that at eighteen. Now, in our mid-thirties, he’s sure of what he wants. Even if that person lives hours away from him, and has no idea how we are going to make this work.

“It’s all good.” I lean my head on his shoulder. “I’d say it was more than worth it.”

We sit in silence as the DJ continues to play music downstairs. There are still a couple of hours until this thing ends. And as much as I want to ditch the rest of the party and head straight to our hotel room, I know we should stay a little longer. Especially since our tickets were essentially free. I know the payoff will be fine with Kelly, though. This was her moment to play fairy godmother. Her way of making my wildest dreams come true.

“Want to see what else this party has to offer?” Patrick squeezes my knee. It might be my imagination, but I think his hand moved further up my leg. There’s a good chance he’s having the same thoughts I am. Both of us are too polite to voice them aloud.

“Sure.” I stand and he does the same. Grabbing my drink, I hook a finger into his belt loop. Not so accidentally grabbing his butt in the process.

“You keep doing that and I’ll carry you out of here.”

The drinks are working their way through my system because what falls from my lips next is something I’d never say. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

Greyson sat back in the seat and stared out the window. We were almost there despite the heavy traffic. “How did we meet?” he asked.

“Hmm, how about at my favorite coffee shop? You spilled coffee on me.”

He waved a hand at me. “Ugh. Please. That trope has been done to death.”

I huffed a laugh. Seriously, I was going to give him wine more often. “And what would you suggest?”

“Let’s keep it relatively realistic and almost the truth since it will be easier to remember the lie.”

“Good at lying, are we?”

He smirked and leaned closer to me. “Did you just make a joke?”

“I never joke.” Which was also a lie.

“Anyway! Let’s say I applied to Nomadology, and you found me so hot and irresistible that I swept you off your feet, and you refused to hire me so you could date me.”

For the first time since I could remember, I barked out a laugh and enjoyed watching him blush.

“What? It could happen.”

At this point, I have tunnel vision. I’m focused on taking out the piece of shit who had the nerve to violate my woman. No one touches or hurts what’s mine and gets away with it.

I maneuver around him while he continues cursing and swinging, matching his speed and intensity as he advances closer to me with every step. As he reaches out with both arms to grab me, I take a chance, knowing I need to knock his big ass out and get this over with.

I hit him with a powerful uppercut that sends him sprawling onto the ground below.

He lies there motionless as I stare down at him with disgust; the power of my punch had been enough to knock him out cold, and between that and his intoxication, he’ll be down for a while.

Tessa rushes over to me, her face filled with worry as she glances at the man’s condition and grimaces.

“Thank You. But I had him under control. The violence wasn’t necessary.”

Her voice has a bite of annoyance, but the relief on her face is evident. She didn’t want to admit it, but she liked being rescued, but I’ll gladly admit that saving her has made my dick impossibly hard. I want to love. Protect, and fuck her until she passes out in equal measure.

Maybe there was a chance of staying out of her life if I hadn’t seen her in the flesh. However, now that she’s within arm’s reach, I know I’ll never let her go.

Her sister steps over the unconscious man, who is now snoring loudly and shakes her head. The man she was with was long gone. “Tessa, are you kidding me? You couldn’t control him, and I swear if I had known he was that disrespectful, I would have never dragged you up here.”

Tears well up in her sister’s eyes. “I’m sorry; I should have listened to you.”

Yeah, she should have.

Tessa gives her a sweet smile and pulls her into a hug. “It’s OK; you didn’t know how bad he could be because I never told you how he harassed me in high school. I was too ashamed and thought I was leading him on or something.”

“This fool harassed you in high school?” I roar. “He doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as you.”

Both women look at me like I’m crazy, but I don’t care. The idea of him hurting my sweet girl in any way makes me want to wake him up to knock him out again.

Tessa looks at me warily. “Umm, thank you, I guess.”

She looks back at Foolio lying on the ground and ponders something before returning to me. I hate the look of worry on her face, and all I want to do is kiss every stress line away.

“Look, Marcus, it’s been a long night. We’re heading home, and you should probably get home before he wakes up. He will be furious, and I’d hate seeing you get into trouble on my account.”

I frown. “I’m not scared of him. Didn’t you see me lay his ass out?”

She rolls her eyes. “Yes, Action Jackson, we all saw you, but do you even know who you knocked out?”

Exasperated, I step closer and breathe her in. She smells like cherries and doesn’t flinch away like she did with the man lying on the ground. Instead, she subconsciously steps closer to me.

That’s because she’s mine.

I brush the back of my knuckles over her arm. “No, sweetheart, I don’t know, and I don’t care.”

Her sister Selene snorts and speaks up. “Well, you should care Romeo because he’s Richard Harris, the Chief of Police. What do you have to say now?”

I give her an incredulous look but say nothing.

This can’t be life.

About Lauren Helms

Lauren Helms is a romance author her nerdy and flirty contemporary words. Lauren has forever been an avid reader from the beginning. After starting a book review website, that catapulted her fully into the book world, she knew that something was missing. While working for a video game strategy guide publisher, she decided to mix what she knew best–video games and romance. She decided to take the plunge and write her first novel, Level Me Up. Several published novels later, Lauren created PR company, Indie Pen PR, to help other authors promote their books.

Lauren lives in Indianapolis, Indiana sharing her love of books and video games with her own Gamer Boy husband and three young kid nerds who will hopefully grow up to share the love of things that united Lauren and her husband on their own happily ever after.

About Kate Stacy

Author of emotionally-gripping, contemporary romance, Kate Stacy’s novels feature sassy heroines, swoony heroes, life, love, friendship, and all the angst. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family and friends in small-town North Carolina, Kate can most likely be found nose deep in her Kindle. She stays up too late, swears too much, and loves too hard.

About Mel Walker

Mel Walker has been writing fiction most of his adult life. Specializing in Short Stories and Contemporary fiction and Romance Novels. A native New Yorker and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan. He loves to write about ordinary people placed in difficult situations, especially as it relates to their closest relationships.

Mel Walker is a rare bird, the male romance author. Specializing in heartfelt small town romance, he enjoys telling compelling romances with all the feels. A native New Yorkers and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan, he enjoys long walks, bike rides and taking in the energy of the city.

About Susan Renee

Susan Renee wants to live in a world where paint doesn’t smell, Hogwarts is open twenty-four/seven, and everything is covered in glitter. An indie romance author, Susan has written about everything from tacos to tow-trucks, loves writing romantic comedies but also enjoys creating an emotional angsty story from time to time. She lives in Ohio with her husband, kids, two dogs and a cat. Susan holds a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Music Education and a self-awarded Doctorate in Sass and Sarcasm. She enjoys laughing at memes, speaking in GIFs and spending an entire day jumping down the TikTok rabbit hole. When she’s not writing or playing the role of Mom, her favorite activity is doing the Care Bear stare with her closest friends.

About Katrina Marie

Katrina Marie lives in the Dallas area with her husband, two children, bonus child, grandchild, and fur babies. She is a lover of all things geeky and nerdy. When she’s not writing you can find her at her children’s sporting events, curled up reading a book, or binge watching her favorite shows.

About Courtney W. Dixon

Courtney W. Dixon loves to write steamy romance, but in each story, she gives her character’s challenges and struggles. She writes m/f and m/m stories within one series to add a variety to her characters. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don’t always do the right thing. Humans are never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. In the end, she tries to help them grow to be better as they achieve their HEAs.

You can find Courtney working in Central Texas with her husband, two boys, and two crazy dogs, none of whom know how to knock on a door while she’s working.

About Louise Lennox

Contemporary romance Author Louise Lennox is a hopeful romantic writing steamy romances full of heart and healing.

A Spelman College and Georgetown University graduate, Louise provides women with diverse and meaningful representation in romance novel pages. Not seeing enough women like herself headlining positive love stories, she launched #HappyBlackRomance; a community of readers and writers committed to the creation and sharing of positive romance stories featuring Black heroines.

Louise Lennox plots highlight the joys of Black relationships across the diaspora; pushing readers from all cultural backgrounds to admire them for their strength and downright sexiness. In her novels sparks always fly; the sex amazes; and the characters always leave the world better than they found it through their love.

When she’s not writing, Louise is enjoying her work as a school leader, wife, and mother of the two cutest dragons to ever walk the earth!

To learn more about #HappyBlackRomance and to score a free book or two, check out her website http://www.lovelouiselennox.com.

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New Release ~ Fallen Dragon ~ by ~ Bree Westland

Since abandoning her family, Charlie Evanston has faithfully served in the mansion but when Avery Beckett is ousted from the family and stripped of his status, she resigns in solidarity. Confronting his true reality for the first time in years, Avery sees Charlie in a different light as he struggles to assimilate the terrifying gift he’s been cursed with. When the past and present collide, will the clan’s future be left hanging in the balance? Readers who enjoy opposites attract romances will devour Fallen Dragon by Bree Westland, a steamy fated mates romance.

Blurb

Avery Beckett couldn’t have fallen any further, even if he’d dug his own grave. Well, maybe technically he could have. Ousted from the family mansion, stripped of his status. Cast out in utter disgrace. That about covers it. His ruin almost complete.

Years of trauma surge to the forefront, leaving Avery no choice but to deal with the terrifying gift he’s been cursed with but had buried deep. The clan needs his unique brand of talents. Trouble is he’s no good for anyone else, least of all himself in his current state.

Charlie Evanston has faithfully served in the mansion since abandoning her home in the ranks of the fae ten years ago, but resigns in solidarity with Avery. And when it’s as if he’s seeing her for the very first time, she won’t miss out on this chance.

Meanwhile, the past and present collide, the clan’s future at a crossroads dependent on Avery’s next move. But his dragon, held at bay for so long, has other ideas involving the pretty fae, who’s dealing with her own heartache.

And he’s playing for keeps.

*Readers can expect healthy doses of hot shifters, naughty language, and sexy times with a fated mate, all wrapped up in a happily ever after. Can be read as a standalone romance but best enjoyed in the order written.

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Start the Rugged Peaks series → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXBMRQNJ

About Bree Westland

Hi, I’m Bree! Paranormal romance writer and lover of all things fantasy. I write steamy shifter romances with growly alpha men and the strong women who love them. Most days you can find me tucked away in my office, lost in the worlds and characters I create, listening while they tell me their stories.

When not writing, you can catch me curled up with a hot cup of tea and my ever-growing TBR pile. I call home the sunny beaches of Jacksonville, Florida, but I love traveling as long as I can take my laptop with me!

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New Release ~ Uptown Girl ~ by ~ Emma Bray

A rich heiress down on her luck and a brooding mechanic from the wrong side of the tracks make sparks fly. Readers who enjoy small town romance will love Uptown Girl by Emma Bray, a steamy, opposites attract, beach romance.

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Are you ready to meet your next Man of the Month? A rich girl down on her luck and a brooding mechanic make sparks fly in this small-town, opposites attract beach romance about a rich heiress and a guy from the wrong side of the tracks. The MAN OF THE MONTH CLUB is a steamy small-town collection featuring a new hottie (or two!) every month. In 2023, escape to Candy Kane Key, Florida, and celebrate ALL the holidays with your favorite group of romance authors and their delicious mountain men. Can’t wait to see you there!

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Excerpt

The purr of my pink Cadillac’s engine fills the air as I pull into the garage, echoing off the walls and sending a shiver down my spine. I’ve been through hell and back lately, but one look at this place tells me I’m in good hands. “Hey there,” a deep voice calls out, snapping me from my thoughts. The rugged mechanic approaches me, his hands wiping on a greasy rag. The sight of him makes my heart race, and I find myself struggling to maintain my composure. The sight of his thick arms pumping up and down as he wipes the oil from his hands to his sleeves has my heart beating out of my chest. I can feel my body flush with desire as I watch him, a nervous smile spreading across my face. I can see his lips moving, but his words are drowned out by the sound of my heart pounding in my ears. He’s beautiful, in a rugged sort of way. His chest is huge and muscled, and his arms are thick. His dirty, ripped jeans fit him perfectly, and I wonder if they’re going to burst at the seams. His black work shirt is unbuttoned, revealing a chiseled, ripped torso. His arms are sculpted, leading to a bulge in his jeans. He’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. “Welcome to Wolf’s Garage. I’m Billy. What can I do for you?” “Hi, I’m Claire,” I stammer, my cheeks flushing with heat. “I, uh, think my car needs an oil change.” As soon as our eyes meet, I feel the connection. My lingering gaze alights on his rugged features – the stubble lining his strong jaw, the gentle curve of his full lips, the intensity in those blue eyes that seem to see straight through me. And when Billy smiles at me – a crooked, teasing grin that makes my heart skip a beat – I know without a doubt that this attraction is mutual. “Your car’s a real beauty,” he says, nodding towards my pink Cadillac as he leans against the side of it. “You don’t come across many like her these days.” “Thank you,” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. The air between us is electric, charged with an energy I can’t quite put my finger on, and I find myself wondering just how much of it is simply a product of my overactive imagination. “Mind if I have a look under the hood?” he asks, his gaze never leaving mine.

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About Emma Bray

USA Today bestselling author Emma Bray writes intense, steamy romances with possessive alpha males who’ll stop at nothing to claim the women they want. Emma’s instalove stories are filled with heat, passion and happily ever afters. Get a free book when you sign up here: http://www.authoremmabray.com

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New Release ~ Lady Venom Takes a Mistress ~ by ~ Kat Blackthorne

When Poesy Laroche was sold to the highest bidder, she found herself desperate to change her fate and disappears into the woods no one dares to speak of. The screams that come at night become only whispers of stories about the mysterious Lady Venom, whose manor is filled with snakes and horrors. And when Poesy gets lost within her maze, Lady Venom claims her as her own mistress, with no hope of escape. Fans of dark sapphic romances will devour Lady Venom Takes a Mistress by Kat Blackthorne, a spicy gothic twist on Medusa and Beauty and the Beast.

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Blurb

To be bid on was to be bought as a wife. To the winning bidder his prize, a maid, a servant, a child-bearer. That would be Poesy Laroche’s life, she realized, as she walked down the aisle to her future husband. He’d promised to break her into submission, and she knew his words were true.

In an act of desperation, she takes the reins of her fate and dives into the woods we don’t speak of. The screams that come at night become only whispers of stories about the mysterious Lady Venom. Her manor is filled with snakes and horrors. And when Poesy gets lost within her maze, Lady Venom claims her as her own mistress, with no hope of escape.

Poesy is locked into a haunted estate where the flowers watch, the ghosts whisper while the snakes slither, and everyone knows the deadliest of them all is their Lady that rules them.

But there are secrets to uncover both within the eerie walls and in the riddles atop Lady’s Venom’s forked tongue as she incites more danger and pleasure than Poesy ever thought possible.

But will it be enough to keep Poesy from her fate? Or will the hidden truths prove more fateful than a serpent’s bite?

Lady Venom is a haunted, spooky, lesbian romance with lethal women and gothic magic. It’s a twist on both Medusa and Beauty and the Beast and features femme dom and captive tropes with off the charts spice. This story is set in The Halloween Boys universe with crossover of lore, but you do not need to read The Halloween Boys before enjoying Lady Venom Takes a Mistress.

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Excerpt

Acoustics trembled down the path to the guillotine as my mother fluffed my outrageous creampuff dress. “I look like a goose,” I grumbled as she tied a thick pink bow around my neck. My collar, my leash, my cattle chain.

“You look fit for a lord.” She preened. “He will be so pleased when he sees you.”

I hated that. I wished to tangle my hair, blister my skin, and wear dirty potato sacks for all of time so men like him would never glance at me twice again. Maybe that’s what I should have done to avoid this union. Maybe I was too cowardly to harm myself. But this fate was sure and certain death. I knew my impending husband would make good on his threats of sexing me until I bled and cried for mercy. A fate worse than any demise I could imagine. My mother and two of the lord’s men helped me onto a white horse, my skirts billowing over the sides. I rubbed the animal’s ear softly, wishing I could trade places with the creature but knowing she was this man’s property the same as I was.

“We are both trapped mares, aren’t we?” I asked her tenderly as the attendants let go of her reins and she trotted down the aisle of onlookers to my waiting evil peacock of a future husband.

The whole town had shown to watch my beheading, I mean wedding. Nosy, bored jerks. Why was no one speaking up about how wrong this was? How this was no way to live or end one’s life? Why was I doomed simply for being a woman? The groom looked up at me as the priest spoke about love and duty. It may as well have been a reading of my final job description. Leaning in, the lord patted the horse on its snout.

“See, Poesy? All it takes is a few beatings and fuckings, and you’ll be as helpless and docile as Penny here.”

Penny. Even her name was similar to mine. And for some reason, imagining her beaten, her white fur marred with blood at his hands, lit something inside me. Something like rage, a feeling I’d scarcely allowed myself to truly embody. Trapped, caged animals with nowhere to go, nowhere safe from the men who hunted and captured us. A crow called from the forest beyond, pulling my attention. Nowhere to go except…

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About Kat Blackthorne

Kat Blackthorne is a bestselling author of haunting romance. She writes passion, characters, and worlds that linger past the last page. Her tales embrace cozy darkness with magical and spooky twists. Catnip for her is banter, begging, challenging norms, and beings who worship their women.

Kat lives somewhere deep in the mountains in a witch’s cottage with her talking feline. She has a collection of quotes and character names a mile long, her favorite holiday is Halloween, and her favorite book is whatever she read last.

Join her spooky reader coven on Facebook: Kat Blackthorne and The Black Hearts Coven
Follow her on Tiktok where her hashtags have over six million views: @katblackthorne
Find her on Instagram: @katblackthorneauthor

Website: http://www.katblackthorne.com

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New Release ~ Here With Me ~ by ~ Brooke Montgomery

From small-town romance author, Brooke Montgomery, comes a family saga series based in the fictional town of Sugarland Creek set in the Mountains of East Tennessee. Readers who love steamy romances will enjoy Here With Me: a forbidden age-gap romance.

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Blurb

A forbidden age gap stand-alone from small-town romance author Brooke Montgomery about a daring horse trainer and her off-limits ex-boyfriend’s dad…

When we met at the rodeo, I only knew his first name.

Sparks ignited between us, and we spent an unforgettable night together. It’s not until the morning after when I recognize his last name do I realize who he is.

So I do what any rational woman would and make the walk of shame while he sleeps. It’s not like I’ll ever see him again or have to explain why I left.

But I’m proven wrong when he shows up at my family’s ranch as the new farrier.

We can’t be more than friends—for many reasons.

He’s twice my age, workplace relationships are off-limits, and he moved back to rebuild a relationship with his son—the one I used to date.

Getting involved would ruin everything.

As we struggle between right and wrong, our connection deepens even though his traumatic past makes him doubt he deserves a second chance.

But it doesn’t matter when everything’s against us, including a rival who’s out to get me and my ex who’s determined to win me back.

After a riding trick goes wrong on his watch, he insists on taking care of me. Even though the odds are stacked against us, we keep the truth to ourselves.

But secrets don’t stay hidden for long in a Southern small town.

Here With Me is book 1 in the Sugarland Creek series. Contains 20+ year age gap, ex-boyfriend’s dad, workplace romance, opposites attract, and secret relationship vibes. Each book in this Southern, small-town series is a stand-alone and ends in a happily ever after. Please read the content warning before the prologue.

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Excerpt

Noah’s POV:

Fuck, where is my bra?

After Fisher took off my dress, I flung my bra somewhere. I’m not about to leave without it since it’s the only one I packed. I don’t need my piercings blinding my family.

As I lower to my hands and knees, crawling around with my ass straight up, I find it underneath his jeans.

Thank God.

Next, I dig in my bag for my panties.

It’s one thing to make the walk of shame at seven in the morning, but it’s shameful to do it commando.

And I am a classy Southern lady, after all.

With the exception of last night.

Once I’m dressed and slide on my boots, I grab the rest of my things. Fisher hasn’t stirred once since I climbed over his naked body and slid out of his bed. I’m half tempted to check his neck for a pulse.

That’d be my luck.

Best sex of my life leads to him dying afterward.

I know he’s older, but he’s not that old.

When I see his wallet on the counter, I contemplate taking a peek at his license to see his birth year. Amid our grinding against each other make-out session, I asked if he had a condom, and he told me to grab one from his wallet, which was in the back pocket of his jeans. Once I grabbed it, I tossed the leather aside.

Glancing once more at Fisher to make sure he’s still in a sleep coma, I open his wallet and look at his ID.

He’s forty-four.

Exactly twice my age.

Okay, so it’s not that bad.

He doesn’t even look forty.

It could be worse. He could be fifty.

But then I blink, reread his full name, and it does. It gets so much worse.

Fisher Underwood.

It can’t be. My throat tightens as I choke down the surprise I never expected.

I need to get the hell out of here before he wakes up.

God, I hope this is a hangover dream.

More like a nightmare.

All the air gets sucked out of my lungs at the realization.

I just slept with my ex-boyfriend’s dad.

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About Brooke Montgomery

Brooke has been writing romance since 2013 under the USA Today Bestselling author pen names: Brooke Cumberland and Kennedy Fox, and now, Brooke Montgomery. She loves writing small-town romance with big families and happily ever afters! She lives in the frozen tundra of Packer Nation with her husband, wild teenager, and four dogs. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, watching ASMR and reading vlogs on YouTube, or binge-watching a TV show she’s most likely behind on. Brooke’s addicted to iced coffee, leggings, and naps. She found her passion for telling stories during winter break one year in grad school—and she hasn’t stopped since.

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