New Release – Page 90 – TBR Book Blog

New Release ~ Then I Saw You ~ by ~ Kate Stacy

Firefighter Marshall Knight wasn’t expecting to become a father but here he is kicking butt and taking names, until a trip to the ER lands him in the path of Kaitlynn Bennett, the sweet nurse, who’s made their visit more bearable. Their relationship shouldn’t grow into more, but when fire strikes, they have to decide if their love is worth the risk. Readers will devour this off-limits romance featuring one sexy unsuspecting dad. Fall in love with your next book boyfriend with Then I Saw You by Kate Stacy, the next book in the Single Dad’s Romance series.

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Firefighter Marshall Knight is more than happy living the single life and working toward his next promotion with the fire department until his world is flipped upside down when he finds out that he has a child. Abandoned by his own mother as a small boy, he’s determined to do the right thing and take care of his son, stepping right into the role of a single father and leaving no time for things like a relationship and romance. One trip to the ER with his baby boy changes all that and he finds himself instantly enamoured with Kaitlynn – the compassionate nurse who’s been assigned to them. Kaitlynn Bennett made herself a vow a long time ago to never date a firefighter. Between her father’s job as Fire Captain and losing her own mother in a fire when she was twelve, she knows all too well the heartache that comes along with all of it. Which is exactly why she had no clue that the sexy single dad in the ER was actually a firefighter. Their attraction is undeniable and with a little nudge from a friend the two find themselves in an inferno of their own. That is, until Kaitlynn discovers he’s a firefighter and Marshall realizes that Kaitlynn is his Captain’s daughter. It’s the perfect excuse for both of them to give in to their own insecurities and put plenty of distance in their already complex relationship. But when a fire strikes and they both end up in harm’s way, will they finally realize that building a life together is far better than a lifetime apart?

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Excerpt

“Oh my god.” Her knees buckle, but Captain is close enough to keep her from hitting the floor. “Please let me hold you. I can’t stand seeing you like this.” She shakes her head and presses herself closer to her father. “I can’t. I… I need…” She’s damn near hyperventilating. Ignoring my pain, I sit up and swing my legs over the side of the bed, ready to go to her, but she stops me. “I need to sit down for a minute. Please.” My eyes meet Captain’s, and he nods again, silently telling me to stay put. I fucking hate it, but I listen. He leads Kaitlynn to the nearest chair while I settle back onto the uncomfortable hospital bed. I watch as Captain squats down next to her. He wraps an arm around her back and murmurs quietly in her ear. I don’t know what he’s saying to her, but I can see it’s working. She’s starting to calm down, but it pisses me off that I’m not the one comforting her. “Now,” Captain says sternly, “which one of you wants to tell me how long you’ve been together?” I look to Kaitlynn, not wanting to break my promise to her, even though there’s no longer a secret to keep. “Since a few days after we had that late-night conversation on the phone,” she admits. I expected him to be angry when he learned the truth, when he found out we were both lying to him. He’s not angry. He’s disappointed, and honestly, I think that’s worse. I’d rather deal with his anger. “Did you have any plans to tell me?” he asks, but the question is directed at me. “Yes, sir. When Kaitlynn was comfortable with me sharing our relationship.” “When Kaitlynn was comfortable?” “Yes, Dad. I asked Marshall not to tell you.” He pins me with a cold stare. “I thought you had more respect for me than that.” My mouth opens and closes repeatedly, but no sound comes out. “Don’t get mad at him. It’s my fault.” “He still should have told me.” It’s Kaitlynn’s turn to be offended. She cocks her eyebrow and pins her father with the same glare he just gave me. “You’re saying if you made a promise to me, you would turn right around and break it?” “Of course not!” he sputters. “Then why would Marshall?” Properly chastised, Captain drops into the other chair and leans forward on his elbows. “I wish one of you would have been honest with me. I don’t like being kept in the dark.” “I love you, Dad, but you and I are only recently mending the cracks in our relationship. I wasn’t ready for you to know.” He hangs his head and sighs before lifting it to look at his daughter. “You’re right, Kaitlynn. I have to earn back the privilege of knowing everything about your life. I’m sorry for the way I reacted.” She leans in and hugs him, and almost instantly, the air in the room feels less stifling. Captain doesn’t offer me an apology, nor do I expect him to. Despite the promise I made Kaitlynn, I was never comfortable with keeping our relationship from him. He has the right to be angry with me. He deserves better from me. A nurse pops in my room to check my vitals and leaves almost as quickly as she appeared. Captain excuses himself to get something to drink, disappearing when we both decline his offer to get us one as well. “Can I hold you now?” It’s all I’ve wanted from the moment she rushed into the room, but the expression on her face tells me I’m not going to get what I want. She stands, wrapping her arms around herself. She looks at me again, but whatever I saw in her expression before is gone, replaced with steely resolve. “I think I’m going to head home. It’s been an emotional day… I… I think I need some time.” I can’t say I’m not disappointed, but I understand. This has to be hard on her. “Okay, beautiful. Will I see you in the morning before I’m discharged? They’re only keeping me for observation, so I’ll be sprung first thing tomorrow.” She chews her bottom lip, then shakes her head. “I don’t think so, Marshall.” Her tone makes my blood run cold.

About Kate Stacy

Kate Stacy lives in North Carolina with her husband, three children, and her extremely sassy cat. After nearly a decade of being a stay-at-home mama, Kate decided to use her love of books to bring readers steamy romances full of emotion and angst. She stays up too late, swears too much, and loves hard. When she’s not nose-deep in her next manuscript, or spending time with her family, you can usually find her with her Kindle in hand.

About the Single Dad’s Romance Series

Seven single dads, all from different walks of life and doing the best they can to raise their children – are ready to make you fall in love. From the celebrity dad just trying to protect the ones he loves from the spotlight…to the silver fox who’s out to prove it’s never too late to have a family of your own – this single dads collection guarantees to bring you a whole lot of love and of course, a happily ever after. Look no further, your next book boyfriend is here! Follow the @IndiePenPR FB Page for all the Single Dad’s news: https://www.facebook.com/IndiePenPR

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New Release ~ Bound by the Moon ~ by ~ L.P. Dover

Title: Bound by the Moon

Series: Royal Shifters Series

Author: L.P. Dover

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Shifters

Release Date: June 8, 2021

Feelings she can’t deny.
A bond impossible to ignore.

Haunted by pain of the past, Kami Grayson seeks to make the world a better place by joining the FBI. She thought being invited to join a secret branch of the bureau, known as the Circle of Justice, was the opportunity she had been waiting for. Instead, she uncovers a corrupt ring of dangerous shifters that will kill to keep their dealings hidden.

As a royal arctic, Colin Storm is loved by women and envied by male shifters. Of all the ladies who long for him, it’s Kami’s complete disinterest that fascinates him. Yet when he stumbles onto her shooting a man in a dark alley, the wolf within awakens with a ferocious need to protect her.

Drawn to Kami’s fiery strength, Colin vows to help her escape the clutches of the ruthless pack of shifters closing in. Still, Kami resists the undeniable connection between them. Will the pull of their bond be enough to convince her to let him stand beside her in the fight to come? Or will her reluctance lead to her facing the prowling darkness alone?

Gasping, I jolt out of bed covered in sweat and grab my neck. I rush into the bathroom and turn on the light, scared at what I’ll see. He’s never bitten me before, but it felt so real. And what’s worse is who it came from. There’s no mark on my skin when I look in the mirror, but it could’ve already healed. Biting and sharing blood between mates is sacred. It opens a link between them, allowing them to hear each other’s thoughts. With it being just a dream, does it mean he’ll be able to listen to my thoughts now? I didn’t take his blood which means it’ll be a one-way connection. My mind will be open to his. Please don’t let it be so.

“Kami, are you okay?” Amelie asks, gently tapping on the bedroom door.

I turn on the faucet and splash cold water on my face. “I’m fine. Just a nightmare.”

“Ah, I see. You’re probably just nervous about today.”

She couldn’t be more wrong. Yes, I’m nervous about my training, but I’m terrified about my dream. It can’t be real. I won’t let it.

“Yeah, that’s probably it,” I lie. Looking into the bedroom, I see the alarm clock says it’s five in the morning. There’s no going back to sleep for me.

Amelie’s footsteps echo down the hallway toward her room. I dry off my face and walk back into my bedroom to sit on the bed. There are so many emotions fighting inside of me. My heart and my wolf tell me one thing, but my mind screams another. I can’t give in.

I see my cell on the nightstand, and I snatch it up. It’s early, but I have to talk to Tia. Heart racing, I click her name and hit send. It rings and rings, but she picks up, her voice groggy with sleep.

“Kami? Is something wrong?”

“Everything’s wrong,” I hiss, keeping my voice low. “Please tell me you have a magical spell to make people forget things.”

She yawns. “I do. Is it for you?”

Groaning, I close my eyes and sit back down on the bed. All I can see is his face. “Yes. I had another dream.”

“Okay,” she replies, sounding confused. “I thought you liked your dreams?”

“Not this one. I’m almost scared to fall asleep again.” I know I’ll dream about him.

“What the hell? Was it a nightmare?”

I laugh, but there’s no humor in it. “You could say that. Do you think you can help me? The last thing I want is to use your magic, but I really need you.”

“It’s fine, Kami. I know you’re not my friend because of my magic. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. Tomorrow, I’ll gather up everything I need. I don’t have a spell to help with bad dreams, but there is a tonic I remember my mother giving me when I was little. It was an herbal tea I drank at night before going to bed. I’m sure I can find the herbs here.”

With a heavy sigh, I open my eyes and walk over to the window. “Thank you, Tia.”

The magic of the full moon isn’t as strong, but I can feel its pull. I don’t know what to do. My dreams all make sense now. There’s a reason why I could never see him. I don’t know why it took him biting me for the spell to break. Is it because there’s a full moon, and my magic is at its strongest? Either way, I’m screwed.

“What did you dream about, Kami?” Tia asks, her voice soft and full of concern. She knows I used to have nightmares about my time in captivity before I began having the mating dreams.

“My mate,” I say, barely getting the words out. “I finally got to see who he is.”

She gasps. “Seriously? Who is he?”

Looking out the window, it’s so dark I can see my reflection in the glass. “He’s the one wolf I loathe above all others. It figures he’d wind up being my mate.”

“Oh. My. God. What are you going to do?”

I look at my reflection and turn away from it. “I’m going to stay away from him.”

“Is that even possible? I thought once the mating signs started, it’s impossible to ignore them.”

Even now, my body still remembers my mate’s touch in my dreams. There’s no way Colin could be like that. I force the thoughts from my mind. “I refuse to give in to this, Tia. Colin and I don’t fit. We never will.” Colin Storm will not be my mate. I’ll fight against it with every fiber of my being.

“What if he realizes you’re his mate now too? It’s inevitable, Kami. He won’t let you go.”

Colin is relentless. I can’t even imagine what it’ll be like if he were to find out. The best thing is to stay away from him. “I’ll figure that out when the time comes.”

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Everything’s sweeter in the South has always been her mantra and she lives by it, whether it’s with her writing or in her everyday life. Maybe that’s why she’s seriously addicted to chocolate.

Dover has written countless novels in several different genres, including a children’s book with her daughter. Her favorite to write is romantic suspense, but she’s also found a passion in romantic comedy. She loves to make people laugh which is why you’ll never see her without a smile on her face.

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Review Tour ~ The Changeup ~ by ~ A.M. Williams

What happens when the man of your dreams proves fantasy is better than reality? One minute we’re fighting and the next we’re given a glimpse of what could be. Should we rock the boat and tempt fate despite all the curveballs that have been thrown our way? Fans of the Brentwood Baseball Series by Meghan Quinn will devour The Changeup by A.M. Williams, an enemies to lovers, workplace romance.

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What happens when the man of your dreams proves fantasy is better than reality?

Emma

Chase Anderson is everything I want in a man. Tall. Handsome. Compassionate. Confident. He makes me feel things I haven’t in years.

There’s just one problem: me. He can’t stand me and I’m getting to where I can’t stand him either.

The glares stiffen my resolve to forget about my dream man and concentrate on my new job.

Except…eventually those stares turn to something more. More heated. More promising. More everything.

Chase

Emma Carlisle is what I didn’t know I needed in my life until I saw her.

I don’t want her in my life, though. I have too much riding on my shoulders to concentrate on a relationship. A sick mom. A team owner who’s breathing down my neck to win a baseball championship.

It’s easier to ignore her and pretend like she doesn’t exist than to think about how pretty she is or how I feel alive whenever she’s around.

But one surprise kiss and I’m left wanting more. One glimpse into what love could be like and I can’t think of anything else.

We have to decide if it’s worth tempting fate and the flames of desire to see what love might be like.

The Changeup is the first book in A.M. Williams Boys of Summer baseball romance series. It’s a workplace, enemies-to-lovers romance that features two perfectionists struggling to come to terms with the curveballs life has for them.

If you love men in tight pants and the sassy women they fall for, this series is for you.

This book was previously published as Coached in Love. It has been updated with new content and re-edited.

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Excerpt

My eyes widened and my mouth dropped as I caught sight of the man stepping down from the cab. I was very thankful for the sunglasses I’d slipped on my face that morning because I didn’t have to worry about him seeing my eyes eating him up.

Whoever this guy was, he was ripped. He was wearing a pair of gray sweatpants—the sweatpants that women loved looking at—and a t-shirt that he’d torn the arms off of, displaying every delectable inch of his biceps, which bulged as he grabbed a bag from his backseat.

I swallowed thickly as I grabbed my bag and opened my car door. I tried not to make it obvious I was looking at him as I stood, but it was hard. So hard.

Much like the abs I was sure he was sporting.

Jesus. Get your mind out of the gutter, Emma!

I cleared my throat and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear as I slammed the car door.

I glanced his way, noting that we’d pass close to each other on our way to the door. My heart beat wildly in my chest as I coached myself on not being awkward. It was just a greeting, being friendly, with someone that I worked with.

I took a deep breath and plastered a smile on my face as he stepped close enough that we could almost touch at the hood of my car. He looked up at me, meeting my eyes, but said nothing. The smile froze on my lips as he kept his eyes on mine while he passed by.

Nothing was said, and the only sound was one of the gravel under his feet as he walked toward the sidewalk that led to the door to get inside. The smile slowly wavered on my face before dropping completely when he turned so that his back was to me.

I cleared my throat and tried to look busy as I worked to throw off the rejection I felt. So, yeah, it wasn’t like we knew each other. But dang! He could have said something, anything, to me in greeting. Instead, he’d stared at me and seemed like he made a point not to say anything.

Can I say how much I loved Emma and Chase?! I love that Emma didn’t give 2 *things* about standing up to Chase. Yes, she thought Chase was attractive but she was NOT going to put up with him being rude to her. Or ignoring her. And I love her for that. Yes, she might be attracted to him but she was still going to call him on the carpet as she needed to. And apparently, Chase seemed to be a fan, not that he was telling Emma that.

Emma and Chase are great together, even if they aren’t really being secretive about their relationship, at least everyone around them didn’t think so.

I felt for Chase because my dad had Alzheimer’s and had progressively gotten worse. He probably would have been in assisted living if he hadn’t have died last year. So I feel for what Chase was having to deal with and live with and trying to keep things scheduled and how their memories, both good and bad, can be hurtful reminders.

5 stars!

About A.M. Williams

A.M. Williams is just a simple girl from the south that found herself living abroad. When she’s not annoying her cat or reading, she’s spending time with her husband and traveling as much as possible. She has a serious case of wanderlust and wants to go as many places as possible while she can. She loves Cheerwine, sweet tea, and North Carolina (eastern style) BBQ as well as those crystal clear waters on the North Carolina coast.

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New Release & Review ~ 608 Alpha Avenue ~ by ~ Adriana Locke

We are so excited to announce the release of Adriana Locke’s new novella, 608 Alpha Ave. This is a total standalone story about a grumpy, small-town mechanic and a pocket-full-of-sunshine heroine that gets under his skin. Basically—read this now! Even better is that the novella (did we mention that it’s a standalone?) is available in Kindle Unlimited.

Things heat up (and take an unexpected turn) when a self-proclaimed romantic requests the help of a broody small-town mechanic. Grayson Blake is a jackass. There’s no other way to put it. He comes into Fireside every day and orders a beer. It’s nearly impossible to get him to have a conversation while he drinks it. Smiles—or anything remotely close to it—are even more rare. Despite his cantankerous personality, he’s so freaking gorgeous. His thick black hair, broad shoulders, and the tattoos that mark his calloused skin draw me in like a magnet. I don’t even care that he’s ten years older than me. I’m here for the age gap. And his broody, bad-boy persona is entirely more attractive than it should be. I have a thing for the rough-around-the-edges mechanic. And I’ve heard through the grapevine that he has a thing for me too. But getting him to admit it will be as easy as catching lightning in a bottle. Buy Now for $2.99 or Read Free in Kindle Unlimited.

Want more? “I don’t get it,” I mutter. My hand stills against the countertop, a white bar rag clutched firmly in my grasp. Natalia Barlow leans across the end of the bar, putting her ass and the top of her thong on full display for the table of bikers behind her. An unlit cigarette is perched between her cherry-red lips, threatening to topple to the floor as she catches me looking and smirks. I roll my eyes and turn my back to her. “I don’t get it,” I say again, louder this time. My gaze fixes on the man—the only man—occupying a barstool on this side of the restaurant. Grayson Blake. Black hair, scruffy beard, tall, and oh-so muscular with tattoos etched into his tanned skin. Word has it that he has flames inked on his right hip, and when he moves, they dance as if they’re alive. I’ve mentally filed that away because it’s something I’ll (sadly) never know for myself. Guys like Grayson Blake? They go for women like Natalia. Vixens. Women who give as good as they get. Women who understand them or, at the very least, the games they play. I’m not one of those women. It will be both my personal and professional downfall. Grayson lifts his beer bottle, and as if it pains him to do it, he slides his gaze to mine. I swallow. Hard. It doesn’t matter that I’ve worked at Fireside Bar and Grill for two years or that I’ve spent countless hours behind this very bar while Grayson sits on the other side, I can’t think straight when he looks at me. I also can’t look away. It’s quite the predicament. “It just perplexes me,” I say, sinking my gaze into the steely depths of Grayson’s eyes. My voice isn’t quite as confident as it was a few seconds ago. It’ll come back around, though. It just takes a moment to get my bearings. Grayson’s features are void of humor. Or emotion. Or curiosity. He watches me as if I’m a toddler and he’s in charge of making sure I don’t choke on a peanut or small coin. I bite my lip. “I just … Natalia …” I shrug, my voice fading into the rock music playing overhead. Grayson’s thick, engine grease-stained fingers grip the bottle. “Am I supposed to ask?” The grit of his tone washes against my skin, leaving a flurry of goose bumps in its wake. It’s this way every time he talks to me. And whenever he talks to Corbin, the bartender who’s training me in the art of bartending so I don’t have to just waitress anymore. Come to think of it, I also have the same physical reaction to him when I’m in the Cherry Street Market Grocery Store buying bagels and I hear him talking from an aisle over. Who am I kidding? I react this way every time I’m in Grayson’s proximity. Hell, I shivered in my flip-flops when I caught wind of his cologne outside of Pearl’s Pawnshop and Liquor Store last week. “Are you supposed to ask what?” I ask him. “About whatever you keep jawing about other there—about Natalia, I reckon.” “Well, since you asked—” “I didn’t.” He smiles a lopsided, amused smile that makes me wonder if he’s smiling with me or at me. “I asked if I was supposed to ask. I didn’t ask.” I narrow my gaze. “You know what, Grayson Blake? You’re an asshole.” He brings the beer bottle to his lips, hiding a satisfied grin, and pulls his gaze back to the hockey game on the television in the corner.

I loved reading Hayley and Grayson’s story. Hayley feels overlooked and is trying to fulfill her dreams of writing stories but she needs some help realizing her alpha character attitude. Grayson, the perfect grump, would be a perfect example of what Hayley is looking for if he’d only agree to it.

Grayson does not want to get involved with anything regarding Hayley, she isn’t a one-night stand girl and he is not a relationship guy. Except he does not want Hayley to get assistance from any other man but him. Of course.

I haven’t read any other books in this series but you don’t need to in order to understand the story. But I am going to read more about this town as I am even more curious about the other residents of Cherry Falls.

5 stars!

Pick this one up now!

Follow the author, Adriana Locke, on Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads, or join her Facebook group by clicking here.

New Release ~ Losing Control ~ by ~ Erin Cristofoli

Title: Losing Control

Series: Starting Over Series

Author: Erin Cristofoli

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: June 8, 2021

I’m going to win you over, Audrey, you just wait.

Unlike her corporate brothers, Audrey Hyde has known since she was a little girl that she was meant to stay on the family farm.

Now a grown woman, Audrey is ready to take over the family business. She just has to convince her father that despite his hesitation, she is the right woman for the job. When a medical emergency halts everyone in their tracks, the family pulls together and Audrey steps up to keep the farm running.

As a favour to his boss and friend, Blake Levington arrives at the farm to help. He is immediately drawn to Audrey’s strength and determination. Audrey, on the other hand, is determined to show the city boy that he is in way over his head.

Much like the trees in the orchard, a friendship begins to bloom between the two. As Audrey teaches Blake about farm life, can she find a way to open her heart to new possibilities or will she let Blake walk away?

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New Release ~ The Court of Secrets ~ by ~ Rebecca L. Garcia

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Darkness can only survive in the hearts of the wicked. I was brought back from the edge of death by Morgana so I could reign. But whilst there, something had latched onto me, and it had no plans on leaving. With each passing day, I feel my heart growing darker and it becoming stronger. Struggling to suppress the beast within, I lose myself in the scandals and politics of my kingdom. Caught between the high priest-Vahaga-and the lords of the land, being in power has never seemed more difficult. The threats of war with Berovia looming on the horizon means I need to remain strong for my people. My coronation nears, but with the mystery surrounding my father’s death coming under scrutiny, being back at court has never been so dangerous. Especially for a queen. The Court of Secrets is Book 3 in The Fate of Crowns Series.

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Enter the Release Day Giveaway HERE or HERE!

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Rebecca lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband and son. Born and raised in England, you can find her drinking tea, writing new worlds, and designing covers. Rebecca devoured every book she was given from the age of five and fell in love with magical worlds. When she got older, her imagination grew with her and she delved into writing strong characters and vast worlds. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, you can find her traveling, and hosting book signings with Spellbinding Events. The Fate of Crowns, book one, releases January 5th, 2021 with the following four books releasing between January and June.

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New Release ~ Tryst Six Venom ~ by ~ Penelope Douglas

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CLAY Marymount girls are good girls. We’re chaste, we’re untouched, and even if we weren’t, no one would know, because we keep our mouths shut. Not that I have anything to share anyway. I never let guys go too far. I’m behaved. Beautiful, smart, talented, popular, my skirt’s always pressed, and I never have a hair out of place. I own the hallways, walking tall on Monday and dropping to my knees like the good Catholic girl I am on Sunday. That’s me. Always in control. Or so they think. The truth is that it’s easy for me to resist them, because what I truly want, they can never be. Something soft and smooth. Someone dangerous and wild. Unfortunately, what I want I have to hide. In the locker room after hours. The bathroom stall between classes. The showers after practice. My head swimming. My hand up her skirt. For me, life is a web of secrets. No one can find out mine. OLIVIA I cross the tracks every day for one reason—to graduate from this school and get into the Ivy League. I’m not ashamed of where I come from, my family, or how everyone at Marymount thinks my skirts are too short and my lipstick is too red. Clay Collins and her friends have always turned up their noses at me. The witch with her beautiful skin, clean shoes, and rich parents who torments me daily and thinks I won’t fight back. At least not until I get her alone and find out she’s hiding so much more than just what’s underneath those pretty clothes. The princess thinks I’ll scratch her itch. She thinks she’s still pure as long as it’s not a guy touching her. I told her to stay on her side of town. I told her not to cross the tracks. But one night, she did. And when I’m done with her, she’ll never be pure again. *Tryst Six Venom is a standalone, new adult romance between the wealthy princess with a temper for what’s hers and the hard girl from the wrong crowd. One battles convention. The other, her pride. But nothing will stop it.

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I stalk down the nearly empty row, drop my bag, and look at her. She turns her head, sees me and rises, grabbing her backpack, but I slide into the seat, grab her wrist, and yank her ass back down. “Sit,” I growl through my teeth, feeling heat rise up my neck as she crashes back into the wooden pew, her jaw flexing. There’s no point in denying myself any of this. I’m a bitch, but only to her, and only because it feels so good. Fuck it. “Do something for me?” I ask her, keeping my voice low as students fill the rows around us, and the altar servers light the candles. “Move your ass a little faster down the field than my grandmother this Saturday, or is that too much trouble?” Liv doesn’t look at me, just stares ahead as she lets out a quiet little laugh. “I haul ass down that field.” Relaxing back into her seat, she hangs her elbows over the back of the pew, and her shirt creeps up a little. I spot the switchblade she keeps hooked over the waist of her skirt, but hidden on the inside, that only I seem to know about. So far anyway. She goes on, “I’ll never understand how a princess who can’t pass a ball for shit and brags to anyone who will listen about being a Swiftie,” and she does air quotes, “‘even before she went pop’ is our team captain. Oh, wait. Yes, I do understand. Daddy is useful. When he’s there.” My father didn’t get me that position. She can think what she likes. But I grin and turn toward the front of the church, my arm brushing hers. “Swiftie?” I say. “Aw, you stalk my Twitter.” That was like four years ago when I said that. But she just mumbles, “I couldn’t care less about your Twitter and your twenty-eight followers.” “At least I don’t lose a dozen every day,” I retort. Yeah, maybe I stalk her Twitter, too. And I don’t have twenty-eight followers. I don’t have as many as her, but it’s more than twenty-eight. “The world just doesn’t like tattooed feminazis with hairy armpits,” I tell her, my gaze catching the dimple on her cheek as she smirks, “who pass judgments like all the other constipated Captain Americas on social media who act like they really know anything when they’re just angry their life sucks donkey nuts.” The dimple grows deeper, her matte red lips pursing to keep her amusement at bay. My heart thumps, and for a moment, I can’t look away. Sometimes I get lost, looking at her. The shape of her nose that I’m kind of jealous of. How soft the lobe of her ear looks. The way she chews the corner of her mouth sometimes. “Is everything okay?” someone says, snapping me out of it. I turn my head, seeing Megan Martelle standing over us, holding a stack of collection baskets. Her blue eyes flit between Liv and me, knowing very well that this isn’t a friendly conversation, but lucky for her, this isn’t any of her damn business. “Fine, thanks,” I reply, my tone a big enough hint she’d have to be blind to miss. But she looks to Liv instead. “Liv?” Excuse me? It’s not the name. It’s how she says it. Like they know each other. Liv must give her some gesture or something, because Martelle gives me one last look and then slowly leaves, continuing down the aisle toward the back of the church without another word. What the hell is she thinking? Does she want to become my next hobby or something? I reach down and pull my backpack closer before turning my eyes back to Liv to see if she’s watching her leave. But she’s staring at me instead, amusement in her eyes. “What the hell are you smiling at?” I demand. She never loses her cool, and it pisses me off. But she just replies, “You have a tattoo.” Her gaze drifts to my hand, and I squeeze my fingers together, covering it. All over again, I feel the needle carve into the inside of my middle finger on my left hand. Fair enough. I’d mocked tattooed feminazis, an umbrella term I tossed her under, when, in fact, she doesn’t actually have any tattoos. Not even the one of her family’s little Sanoa Bay gang—the snake and hourglass that she wears on a bracelet around her wrist. Her brothers all seem to have it inked on them somewhere. Her eyes hold mine, maybe waiting for a response or daring me for one, but the light coming in from the stained-glass windows catches the coppery glint of the strands in her dark hair, a lock hanging over her eye as the rest spills around her shoulders. A dozen or so little braids decorate her hair, none of the ends secured with rubber bands. She looks like a warrior girl in one of those futuristic dystopian movies. And all of a sudden, nothing is hot anymore. It’s just incredibly warm. I squeeze my fingers tighter, the lines inked on the inside of my finger making the four quarters of an inch on a ruler, very few ever notice the lines, and those who do probably just assume I’ve leaked pen on myself. Within that inch we are free. One inch. “Clay?” she says, her tone different. I don’t realize I’m staring off until I bring my eyes back into focus and see the black of her Polo shirt. I lift my gaze, seeing a worried expression on hers. Her eyes shift to my hand on the pew in front of us, and I notice that it’s shaking. “You okay?” she asks. I inhale hard, angry at myself. Why would I not be okay? She grabs my backpack. “You need one of your little blue pills?” But I snatch the pack out of her hands and glare at her. “If you let her touch you,” I bite out, changing the subject. “She will live to regret it. I don’t even have to leave this seat to ruin her life.” Liv looks back at me, and I want to get closer—get in her face, because I want a reaction. “She won’t be able to take it,” I growl in a low voice. “I will keep going until she can’t take it.” I can ruin anyone’s life from my phone. It would be fun. And easy. “You’re not embarrassing our team,” I finally tell her. Megan was flirting yesterday. There’s no way in hell that’s happening. She holds my gaze and then draws in a breath, another fucking air of delight written all over her stupid, fucking face. “I don’t like women who chase me anyway,” she says. “When I want them, they know.” A tingle spreads up my spine, and when I expect to feel anger at her boldness, something else comes over me instead. When I want them, they know. How do they know? What does she do? But she rises from her seat without elaborating. “Excuse me,” she says, and takes her bag, trying to leave. But I stomp down the kneeler, grab her wrist, and yank her to her knees. She sucks in a breath as she catches herself on the pew in front of her, and I pick up my backpack and rise. “Sit your ass down,” I grit out. I don’t stay to see her reaction. I spin around, ignoring the spying eyes from those around us, and leave the chapel just as Mass begins. When I want them… I blink long and hard. Jesus.

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Read the First Chapter HERE!

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Penelope Douglas is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her books have been translated into fifteen languages and include The Fall Away Series, The Devil’s Night Series, and the stand-alones, Misconduct, Punk 57, Birthday Girl, and Credence. Please look for Tryst Six Venom and Motel, as well as the Hellbent series, coming next! She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their daughter. #TSV-4

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New Release ~ Addicted Love ~ by ~ Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Title: Addicted Love

Series: Love Sick Series #4

Author: Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Genre: Sports Romance/Contemporary Romance

Release Date: June 7, 2021

She staggers in excess. He wallows in self-control. Will exposing their weaknesses destroy their chance at love or forge a path to a happily ever after?

Sultry songstress Sophie Guidry comes alive on the stage. Her voice brings men to their knees. No one tells her what to do or tells her no. When her friends introduce her to a dark, handsome man with sincere eyes, his rejection makes her long for a life she doesn’t feel she deserves.

The key to Kori Brooks’ success is self-discipline and control. As the youngest in his field, he works hard to silence his demons. He appreciates his achievements because he almost lost it all. But when he’s introduces to a beauty with soulful eyes and a sexy smile, he fears her tempting ways may push him back on a path of destruction.

Kori’s willing to give Sophie a chance, but on his terms. Sophie agrees, but when Kori changes the rules, they both risk pushing each other over the edge. Will their addictive tendencies destroy them both, or will they push through to create a happily ever after for them both to thrive?

Addicted love is the explosive fourth book in the Love Sick romance series. If you like interesting characters, with an undeniable attractive and a desire to fight off their demons for love, you’ll adore Sydney Aaliyah Michelle’s epic journey.

The ache in my brain competed with the soreness between my legs. I was on opposite ends of the pain pleasure spectrum in my own body, and I liked it.

I rolled over and gripped my head. It pounded against my skull. I curled into a tight ball. If I reduced the space, the pain would lessen. I hugged my legs to my chest and settled, waited for the pounding to subside.

I blinked my eyes open and slid my hand over the sheets behind me. They were cold.

I sat up suddenly. Bad move. My brain took a minute to catch up. I squeezed my eyes shut and flopped back onto the bed.

Let’s do this in stages.

It was late or early; the sun hadn’t come up yet.

My eyes peeled open. I wiped the crust from the corners as I adjusted onto my side and slowly lifted my head. My dress lay across the foot of the bed. I pushed myself up. The shoes I had on last night were neatly lined up next to the pile of shoes in the corner.

I shifted my legs and the ache in my pussy made me pause. Images from last night pried their way into my consciousness. Kori at the club. Him staring through me while I sang as he bobbed his head to the jazz beats. The intense feeling he was ready to bolt until I acknowledged his presence.

“Oh God.” The walk home and the confession at the corner and then the kiss. It all came flooding back in a wave of embarrassment and lust. I flopped on my back and attempted to rub the image out of my brain through my eyeballs. My body heated with images of Kori on his knees. I could feel the trail of kisses on my stomach. The dirty glint in his eye when he asked me—no, told me to sit on his face. I shuddered.

I slid to the side of the bed and sat up. I placed my feet on the floor. That was enough for right now.

Sydney Aaliyah Michelle is a Contemporary Romance writer, a voracious reader, tattoo lover, and movie fanatic who hails from Texas.

After surviving 5 1/2 years living in China, she had the courage to finally pursue her passion and become a writer.

She identifies the sci-fi action flick “The Matrix” as the best representation of her life in the past. She is now blessed to be awake and doing what she loves.

She can recite the entire script from the 80’s teen comedy/drama “The Breakfast Club” and loves any and everything associated with the Avengers Movie, especially Tony Stark.

When it comes to books, Sydney reads different genres, but some of her favorite writers are Stephen King, Xyla Turner, J.A Huss, Kaia Bennett, & Emily Bronte. Under the Dome, The Great Gatsby & Wuthering Heights are her favorite books.

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New Release ~ The Unexpected Card ~ by ~ E.H. Lyon

Title: The Unexpected Card: A Mr. Boss Novel

Author: E.H. Lyon

Genre: Workplace Romance/Accidental Pregnancy/Contemporary Romance

Release Date: June 7, 2021

Romance Reads Reviewed by K – “It is the perfect book to relax, forget about reality and disappear into another world.”

Goodreads Review – “This is a steamy workplace romance with a sexy boss and lots of sizzle to go with it!”

Katslovesbooks – “OMG!!! This book is fantastic and an amazing start for this brand new series by E.H. Lyon.”

One business trip is all it takes for the unexpected…

As co-owner of Ives & Wells, Josh is ready to nail the most important business trip of his career. But does it have to include his business partner’s feisty younger sister Layla escorting him to New Orleans?

As much as they hate each other, it isn’t completely crazy. Technically, she’s an employee and Josh is her boss. But one fight after another leads to an explosion in the bedroom… more than once.

Josh definitely wasn’t planning on nailing more than a good business deal on this trip.

Unfortunately, their plan to leave the antics in the bedroom and out of the office falls apart as soon as they return home. First, because some of their mutual talents can’t be forgotten. Two, because there is a business partner that may kill Josh as soon as he figures out what happened. And three, because some secrets can only be kept for so long, give or take nine months.

The Unexpected Card is a standalone novel from the new Mr. Boss series. This workplace romance is filled with banter, a swoony boss, and surprises along the way.

E.H. Lyon hates folding laundry and decided one day to avoid it by writing witty and a little steamy stories. Her stories take you on a light and bantering ride until the very end, when your couple finds their happily ever after. Along the way, there may be the occasional emotional twist thrown in and the essential appearance of a bottle of whiskey. E.H. has a thing for witty women, determined well-dressed men who fall in love, and the steamy scenes that bring them together.

An American from the Midwest, she now lives in Northern Europe with her small pack of humans. She believes the essence of balance is sitting on a yoga mat listening to music whilst eating a donut. And she absolutely loves finding a new book boyfriend to swoon-over, hearing from other authors, and connecting with people who read her books.

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New Release ~ Unbreak Her Heart ~ by ~ Brie Wilds

Title: Unbreak Her Heart

Series: Beaver Run Reunion Series #1

Author: Brie Wilds

Genre: Small Town Second-Chance Romance

Release Date: June 3, 2021

Some never find love…some others do, and set it free. But will it ever come back? An endearing story of sweethearts since high school, college breakup and a casual encounter many years later. Sometimes, it takes a second chance to get it right.

Luke

On the verge of losing his mega art commission, wanderlust-stricken artist Luke accepts an indecent proposal from his ex to help complete his paintings, but when old emotions are rekindled, he discovers that his feelings for her never died, now he must confront the demons in his past before it’s too late and he loses her forever. There is never a second chance, to a second chance.

Sandra

Just as she decides to start dating again, after a long hiatus, lonely bar owner Sandra is presented with an opportunity to serve her ex the coldest dish of revenge ever, but when old feeling come roaring back, she quickly discovers that moving on is easier said than done, now she must take matters into her own hands to ensure she is never a fool for love again.

“All right then,” said Laura. “In that case, you’re free. There’s a customer that needs a ride.”

Sandra thought for a moment. “Okay, I’ll do it, but only this one time. I’ll be leaving in ten minutes.” Sandra paused and cocked her head. “So, who’s the guy that snagged you? How come you’ve never mentioned him?”

“You already know, the father of my child,” said Laura, brushing her black hair to the side.

Sandra knew that move. A nervous tic her friend had. Her husband, ex-husband, had been gone for three years now, and she still missed him. “I thought it was someone new.” Well, she wasn’t the only one thinking of lost loves. Maybe there was something in the air today.

Sandra wondered where this customer was going. There were no hotels on her way, and she knew everyone that lived in that direction. It could only be the Airbnb. “Is that another of Stone’s renters?”

Lauren chuckled. “You got it.”

“Okay. If I don’t show up tomorrow, ask Stone about the guy that rented his house, okay?”

Laura winked. “You won’t go missing, trust me.” She leaned closer and whispered in her ear. “Maybe if you…emmm…let your guard down a little, you might even get your garden plowed tonight.”

Sandra drew back and made a face. “What? What’s with the fishing and farming euphemisms you’ve been spewing all night?” Sandra pointed at Laura and smiled. “I think you need to be hosed down.”

Laura clapped her hands and laughed. “Touché. Now who’s the queen of euphemisms?

Brie Wilds writes steamy, romance stories about men, women and their amazing and unique journey to happily ever after.

She’s the author of My Big Fat Fake Matrimonial Ad- Book 3 of her Beaver Run books. Her latest book, Unbreak Her Heart, is an endearing story of sweethearts since high school that got a second chance at love many years later after a breakup.

When Brie is not writing, she’s hanging out with her family. You can visit her at www.briewilds.com

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