New Release & Review ~ Just For A Moment ~ by ~ Kate Carley

Returning home stirs up all of the old memories and heartache Grace Holland would rather forget, but now that she’s back, she finally has a chance to put her demons to rest. Sparks fly when Aarron Beckett agrees to work on her granddad’s old plane. Fall for this hard-working hottie in Just For A Moment by Kate Carley, a Return to Hometown Romance, the next book in the Blue Collar Romance Series.

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From author Kate Carley comes a blue collar, return to hometown romance with heat, heart and a happily ever after.

For Grace Holland, coming home to Oak Bend isn’t easy. The journey stirs up old memories, including the heartbreaking reason her family left town. But now that she’s inherited both her granddad’s old Victorian home and a World War II aircraft that he’d been working desperately to restore, Grace is ready to face down the demons of her past—if the people in Oak Bend will let her.

Aaron Beckett’s life is a balancing act. His aircraft mechanic business is booming and being a single parent of a young daughter keeps him on his toes. But when Gracie Jane Holland, granddaughter of his late friend, steps into his aircraft hangar, Aaron’s well-managed life soars out of control, and every free thought begins and ends with that beautiful blonde.

Even with plenty of excuses to avoid each other, sparks fly while they work together to restore an old fighter plane. And just for a moment, it feels as if they’ve found a deeper, more sustainable connection—until well-meaning half-truths threaten to tear them apart.

When her past and present collide, nothing can prepare Grace for the storm of hatred that pours down on her. Ruthless words leave her questioning whether staying in Oak Bend and putting her heart on the line is worth the pain. Can this small town ever be home again?

Escape to Oak Bend, where blue-collar hotties work hard and love even harder, especially when it comes to landing their happily ever after.

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Excerpt

“Beck, I’ve heard so many great things about you. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“People been talking?” Beck chuckled again, but he was studying her face, assessing her with those stunning eyes.

“My grandfather, Win Ross. I’m Grace Holland, and he left instructions that I should reach out to you. That you would have something for me.”

Beck tilted his head a bit to the left, a tender expression passing over his face. “Gracie Jane. I figured you’d be stopping by here at some point. I was sorry to hear about Win’s passing. Everyone in town loved him. And I felt blessed to call him my friend. God, I miss him every day.”

“Thanks for saying that, Beck. I miss him, too. And it’s just Grace now. I think my granddad was the only one still calling me Gracie Jane.”

“He did.” Beck nodded. “He talked about his granddaughter all the time. He was so proud of you and how you started that company of your own.”

As he spoke about her granddad, Beck’s eyes softened and his voice warmed. Talking about the most important man in her life with someone she’d just met felt bittersweet. But according to her granddad, Beck was one of his dearest friends.

“I remember how proud he was when I told him about my new business venture.”

“A website design business. What’s it called again?”

“Holland Designs.”

“Right.” He bobbed his head. “Win said you had more work than you could do in a lifetime.”

“That sounds about right.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t make it to the memorial. I searched for information but never found anything.”

Grace bit her lower lip and then shook her head. The memorial had been a point of contention between her and her mother. “There wasn’t one.”

“Yeah, he always said he didn’t want anything like that, but I wondered if his family would have one anyway.”

“No. My mom and I…We just wanted to do exactly what he wanted.” Grace’s mother had an entirely different interpretation of what Edwin Ross had wanted. “And his wish was to not have people standing around, staring at him.”

Beck chuckled softly. “I remember Win saying that.”

Several unpleasant tasks still remained to be accomplished today, and they dampened the joy Grace generally experienced reminiscing about her granddad. “My granddad left something here for me. Do you have that?”

“Right.” Beck pointed toward the corner of the enormous hangar. “It’s in my office.”

With quickened steps, Grace kept pace beside Beck. “This place wasn’t here before. I mean, when I used to live here, there was the airstrip, but there weren’t many hangars. Maybe two or three.”

“It’s become a thing. Owning a plane. Faster than the ferry if you’re crossing Lake Michigan. Lots of people around the county can afford it. And none of the other towns in the area have an airstrip.”

Stopping at the door to his office, Grace watched while Aaron walked to his desk and lifted a heavy-looking silver paperweight shaped like an airplane. He plucked a key from underneath and went to a tall wooden cabinet in the corner. With a twist of his wrist, he unlocked the door. From her position outside his office, she could see the small black safe. He entered a code, and the door swung opened. Shifting the contents around, he produced a manilla envelope. Then, Beck reversed his steps until he was standing in front of her again, presenting her with the envelope.

The strained expression on his face was exactly how Grace’s heart felt in the moment. A deep ache—one of loneliness and sorrow—created by the loss of a precious soul. Slowly, she reached for the envelope.

“Thank you, Beck. Thank you for keeping my granddad’s wishes safe for him. For me.”

“Yeah, no problem.” Beck pinched his lips together and glanced around before meeting her eyes again. “So, are you ready for your tour?”

“Tour? Now? No.” Grace shook her head, fighting a choking feeling at the back of her throat. A tour—wasting time, wandering around—wasn’t part of her plans for today. Not even for a few minutes. “No. I don’t need a tour. But thanks for this.” She lifted the envelope to indicated she had all she needed at the moment.

Again, he tilted his head the slightest bit to the left and then gave a gruff grunt.

“Suit yourself,” he said. Like a switch had been flipped, his tone turned dark and sarcastic, and Grace had no idea why. “See ya around, Gracie Jane.”

Grace has gone back to Oak Bend, among some history, to get her inheritance from her grandfather, Edwin aka “Win”. Aaron aka Beck is the aircraft mechanic who helped Win with his airplanes. So when Grace meets him, Aaron is only thinking of what he has assumed about Grace and that she wants to sell the planes and get out of Oak Bend. So he’s not a big fan, even if his hormones, and daughter are.

Grace wanted to go back to Oak Bend, just to do something besides what her parents want. Her mother definitely does not want her back in Oak Bend, where she feels that the family history might be held against Grace.

This book and this whole series is a great blend of small-town, blue-collar romance that I was looking for with this series.

5 stars!

About Kate Carley

Kate Carley broke onto the indie publishing scene in 2016 with her debut novel, Challenged, a 2017 RONE award winner. Since then, she has released ten additional titles that explore small town, family sagas in both the romantic suspense and contemporary romance genres.

Kate took a meandering path to get to the point of published author, including a short stint as a computer systems designer and an extraordinary journey as a home-schooling mom. After more than a dozen years of teaching her kids, Kate opened the front door, pointed the youngest in the direction of the local high school, and focused her attention on writing romance novels.

Now that her four children are off writing their own adventures, Kate is free to drift along in her fictional world, plotting the rise and fall of her characters. She has a passion for black coffee, dark chocolate, and red wine. Not necessarily in that order. Kate lives in the Midwest with her family.

About The Blue Collar Romance Series

Escape to Oak Bend where blue-collar hotties work hard and love even harder.

From broody carpenters to sexy electricians, these eight standalones are packed with small town feels, heat, and heartwarming happily ever afters.

Enjoy your favorite tropes written by an amazing group of authors: Jaymee Jacobs, Alexa Rivers, Evelyn Sola, Kate Carley, Tracy Broemmer, Mila Nicks, Claire Wilder, and Moni Boyce.

Fall head over heels for swoon-worthy book boyfriends who aren’t afraid of a little hard work for that happily ever after.

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Book Tour ~ Autumn’s Lawman ~ by ~ Joy Wild

Title: Autumn’s Lawman

Series: Season’s of Love #3

Author: Joy Wild

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: September 8, 2021

Cover Design: Marisa Wesley – Cover Me, Darling

“Another amazing hit for Joy in this story! Follow Autumn’s story as she tries to keep herself safe. When Mark starts to take notice of the things going on with Autumn, he makes it his business to take on her issue’s and keep her safe, but when her secret is revealed, will he be able to contain himself and keep her safe, or will her threat get to her before he can? I’m really enjoying this series, each book gets better and better, always keeping you on the edge of your seat! Sit back relax and enjoy this one!” ~5 Star Review from Sharon Abreau

Can Mark protect Autumn from an unknown enemy?

Autumn Daze is a paramedic with a secret. She always appears to be happy and willing to help others in need, but nobody knows anything about her life. Suddenly she starts showing up to work in pain, covered in bruises. She does her best to hide it, but when her friends start getting involved, she has to figure out what to do. She can’t ask for help, her secret is too important.

Mark Owens, a detective with the state police, has a problem with abuse. He grew up watching it happen every day and couldn’t do anything about it. Now he has the power to help, but Autumn refuses to let him in. He knows she is in trouble, but Mark’s team of bodyguards have their work cut out for them.

There is an unknown threat in the storm. Someone wants Autumn dead. Can Mark and the team protect her from what they can’t see or will she disappear into the night?

Joy Wild lives in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She is a former paramedic in Louisiana has always been an avid reader. After an accident ended her paramedic career, she decided to pursue her lifelong dream of writing. She uses her past experiences to create exciting and romantic stories. Married with three children, Joy spends her days in accounting and her evenings writing stories she hopes will help readers escape from reality and get lost in the happy ever after.

Joy loves to connect with her readers, so be sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram!

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New Release ~ Seducing the Warrior ~ by ~ Laura Shipley

Royce Davis has been living in darkness since an injury in battle left him with failing vision. When a fiery-haired vixen, Lily Moore becomes his employee, she brings with her an unexpected light and a yearning he can’t resist. But, when her past catches up to her, Lily and Royce find themselves caught up in a deadly game. Fans of steamy historical romances will want to sink their teeth into Seducing the Warrior by Laura Shipley, the first book in her To Love A Wicked Warrior Series.

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A soldier losing his vision. A lady fleeing for her life. An unlikely couple… bound together in desire, need, and love.

The man in the shadows…

Injured in battle and his sight failing, Royce Davis has been dwelling in darkness since his return to England, in more ways than one. Consumed by bitterness and pain, Royce is determined to make his way in the world alone. But when a fiery-haired vixen takes up his offer of employment, his heart is awakened by a woman whose beauty enthralls him and whose touch ignites a yearning he cannot resist.

The woman who brings the light…

On the run from a ruthless enemy, Lily Moore finds refuge in Royce Davis’s home. Refusing to be put off by her employer’s coarse manners, Lily senses the real man behind the facade…as well as a desperate passion she finds herself longing to answer.

The darkness that cannot be escaped…

Royce refuses to believe he could ever be worthy of a woman like Lily. But when the past catches up with his new assistant, he will move heaven and earth to keep her safe. Royce must prepare to do battle with a cunning adversary while fighting against his own blindness. Lily never meant for Royce to be caught up in this deadly game. But now what began as a business arrangement has become something much more. Can a bargain born of necessity lead them to a fated love? Or will a madman see them parted forever?

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Excerpt

Lily didn’t answer right away, but he heard her footsteps move closer until he knew she was right next to him. He put his hand out and brushed her shoulder. Lily let out a tiny cry before she fell into his embrace. Royce put his arms protectively around her. They clung to each other.

“I have been alone for so long, dealing with this. Sometimes I feel like I am in an abyss of my own making. Fear has been the driving force in my life for so long—fear of the unknown, so I’ve been trying to accomplish all I can before it’s too late.

”She caressed his face. “You don’t have to be alone.” Lily’s voice trembled. “You have people who care about you, like Mr. Templeton, Percy,” she paused for a second, “and me. I understand that at times things may seem hopeless, but that is when you need to lean on others the most, and I know that may be difficult.”

He leaned into her soft touch. How had this extraordinary woman come into his life, just when he needed her the most? Since coming home from the war, Royce had felt adrift. Lily’s presence anchored him, gave him a beacon to hold on to, and by God, he would hold her close tonight if she let him.

“What did I do to deserve to have you in my life, sweet Lily?” He placed his hand over hers and kissed it.

“I might ask myself the same thing. Before coming here, the last few months, I had been alone and scared. Fearful of everyone and everything. Ever since I have been here, I have found friends and the happiness that has eluded me for quite some time. I feel like I belong.”

Royce tightened his grip on Lily and pulled her closer. “You will always have a place here, for as long as you wish. I ask for no promises and I give none.” On that, at least, he had to be honest.
“I understand.”

“I may not give you a promise, but I can give you a choice. Stay with me tonight. I will do whatever you ask—I am yours for the commanding. All I ask is that you share this room with me. I cannot bear another night without you.”

About Laura Shipley

Laura Shipley is an indie author who writes Victorian historical romance with dark, brooding heroes and strong-willed, feisty heroines. Her love of romance began the first time she “borrowed” one of the mother’s books and was hooked. While she reads all genres, paranormal romance is a close second to historical.

When she is not writing, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She has never met a piece of chocolate or a glass of wine that she did not like. Her third addiction is Starbucks, and the never ending need for caffeine to keep the creative juices flowing. She prefers movies over tv, too much of a time commitment, but likes spending time outdoors including hiking and rafting.

Her greatest joy is transporting readers to another time and place with her books, and to have her readers fall in love with the characters just as much as she does. Laura’s email is always open to comments or questions at thelaurashipley@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Facebook at TheLauraShipley for updates and other fun stuff.

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Excerpt Reveal ~ Crush ~ by ~ J.W. Swartz

Crush by J.W. Swartz releases Oct. 18th! Series/Book: A Midlife Romantic Suspense Novel (Standalone) Genre: Romantic Suspense Trope: Second Chance Love

Pre-Order available now: https://mybook.to/CrushJWSwartz Add it to your TBR on Goodreads: https://bit.ly/CrushTBR

Matilda Shriner spent years fading into the background of marriage and motherhood. She’s more than ready to shed her old identity—the one who suffocated under the crushing weight of tragic loss and then divorce—and rediscover the real Matilda. Especially when she shares a sizzling glance with a stranger the very first night her friends talk her into being social. When that same stranger rescues her from an attack hours later, her quest to find herself takes on new meaning. Because he knows way more about her than he should…

Feather Conrad has been watching Matilda from afar for a long time. From the shadows, he saw her endure the worst a parent can face, her resilience in the aftermath of heartbreak, and her determination to follow her own dreams. Through it all, he fell a little bit in love. Now, thanks to some not-so-coincidental timing, his skills as a private investigator and security specialist might be the only thing standing between Matilda, her fractured family, and a dangerous man with a score to settle. But the same threat that gives Feather the chance to get to know Matilda in person—and prove he’s not an unhinged stalker—puts her in close proximity to her ex and all the history they share.

The secrets he uncovers might just give Matilda everything she wants—and break Feather’s heart.

Pre-Order: https://mybook.to/CrushJWSwartz Goodreads: https://bit.ly/CrushTBR

Zachary grabs her phone. “This chick is either tough or stupid. She reminds me of you,” he answers.

Matilda can’t hear Feather’s response. She takes a ragged breath wondering how long she has before he kills her.

“I’ve already got the gun to her head, mongrel. You know I’m a man of my word. It’s time to say goodbye,” he tells Feather over Matilda’s phone.

Matilda flinches against the cold barrel as Zachary presses it back against her head. He puts her phone on the table and presses speaker.

“Go ahead, Mrs. Shriner.” Zachary over emphasizes her name. “Say goodbye to your little boyfriend.”

Matilda presses her lips together. She listens to the clock tick on the wall. She stares straight ahead.

“Zachary,” Feather’s voice carries a granite edge. “If you harm one hair on her head, I will kill you with my bare hands. I will spend every minute of the rest of my days eliminating every member of your blood line. Every. One. I will wipe your line from this earth. I swear to God.”

Zachary grunts beside her.

“I know what you want. You know where to find me. Come and get me. But if you don’t bring her, alive, and safe, you get nothing. The ball’s in your court.”

MEET J.W. Swartz

J.W. Swartz writes contemporary fiction with a little mystery, little romance, and the kind of real characters who will have you rooting for them from the beginning.

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New Release ~ Truth or Dare ~ by ~ Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine

Truth or Dare, the highly-anticipated and beautiful final chapter in the Dare to Try Trilogy from USA Today bestselling authors Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine is available now!

Truth or Dare is the final book in the Dare to Try trilogy and should only be read after Dare You and Dare Me.

Lieutenant Kieran Bailey never saw his life anywhere but the bustling streets of Chicago—but then again, he never saw his life with a boyfriend, either. That all changed when he fell in love with bombshell CEO Sebastian “Bash” Vogel.

But it’s one thing to fall in love. It’s another to try to build a life together when you live hundreds of miles apart.

How do you choose between everything you’ve ever known and everything you’ve ever dreamed of?

This series must be read in the following order: Dare You (book one) Dare Me (book two) Truth or Dare (book three)

Grab your copy today! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mwVURY Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TruthDareEB

Add Truth or Dare to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3jkNCKT

Start the Dare to Try Trilogy today! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3znXIzN Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/DareYouEB

About Ella Frank Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, Sex Addict. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction.

Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.

Connect with Ella Facebook: http://bit.ly/2sYAgNc Instagram: http://bit.ly/2tM6vPy Twitter: http://bit.ly/2TbuBOf Stay up to date with Ella by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/2FFDzeI Website: https://www.ellafrank.com

About Brooke Blaine Brooke Blaine is a USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary romance that ranges from comedy to suspense to erotic. The latter has scarred her conservative Southern family for life, bless their hearts. If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find – just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for years. Or you can reach her at http://www.BrookeBlaine.com.

Connect with Brooke Website: http://www.brookeblaine.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BrookeBlaine.Writer Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrookeBlaine1 Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/brookeblaine1/ Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1i2g15S

Brooke & Ella’s Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBrellas The M/M Daily Grind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/941204085967883

If you’d like to be the FIRST to know about a new release, sale, giveaway, or upcoming signings & events, make sure to join Brooke’s mailing list: http://www.BrookeBlaine.com

New Release ~ Gier ~ by ~ E.L. Haining

Title: Gier

Series: The Cardinal Brotherhood #3

Author: E.L. Haining

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Release Date: September 23, 2021

Get ready for the next thrilling installment of the Cardinal Brotherhood.

Gier and Craos are infamous in Sin City. The twin brothers who built Las Vegas from the ground up. Greed and Gluttony go hand-in-hand after all.

They have never hidden in the shadows like the rest of their family, flaunting their debauchery for all to see, reveling in their unique ability to work together and create chaos.

With the Cardinal Brotherhood reunited, Gier and Craos have been tasked with hunting down the Chave Da Alma. Leaving their playboy days behind, they accompany Miksa, a powerful witch and ally of the Brotherhood as they attempt to track down any and all leads.

Traveling the globe, Gier and Craos find themselves enamored by the stunning voodoo priestess. They have shared everything and everyone throughout their existence, but will their feelings for Miksa strain their friendship as they endeavor to win her heart?

Miksa operates in the shadows, her only allegiance is to herself. When Gier finds out her true identity, it changes everything.

Will the brothers be able to work together to complete their mission, or will their feelings for the same woman rip them apart and put all of their lives in jeopardy?

*PART OF AN ONGOING SERIES

*Each book focuses on a different couple, however, there is an overarching story that requires books to be read in order.

*Possible cliffhangers

Amazon Review – “Luxure & Kadedus: Seven Deadly Sins you will be ready to die for . A MUST READ!”

Amazon Review – “Gier – Compelling & Potent.”

Amazon Review – “Gier – An Amazing Story!!!!!!!!”

I’m happiest when wandering through the uncharted territory of my imagination. You’ll find me curled up with my laptop, browsing the books at the local library, or enjoying the smell of a new book, taking great delight in cracking the spine and writing in the margins!

Eva is a native Scot but lives in Texas with her husband, two kids, and a whizzy little fur baby with the most ridiculous ears. She first fell in love with British literature while majoring in Linguistics, 17th Century Poetry, and Shakespeare at University. She is an avid reader and lifelong notebook hoarder. In 2014, she finally put her extensive collection to good use and started writing her first novel. Now writing in three sub-genres of romance, Eva is currently working on some exciting new projects for 2021.

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New Release ~ Tempting Fate ~ by ~ Gwen Kleist

♦ ♦ ♦

Carrie Thomas arrives in Las Vegas with one goal in mind: land The Grand Portofino Casino account. So getting stuck, twice in one day, with the hottest man alive puts more than a little crimp in her plans. Especially when she learns the man she’s craved since their tryst in the elevator is her new client. Jack Dillon is at the top of his game. Burned by women in the past and consumed with building his empire, falling in love is the last thing on his agenda. But when Carrie walks into his life, all bets are off. Too bad she’s determined to keep their relationship strictly business. But Jack is used to getting what he wants. And he wants Carrie. Two weeks of giving in to their desires and fun in Sin City. It’s an offer she can’t refuse. Can they mix business and pleasure, or are they just tempting fate?

♦ ♦ ♦

Tempting Fate Available Now Square 2 (1)

♦ ♦ ♦

Gwen Kleist writes contemporary romance novels set in some of the world’s most glamorous destinations. Author, travel writer, and PR professional, Gwen has been writing for as long as she can remember. An avid traveler, she loves weaving amazing destinations into her novels. In addition to writing romance, she runs the family travel website www.CaliforniaFamilyTravel.com. Her work has also appeared in numerous publications, and she was a contributing author to Explorer Publishing’s guidebook, Los Angeles: The Complete Resident’s Guide. Gwen lives with her husband and son in Southern California. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

♦ ♦ ♦

New Release ~ The Curveball ~ by ~ A.M. Williams

It’s been thirteen years since Luke laid eyes on Audrey Wallace. Time has made him bitter and nothing like the boy she used to know. But, no matter how hard he tries, Luke can’t get Audrey off his mind. Will Luke be able to leave their past behind and explore the sizzling chemistry between them? Fans of The Perfect Game by Samantha Christy will devour The Curveball by A.M. Williams, a friends to lovers, second chance romance.

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Is thirteen years too long to reconnect with the one that got away?

Audrey

I never thought I’d see Luke “Voodoo” Kelly again after my parents died when I was fifteen. I was ripped from the only life I knew and thrust into a new one that didn’t involve him.

But thirteen years later, he walks into the bar I’m in with my friends in the last place I thought I’d see him: Somerville.

He looks the same, and he reminds me so much of that boy that I used to know. He’s just as handsome as before and I could still feel our connection.

The only problem? He’s nothing like that boy, and it seems he doesn’t want me in his life anymore.

Luke

Audrey Wallace was the one that got away. One day she was there, the next she wasn’t. And no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t find her.

I never expected to see her in the town I’d just moved to, let alone with my teammates and their partners.

She’s just as gorgeous as I remember, and she acts the exact same.

But I can’t forget what it was like for me after she left, how hard I struggled to claw my way out of my father’s home without her help.

However, no matter how hard I try, I can’t get her from my mind and I realize those feelings from before are still there and stronger than ever.

We have to decide if we can overcome our resentment and fear to get our happy ever after.

The Curveball is book six in A.M. Williams’ Boys of Summer baseball romance series. It’s a second chance, friends-to-lovers romance with a grumpy baseball player and a blast from his past.

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

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Excerpt

It was dark enough now that I couldn’t make out anything on his face. That was probably a good thing. If he looked anything like I did, he probably looked ravaged at this conversation.

“That hurts,” he admitted.

I nodded. “I know. I’m sorry. I was a selfish asshole then. I never really got over it until I left for the military.”

Luke said nothing for several minutes and I thought the topic was done. But he eventually spoke up.

“What made you join up?”

“A few things.” I sighed as I remembered deciding to join up. “I hadn’t wanted to join. But whatever money my parents had went to paying off debts, and Aunt Sarah said that if I didn’t get aid or a scholarship, she couldn’t help.”

I snorted and shook my head. “I know now that was a bunch of bullshit. I think she wanted me to pave my own way.”

“What do you mean by that?” he asked when I didn’t immediately continue.

“Let’s just say that having seen the contents of my aunt’s accounts, she could have easily paid to send me to college a few times and not put a dent in anything.”

“Ouch.”

“Yeah, ouch.”

I blew out a breath. “It is what it is. Joining the military was the best thing for me then. I was still in so much pain from my parents’ dying that I needed to get away. The military allowed me to do that, though I ended my career in Goldsboro, a place that’s only a little over an hour from here.”

Neither of us spoke for several long moments. I waited for him to say something else, whether about what I revealed to him or about his own life after I left.

But he gave me nothing as we continued to eat.

“I’m going to head out,” Luke finally said, pushing himself to stand.

I could only stare at him. “What?”

He shook his head and said nothing, walking away from me. I stared after him, trying to figure out what had just happened.

I poured my heart out to him about my parents dying and how much I’d struggled. And he’d just… walked away..

“What the fuck?” I muttered as I watched him say his goodbyes, shaking hands and giving out hugs like he’d been a part of this group for years.

“Like, seriously, what the fuck?”

He disappeared around the side of the house.

I looked back to the group and met Zoe’s gaze. She stared at me for a few beats, asking what was up with her eyes.

I had no fucking clue, so I just shrugged.

I knew one thing, though. If Luke thought I was just going to open myself up to him and let him shit all over me, he had another think coming. I’d bared my soul, and he hadn’t reacted.

Well. Fuck him.

I was officially done.

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 ~ Eye Candy ~ by ~ Shaw Hart

Eye Candy by Shaw Hart is out now! Check out the box set and grab your copy of this sexy contemporary series today!

Title: Eye Candy

Author: Shaw Hart

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Get Your Copy Today!

About Eye Candy:

Ames:

Ames Bronson must have a death wish.

He should no better than to go after his boss’s daughter. He’s trying to stay away from her.

There’s just one problem.

He’s pretty sure that he’s in love with her.

Harvey:

Harvey Warner might have lost it.

His mind that is.

One look at the curvy chef, Coraline, and he’s hooked.

Now if only he could convince her that she should take a shot on him.

Rooney:

Rooney Jennings is out of his mind.

To be fair, a lot of his friends would claim that he was never in his right mind.

When he spots Sayler Jones, that’s it. Game Over.

They should be happy together, they’re both interested in one another and they just click.

There’s just one problem.

Sayler has been promised to another.

Gray:

Grayson Mackleroy is probably going to regret this.

He’s regretted a lot of things in his life. Not standing up to his dad, not moving away from Rosewood when he had the chance, but none of them come close to his biggest regret.

Not making Nora Mason his the second that he laid eyes on her.

Now too much time has passed and while he’s been in love with her since he first saw her in the third grade, she sees him as nothing but a best friend and roommate.

Or does she?

Ender:

Ender Montrose definitely doesn’t belong here.

In this club filled with college students and business people who are all half his age.

But he’s still here.

Because of her.

Cat Schultz.

The bombshell vixen who stole his breath and his heart the first time he looked at her.

He’s old enough to be her father, but she calms those tortured thoughts in his head and he seems to calm the storm inside of her.

Will that be enough to convince her that he’s the man for her though?

Banks:

Banks Mitchell has a dirty little secret.

He’s in love with his new next door neighbor.

Palmer Calter is everything that he wants in a woman. She’s gorgeous, insanely smart, and hilarious.

There’s just one problem.

She’s too young for him.

I mean, she just graduated from high school for goodness sake.

He knows that he should just let go and move on, but how can he when she keeps showing up and looking at him like he’s the best thing that she’s ever seen?

When he sees some rich prick sniffing around her, he knows that he has to make a choice. Should he claim his curvy girl or let her go and try to move on?

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About Shaw Hart:

Shaw Hart is an Amazon Top 100 best-selling author of contemporary and New Adult romance. She loves writing instalove romances that always end in happily ever afters.

She lives in a constant state of motion, chasing after her two children and three dogs. Shaw enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends.

When she’s not doing that, she’s reading romance books, watching stand up comedies or crime TV shows. Her favorite book tropes are secret baby and boss/employee romances. She’s a big fan of James Acaster, Anthony Jeselnik, Nate Bargatze, and John Mulaney’s comedy. Her favorite TV shows are Psych, Burn Notice, Leverage, Barry, Bob’s Burgers, and New Girl.

She’s a Pinterest addict, dog lover, tea snob, and a wannabe yogi.

She also writes contemporary romance books under the pen name, Rebecca Wilder, and she’s one half of the paranormal romance duo, Skye Alder.

Connect with Shaw:

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New Release ~ Bailey ~ by ~ Jessica Ames

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BAILEY I’ve always felt like an outsider in the Untamed Sons. I’m Nox’s sister and the widow of a brother, but I’m not one of them. When I’m abducted by our enemies, I don’t expect to be rescued by a tall, dark, handsome, and extremely dangerous stranger. Zeke Fraser is the devil in a suit, and he’s refusing to give me back to my family. Worse still, I’m falling for my captor. There’s something captivating about the man, and while I know he’s going to be my downfall, I can’t stop from gravitating towards him. ZEKE I was sent to rescue Bailey, but instead, I found myself unable to part with her. Keeping her captive in my penthouse isn’t the best plan, but I’m unwilling to hand her over to the Sons until I know they’re going to uphold their end of the bargain. I’m not supposed to fall for the woman I’ve stolen, but there’s something about Bailey’s fire that keeps me wanting more. But to have her, I have to survive her family, and the club is out for blood. Mine. *Warning: Contains adult content. Reading age 18 +. Graphic violence and dark emotional scenes that may trigger some readers.

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Jessica Ames lives in a small market town in the Midlands, England. She lives with her dog and when she’s not writing, she’s playing with crochet hooks.