2023 – Page 5 – TBR Book Blog

Sales Blitz ~ Cocktails & Crushes ~ by ~ Katrina Marie

Dylan might be just what I need to keep my bar running, too bad he can only help for a few months. Then again, maybe it’s for the best. Fighting my attraction is hard, and falling for Dylan? It isn’t an option.

Cocktails & Crushes is on sale for 99 cents for a limited time! Grab this steamy, small town, reverse age gap romance from Katrina Marie before the price goes back up.

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Out of the Ashes will be the best bar in the county. At least that’s what I promised my uncle before he passed away. With all the changes we’re making, more challenges arise. The crowd seems to get rowdier with every day that passes, and it’s getting harder to keep my head above water. That is until Dylan, the boy I used to know, walks in. He’s definitely not a kid anymore. But he might just be what I need to keep the bar running smoothly. Too bad he isn’t staying in town and can only help for a few months. Then again, maybe it’s for the best. I’m not sure how long I can fight my attraction, and guarding my heart is the least of my problems. Because falling for Dylan? It isn’t an option. Ever.

About Katrina Marie

Katrina Marie lives in the Dallas area with her husband, two children, 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 events, curled up reading a book, or binge watching her favorite shows.

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Cover Reveal ~ Here With Me ~ by ~ Brooke Montgomery

Join us for the cover reveal of Here With Me by Brooke Montgomery. Fans who love Small Town Romances will sink their teeth into this steamy, forbidden, age-gap romance. Keep scrolling for more details about this sexy cover.

Title: Here With Me

Author: Brooke Montgomery

Release Date: 09/06/2023

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Page Count: 350 pages

Tropes: Age Gap, Small-Town, Opposites Attract, Workplace, Secret Relationship, Family Saga, Off-Limits

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…

I shouldn’t want him.

Fisher’s the new farrier on my family’s horse ranch.
He’s twice my age and workplace relationships are off-limits.
He also happens to be my ex-boyfriend’s dad.

As a show horse trainer, I put my life on the line each time I saddle up.
When a trick gone wrong nearly ends my career, he’s the one who helps me in my recovery.

We’re complete opposites.
He’s quiet and reserved.
I’m loud and a thrill-seeker.

Regardless, the bond we build is undeniable, but it’s not so simple.
He’s a broken man trying to mend his relationship with his son.
Getting involved would destroy everything.

To avoid that, we instate a no-touching rule.
No side glances or flirty texts.
Definitely no sneaking around in the tack room.

But one moment changes everything.
And we break them all.

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.

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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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New Release ~ Resurgence ~ by ~ Shelby Gunter

It takes a certain skill set to do my job, and distractions get in the way of doing it well. Thia Ames has become the biggest distraction of all, but I can’t afford to get involved. Not only am I almost twenty years older than her, but acting on my emotions could very well get us both killed. Fans of Brittney Sahin’s The Stealth Ops Series and Brynne Asher’s The Killers will love Resurgence by Shelby Gunter, a steamy, age gap, military romantic suspense.

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Soldiers of fortune. Hired guns. Mercenaries. We’re the ones who go into enemy territory when no one else will. It’s dangerous, it’s secretive, and we’re good at it. It takes a certain skill set to do my job, and distractions get in the way of doing it well. And meeting Thia Ames has become the biggest distraction of all. But when Thia is put up for auction on the black market, my team is tasked with her protection. She is my mission, and protecting her should be my sole focus. But the shadows that lurk behind her bright smile hint at a dark past that calls to the hero in me. I can’t afford to get involved. Not only am I almost twenty years older than her, but acting on my emotions could very well get us both killed. Her life hangs in the balance. I couldn’t save her before, but this time, I’ll do whatever it takes… or die trying.

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Excerpt

“I’m not telling you shit. You’d be merciless.” “Fine, I’ll get Declan to tell me.” Her confidence makes me want to smile. “How? He wouldn’t betray me for anything.” “Look at this face.” She points towards her nose as if I haven’t been staring at her this whole time. “You don’t think my adorable little face couldn’t get him to squeal?” I narrow my eyes at her. “You wouldn’t.” “Watch me.” She takes off running toward the warehouse. Surprise causes me to falter, then I’m running after her, my legs eating up the distance in no time. She looks over her shoulder, her eyes lighting up when she finds me chasing her. I get two steps away from her when I reach out to grab her around the middle. She squeals, her laughter ringing out as she wiggles to get out of my hold. “Oh, no you don’t,” I huff out with a laugh. I go to lift her over my shoulder, but she’s too squirrelly. She relaxes her body, her weight dropping straight to the ground. I lose my footing with the sudden change, heading toward the ground like a fallen oak tree. Twisting at the last second, I land on my shoulder, then roll over to my back, pulling Thia with me to keep her from hitting the ground. Her eyes are wide, sparkling with humor and surprise. “I thought you were supposed to be some badass Marine, and you just got taken down by a girl with no training.” My mouth pops open in surprise. “You little shit.” Before I can think, I flip us over, one hand on the back of her head, the other digging into her sides as she squeals. “Okay, okay, okay! I give!” She squirms under me, trying to get away from my tickling fingers, all while giggling like a little girl. I stop, holding my fingers at her side. “Take it back.” The mischievous light in her eyes makes me want to kiss her. “Fine,” she pants. “You’re the most badass Marine who ever lived, even though you fell while chasing me.” She grins. I throw my head back, laughing. “I hate that I can’t even be mad at you for that last quip because it’s true.” Thia’s hand moves from my shoulder and down my arm. It’s then I’m fully aware of our position, of every part of me that’s touching her. I catch her gaze, her own realization happening at the same time as mine. The heat in her eyes sends my body careening off the edge. I tighten the fingers speared through her hair as her hands move across my chest. It’s like fire racing through me. It’s as if she’s branding me with her touch so I’ll never be able to feel anything like it again. A throat clearing behind me has my head whipping up. Connor looks at us with his eyebrows raised. “If you want to finish up whatever this is, I think I’ve figured out how to make the tracker work.”

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About Shelby Gunter

Shelby is a Romantic Suspense author who loves writing plot twists you’ll never see coming. Shelby and her husband call Kansas City their home base but enjoy traveling as far and as often as possible. She loves all things related to coffee, wine, and books, and it’s rare you will see her without one of those items in hand.

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Cover Reveal ~ Twist of Date ~ by ~ Lauren Helms

Join us for the cover reveal of Twist of Date by Lauren Helms. Fans who love Friends to Lovers Romances will sink their teeth into this steamy, secret fling, matchmaker romance. Keep scrolling for more details about this sexy cover.

Title: Twist of Date

Author: Lauren Helms

Release Date: 7/14/2023

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Page Count: 66,000 words

Trope: Secret Fling, Matchmaker, Friends to Lovers, A Twist of Forbidden, Bossbabe

Once upon a time, there was a charming restaurant owner and an unsuspecting matchmaker who refused to mix business with pleasure…

Layla
I’ve always been in the business of love. Happily Ever After, Inc. has thrived under my leadership and the hard set of rules that I set for myself. But when a never quite forgotten blast from my past walks into my life, I’m suddenly questioning everything and everyone around me.

Cole Reed is everything I want in a man – handsome, successful, and charming.

There’s just one small hiccup…Cole is Happily Ever After’s latest client, and he’s got his sights on me.

Cole
I’m used to getting what I want and I’ve never left a date unhappy. So when my grandmother insists I need to work with a matchmaker…her lifelong best friend at that…I’m skeptical. Especially when my path crosses with the girl that always seemed to get away.

She’s sexy, smart, and determined – everything I’ve always admired about her. And this time, I refuse to let her get away.

There’s just one small problem…Layla James is my so-called matchmaker’s granddaughter – and the owner of the matchmaking company that’s just taken me on.

It feels like a weird twist of date that’s put the two of us back in each other’s life, but Layla doesn’t quite see it that way.

Can I convince her to break a few rules and take a chance on our own happily ever after?

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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.

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New Release ~ Come to Papa ~ by ~ Matilda Martel

This grumpy man of the month wants to be a daddy and he thinks he’s found the one. But Candy Cane Key’s newest resident and self-proclaimed cat lady is on a mission and doesn’t have time for love, marriage, and babies. Can the town grump steal enough sunshine to woo her stubborn heart? Readers who love a little grumpy with their sunshine will enjoy Come to Papa by Matilda Martel, a steamy, small town, friends to lovers, age gap romance.

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This grumpy man of the month wants to be a daddy. Reclusive writer Felix Mercer came to Candy Cane Key to find silence but quickly discovered peace and quiet are overrated. Disgruntled and unhappy, he can’t figure out what ails him until he meets the town’s newest resident and self-proclaimed cat lady, Harlow Jane. Harlow loves two things— Christmas and cats. When she reads an article about an island in the Florida Keys that celebrates Christmas all year round and with a long-suffering stray cat population, she knows she’s found her own personal paradise. Felix is instantly enamored, and a casual acquaintance quickly becomes an obsession. Harlow’s hot little curves drive him to distraction. Her kind, nurturing heart confirms he’s found the one. But Harlow’s on a mission to save the world— one cat at a time. She doesn’t have time for love, marriage, and babies. Can the town grump steal enough sunshine to woo her stubborn heart?

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Excerpt

Stray cats need to be on their guard night and day— that’s the only way they survive. I hold my breath, watching her take two steps back and three steps forward, with one more to go. Her pupils suddenly dilate to saucers. Her back arches then a low guttural growl catches me by surprise. I scramble back like a crab, but my momentum stalls against a brick wall, and the kitty runs away. “Do you need some help?” The brick wall speaks. My head snaps up, and I glimpse the source, a fair-haired man with dark eyes, a wicked smile, and a body sculpted by the gods. I blink rapidly, blinded by the sun and his unspeakable beauty. I’ve never seen anyone who looks like him, not here or in Sycamore Mountain— not even on television. But this creeper ruined my plans and threw away five days of hard work. “No, you’ve done enough.” I groan, then bite my tongue, too frustrated to hide my intense displeasure for a man who was only trying to help. It’s not his fault, but my failure could result in tragedy if I don’t catch that cat soon. Stray dogs roam this beach at night in search of food, and they might mistake this fat little Calico for their next meal. I scramble to my feet, shifting aimlessly in the soft sand to regain my balance. The handsome stranger clears his throat and offers his hand. I hesitate but ultimately place my palm in his hand, letting him pull me to my feet. Attractive does not mean harmless. We’re alone on a beach, and my mother didn’t raise me to be a trusting fool. “Thank you, and I apologize for my snarky comment. I’ve been trying to catch that cat for the past few days, and this is the closest I’ve come.” I stammer, embarrassed by my rudeness and hoping my contrite behavior will make amends or prevent him from carrying me into the ocean and drowning me. “You mean Buster?” His deep voice jumps an octave, and he points to the chunky Calico reclining against a nearby palm tree, frantically cleaning his behind. “Buster? That’s a silly name for a girl.” I tiptoe towards the cat and consider my next course of action. He may be huge, hot, and handsome, but I have a one-track mind. There are far more important things on my to-do list than flirting with strange men who smell like cocoa butter, and what is that? Sandalwood? A storm is scheduled to pass through later this evening, and I hate to think of this little girl spending another night cold, wet, and alone. “Buster isn’t a girl. He’s a boy.” The strange man follows close, oddly fixated on lending a helping hand. I glance over my shoulder and lift my hand to my brow, shielding my eyes from the sun to get a better look at his face. There’s no denying he’s yummy, but he doesn’t know the first thing about cats. “Calicos are almost always girls,” I huff, confident with my assessment. He chuckles and points to the cat. “He’s got balls. I’m pretty sure he’s a boy.” I squint and squat to get a better look. My jaw drops. My tongue ties. “Oh… my… God. Oh, my God. We’ve just found a polydactyl male Calico. Do you have any idea how rare he is?” I flail my arms, squealing with glee, then accidentally strike his calves. He hardly flinches. He’s a golden slab of sculpted marble, and I couldn’t hurt him If I tried. “We need to get him. He must be guarded like the Mona Lisa.” I creep forward, and he drops to his knees, crawling next to me. “I’m Felix, by the way.” He stops to extend his arm, and I give him a quick shake, one eye on his sinewy forearm and the other on my fat Calico boy. He mustn’t escape. “I’m Harlow. I’m new to the island— on a mission to save the world, one cat at a time.” I laugh, crouching low, careful not to lose the element of surprise. “Can you crawl that away and block his exit?” I gesture with my head and slink forward like a snake. “That’s a lovely name.” His brown eyes twinkle as his mouth tips into a slight smile. My heart skips a beat, and for the first time, it has nothing to do with cats. “If I help you catch Buster, what do you plan on doing with him?”

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About Matilda Martel

Matilda is a Texas girl in love with a Philly boy who loves to write dirty books about two people who trip into love and fumble their way into a Filthy, Funny, Happily Ever After. I live in Austin, with my husband, two crazy Chihuahuas and an even crazier cat. And I spend most of my day writing dirty romance books about older men who fall in love with younger women and make fools of themselves trying to win their hearts.

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New Release ~ Friend Zoned ~ by ~ Evelyn Sola

Fresh off of a messy divorce, Jeannie Dubois isn’t looking for anything more than friendship, and Aiden Walsh is more than happy to fill that role. But when these two friends become lovers, things quickly turn complicated. Can Aiden prove to Jeannie that they’re meant to be more than friends or will she send him back to the friend zone? Readers who enjoy spicy romances will devour Friend Zoned by Evelyn Sola, a steamy friends-to-lovers romance.

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A self-proclaimed bachelor, content on his own. A runaway bride, searching for her freedom.

They may seem like they’ve got nothing in common, but the tiniest sparks make the biggest flames.

Delaney Lewis is desperate for her freedom. From her controlling mother and the man she left standing at the altar.

Her best friend is more than happy to help her escape and sets Delaney up at her soon to be brother-in-law’s house while he’s out of town, confident that when David comes home—he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Delaney safe from her crazy family.

David Sutton finds the surprise of a lifetime when he discovers a woman sleeping soundly in his bed. When she explains how she ended up there, David’s heart and mind slowly open, leading to a permanent place to stay, a job, and best of all, a new outlook.

The woman who was much like a stranger before, slowly becomes his friend…with a few intimate perks and before they know it, real sparks start to fly.

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Excerpt

“Jeannie,” Vickie, the bride, says. She’s so beautiful with the happy newly married glow. “Have you met Colt’s coach, Aiden?”
Shocked by the question, I look around the room and hope my mother will come save me, but she’s too busy talking and laughing to bother noticing me. I clear my throat and offer him my hand. His large palm practically envelops it. When he lifts my knuckles to his lips and kisses them, I almost combust into flames. It’s been almost two years since I felt a man’s lips on any part of me. That must be why my body is short circuiting right now. But if I have a few more drinks, I’m going to drag him into a dark corner and have my way with him. I clear my throat and yank my hand away.
“So, you ah, coach football?” I ask, unsure of what else I could possibly ask. I try to think of any information my mother has given me. She says Mr. Colt is a football player. Vickie giggles and Colt groans.
“Basketball,” Aiden corrects.
“Are you sure?” I ask. “My mom said you’re a football player,” I say to Colt.
Vickie tries to hide her laugh but fails.
“I’m going to have a talk with Myra,” Colt says, but he’s being playful, so I’m not completely mortified by my faux pas.
“Yeah, and I’m pretty sure I coach basketball, not football,” Aidan says.
“Oh.” I wave my hand. “I don’t watch either.” I turn back to my chair, certain that they think I’m an idiot and will leave me alone now.
“More of a reader, I see,” Aiden responds. “What book has you so engrossed?”
My eyes dart to the table in search of my book. I thank a higher power that it’s safely inside my purse. No need to let these newlyweds and the sexy one know that my life is a train wreck. “Nothing you would find particularly interesting.” I clear my throat, but when I turn to look at Aiden, he’s looking directly at me.
“Try me,” he says. I take a step toward the table, grab my purse and shove it under my chair. No way in hell he’ll see this book.

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 ~ Friend Zoned ~ by ~ Evelyn Sola

Blurb

They say the best things come when you least expect it.

Burned by her ex-husband and a messy divorce, Jeannie Dubois isn’t looking for anything more than a good friend. Besides, she’s still dealing with the ex-husband who can’t seem to let her go.

Insert NBA coach, Aiden Walsh. Sure, he wants so much more than friendship with the beautiful woman he met at a wedding, but he’s sure he can play the part and he’s good at biding his time. So, for now, he’ll fill any role she wants.

But when these two friends become lovers, things quickly turn complicated when Jeannie finds out Aiden is so much more than just Manhattan’s favorite coach.

Can Aiden prove to Jeannie that they’re meant to be so much more, or will she send him back to the friend zone?

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Excerpt

The moment I get inside the mansion, I’m greeted by a server holding a tray of drinks. There are several different cocktails, but I grab a glass of red wine and move further into the home, noticing the white chairs set out for the wedding in the formal living room. I take off my coat, and someone takes it, handing me a ticket to retrieve it later. I look around and spot the mother and daughter. They’re on the other side of the room, and Jeannie is helping her mother with her coat before shrugging off her own.

I was right. She’s tall and lean, with nice hips, a firm ass, and a perfect set of breasts. That’s a woman’s body. She’s wearing a black shirt under a black blazer and a black skirt that reaches her knees. Her legs are visibly toned under thick black stockings and she’s wearing ballet flats that don’t seem to go with the outfit. Someone is making a statement that she’s here under protest.

The outfit can’t be described as anything other than plain and matronly, but on her body, it’s sexy as sin. Especially the bottom half with her hips and ass that sit in the skirt just right. My eyes travel up and land on her breasts. I was right. They’re perfect. Not too big or too small. Perfect to fit in the palm of my hand. She looks up at the exact moment that I lick my lips, and our eyes lock. It’s brief, but something in the room sizzles, and I feel my heart rate pick up for the first time in years. At least outside of a workout.

She looks away, and the moment is lost. Even from a distance, I can tell she’s clearing her throat and doing her best to appear comfortable. A server comes by, and she grabs a colorful cocktail. She takes a sip and must approve because her full lips curl into a small smile until her mother swipes the drink from her and drinks it.

She puts a finger in Jeannie’s face and waves it. “You have to drive me. No drinking.” Jeannie flags down the server and grabs another. “That won’t be for hours. If I have to be here, I’m drinking. Don’t make me fight you again.” She makes a fist, and so does her mother. They knock them together once. “Keep it up and you’ll be taking the bus home,” Jeannie warns.

Her mother waves her off. “I have work to do. I’m going to find you a nice, young man.” She leans closer to Jeannie’s ear, and I take a few steps toward them so I can hear. “Mr. Colt knows a lot of young black men. Did I mention they are rich?” she adds again.

Jeannie looks around and rolls her eyes. “Well, then go do the Lord’s work, Mom.”

“I have to because you’ve given up.” Her mom grabs another drink from a server and says, “I’m having so much fun.”
The older woman limps away, and Jeannie seems to exhale in relief at her departure. She looks around and our eyes lock again, but she blushes and breaks the stare much too quickly. She moves to the back row of white chairs and takes a seat. She rummages through her purse, and I expect her to pull out her phone, but she surprises me. She pulls out a book. I can’t see the title or cover from here, but my interest is piqued yet again. She opens it, flips through a few pages, and looks down. I know the exact moment when she tunes everything out and focuses on the words in her book, and I make it my mission to find out what she’s reading before she leaves here tonight.

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About Evelyn Sola

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 ~ Gingerbread Man ~ by ~ Karla Doyle

Honey Golding is the sweetest little thing Cal has ever laid eyes on. His much-younger new employee is off-limits, but his sweet tooth might overrule his common sense… and his willpower. Readers who love a side of laughter with their romance will enjoy Gingerbread Man by Karla Doyle, a steamy, small town, grumpy/sunshine, boss/employee, age gap romance.

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A town that celebrates Christmas year-round is the perfect place for a newly divorced, six-foot-four ginger-haired baker to open his new business, The Ginger Bread Man. Too bad he doesn’t share the community’s love of everything ho-ho-ho. Fake it until you make it, right? Or hire someone who has enough holiday spirit that nobody notices your lack thereof. Enter Honey Golding, the sweetest little thing Cal has ever laid eyes on. His much-younger new employee is off-limits, but his sweet tooth might overrule his common sense… and his willpower.

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Excerpt

“Your hours say you’re open until six,” the brunette says when I unlock and open the door. “So I thought I had plenty of time to catch you.” “I close when everything’s sold.” Little Miss Sunshine doesn’t flinch at my grumpy tone. She just stares up at me with the prettiest green eyes I’ve ever seen. “You don’t have anything left to sell? By quarter after four?” “No.” An apology would be appropriate here, I know. Not my style. Hence why I need a customer service elf. “Come by in the morning if you don’t want to be disappointed.” Shit, even I can do better than that. I huff a miserable-sounding sigh. “I tell you what—I’ll put something aside for you, and you can pick it up whenever you get here. The door will probably be locked, but I’ll wait for you. Best I can do. So. What were you hoping to get today?” “A job.” No tapping on the glass this time. She pushes past me to reach in and pull my makeshift sign from the inside of the window, then hands it to me. “This job. You won’t find anyone better. What time should I be here tomorrow?” I grunt a laugh. Even smile a little. She’s spunky, confident, and yeah, very easy on the eyes. Too easy, considering she’s gotta be in her early-twenties, and I’m knocking on forty’s door. My attraction is irrelevant. She’s applying for a job, not a date. Right now, she’s my top candidate, simply because of her personality. But this is my business, and despite feeling like the stupidest man alive for being blindsided back in Cali, I’m not foolish enough to hire anyone on impulse. Not even the irresistible brunette. “Got a resume?” I hook a nod toward the cash counter. “I’ll add it to the pile and look it over later.” When she’s not standing in my personal space, looking and smelling like a sweet treat I could sink into. My second head doesn’t get to do the hiring. She breaks eye contact only long enough to pull a sheet of sunshiny-yellow paper from her bag. Despite my comment about reviewing it later, I scan the page after she hands it to me. “No bakery experience,” I say, pointing out the only fault I find. Her genuine smile doesn’t waver, not even for a moment. “Don’t worry. I’ll have your buns and baguettes figured out in no time.” If she knew how much my baguette liked the sound of that, she’d snatch her application from my hand and never come back. “I’ll be in touch—” I glance at the paper again, as if I didn’t already have her name and number committed to memory. “Ms. Golding.” “It’s Miss, and call me Honey.” Another grunted laugh slips out. “Hoping to sweeten me up so I give you the job, Miss Golding?” “I always put Honora on formal or professional documents, but everyone in town calls me Honey.” Shit. I’ve got big feet and an even bigger mouth to shove them in. She raises one eyebrow over eyes the color of moss and shiny as sea glass. “Don’t worry, boss, I’m not offended. What time should I be here in the morning?” “I haven’t offered you the job.” A smile forces its way past my resting grump face as I accept the hand she extended, awareness rising to riotous levels throughout my body the instant we make skin-to-skin contact. “You will,” she says, holding my hand and my gaze. “I’m exactly what you need.” She’s right. I know it with every cell of my being. Trouble is, I think she’s exactly what I need in more ways than I can have her.

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About Karla Doyle

After studying fashion design in college, Karla worked in the clothing industry for over two decades. In 2011, she caught the writing bug, received a scholarship to attend the Romance Writers of America conference in New York City, and hasn’t looked back. A small-town girl with some big-city experience, Karla resides in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, with her husband and two young-adult kids. When she’s not writing the sexy stories swirling around in her head, you can find her spending time with family, playing online Scrabble, or cuddled up with a romance novel and her beloved pets. Karla loves interacting with readers. Connect with her online or send her an email. She’d love to hear from you!

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New Release ~ Handfast ~ by ~ Tricia T. LaRochelle

Three years after their freshman year from hell, Sara not only graduates from college, but her relationship with Scott is stronger than ever. Just when she thinks the craziness from her past is over, a mysterious stranger shows up, knocking her world off its axis. Will this man prove to be another devastating blow to her already complicated life? Readers who love Tattered Stars by Catherine Cowles will enjoy Revive by Tricia T. LaRochelle, a new adult romantic suspense.

“LaRochelle writes like a pro and delivers a profoundly entertaining romance story with genuinely flawed characters and a deftly handled plot with explosive moments.” —The Book Commentary

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Blurb:

Three years after her freshman year from hell, Sara graduates college a stronger and more well-balanced woman. Her relationship with Scott is strong, their future together bright. If only her parents could be there to join in the celebration.

Just when she thinks the craziness of the past is finally over—and for good—a mysterious stranger shows up at her graduation, turning Sara’s world upside down. This man may just be the answer to her prayers or another devastating blow to her already traumatic life.

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Excerpt

I’d never seen Scott so nervous. I’d seen him upset, angry, worried, and shocked—heck, I’d even seen him depressed—but never nervous. Not fun nervous, anyway.

He sucked in a breath and began. “Before I met you, I had no idea what being in love was like. I thought I knew, but I didn’t have a clue. Being with you has taught me so much these past few years. Not only are you the most gorgeous creature I have ever laid eyes on …” He smirked, his eyes dancing with erotic thoughts, something I saw whenever he was “in the mood,” which was pretty much all the time. “And sexy as hell, but you are braver than anyone I’ve ever known.” A shadow fell over his face. “On top of that, and even after all you have been through, you still have the biggest heart. Being with you makes me want to be a better person.” He shook his head and exhaled. “I find myself imagining things that I never thought I’d ever want.”

“Like what?” The words tumbled out of my mouth like a five-year-old with no self-control.
The corners of his luscious lips twitched upward. “Well, for starters … a house … with kids … a dog. The thought of you mothering my children someday makes me believe that dreams can come true.” He looked down for a moment and shook his head again before pinning my gaze with his vibrant blue eyes. “I realize you’re too good for me. And I also know that I don’t deserve you, but fuck if that’s going to stop me from asking you the most important question of my life.” He inched closer, his irises locking me in place, his voice low and imploring. “After we graduate next spring, Sara Browne, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

My eyes welling with tears, I leaned forward and fell into his big, burly arms, his musky scent welcoming and his lips tapping tiny kisses against my head and cheek. “Of course, I will. I can’t imagine anyone else as my husband or the father of my children. So, yes, yes, yes,” I said, giddy and slightly dizzy from the emotions swirling through my head, my heart, and every cell of my body.

About Tricia T. LaRochelle

Since she was a little girl, Tricia T. LaRochelle has been obsessed with tragic love stories. No beach reads for her. Bring on the grit with a double side of turmoil. She likes to feel the character’s anguish as they fight to overcome obstacles to be together. Growing up in central Vermont, she has seen her share of tragedy but remains a hopeful romantic. She now lives in Central Virginia where she continues to foster the possibilities of how love can conquer all.

Flickering Heart is the first book in the Sara Browne Series. Stay tuned for updates and announcements on Instagram, and Twitter, or sign up for her email list at TriciaLaRochelle.com.

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Cover Reveal ~ Resurgence ~ by ~ Shelby Gunter

Join us for the cover reveal of Resurgence by Shelby Gunter. Readers who love military romance will sink their teeth into this steamy, age gap, romantic suspense. Keep scrolling for more details about this amazing cover.

Title: Resurgence

Author: Shelby Gunter

Release Date: 06/16/2023

Genres: Romantic Suspense

Trope: Age Gap, Military, Emotional Scars/Dark Past

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About Shelby Gunter

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