2023 – Page 6 – TBR Book Blog

New Release ~ Morsel Enemies ~ by ~ Alexia Chase

Ava and Miles try to outwit each other as they battle for the same land. Ava’s determined to claim the land for her boss and get out of town, but there’s something charming about the town… and Miles. Readers who enjoy the Man of the Month Club collection will devour Morsel Enemies by Alexia Chase, a steamy, small town, enemies-to-lovers, beach romance.

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Are you ready to meet your next Man of the Month? Chocolate chips, year-round Christmas decorations, crystal-clear waters, and smoldering nights under the stars. What more could you ask for? Ava’s boss, Jax, wants the same land Miles wants, and she’s there to make sure Jax gets it and escape Hell Town, Florida, as fast as she can. Miles loves the land and will stop at nothing to get rid of the interloper. Until Miles and the town charm her. Or is it all a lie? Morsel Enemies from Alexia Chase is a small-town, enemies-to-lovers romance about Candy Cane Key’s favorite Scuba Diving Charter owner and a woman who hates frizzy hair, bugs, and sunshine. Sparks will ignite this National Chocolate Chip Day as these two try to outwit each other. It’s going to be a hell of a ride.

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Excerpt

Who has Christmas all year round? In the Florida Keys? These people need their heads examined. God, it’s hot. I fan the neckline of my top to let in some much-needed coolness, except nothing but sweltering air is swooshing around. From inside my black handbag clutch, my cell phone rings. I let go of the handle for my luggage. Portia. My teeth grind together as I answer, “Yes?” “Did you make it okay?” “Yes. If you call standing in the middle of a machine shed, miles from civilization with my hair frizzing, a mosquito trying to drain me of all my blood, and no way to get to the Lansing Estates, okay.” “About that….” Portia trails off as my armpits break into a sweat, making the silk fabric hug my skin. “What?” “The estate isn’t exactly an estate. The relatives who inherited the land that Jax wants to buy haven’t had anyone living in the house since their father went into a nursing home four years ago.” “Great.” I turn my attention to the grinning receptionist, who’s now alone as the pilot readies the plane to return to the mainland. Go now. Get back on the plane. Stop. It’s just a few days. A week at the most, and you’ll be back in civilization. Robert marches across the cement floor and engulfs the hand of another man. Is that blood? I wrinkle my nose and watch their exchange. The man is tall and tan with dark hair, and while I can’t see his eyes, I’m guessing they’re a startling shade of blue. Because why wouldn’t they be? He might be good-looking, but his clothes are disheveled and filthy. They’re either coated in blood or something worse. I shift away from them. I don’t want to know what that something else is. I spin on my heel as I listen to my sister ramble about the land. The view. The ocean. The wildlife. And every other disgusting thing about the outside. Give me a 5-star restaurant and some upscale shopping, please. “You’re just going to love this town. It’s amazing. I wish I wasn’t bedridden. I’d love to go back there again.” My sister and her husband came to Candy Cane Keys for Christmas, and she apparently came home with a little present, all of her own. My future niece or nephew. “Who has a town with Christmas decorations all year? What’s wrong with these people?” “Excuse me?” A deep baritone voice growls behind me. I twirl around, smacking the good-looking guy in the knee with my luggage. “Shit,” he grunts and jerks backward. “Watch what you’re doing?” His eyes narrow into slits as he eyes me up and down. “Don’t sneak up on people; you won’t get hit.” “Ava, what’s going on?” “Some local bumpkin is yelling at me for hurting him with my luggage when he was the one that smacked into me.” “Say, excuse me.” The man crosses his arms over his chest. And lord, there’s a lot of it. His eyes are a stark blue like the ocean. Just as I expected. I sniff. And he smells like the ocean – salt, beach wood, and rotting fish. I hate the ocean.

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About Alexia Chase

Alexia Chase is a steamy contemporary romance author who specializes in visual stories set in an interconnected world. If you love stepping into a place that feels like home where familiar people, places, and things welcome you with open arms, then you’re in the right place. Ms. Chase pens everything from short stories to novels with heroes from bartenders to billionaires. What can you find between the pages? Heavy doses of snark, sinful fun, smut, and happily ever afters. Come inside. They’re waiting for you. Where can you find Ms. Chase when she’s not writing? Ms. Chase lives in a small community outside of Kansas City, Missouri. She spends her free time with her husband, three children, and two dogs and loves to spin stories in her head. She’s an avid learner and never far from her computer. Just ask her children. They have plenty to say about her excessive computer usage. **** I love short stories, and I love Alexia Chase. **** **** Oh, my I love these short hot and sexy books by Alexia. **** **** Funny, sweet, and steamy. Alexia Chase did an awesome job with this novel. **** **** Ms. Chase has written an engaging, steamy, funny, angst driven, and entertaining. **** **** Sexy, funny, sweet and all the feels. **** Quick. Dirty. Sweet. Alexia Chase

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Cover Reveal ~ Friend Zoned ~ by ~ Evelyn Sola

We are so excited to share the cover reveal of Friend Zoned by Evelyn Sola. Fans who enjoy diverse contemporary romances will sink their teeth into this steamy, friends to lovers romance. Keep scrolling for more details about this sexy cover.

Title: Friend Zoned

Author: Evelyn Sola

Release Date: 06/02/2023

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Page Count: 126,000 words

Trope: Friends to Lovers, Sports Romance

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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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 ~ Sooner or Gator ~ by ~ Mae Harden

Jackson was there on the worst night of Harper’s life, and every day since. He’s everything she wants and needs, but is it worth blowing up their carefully balanced lives? Fans of Pippa Grant, Max Monroe, and Penny Reid will devour Sooner or Gator by Mae Harden, a steamy, small town, friends-to-lovers, roommates-to-lovers, forced proximity, beach romance.

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JACKSON “What do you need?” That night was supposed to change everything… and it did. Just not in the way I had hoped. I was there on the worst night of Harper’s life. The night her world came crashing down, bringing with it the crushing responsibility of raising her own sister when she was still practically a kid herself. For seven years, I’ve been exactly what she asked for. I’ve been biding my time, but nothing stays the same—even on an island where it’s perpetually Christmas—and time is officially up. HARPER “A friend.” The love of my life sleeps ten feet away from me, just on the other side of that wall. He doesn’t know how I feel about him, of course. That would just be crazy. Jackson has always been my rock, which is exactly why he can never know how desperately I want him. Sure, every grin he throws in my direction sets off a storm surge down below and makes my heart race like sandpipers on the beach, but that’s not an excuse to blow up our carefully balanced lives… right?

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Excerpt

I’m on the verge of asking Haley why she bought more wine glasses when we have a perfectly good set in the cabinet, but as she hands me one, I realize they’re only mostly stemless. “You know most people use bottle toppers to save their wine, right?” I laugh, eyeing the stubby stem with its rubber gasket before pushing it into the opening of what is now, quite clearly, a bottle not meant for sharing. Experimentally, I tip it sideways and watch an inch of deep burgundy liquid pool in the bottom of the glass. “Bottle toppers, much like bookmarks, are for quitters,” Haley says with a mischievous grin. “Besides, aren’t you always harping on about how important it is to finish what you start?” She looks extremely proud of herself as she tips back a hearty glug of cheap Cabernet. “But, more importantly, you’re both wrong. Trailer Park Shark is the one with Tara Reid, but it was the douche-canoe developer who flooded the trailer park, and I’m ninety-nine percent sure she’s the S.B.T.S.” “Back up.” Tizzy raises a hand like she’s about to ask the teacher for a bathroom pass. “You know I can’t with your movie shorthand.” “Sole Big Tittied Survivor,” Haley sighs heavily. “Okay, but that’s not exactly a common abbreviation,” Tizzy replies, copying Hayley’s sigh as dramatically as she can possibly manage. Some people have incredible memories for languages or history, but no one can match Haley when it comes to movies that came out decades before she was even born. The windows and doors are open to let in the spring air, and over the cacophony of tree frogs croaking and crickets chirping away outside, I hear car tires crunch on the gravel drive. Craning my neck as far as I dare, I spot a familiar, black jeep. It’s more rust than paint thanks to the salty Florida air, but as its tires come to a halt in their well-worn spots, I can’t help grinning. In the fading light of the orange sky, the profile of my other best friend, Jackson Beauregard, is clearly visible as he climbs out and grabs his things. Tizzy quirks an eyebrow at me as I straighten Haley goes on. “…and the poor-man’s Tommy Lee Jones, a.k.a. Robert Davi did not appear in Trailer Park Shark. He was, however, in the 2011 classic Swamp Shark where he starred opposite a busty blonde played by the O.G. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and I swear to God, if one of you so much as whispers the name Sarah Michelle Gellar…” My little sister waits for one of us to match her encyclopedic knowledge, but we all know it’s not going to happen. “Kristy Swanson! Come on! Okay, extra credit points: Robert Davi was one of three villains in which beloved 80s adventure movie?” Tizzy and I stare blankly at each other while simultaneously tipping our bottles toward the sky. “The Goonies,” a deep voice supplies from just outside. “Come on, kid. Give us a hard one next time.” Grinning, I tip my head backward over the couch just in time to see Jackson coming through the screen door. “‘Bout time,” I sass. “We were about to start without you.” “No, you weren’t.” Jackson laughs, shaking his head as he drops his keys in the bowl where they always go. He hangs his backpack on its hook and drops onto the couch next to me, making me bounce as all six-and-a-half feet of him bottoms out the springs. “Well… we had considered it.” “What are we watching this week?” Jackson asks, changing the subject with about as much subtlety as a Horatio roller skating down Main Street in his favorite candy cane hot pants. “Swamp Shark,” Haley votes. “Literal flying sharks too much for you tonight?” Jackson chuckles. “Maybe once I’ve polished this off…” Haley replies, raising her wine and its extra classy attachment in a toast. “But Kristy Swanson with a shotgun?” She lets out an exaggerated whistle. “I’m always in the mood for that.” I snort. I can’t help it. “Yeah, who doesn’t love a busty blonde armed to the teeth?” Jackson twists the top off a beer and shrugs dispassionately as he stares down at it. “I could take ‘em or leave ‘em, honestly.” Tizzy leans over, her expression conspiratorial and eyes sparkling with mischief. Oh, fuck. Here we go, I groan inwardly. “And which part of that is uninspiring to you, Jackson? The ‘blonde’ bit or the ‘armed to the teeth’ bit? Because we know you don’t have issues with the ‘busty’ bit.” “Fucking bluetooth speakers,” Jackson mutters, suddenly finding the label of his beer bottle utterly fascinating, but Haley is all ears. “Wait… what happened? What’d I miss?” “Nothing,” I say quickly, feeling my own face burn with embarrassment, even though I was just an innocent bystander in all this. “Jackson forgot to disconnect the living room speakers from his phone last night… didn’t he?” Tizzy tilts her head, locking her eyes on six-and-a-half feet worth of blushing man. Jackson clears his throat and gets to his feet. “Anyone want a glass of water?” Without waiting for an answer, he disappears, no doubt to let Tizzy get this out of her system. “Tizz…” I start.I know what she’s getting at and it’s nothing new. “Come on, Harper. Brunette roommate gets lonely and crawls into bed? You still seriously think that had nothing to do with you?” “Of course, I do.” Admittedly, it would be easier if he was into something less… can porn be wholesome? Tizzy would like everyone to believe Jackson and I are star crossed lovers, destined to fall for each other in some kind of epic love story that spans decades and generations and all of time and space. I think Tizzy needs a new vibrator and a subscription to Passionflix, but I’m only a wimple away from making my vow of celibacy official, so what do I know?

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About Mae Harden

Mae Harden has a thing for spicy books, hilarious meet-cutes, mouthy women, and the kind of men who will pull your hair in bed, but run a bath for you after… if you’ve been a good girl, of course. Smut-com, rom-cum, or whatever you want to call them, Mae likes her books funny, filthy, and full of feels. Mae lives in Virginia with her smokin’ hot husband, two kids who delight in giving out hugs and gray hairs, and a collection of fur babies that probably qualifies her as a zoo keeper. IF she had free time, she’d use it to bake, water the remaining houseplants, and do crafty shit, all while listening to true-crime podcasts.

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Series Spotlight ~ Resurgence ~ by ~ Shelby Gunter

The perfect combination of steamy romance and suspense that will keep you guessing until the very end. The Shadow series is a high-stakes, dark romance series with independent women who can take care of themselves, and strong men who aren’t afraid to let the ladies lead. Fans of Brittney Sahin’s The Stealth Ops Series and Brynne Asher’s The Killers will love The Shadow series by Shelby Gunter, a steamy, action-packed, romantic suspense series.

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Reckoning by Shelby Gunter The Shadow Series: Book 1

Vigilantes. Black widows. Femmes fatales. We’ve gone by many names, but our goal has remained the same: exact justice for those whom the system has failed. Myself included. Except I’m not looking for justice. I’ve sacrificed many things to find the men who murdered the love of my life. Friendships, careers, relationships… all left behind in the name of revenge. That is, until I’m given a second chance at love, and I have to make a choice: Share my secrets with the former Navy SEAL who understands me better than anyone, or continue on my path alone. The thing about my SEAL is, he won’t let me go it alone. And the closer I get to my day of reckoning, the more I’ll need his help to make it out alive.

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Relentless by Shelby Gunter The Shadow Series: Book 2

Programmer. Coder. Hacker. I uncover secrets no one wants me to find. Celebrities, international fugitives, even my neighbors. No one is off limits. All I need is a name and a location, and the dirty things they try to hide will suddenly come to light. My biggest fault? Believing I don’t need help, despite all the evidence to the contrary. And the one person capable of aiding me turns my body to Jell-O. I don’t want to rely on Isaac Hayes to help me solve this puzzle. But the pieces don’t fit together, and we’re running out of time. If I can’t set my pride aside and allow Isaac to help me, the ghosts of my past will take more from me than just my life.

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Resurgence by Shelby Gunter The Shadow Series: Book 3 Cover Reveal: May 19, 2023 Release Date: June 16, 2023

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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This was such a bad idea. I shouldn’t have impulsively booked a flight after my talk with R.J. I shouldn’t have told Bittie what I was doing or listened when she emphatically encouraged me to fly to New York. I shouldn’t have gotten her address from the file Isaac sent me when I landed. Let’s just label all the decisions I’ve made in the last twenty-four hours as things I shouldn’t have done. Fuck, I have to go inside. I can’t continue standing outside her building like a creeper, and I also can’t stomach the idea of getting back on a plane without seeing her. Taking a fortifying breath, I walk inside her apartment and start for the elevators. “Excuse me, sir. Can I help you?” I snap my head up, surprised someone is talking to me. “Oh, uh… I’m here to see a friend.” I point at the elevator like an idiot. Obviously, this guy knows how I’m going to get up to Hailey’s apartment. “I’m sorry, sir. Guests aren’t allowed to go up unless they’re with the resident or on an approved list. What’s your name?” Shit. Well, maybe this is a good thing. If she doesn’t want to see me, I won’t have to hear it directly from her or worry about looking stoic while she smashes my heart into a million pieces. God, I’m pathetic. “Dax Pierce. I’m probably not on Hailey’s list, so maybe just call her? She’s not expecting me.” He nods his head and picks up his phone. I tap my fingers against my thigh and adjust my duffle bag over my shoulder. What if she’s not even home? She could be out on a date with some other schmuck who’s falling just as hard for her as I did. No, she’s been texting me constantly since she left. That would be shitty if she went on a date with another guy while she’s been flirting with me. I don’t believe Hailey would do something like that. “Good evening, Miss Adler. I have a Dax Pierce here, who is asking to come up.” He listens for a second before saying, “Okay, I’ll send him up.” Elation has my chest puffing out, and I head directly to the elevator without waiting on the desk guy. I push the up button, but nothing happens, and it’s then I realize I need a key card to work the elevator. Now everything makes sense. The desk guy comes striding up to me, holding a grey key fob that he taps against the pad above the elevator button. The doors open with a ding, and I step in. “Thanks,” I say before I press the number for Hailey’s floor. The desk guy doesn’t respond as he turns around to walk back to his desk. I don’t even care. My excitement is almost palpable at this point. When the elevator opens on her floor, I turn left down the hallway, then take the corner until I see Hailey standing outside her apartment. She looks gorgeous in her gym shorts and cutoff shirt, and the little smirk on her face does something to me. My eyes trace down her legs until they stop on a huge bruise on her thigh that makes me frown. How the hell did that happen?

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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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Release Tour ~ Wed Like Wildfire ~ by ~ Lauren Helms

Wedding planner, Cassie Winters can’t wait to find her own happily ever after, and when she meets wedding hater, Theo Abbot, she realizes she’s got her work cut out for her. Theo’s grumpy, set in his ways, and determined to never fall in love again, but the more time they spend together, the more Cassie begins to wonder if she can change Theo’s position on love. Fans of Claire Kingsley and Kaylee Ryan will adore WED LIKE WILDFIRE by Lauren Helms, a steamy, grumpy sunshine romance.

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Once upon a time, there was a grumpy CEO who met a wedding planner who never stopped smiling…

Cassie
You could say that I live and breathe weddings and love, and as a wedding planner, a happily ever after is the main event. So when I learn that Theo Abbot absolutely hates weddings, that should be my clue to run for the hills as fast as my sexy little black stilettos will take me.

But I digress.

I’m on the hunt for my own epic love story, one T-Swift herself could write a song about. Which means unavailable and seemingly uninterested CEOs are off limits. Even if the man oozes sex appeal and his grumpiness turns me to mush.

A little flirting never hurt anyone.

Theo
Cassie Winters shines so bright I need a pair of Ray-bans to look directly at her. Problem is, once I’ve set my eyes on her, I can’t seem to look away. The woman is a walking, talking promotion for all things love and happiness.

Hand me an antacid.

Counting, on one hand, the amount of times I’ve failed in my life, leaves me knowing I won’t ever do “love” again. I’m set in my ways and not even this sexy little spitfire could sweet talk me out of my decision to never get married.

Yet it only took one drink to derail that plan.

But, things aren’t always as they seem and when real life gets in the way of this fairy tale, we’re both forced to take a hard look at what we truly want.

Are we both ready to wed or is this a wildfire that’s about to burn out?

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Excerpt

I hear my sister and Mateo agree with her, and the woman continues.

“I mean, just look at the stage. It features more than fifty hand-painted scenic backdrops. It’s just absolutely remarkable.”

Despite the fact that I could get lost in this woman’s voice, I don’t appreciate that she barking up the wrong tree trying to sell this space to my sister.

I come to a stop behind the three of them, my attendance going unnoticed. I resist the urge to clap for her performance, but interrupt her words with my own instead.

“Well done, sounds like you could sell religion to the damn Pope.” Harsh, but I don’t like when people think they can take advantage of us just because we have money.

Both my sister and the woman startle. Mateo snorts. I glance at Nora and the glare I’m getting could cut ice, but I’ve survived the look before. I nod a hello at Mateo before sliding my gaze to the best damn saleswoman in the world.

Taking in the woman standing in front of me, no goddamn joke, my heart skips a fucking beat. I draw my hand out of my pocket and slowly rub my chest absentmindedly.

The woman is utterly exquisite. Her soft blond hair is braided in a way that is messy but perfectly styled and falls over her shoulder with strands of soft gold framing her face. A face that at first glance looks flawless. I’m unable to continue my perusal as I’m stopped in my tracks by two sparkling blue eyes staring back at me. Taking in all of her, I see that the smirk she wears tells me she’s not about to let me get away with what I’ve just said.

“No doubt you are correct, Mr. Abbot. However, I wouldn’t attempt something so outrageous.” Her eyes gleam. “I was just telling Nora and Mateo some very well-known facts about this beautiful cathedral.” She glances up and waves her hand around as if to encompass the whole space.

“Theo, this is Cassie Winters, our wedding planner. It’s nice of you to join us,” Nora bites out in a pleasantly terse tone. She walks up to me and kisses my cheek. As she pulls away, she whispers, “Be nice.”

I ignore her and focus on the wedding planner. Cassie.

“Well, I’m just confused as to why we are even here, Ms. Winters. Or is it Mrs.?” I ask.

She doesn’t miss a beat. “Ms. Thank you. And we are here because the couple getting married”—she gestures to Nora and Mateo—“wanted a tour.” Her tone straddles the line of condescending and courteous. And it’s sexy as fuck.

Nora punches me lightly in the side, typical sister shit. “Yes, I asked if we could check out the cathedral as well as some other places. We’ve already ruled some out due to availability, but this place has an opening twelve months from now,” she informs me as she walks back over to Mateo, lacing her fingers through his. His eyes flash as he looks down at her.

“I thought you didn’t want to wait a year,” I say, my eyes darting back at Cassie. She stands there, smiling with fucking stars in her eyes at Nora and Mateo.

“True, but places book up quickly, and I wasted too much time floundering before hiring Cassie,” Nora says.

I nod. Makes sense. I take a second to look around this place. I want to vomit, it’s so extra. We may have grown up with silver spoons in our mouths, but we didn’t grow up around such fancy-ass stuff such as weddings in the Scottish Rite Cathedral.

“Why the grumpy face?” Cassie’s beautiful voice breaks me out of my stupor.

“Oh, no, that’s his normal face,” Nora tells her.

“I don’t understand why you picked this place. It’s a church…”

“Are you not religious, Mr. Abbot?” Cassie interrupts.

“I’m not sure why that matters to you,” I snap.

Her eyes widen a tad at the venom in my tone. “You said it’s a church.”

“You didn’t let me finish, Ms. Winters. I was saying, it’s a church that was built in the ’20s and this place fits, like what? Twelve hundred people? Do you even know that many people, Nora?” I stuff my hands in my pockets out of frustration.

“No,” Nora offers shakily.

“Mr. Abbot, the theater space is only one of the locations available for a ceremony. This was our first stop. I wanted them to get the full tour,” Cassie says and I so badly want to ask her to call me Theo, but I don’t know if I’ll like the way she says my name more than the way she calls me Mr. Abbot.

I grunt, not having time for this argument. “Okay, then let’s look at a more accommodating space.”

“You know what, I think this place has lost its magic for me,” Nora grumbles. “Let’s check out that last place on my list. I know Theo has a busy schedule.”

“If you are sure, we can head over to INDUSTRY then,” Cassie says as she follows Nora and Mateo toward the exit.

I’m not into games. I’m not going to ask Nora if she’s sure or apologize for raining on her parade with this place. It’s not a good fit for her. She knows it. I know it. And this ridiculous wedding planner needs to learn it if she wants to keep my sister as a client.

Cassie walks by me, her shoulder nearly brushing mine, and my senses are immediately taken over by a soft smell of amber and vanilla.

“I’m so happy that you were able to join us today,” she says softly. I look down at her. She’s a few inches shorter, and the sparkle in her eyes is mischievous.

Clenching my jaw, I don’t reply as she walks on by, but the urge to wrap my hand around her arm and pull her back to me is strong.

I think what gets under my skin the most is that she has yet to drop the smile this whole time. Is it stuck on her face? Is this a Botox gone wrong? She doesn’t look like the type of woman to be obsessed with Botox, but what the fuck do I know?

I close my eyes for a minute to gain my wits.

One, two, three…

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 a 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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Cover Reveal ~ Too Hot to Handle

Series: Too Hot to Handle, A Multi-Author SeriesGenre: Steamy Romance

Cover Designer: Cover Bunnies

SERIES PRE-ORDER LINKS: https://www.romancebunnies.com/toohottohandle

BLURB:

Romance Bunnies is delighted to announce its new shared World. Too Hot to Handle is set in an exclusive resort in Hawaii. Join our 9 authors as they take us on a whirlwind. It’s fun, flirty, and oh so Steamy.

Lay back on the beach, imagine you are in the exclusive resort of Pāʻina Exclusive Resort on the Pāʻina Island in Hawaii, grab your cocktail and lose yourself in the 9 novellas that are full of steamy, sexy romance.

Is the resort too hot, too steamy, too much for you to handle? Dive right in and find out.

What happens in the Pāʻina Exclusive Resort doesn’t always stay there!

Read all 9 stories in the Too Hot to Handle series to find out if you can handle the heat!

AUTHORS: Callie Vegas, Miranda Stanley, Stella Bella, Tamrin Banks, Noa Camhi, Reina Torres, Sophia Nixs, Simone J Maxwell, M.J. Herald

TOUR HOSTED BY: HEA PR & More

Cover Reveal ~ Handfast ~ by ~ Tricia T. LaRochelle

Join us for the cover reveal of Handfast by Tricia T. LaRochelle. Fans who love romantic suspense will sink their teeth into this steamy, new adult romance. Keep scrolling for more details about the third installment in the Sara Browne Series.

Title: Handfast

Author: Tricia T. LaRochelle

Release Date: 05/22/2023

Genres: New Adult Romance/Romantic Suspense

Page Count: TBD

Trope: Reluctant Hero, Soulmates, Trapped, Dark Secret, Redemption, Estranged Family Member

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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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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New Release ~ Wed Like Wildfire ~ by ~ Lauren Helms

Blurb

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Excerpt

I spot Cassie immediately, in the corner, at a table for four. I wonder if she knows it will just be us. Taking advantage of the fact that she hasn’t noticed my arrival yet, I take a moment to study her. She sits tall, facing the entrance, looking at her phone. She seems to be scrolling through an app as her lips tip up and her eyes glitter as she looks at what’s on her screen. There is an untouched water in front of her, but her menu is closed.

The sheer happiness that radiates off this woman irritates me. I don’t know why, but as I approach the table, what tumbles out of my mouth is unexpected.

“Let me guess, you just took the most epic selfie ever and can’t wait to share it with all your followers?” My tone takes on a mocking tone and immediately I want to take it back. Damn I’m an asshole.

To her credit, she doesn’t even bat an eye at my rudeness. Her face turns up toward me and she smiles. “Well, good afternoon to you too, Mr. Abbot.” She puts her phone down on the table and gestures toward the seat across from her. “Please, have a seat.”

And I do, begrudgingly, because being around this woman causes me to not just be my normal grouchy self, but clearly a prick as well.

As I take my seat, she slides her phone into her bag that sits on the floor next to her chair.

I clear my throat, my attempt to shake myself out of my head. “Nora won’t be joining us. I assume you already know.”

Now this does give her pause. Her brows dip. “No, I didn’t know. She didn’t…” her voice trails as a faint ding from her phone sounds from below. In the few times I’ve seen this woman, I think this is the first time I’ve ever not seen a smile on her face. She studies her smartwatch, clearly reading the message that just came in, her elbows still propped elegantly on the table, as I watch her realize that it will just be us for lunch.

Her creased brows even and she plasters on a smile as she drops her hands to her lap. “Well, her timing could be improved, but you’re correct, she’s not joining us.”

I can’t stop myself before barking out a laugh. She tilts her head, her features dancing with happiness. I shut down my amusement at her words and offer a terse, “Excuse me.”

“No, that was enjoyable to watch. I didn’t know you had it in you, Mr. Abbot.”

I make the decision, in this moment, to put an end to the formalities. “Theo. Please, call me Theo.”

Her grin widens. “All right, Theo,” and just as expected, the sound of my name on her lips fucking gets to me. I shift in my seat as she continues.

“So tell me how I managed to get that laughter out of you moments ago? I get a feeling it’s not a commodity around you.”

“Nora has always waited until the last minute when it comes to communication over things that may cause contention. You’ve known her a short time and already know her tells.” I pick up the menu, though I already know what I will order.

“Ah, yes, well, I read people pretty quickly.” She shifts the menu slightly on the table in front of her, not picking it up.

“Yeah? What’s your read on me?” I don’t know why I ask. Glutton for punishment, I guess.

This time she lets out a laugh. “Let’s keep this lunch civil and not go there.”

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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.

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New release ~ One Night With Callum ~ by ~ Sophia Nixs

Title: One Night with Callum Author: Sophia Nixs Series/Book: The North Avenue Live Guys Series Genre: MM Trope: opposites attract/second chance romance

TBR LINK: Goodreads: https://bit.ly/43KBQPa

PURCHASE LINK: Universal: https://books2read.com/OneNightwithCallum

BLURB:

I’d never hidden the type of guy I was to anyone.

Geeky, nerdy and unashamed of the presence I brought to a room.

It was meant to be only one night.

Hot, steamy and passionate…

Where the geek actually got the unattainable god.

Except he changed the rules and decided that he wanted more.

I never expected when I jumped at the opportunity of my dream career that he’d be there.

It was as if the stars had aligned up in the sky and were giving me a sign.

But am I truly enough for this…for him even?

PURCHASE LINK: Universal: https://books2read.com/OneNightwithCallum

TOUR HOSTED BY: HEA PR More

New Release ~ The Captain’s Revenge ~ by ~ Jessica S. Taylor

♦ ♦ ♦

“𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙤𝙡𝙙.”

𝘊𝘢𝘦𝘭𝘶𝘮 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘵? 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘵𝘰, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘢𝘦𝘭𝘶𝘮 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳. 𝘕𝘰𝘸, 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘺𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵.

𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘥, 𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘶𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧, 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘶𝘵𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘊𝘢𝘦𝘭𝘶𝘮 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘥𝘩𝘯𝘢’𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦.

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘊𝘢𝘦𝘭𝘶𝘮, 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬, 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘳. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦? 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘺?

♦ ♦ ♦

Jessica was born and raised in Kentucky, but has been moving with the waves and is currently residing in southern Maine with her husband and cat, Nebula.

Jessica’s love of reading and writing began at a young age with the help of her grandmother and her local library, and she hasn’t looked back since. Exhausting the stories at the library, she began to write her own.

Similarly, her love for pirates, mermaids, and all things fantasy have only grown more intense with time.