New Release & Review ~ Unexpected Expectations ~ by ~ Lauren Helms

What started as a $10 raffle ticket, turned into a vacation in Vegas and a whole lot of expectations that neither of them saw coming. For Kevin and Lucy, it was just supposed to be a little fun but when they are served with a large dose of luck, everything suddenly becomes unexpected. Readers will fall in love with this rags to riches romance from Lauren Helms. The 425 Madison series is back with season three and Unexpected Expectations is now live!

Kevin

With everyone around me settling down, I’m happy to continue living my life single and carefree.

That is unless I can convince the concierge, Lucy Wilson at 425 Madison to finally take me up on that offer to go out on a date.

She’s beautiful, friendly, and her compassion for each and every one of the residents is admirable. Something tells me that she doesn’t see herself that way at all though.

This is why I’ve made it my mission to break her out of her overly cautious shell starting with a lucky penny and a $10 raffle ticket.

It was all supposed to be a little fun but when a large dose of lucky graces us, everything suddenly becomes unexpected.

Lucy

He thinks I don’t see him, but I do. Oh yes, I’ve been aware of the all too good looking Kevin Harper for quite some time now.

The thing is, I’m not sure that we have enough in common and I sure don’t have the free time for a social life between my job and school. Dating? That’s pretty far down on the list of things I’d like to check off – not by choice.

That is until Kevin convinces me that a little fun is good for the soul.

What started as a $10 raffle ticket turned into a vacation in Vegas and a whole lot of expectations that neither of us saw coming.

I always believed in fairy tales, but I wonder if what we have is too good to be true. I can only hope that it’s true what they say…

After all, 425 Madison is the perfect place to fall in love.

Read Unexpected Expectations today!

Add to Goodreads!


Excerpt

Copyright @ Lauren Helms 2020

My fingers brush the smooth copper coin reminding me that I have a second mission to complete. I pinch the coin between my fingers and walk toward the concierge desk. Just like I hoped she would, there stands one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. Standing around 5’4, the golden-haired beauty has curves in all the right places. She’s soft around the edges, but I can tell by the way her uniform fits her body that she’s got a sexy as fuck body underneath. Today, her thick locks are pulled low in the back, but her waves fall over her shoulder. I’d love to give that hair a yank in the throes of passion. Shit, I’d love to do a lot of things to this girl.

I’ve flirted with Lucy for a while now, and she’s one of my favorite parts of visiting the building. I’m not a shy man, and I enjoy a good romp between the sheets, but Lucy, I could tell right off the bat is the kinda girl you don’t have meaningless romps with. Nah. She’s a take-home-to-your-momma kind of girl.

My mom would love her.

Maybe, one of these days I’ll ask her out. Heck, I don’t even know if she has a boyfriend or not. It’s never stopped me from flirting, but flirting is harmless. The lady seems damn good at her job, maybe she is just that good at dealing with flirts like me every day.

I come to a stop in front of her, leaning my arm on the desk.

“Heya, Lucy. Seen any tangerine trees or marmalade skies lately?” The Beatles reference earns me a stunning smile.

“Hi Kevin, how are you today?”

I give her my sexiest smirk. “I’m better now that I’m seeing your gorgeous face.” My words hit their mark, and Lucy’s cheeks turn a sexy shade of pink.

“Okay, Mr. Charmer.” She giggles a bit. I always feel like an accomplished mother fucker when I get a girl to giggle. Especially a girl like Lucy, she’s not a giggler. Which is something I dig about her. Besides her looks, she seems to be whip-smart and down to Earth. Most likely, she doesn’t come from money, or why would she be working this gig? She has to deal with the rich and spoiled day in and day out, and she doesn’t lose her cool. I’ve seen her in action, and I’ve seen the way some of the residents treat her. I’ve had to bite my tongue a few times. As Jake has reminded me, this place is private property, I can be banned from the building.

I snap my finger, pretending to recall something important. “I actually have a gift for you.”

Two dainty eyebrows arch in surprise as I lift the penny between my thumb and forefinger.

“A penny?” Her tone is full of amusement.

“Yup. I found a penny outside the building. You know what they say, “If you find a penny, pick it up, if it’s heads, you’ll have good luck.” I smirk as I finish the saying. Pleased with the soft smile that plays at her kissable lips.

“You know, I’ve never told anyone this before…” She leans toward me and lowers her voice as if she doesn’t want anyone to hear. “When I see a penny on the ground, if I notice its tails up, I lean down and flip it over. Hopefully, I can help someone else find a little good luck.”

My heart slams against my chest. Her words nearly cause me to stumble. Who is this woman? She takes the time to flip over a penny just in case the next person who comes along can find a lucky penny? Why does hearing this nearly shatter my charming, nothing gets to me-exterior?

Why?

Because I do the exact same thing.

I clear my throat.

“Don’t worry, Lucy girl, your secret is safe with me.” I extend my hand toward her, and she holds out her hand. I carefully place the penny in her open palm and slowly drag my fingers across her bare hand. I’m expecting the sizzle from our touch, but I don’t miss Lucy’s reaction to our chemistry when I hear her tiny intake of breath.

She closes her hand around the lucky penny and pulls her fist in toward her chest, holding it to her heart.


But wait, there’s more!!

Don’t miss Boyfriend Maintenance and Flawless Foundations, both by Lauren Helms, featured in the first two seasons!

Read Boyfriend Maintenance, Jake & Emmy’s story on Amazon today!
Read Flawless Foundations, Levi & Becca’s story on Amazon today!

Review Coming Soon!

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, with her book bestie, also formed PR company, Forever Write 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 little 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.

Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 


About the 425 Madison Series

Welcome to 425 Madison Ave the perfect place to fall in love. Rounding out the summer with some hot city nights and coasting into fall with more cool characters at this famous high-rise, 425 Madison is returning for a third season!

With some familiar faces and some brand new residents – you’ll be sure to find an author you love and a trope to ignite your taste buds after all 425 Madison IS the perfect place to fall in love!

We’ve got an amazing line of up must-read romance authors including, Lauren Helms, Allie York

J Marie, Kay Gordon, Marcie Shumway, Aubree Valentine, S.L. Sterling, and Fiona Tulle

Prepare for pages packed with new romances, characters, and tropes all from the same well-loved high-rise apartment building in NYC.

Season One and Two feature stories from some of your favorite romance authors: Leigh Lennon, MK Moore, Allie York, Aubree Valentine, Kay Gordon, Lauren Helms, Sylvia Kane, Katy Ames, KC Enders, Marci Shumway, and C. Lesbirel. All these authors came together, each with a standalone romance for you to enjoy. Covering all of your favorite tropes each tale offers you something new, something different.

Make sure to follow the 425 Madison Avenue Facebook page for more on release dates, cover reveals, and author spotlights. For exclusive excerpts, giveaways, and news subscribe to our 425 Madison newsletter!

Facebook | Newsletter

Catch up on the first two seasons, available exclusively in Kindle Unlimited!

Cover Reveal ~ Unexpected Expectations ~ by ~ Lauren Helms

We’ve waited for months for this moment and now it’s time to share the first cover in the third season of the loved, 425 Madison Ave series. Check out the gorgeous cover for Unexpected Expectations by Lauren Helms, a must-read rags to riches romance!

Kevin

With everyone around me settling down, I’m happy to continue living my life single and carefree.

That is unless I can convince the concierge, Lucy Wilson at 425 Madison to finally take me up on that offer to go out on a date.

She’s beautiful, friendly, and her compassion for each and every one of the residents is admirable. Something tells me that she doesn’t see herself that way at all though.

This is why I’ve made it my mission to break her out of her overly cautious shell starting with a lucky penny and a $10 raffle ticket.

It was all supposed to be a little fun but when a large dose of lucky graces us, everything suddenly becomes unexpected.

Lucy

He thinks I don’t see him, but I do. Oh yes, I’ve been aware of the all too good looking Kevin Harper for quite some time now.

The thing is, I’m not sure that we have enough in common and I sure don’t have the free time for a social life between my job and school. Dating? That’s pretty far down on the list of things I’d like to check off – not by choice.

That is until Kevin convinces me that a little fun is good for the soul.

What started as a $10 raffle ticket turned into a vacation in Vegas and a whole lot of expectations that neither of us saw coming.

I always believed in fairy tales, but I wonder if what we have is too good to be true. I can only hope that it’s true what they say…

After all, 425 Madison is the perfect place to fall in love.

Pre-Order Unexpected Expectations toady!

Add to Goodreads!


Want to jump into 425 Madison Ave now?

Don’t miss Boyfriend Maintenance and Flawless Foundations, both by Lauren Helms, featured in the first two seasons!

Read Boyfriend Maintenance, Jake & Emmy’s story on Amazon today!
Read Flawless Foundations, Levi & Becca’s story on Amazon today!

About Lauren Helms

Lauren Helms 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. Lauren decided to take the plunge and write her first novel. 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 joined NaNoWrimo and a month later, she had her first draft.

Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 


About the 425 Madison Series

Welcome to 425 Madison Ave the perfect place to fall in love. Rounding out the summer with some hot city nights and coasting into fall with more cool characters at this famous high-rise, 425 Madison is returning for a third season!

With some familiar faces and some brand new residents – you’ll be sure to find an author you love and a trope to ignite your taste buds after all 425 Madison IS the perfect place to fall in love!

We’ve got an amazing line of up must-read romance authors including, Lauren Helms, Allie York

J Marie, Kay Gordon, Marcie Shumway, Aubree Valentine, S.L. Sterling, and Fiona Tulle

Prepare for pages packed with new romances, characters, and tropes all from the same well-loved high-rise apartment building in NYC.

Season One and Two feature stories from some of your favorite romance authors: Leigh Lennon, MK Moore, Allie York, Aubree Valentine, Kay Gordon, Lauren Helms, Sylvia Kane, Katy Ames, KC Enders, Marci Shumway, and C. Lesbirel. All these authors came together, each with a standalone romance for you to enjoy. Covering all of your favorite tropes each tale offers you something new, something different.

Make sure to follow the 425 Madison Avenue Facebook page for more on release dates, cover reveals, and author spotlights. For exclusive excerpts, giveaways, and news subscribe to our 425 Madison newsletter!

Facebook | Newsletter

Catch up on the first two seasons, available exclusively in Kindle Unlimited!

 

New Release & Review ~ Innocent Princess ~ by ~ Lauren Helms

 

New Release Tour for Innocent Princess by Lauren Helms

Powered by Forever Write PR

 

A straight-laced princess meets a bad boy is this modern Repunzel retelling. INNOCENT PRINCESS by Lauren Helms is full of first love, music, and just a little illegal hacking.. Readers who love road trip romances featuring an adventurous girl falling for a brooding boy will adore this opposites attract, new adult romance. The next installment of the Modern Princess Collection is now LIVE! 

 

Only on Amazon + Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited 

Find on Goodreads!

 

Zella 
This year is all about discovering who I really am.
A roadtrip to a place seven hundred miles away, might not seem like much, but to me it means freedom.
I set out looking for adventure, I never expected Ryker would help me find it. 
 
Ryker 
I’m no prince charming, but I may just be her knight in shining armor. 
First, captivated by her ridiculously long blonde hair, I soon find out there is so much more to Zella then her hypnotizing locks.
Turns out those hacking skills I’ve been practicing are about to come in handy.
 
A straight-laced princess meets a bad boy is this modern fairy-tale retelling full of first love, music, and just a little illegal hacking.

 

 

 

Excerpt 

Copyright 2020 @ Lauren Helms

 I tug at my favorite blue T-shirt, slightly embarrassed. I’m normally on my A-game when it comes to women, and this one seems to be besting me. “One track mind it seems,” I mutter.
“So it seems. By the looks of it, you were doing something you probably shouldn’t be doing.” She looks almost too innocent to trust, so I can’t help flipping the switch on my other skill. A slow grin, one I’ve been told countless times is sexy as sin, slides across my face. Cocking my head slightly, I wink at her. Lowering my voice, just slightly, I say, “How’s your day going?”
She stares. Her eyebrows pinch together, and she cocks her head slightly. “Did you just smolder?”
My face falls, and I feel … out of place. Am I in an alternate universe? Since when did my smolder not work on the opposite sex? Not only did it not affect the pixie, but she also called me out on it. Is my smolder broken?
My thoughts are interrupted by an amused giggle. “Let me guess, that usually works on the ladies?”
“Yeah, I think I might be broken.” I can’t keep the pout out of my tone.
More giggles from Blondie.
“How about you try introducing yourself? Maybe I have to get to know you before the smolder is effective on me.”
Uh, maybe she’s right. I’m going to have to work my magic later on some random chick to ensure I haven’t lost my smolder mojo.
Shaking off the confusion, I get my head back into the game. “Hi, I’m Ryker Stone.”

TBRreview

Zella is so awesome! Ryker thinks so too 🙂 Zella is delightfully quirky and I love her! She wasn’t able to be a “normal” student so now that she is entering University, she is ready to start living!

Ryker is used to being more behind the scenes and more of a sneaky guy – you find out why – and so he is completely intrigued by the excitable and vivacious Zella. He knows that he isn’t good enough for Zella but he still wants to do anything he can for her.

This was such a great, funny read and I truly loved the ride that Zella and Ryker took us on. Zella was such a great character to read and experience with her refreshing view and energy. Her energy just leapt off the page (well kindle but whatever).

 

5 stars!

About Lauren

 

Lauren Helms 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. Lauren decided to

take the plunge and write her first novel. 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

joined NaNoWrimo and a month later, she had her first draft. 

Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Newsletter

About the Modern Princess Collection

 

Once upon a kiss, a modern romance becomes a fairytale.

The prestigious Camelot University comes fully equipped with elitist guys, a castle, and a Glass Ball, but these self-proclaimed princesses don’t need crowns to prove their worth. They’ve taken love and life into their own hands and written their own fairytale. 

Follow seven of your favorite fairytale heroines as they find their happily ever after, in these standalone, contemporary romance novels. The ladies of Cam U are a dangerous combination of cute and badass, full of attitude and imperfections, and an innocence only fairytales can convey.

Want to keep up with all the Modern Princess Collection news? LIKE the Rewritten Fairytales Facebook page!  

~*~*~

This promotional event is brought to you by Forever Write PR.

 

Cover Reveal ~ Flawless Foundations ~ by ~ Lauren Helms

 
Cover Reveal for Flawless Foundations

by Lauren Helms


Powered by Forever Write PR
 
We are super excited to share the cover for FLAWLESS FOUNDATIONS by Lauren Helms, the next book in the second season of 425 Madison Avenue. Check out this awesome cover for this must-read best friend’s sibling romance!


Levi
It’s no secret I was born from money. And I’m destined to take over the family business, King Cosmetics when my father retires.
At least that was the plan.
Until my father decided to impose some stupid rule about being married before I take the reigns. Everything I’ve worked for hangs in the balance and the future of the company is in jeopardy without a King behind the controls.
I never considered Becca part of the plan for taking over, but when one kiss leads to so much more, I can’t help but wonder if she’s the answer to my problem.
Becca
There are two things I love – my beauty blog and Levi King.
Coming from the same social circle has given me ample opportunity to crush on the next generation of King Cosmetics, but he made it clear a long time ago that I would never be anything more than “like family” to him.
Feeling the need for some serious changes in my life, I start shaking things up.
It wasn’t part of my plan to kiss Levi, but one kiss could never be enough. When that kiss turns into a relationship and I find out that Levi’s been keeping a secret, I begin to question if our love affair was too good to be true.
Looks like we’re about to find out if we can truly build flawless foundations for the rest of our lives. After all 425 Madison is the perfect place to fall in love.

Add to Goodreads

About Lauren 

 

Lauren Helms 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. Lauren decided to take the plunge and write her first novel. 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 joined NaNoWrimo and a month later, she had her first draft. 

Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

This blogger event was brought to you by Forever Write PR.

 

Release Blitz ~ Level Me Up ~ by ~ Lauren Helms

Title: Level Me Up
Series: A Gamer Boy Novel
Author: Lauren Helms
Genre: NA Romance
Release Date: June 5, 2017
The last thing Morgan Lawson is looking for when attending Comic-Con is love. But even prior to exchanging first words, Morgan is drawn to Dex, a drop-dead sexy gamer boy who lives and breathes video games. Before she realizes it, Morgan finds herself caught up in all things Dex.
​​
Dex Roberts knows the moment he sees Morgan, he wants more. He falls hard and fast, but isn’t surprised when his job as a professional video gamer takes its toll on their relationship.

Once Morgan decides what truly makes her happy, there’s no time to waste. But without any warning, life threatens to destroy what both Morgan and Dex want most… each other.



Why the heck do I feel like I’m about to do something utterly stupid, like that split second before you realize you’ve missed the step and are about to fall down the stairs?
“Hi,” he says in this perfectly male, deep voice. “How are you ladies today?” 
I distantly hear Ruby reply, “Well, we’re just fine. Thank you for asking.” 
And she nudges me as I realize that while he asked both of us that question, he is only looking at me, and I’m not moving or saying anything. Apparently, I’m a freaking mute. Why can’t I form words? Get it together, Morgan!
“Hi,” he says again, but to only me this time.
And just like that, I snap myself out of it, slap on a smile and reply, “Hi,” as I reach out and offer my hand like it’s some formal introduction. Again, I ask myself, what is wrong with me?
With a smile that reaches his eyes, he grasps my hand in his as I say, “I’m Morgan, and I have no idea what a positive K/D is.”
I hear Ruby stifle a laugh beside me. I’m never going to live this down. Somebody should just shoot me now. But to my surprise, Dex doesn’t laugh at me. He is still smiling at me and says, “Hi Morgan, I’m Dex. And don’t worry about it, this guy sitting next to me,” he jerks his head to his right, “doesn’t know what a positive K/D is either, but at least you’re honest.” 
I quickly glance to his right and see a guy with short blond hair turn toward him glaring, but then turn toward us, smile and says, “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
I slide my eyes back to Dex and realize he is still holding my hand even though the handshake stopped a minute ago. I quickly drop my hand and smile as a big bouncer type guy comes up to us and says, “Sorry ladies, you’re holding up the line. Keep moving.” 
Ruby apologizes, and I apologize to Dex because I’m still staring at him. But we move along, and now the gamer to Dex’s right, Simon “SezSimon” Palmer, is signing the shirt. Dex looks back at me as he finishes signing a poster and says, “it was nice meeting you, Morgan,” with a warm smile. I can only manage a smile and nod as Ruby finishes getting the last signature. Then we finish and get out of the line.
We walk a little bit before Ruby stops, grabs my arm and doubles over with laughter.
Author Lauren Helms has been an avid reader from a young age. After starting a book review site, that launched her fully into the book world, she decided to take the plunge and write her first novel. Since she was working for a video game strategy guide publisher at the time, she decided to mix what she knew best, video games and romance. Jumping all in, she joined NaNoWriMo and a month later had a 50K word first draft. Lauren lives in Indianapolis, IN with her video game playing husband, two little girl book nerds, and a little boy who will hopefully be a gamer boy too some day!

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Cover Reveal ~ Level Me Up ~ by ~ Lauren Helms

Title: Level Me Up
Series: A Gamer Boy Novel
Author: Lauren Helms
Genre: NA Romance
Release Date: June 5, 2017
The last thing Morgan Lawson is looking for when attending Comic-Con is love. But even prior to exchanging first words, Morgan is drawn to Dex, a drop-dead sexy gamer boy who lives and breathes video games. Before she realizes it, Morgan finds herself caught up in all things Dex.
​​
Dex Roberts knows the moment he sees Morgan, he wants more. He falls hard and fast, but isn’t surprised when his job as a professional video gamer takes its toll on their relationship.

Once Morgan decides what truly makes her happy, there’s no time to waste. But without any warning, life threatens to destroy what both Morgan and Dex want most… each other.
Author Lauren Helms has been an avid reader from a young age. After starting a book review site, that launched her fully into the book world, she decided to take the plunge and write her first novel. Since she was working for a video game strategy guide publisher at the time, she decided to mix what she knew best, video games and romance. Jumping all in, she joined NaNoWriMo and a month later had a 50K word first draft. Lauren lives in Indianapolis, IN with her video game playing husband, two little girl book nerds, and a little boy who will hopefully be a gamer boy too some day!

 

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