Roya Carmen – TBR Book Blog

Book Tour ~ Wicked Player ~ by ~ Roya Carmen

Title: Wicked Player

Author: Roya Carmen

Release Date: June 24, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Design: Calico Designs

Goodreads Review – “This book was EPIC and gave me all the feels! … I was hooked from page one! I absolutely LOVED this book! Oh the feels! Colton is my new book BF! Alpha male to the core! … This is a must read for 2021! … If I could give more then 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ I would!”

The Smutbarians – “A sweet romance that had a tiny bit of a slow burn going on in it. Loved the premise of this story.”

A struggling single mom gets caught up in the web of a notorious Casanova who likes to play games.

When Clara Scott signs up for the Player’s Game, she does it only for the money. As a struggling single mom, she needs the extra cash.

Colton Rossi is beautiful, but he’s also a notorious player. Women swoon all over him. Yet Clara’s not interested in the least in a Casanova like him, nor does she have time in her life for romance.

She knows she can’t get tangled up in his games. She needs to look out for herself, and her small son too. As intoxicating as he is, she vows to pull herself away from him, but when he makes her an offer she can’t refuse, she’s drawn in further despite her best intentions.

Will her preconceptions be confirmed, or is there more to Colton Rossi than meets the eye?

WICKED PLAYER contains some coarse language and sexual scenes. For 18+ audiences.

He slides a finger along the length of my arm, and it feels amazing… warm and soft. And suddenly I want him to touch me everywhere.

He presses his mouth against my head. “I’m glad I’ve finally got you alone,” he says. “I’ve been dying to smell your hair all night. It always smells so nice.”

I close my eyes, inhaling his scent too. “You smell nice too… manly.”

He laughs into my hair, and pulls me in closer. He’s barely touched me, and I’m already so turned on, I fear I might explode. I don’t know if it’s the drugs, or the fact that I haven’t been laid in years, or maybe it’s just… him.

He presses a finger under my chin, and lifts my face to his. “You are so pretty.”

I love his words. I don’t know if he says them often, if they mean anything at all. But I love them anyway. I do feel pretty in his arms. I’m desperate for his kiss, but he teases, almost as if he knows how much I want it. This is a man who loves to play, and I’m his chosen toy tonight.

His lips travel softly across my mouth, around my chin, down my neck, and back up again, his breath hot on my skin. I honestly don’t know how much more of this I can take.

He finally presses his hot mouth on mine. His lips are just as soft and delicious as I imagined in my fantasies. And he tastes of mint. And God, he knows how to kiss. Every stroke of his tongue, every soft bite of my lips reels me in deeper, arouses me more intensely. I lose myself in him, and I feel him lose himself in me.

He hikes up my thigh against his hips, and presses me against the wall of bottles. I wrap my arms around his shoulders, and hike up my other leg against him, wanting to get closer to him, craving more. I grind against him, and when he jerks up the skirt of my dress, I’m game for anything.

He pulls away, tearing his mouth from mine, and I ache. I want his kiss. He travels south as he kisses my shoulder, then bites the swell of my breast. God, I want him. Now. He kneels to the floor, and his hands travel upward.

Oh no… the Spanx!

Just then, the cellar door swings wide open and Victoria stands there, wide-eyed.

Oh, shit.

Roya Carmen is a busy mom, romance writer, designer, bookworm, chocoholic, and hopeless romantic. There’s nothing she enjoys more than making up stories about love, and sharing them with her readers.

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New Release ~ Wicked Player ~ by ~ Roya Carmen

Title: Wicked Player

Author: Roya Carmen

Genre: June 24, 2021

Release Date: Contemporary Romance

Cover Design: Calico Designs

The Smutbarians – “A sweet romance that had a tiny bit of a slow burn going on in it. Loved the premise of this story.”

Goodreads Review – “I absolutely LOVED this story!”

“Would you like to stay?” he asks kindly.

“Uh…” I’m completely speechless. “Well, I was just about to board the bus. I can’t miss the bus.”

He smiles. “Don’t worry,” he says. “The bus will wait while you make your decision.”

“I don’t want to leave all these girls hanging,” I argue. I’m certainly not making things easy. I just didn’t expect this.

“You can stay as early or as late as you wish,” he goes on. “My driver can take you home.”

“Your driver?” Once again, I’m reminded just how far apart our worlds are.

“Yes, Robert… he lives in the guest house,” he explains. “He’s my go-to guy. He also drives for me occasionally.”

“Uh…” I’m still so confused. I stare at the bus. Everyone else is already seated inside, and a few shoot me dirty looks. I’m keeping everyone waiting.

“I know we don’t know each other well, but that’s exactly why I want you to stay back… I want to get to know you better. And I promise… I’ll be a perfect gentleman.”

I’m so confused… and it finally hits me. Oh, yes. He picks a woman every night. And apparently, I’m the lucky one tonight. I must be something special.

But that’s not what I signed up for. I have no desire to be part of his harem, and I don’t want to be the chosen one.

“So I guess I’m the ‘chosen one,’” I sneer.

He smiles. “Yes, you are. You ladies like to chat, don’t you?”

“Of course we do,” I snap. “And I know all about the chosen one, and I do not wish to be the chosen one.”

He laughs. “Well, sorry honey, but you are.”

His words only make me angrier. I jut my chin out. “Thank you, but I decline.”

His face falls.

“I bet this never happens,” I say. “Maybe Mr. Most Interesting Man in the World is not so interesting after all.”

He laughs. “You crack me up,” he says. “I think that’s why I like you.”

“Yes, that must be why, because I certainly don’t stack up to all the beauties sitting in the bus, waiting for me right now. It’s like Top Model at your parties… remember that show?”

He smiles. “No, I’ve never watched.”

“Well, I don’t wanna be here, so I’m getting on that bus. I don’t care if you paid me a thousand dollars to be here tonight. I wish to not be here anymore.”

He shakes his head, an inches closer. Damn, he smells good, like liqueur and candy. “Are you sure about that?”

“Yes, I am. Positive.”

“What if…” he’s slow to say. “What if I made it ten grand to stay the night?”

My mouth hangs. Did I hear him correctly? Ten grand? He’s crazy! I’m still at a loss when he says it again, just in case I didn’t hear him the first time, “Ten grand to stay the night.”

“Wow, how so Indecent Proposal of you. Can you make it one million?”

He laughs. “Well, that’s a bit rich, even for me. But I’m sure you’d be worth every penny. Alas, ten grand is my final offer. Take it or leave it.”

Ten grand could do so much for Christian and I. But it’s the principle of the thing. I would, in essence, be prostituting myself.

“Still no,” I tell him. “I am opposed to this whole thing on principle. I am not a high class escort.”

“Yes, of course not,” he says. “But what if I told you there is no expectation of sex or anything of a sexual nature.”

I ponder this new information for a second. “So let’s review this proposal… you would pay me ten thousand dollars just to watch me fall asleep, because that’s what I’ll be doing very shortly.”

Roya Carmen is a busy mom, romance writer, designer, bookworm, chocoholic, and hopeless romantic. There’s nothing she enjoys more than making up stories about love, and sharing them with her readers.

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Cover Reveal ~ Wicked Player ~ by ~ Roya Carmen

Title: Wicked Player

Author: Roya Carmen

Genre: June 24, 2021

Release Date: Contemporary Romance

Cover Design: Calico Designs

A struggling single mom gets caught up in the web of a notorious Casanova who likes to play games.

When Clara Scott signs up for the Player’s Game, she does it only for the money. As a struggling single mom, she needs the extra cash.

Colton Rossi is beautiful, but he’s also a notorious player. Women swoon all over him. Yet Clara’s not interested in the least in a Casanova like him, nor does she have time in her life for romance.

She knows she can’t get tangled up in his games. She needs to look out for herself, and her small son too. As intoxicating as he is, she vows to pull herself away from him, but when he makes her an offer she can’t refuse, she’s drawn in further despite her best intentions.

Will her preconceptions be confirmed, or is there more to Colton Rossi than meets the eye?

WICKED PLAYER contains some coarse language and sexual scenes. For 18+ audiences.

He slides a finger along the length of my arm, and it feels amazing… warm and soft. And suddenly I want him to touch me everywhere.

He presses his mouth against my head. “I’m glad I’ve finally got you alone,” he says. “I’ve been dying to smell your hair all night. It always smells so nice.”

I close my eyes, inhaling his scent too. “You smell nice too… manly.”

He laughs into my hair, and pulls me in closer. He’s barely touched me, and I’m already so turned on, I fear I might explode. I don’t know if it’s the drugs, or the fact that I haven’t been laid in years, or maybe it’s just… him.

He presses a finger under my chin, and lifts my face to his. “You are so pretty.”

I love his words. I don’t know if he says them often, if they mean anything at all. But I love them anyway. I do feel pretty in his arms. I’m desperate for his kiss, but he teases, almost as if he knows how much I want it. This is a man who loves to play, and I’m his chosen toy tonight.

His lips travel softly across my mouth, around my chin, down my neck, and back up again, his breath hot on my skin. I honestly don’t know how much more of this I can take.

He finally presses his hot mouth on mine. His lips are just as soft and delicious as I imagined in my fantasies. And he tastes of mint. And God, he knows how to kiss. Every stroke of his tongue, every soft bite of my lips reels me in deeper, arouses me more intensely. I lose myself in him, and I feel him lose himself in me.

He hikes up my thigh against his hips, and presses me against the wall of bottles. I wrap my arms around his shoulders, and hike up my other leg against him, wanting to get closer to him, craving more. I grind against him, and when he jerks up the skirt of my dress, I’m game for anything.

He pulls away, tearing his mouth from mine, and I ache. I want his kiss. He travels south as he kisses my shoulder, then bites the swell of my breast. God, I want him. Now. He kneels to the floor, and his hands travel upward.

Oh no… the Spanx!

Just then, the cellar door swings wide open and Victoria stands there, wide-eyed.

Oh, shit.

HOSTED BY:

Book Tour ~ The Boss Upstairs ~ by ~ Roya Carmen

Title: The Boss Upstairs

Series: Orchard Heights

Author: Roya Carmen

Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romance

Release Date: October 27, 2020

Cover Design: Calico Images

Goodreads – “Absolute perfection here folks! So good! Definitely a must read!”

Brittany’s Book Blog – “This story was certainly romantic and very unique and I loved how the relationship between Gretchen and Weston developed.”

Goodreads Review – “This book is fantastic!

Loved this so much and was lucky enough to read it very early on.

Weston is super swoony.”

For fans of The Ground Rules trilogy, Weston is back, and naughtier than ever, in this sweet and steamy boss secretary romance.

Gretchen Morris is barely thirty, yet she’s already a widow. Ethan, her two-year old boy, is the light of her life. This is it for her. She will never love anyone like she loved her late husband, Donovan. Every hour, he’s in her thoughts, in her heart, not letting go. She’s completely shattered because he’s gone, and every single day, she must live with the knowledge that she’s the one to blame.

She’s nothing but a hollow shell, going through her life on auto pilot, trying to be strong for Ethan, but failing miserably. She’s looking to become self-sufficient again, to head back into the job market and start a new chapter.

Surprisingly, all it takes is one jolt to bring her back to life; an opportunity to work with the reclusive wealthy man in the penthouse upstairs.

Weston Hanson is odd, beautiful, sweet, playful, and unlike anyone she’s ever met before. And he’s as broken as she is. He’s lived a man’s worst nightmare, gone through a divorce, and let go of a woman he loved dearly. He’s still obsessed with this woman and cannot move past the regrets in his life.

Can two people fall in love if their souls are full of broken memories, and their hearts are still held captive by others?

“Thanks for the flowers. You shouldn’t have.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

“But this is getting kind of silly, Weston,” I say. “I know it was in the agreement that you could get me gifts but—”

“They’re just flowers, Grasshopper.” He stands and walks toward me. My whole body turns on every time he’s within five feet of me. I love it, but I also kind of hate it. No man has ever had this effect on me. Not even Donovan.

He takes my hand. “They were offered in apology. I’m not quite sure what I’m apologizing for, but last time we played, I upset you.”

I shake my head. “No, you didn’t.”

His brows furrow. “Don’t lie to me. I study people, Gretchen, and I’m very good at reading them. I knew you wanted me the first time I looked into your eyes, and I also know I upset you. You need to tell me what the matter is because I don’t want any secrets between us.”

I blow out a breath. I’m clearly not getting out of this.

“You’ve disappointed me.”

“How so?” he asks with wide eyes.

“I didn’t realize you were the kind of man who could be unfaithful.”

He shakes his head. “How do you mean?”

“The woman you mentioned…” I clarify. “The one you’re trying not to think about. Is she the reason you divorced your wife?”

He hesitates a long beat before speaking, and I wonder if I’ve just hit the nail on the head.

“Kind of… she had a lot to do with our separation,” he confesses. “Quite a lot in fact.”

“Were you having an affair with her?” I ask, desperate to know.

“No,” he says. “Not really. Not in the traditional sense.”

What the hell does that mean?

He blows out a huge breath. “Are you sure you want to hear this?”

I don’t hesitate to answer. “Positive.”

HOSTED BY:

New Release ~ The Boss Upstairs ~ by ~ Roya Carmen

Title: The Boss Upstairs

Series: Orchard Heights

Author: Roya Carmen

Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romance

Release Date: October 27, 2020

Cover Design: Calico Images

For fans of The Ground Rules trilogy, Weston is back, and naughtier than ever, in this sweet and steamy boss secretary romance.

Surprisingly, all it takes is one jolt to bring her back to life; an opportunity to work with the reclusive wealthy man in the penthouse upstairs.

Can two people fall in love if their souls are full of broken memories, and their hearts are still held captive by others?

He rakes a hand through his hair. “Please don’t interrupt me,” he says softly, and I shut the hell up.

“Let me explain this to you thoroughly, and then you can voice in. You can speak when I give you the go-ahead.”

Wow. Is he for real? “Okay, Sir.”

A hint of a smile traces his lips. He clicks his pen again. He’s still not looking at me. I really wish he would. “There clearly is a mutual attraction between us. That much can’t be denied,” he says and finally lifts his gaze to mine, and a frenzy of butterflies flood my insides.

He rubs the back of his neck. “I… I’ve always thought you were attractive, and when Rosetta insisted on you, I was a little hesitant but then I rationalized that you and I wouldn’t really be working together and would have minimal contact. Yet, I won’t deny that I looked forward to seeing you in my office for the next six months, if only to look.”

His words are arousing me, despite the fact that he’s being very matter-of-fact about it all. Everything about him is alluring; his soft spoken words, his long fingers toying with that silver pen, the curves of his shoulders in his dress shirt, and most of all, his intoxicating eyes.

“But… then circumstances changed, and we found ourselves drawn together. I knew it was wrong to ask you to join me for lunch, but I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to be near you.”

I remain silent. Not only because he’s ordered me to, but also because I am at a complete loss for words.

“Yes, you and I can take the next step, but given the social climate these days, and the Me Too movement in the workplace, which I fully support, one can never be too careful.”

I nod obediently.

He finally puts down his pen, and flattens his hands on his desk, on either side of a conspicuous red folder. “I need your full written consent before we can proceed.”

What?

“I really don’t think that is necessary—”

“I didn’t give you the go-ahead to speak yet.” He shifts uncomfortably in his seat. “I’m not done.”

I sit back, not believing the way he’s behaving, what he’s suggesting. I watch him intently as he flips open the red folder. I glance quickly at the heading on the sheet. It’s upside down, but I can still make it out. It reads: WORK PLAY AGREEMENT

I stifle a smile. He can’t be serious.

“I’ve pondered this incessantly and worked on this agreement all weekend,” he tells me, and I can’t believe what I’m hearing.

I notice the staple in the corner. It’s not just a simple one-page affair, it’s multiple pages.

Damn.

While I was getting my nails done with my friends, he was busy whipping this plan up. While I played with Ethan at the park, he was working on this. While I binge watched old episodes of Sex and the City, he was typing this report up. This is so hot.

He hands me a copy of the arrangement, all business. My fingers are trembling when I take it from him, still speechless. My heart is threatening to burst out of my chest.

He reaches for an extra pen and hands it to me. He then picks up his pen again, and stares down at his copy of the agreement. “I thought we could go through it together, and then you could give me your thoughts. I look forward to hearing them.”

“Do I…” I hesitate to talk. “Do I have the go-ahead to speak now?” I ask, half-submissive, half-snarky.

He smiles. “Yes… I’m sorry. I just wanted you to hear me out.”

“Okay… well, let’s look at this, shall we?”

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Book Tour ~ The Man Next Door ~ by ~ Roya Carmen

Title: The Man Next Door

Author: Roya Carmen

Genre: Romance Suspense

Release Date: May 21, 2020

I was just a girl, a young neglected girl with issues. I was a mess. A mess he wanted nothing to do with. He knew better. But I certainly didn’t. All I knew was that I liked what I saw.

I grew up in small town Michigan, raised by a single alcoholic father and two older brothers who never gave me the time of day. All I had were my best friends, Izzie and Gavin, a reclusive broken man, ten years my senior. My father forbade me to see him, but I didn’t listen. I was crazy about him and he adored me. Even when our small community was rocked by a heinous crime and Gavin was the main suspect, I still loved him.

When tragedy struck, I finally escaped. As far away as I could.

I’ve been in Chicago ever since, trying to forget all about my past. Yet, I find myself still thinking about my past, about Gavin and Izzie, about my other life. I’m not truly living anymore, just going through the motions. Until…

Noah Reed. My new neighbor. Beautiful, sweet and intoxicating. There’s something about him I just can’t put my finger on. He’s the first man since Gavin I truly let myself fall for. I think he might be the one. Until…

… the day I discover his secret.

“I absolutely loved ‘The Man Next Door’. It is a fantastic story and really original.” – Louise

“Wow! This was steamier than I thought it would be.” – Angela

“I couldn’t put it down. You outdid yourself. The characters and story are perfectly developed, all of them, from main characters to supporting characters. This is the best one you have written so far.” – Melissa

HOSTED BY:

New Release ~ The Man Next Door ~ by ~ Roya Carmen

Title: The Man Next Door

Author: Roya Carmen

Genre: Romance Suspense

Release Date: May 21, 2020

I was just a girl, a young neglected girl with issues. I was a mess. A mess he wanted nothing to do with. He knew better. But I certainly didn’t. All I knew was that I liked what I saw.

When tragedy struck, I finally escaped. As far away as I could.

… the day I discover his secret.

His sky blue eyes are fixed on me, and I freeze. We’re both without words. No, it’s not just my imagination. The boy definitely wants to get into my pants, or my sweats, as it were.

“I’ve been busy,” he says, not taking his eyes off me, “but not that busy. I just think you should stay away from me, Abby. I’d be nothing but trouble for you.”

My breath hitches. What does he mean? “Why?”

“I’m a mess. I’m bad news, Abby. You’re probably better off to stay away.”

“Why? What did you do? Are you in the mob? Did you kill someone?”

He laughs. “No. And no.”

“Then what is it?” I ask, breathless. “Do you have a girlfriend? A secret wife? Are you a grieving widower?”

He smiles. “No… single at the moment. And not a grieving widower… never married.”

I stare down at my fuzzy socks. “It’s because I’m too old, right? You don’t get mixed up with women my age. You probably want some hot young thing.”

He shakes his head and catches me by surprise when he takes my face in his soft hands. “You’re not too old. You’re beautiful, Abby.”

My silly heart skips at his words.

“Then why?” I ask softly.

His pupils grow, his eyes darken, and his beautiful lips slightly part open. I stretch my neck up, and tentatively press my eager mouth against his, just a soft kiss.

He doesn’t move, doesn’t react, and it breaks my heart. I can see desire in his eyes, as clear as day. I can feel the attraction between us, in every cell of my being. He’s as tempted as I am, yet he won’t—

He grabs my face again, but this time, he’s not gentle. He presses his mouth against mine and licks my bottom lip. My whole core is on fire. I reach for his jaw, and rub my palms against his five o’clock shadow. When his tongue invites mine to dance and play, it eagerly accepts. His hands travel to my hair and his long fingers get tangled in my locks as his mouth is busy exploring me, undoing me. My whole body is lost to him. I haven’t been kissed like this since…

Since Gavin.

I want more. I lean in, and press myself harder against him, my desire possessing me unapologetically, making me numb to the world outside. I run my hands down his torso, and he groans when I reach the band of his pants. Is this wrong? Is this too early? We barely know each other. He’s too young for me.

My heart jerks when he suddenly pulls back and pushes me off him. My stomach falls. I’m an idiot. He clearly doesn’t want to get involved with me. Why am I acting so aggressive, so desperate? “I’m sorry… I got carried away.”

He’s breathless when he tells me, “No… it was me. I just think this is a bad idea, Abby. That’s all.”

Why is it such a bad idea? I want to scream. Tell me why?

“You should probably go.”

“Yes… sorry.” I rise and turn on my heel. I’m not staying there another second. I get it. You don’t want me. You don’t have to tell me twice.

He nips at my heels as I practically sprint out of his loft. “I’m sorry,” are the last words I hear before I slam the door into his face. I run to my apartment in tears.

My movie is still on. Richard’s character climbs the fire escape to reach Julia’s, despite the fact that he’s terrified of heights. He’s wielding a bouquet of roses, and his heart is hers. Forever.

Stupid movie.

Bleeding hearts bared, total abandonment and grand declarations of love… that’s not how real life works.

It’s all a bunch of crap.

I click off the TV, and cry in my pillow.

HOSTED BY:

Cover Reveal ~ The Man Next Door ~ by ~ Roya Carmen

Title: The Man Next Door

Author: Roya Carmen

Genre: Romance Suspense

Release Date: May 21, 2020
Cover Design: Calico Images

I was just a girl, a young neglected girl with issues. I was a mess. A mess he wanted nothing to do with. He knew better. But I certainly didn’t. All I knew was that I liked what I saw.

When tragedy struck, I finally escaped. As far away as I could.

… the day I discover his secret.