Tag: S.L. Sterling

New Release ~ The Holiday Dilemma ~ by ~ S.L. Sterling

The Holiday Dilemma by S.L. Sterling is available now!

One-Click today! https://geni.us/MemoriesofthePastWV1

Add to your TBR list on Goodreads: https://geni.us/TheHolidayDilemmaGR

𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 A Willow Valley Novel Series Memories of the Past ⇨ https://geni.us/MemoriesofthePastWV1 – Available Now The Holiday Dilemma ⇨ https://geni.us/TheHolidayDilemmaWV2 – Available Now Letters from the Heart ⇨ https://geni.us/LettersfromtheHeartWV3 – Pre-Order

This year, my favorite magazine, Festive Treasures, is hosting their Countdown to Christmas bake-off event right here in Willow Valley. The last two years I’d entered, I’d come in second place. Everyone tells me that the third time’s a charm, so with the whole town routing for me I enter my newest creation cinnamon buns.

When I get my acceptance letter, I discover that Tristan Ryan is sitting on the judges panel. We went to culinary school together. We didn’t have a good relationship then, especially when he voiced that he didn’t think I deserved to be at one of the top culinary schools if all I was going to do was take over my mother’s bakery back in my small hometown.

I don’t let that deter me. Instead, the day of the try-outs I arrive with my buns and a smile. When my name was called, I raised my head high and climbed up the stairs to the stage. That was when it happened, my ankle went rolling, my rolls went flying, and the next thing I know I woke up in the hospital.

I wake to see my assistant, and my arch enemy by her side. He immediately claimed guilt for what happened. He volunteered to take care of me and my badly sprained ankle. He even volunteered to move in and help with the bakery. I don’t know what I was thinking when I accepted. Tristan always had a way of testing my patience. I figured it would never last. To my surprise, the criticism seemed to stop, and something else started. I was beginning to like the big dumb jerk.

I still wasn’t convinced that the trip was just an accident, but, I was convinced he’d decide soon enough there was nothing for him in this little town, including me, so what harm would come from a little fling?

One-Click: https://geni.us/MemoriesofthePastWV1

SNEAK PEEK

My head was throbbing, and I could hear murmured conversations  in the room. I slowly opened my eyes, the bright lights hurting. As the voices continued, I wished that whoever was speaking would stop. As the room came into view, nothing about it seemed familiar and I frowned, first looking down to the bottom of the bed where I saw my right foot in an air cast.

“Oh my goodness, she’s awake!” I heard a familiar voice exclaim.

I looked to the left and saw Melinda coming over to my side.

“We were so worried about you,” she said, taking hold of my hand.

“What happened?” I questioned, looking back down to my foot.

“Oh, Brooke, it was horrible. You had an accident at the bake-off tryouts. You tripped, fell, hit your head, and well, you have a severely sprained ankle,” she cried.

It was all slowly coming back to me. I’d been running late and had been rushing into the auditorium. I walked in just as they were just announcing me. I’d ripped the clear wrap off the plate of cookies I’d been carrying, bolted up the side of the auditorium to the staircase at the bottom of the stage, and rushed up the stairs. I’d just gotten to the top and was on my way across the stage when I tripped over something. Cookies went flying and so did I.

“God, I remember it now. I’ve made a complete ass of myself.” I cried, burying my face into my hands. “Did everyone see it happen? Does anyone know what it was I tripped on?” I questioned.

Melinda looked to me and then over to the other side of the room without saying anything. Her eyes reverted back to mine. I knew she knew what had happened.

“What? What is it, Melinda?”

“He tripped you!” she exclaimed, looking over to the other side of the room again.

“Who?” I questioned. I hadn’t seen anyone in the room with us.

“I did not! How dare you accuse me,” a deep voice cried out. “It was an accident. I’d never do such a thing on purpose.”

I glanced to my right to see Tristan Ryan step into my view. What the hell was he doing here?

AUTHOR INFO:

S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs.

An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel “It Was Always You” was born.

When S.L. Sterling isn’t writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors on her e-reader.

In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.

Social Media Links: Facebook: https://geni.us/SLSterlingFB Instagram: https://geni.us/SLSterlingInstagram Twitter: https://twitter.com/PowerofRomance Sterlings Silver Sapphires: https://geni.us/SapphiresReaderGroup Newsletter Signup: https://geni.us/GetMyNewsletter Goodreads: https://geni.us/SterlingGoodreads TikTok: https://geni.us/slsterlingtiktok Website: https://www.authorslsterling.com

TOUR HOSTED BY HEA PR More

Cover Reveal ~ The Holiday Dilemma ~ by ~ S.L. Sterling

The Holiday Dilemma by S.L. Sterling is releasing Dec 13th!

Pre-Order today! https://geni.us/MemoriesofthePastWV1

Add to your TBR list on Goodreads ⇨ https://geni.us/TheHolidayDilemmaGR

Cover Designer: Thunderstruck Cover Designs

𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 A Willow Valley Novel Series Memories of the Past ⇨ https://geni.us/MemoriesofthePastWV1 – Available Now The Holiday Dilemma ⇨ https://geni.us/TheHolidayDilemmaWV2 – Pre-Order Letters from the Heart ⇨ https://geni.us/LettersfromtheHeartWV3 – Pre-Order

This year, my favorite magazine, Festive Treasures, is hosting their Countdown to Christmas bake-off event right here in Willow Valley. The last two years I’d entered, I’d come in second place. Everyone tells me that the third time’s a charm, so with the whole town routing for me I enter my newest creation cinnamon buns.

When I get my acceptance letter, I discover that Tristan Ryan is sitting on the judges panel. We went to culinary school together. We didn’t have a good relationship then, especially when he voiced that he didn’t think I deserved to be at one of the top culinary schools if all I was going to do was take over my mother’s bakery back in my small hometown.

I don’t let that deter me. Instead, the day of the try-outs I arrive with my buns and a smile. When my name was called, I raised my head high and climbed up the stairs to the stage. That was when it happened, my ankle went rolling, my rolls went flying, and the next thing I know I woke up in the hospital.

I wake to see my assistant, and my arch enemy by her side. He immediately claimed guilt for what happened. He volunteered to take care of me and my badly sprained ankle. He even volunteered to move in and help with the bakery. I don’t know what I was thinking when I accepted. Tristan always had a way of testing my patience. I figured it would never last. To my surprise, the criticism seemed to stop, and something else started. I was beginning to like the big dumb jerk.

I still wasn’t convinced that the trip was just an accident, but, I was convinced he’d decide soon enough there was nothing for him in this little town, including me, so what harm would come from a little fling?

Pre-Order: https://geni.us/MemoriesofthePastWV1

AUTHOR INFO:

S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs.

An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel “It Was Always You” was born.

When S.L. Sterling isn’t writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors on her e-reader.

In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.

Social Media Links: Facebook: https://geni.us/SLSterlingFB Instagram: https://geni.us/SLSterlingInstagram Twitter: https://twitter.com/PowerofRomance Sterlings Silver Sapphires: https://geni.us/SapphiresReaderGroup Newsletter Signup: https://geni.us/GetMyNewsletter Goodreads: https://geni.us/SterlingGoodreads TikTok: https://geni.us/slsterlingtiktok Website: https://www.authorslsterling.com

TOUR HOSTED BY HEA PR More

New Release ~ Memories of the Past ~ by ~ S.L. Sterling

 

 

Title: Memories of the Past
Series: Willow Valley Book #1
Author: S.L. Sterling
Genre: Small Town, Second Chance Romance
Release Date: October 11, 2022
Thomas was the love of my life, or he was supposed to be. Instead, he became the guy who broke my heart, crushed my spirit, the last guy I ever dated, and the reason I never wanted to date again.


All this, I decided at seventeen, right after we graduated, which coincided with the day he left. He had his truck packed. We’d talked about running off together, eloping. Instead, Thomas explained he was leaving, joining the rodeo, and I could come if I wanted.

If I wanted!

I thought we shared a dream, but it didn’t include running off to join the western equivalent of a circus. Not with him. Not with anyone. I knew better.

So, he left, and I decided to make a life on my own.

I spent the next few months learning all I could about the small bookstore my aunt owned. I gradually took over as she aged, until one morning she woke and announced that she was ready to retire. She had picked a retirement community nearby, she wanted to relax, sleep in and hang out with the old people, like herself.

I’d begun to clean up the place, sorting through boxes of books she’d packed away and began setting them out. I’d let people make me an offer since I was short on space. That was when Thomas appeared. His father had passed, and the community was buzzing with rumors that he had returned to sell the property.

He’d come in looking for a good read or so he claimed. Instead I shoved a book at him and told him to take it. I hoped I’d never see him again, but I was wrong. He returned, with the book, his note told me to read the book and I’d understand. So, I read it, and I understood nothing.

It was Aunt Vi’s diary. She too had never stopped pining for a cowboy who left her behind.

Maybe he thought he was saving me. Perhaps I missed what I was supposed to understand all together. All I knew was that I didn’t want to face him. One look at him told me it would be all to easy to fall into those strong arms again and I knew I still loved him, even if he didn’t love me in return.

 

 

 

 
 
S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs. 
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel “It Was Always You” was born. 
 
When S.L. Sterling isn’t writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors on her e-reader. Her favorite authors include Kendall Ryan, Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, Lauren Blakely, Alessandra Torre and Willow Winters. 
 
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
 

 

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Double Cover Reveal ~ The Forever Boys Series ~ by ~ S.L. Sterling

Series: The Forever Boys Series
Titles: Saviour Boy & The Boy Under the Gazebo
Author: S.L. Sterling
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Design: Thunderstruck Cover Design
Returning home after my military career came to an end, my best friend Chris needed my help. His little sister, Becca, was in trouble, and I was the only one he could trust.

 

But maybe he shouldn’t have because he doesn’t know the truth. During my last deployment, Becca had secretly written me letters that made me believe we shared something. Something powerful. We had a connection. But maybe not strong enough because when I returned to Merlot, she was seeing someone else and I was thankful I didn’t need to violate the bro code.
Chris asked me to protect her in his absence. To handle the guy that was stalking her. The same guy she’d been dating. I did what I had to do to keep her safe and didn’t mean to fall in love in the process.
Screw the bro code. If everything worked out, she’d be with me when all was said and done, and she would never be scared again.

 

I loved Kendall. We’d always been friends, but the crush on her came and went. That was why I’d never acted on it. I knew that if I made my move too soon, I’d lose her. Kendall was the forever kind of girl.


Most of the time, I thought we were actually perfect together. That was usually following a breakup. And I had a lot of breakups. I tried to ensure that I had a steady stream of dates so that I wouldn’t do something stupid with Kendall. Naturally, none of those relationships ever worked out.

I should have figured it out sooner, that Kendall was the one for me. Then fate handed me the perfect opportunity. The Bear Creek Music Festival was just around the corner. Her parents were holding their annual party weekend. She needed a date. I didn’t even need to ask because she kind of volunteered me.

I wanted her to see me with her family, fitting in. I wanted her to imagine the life we could have together. This wasn’t about a friend doing a friend a favor over the course of a weekend. This was about showing her I wanted a lifetime together. For her, I’d take a chance, even if it meant risking our friendship forever.

 

 
 
S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs. 
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel “It Was Always You” was born. 
 
When S.L. Sterling isn’t writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors on her e-reader. Her favorite authors include Kendall Ryan, Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, Lauren Blakely, Alessandra Torre and Willow Winters. 
 
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
 
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New Release ~ Our Little Surprise ~ by ~ S.L. Sterling

Title: Our Little Surprise
Series: The Spencer Brooks Diaries Book 2
Author: S.L. Sterling
Genre: Age Gap, Instalove
Release Date: August 15, 2022
Cover Design: Thunderstruck Cover Design

 

“This duet put a cherry on my book cake and I loved it.” ~ Goodreads Reviewer

 

“This book made me smile feel my heartbreaking and so many other emotions” – Goodreads Reviewer

 

Spencer Brooks was the most attractive man I’d ever laid eyes on. Not only was he my boss and father’s best friend but he was also the man I had been sneaking around with for the entire summer.


That is why my world shattered the night my father caught us in bed together. Angry as hell, my father forbade us to be together, but Spencer promised me that everything would work out. In the coming days, my father demanded I quit my job. Only he didn’t stop there. He also called Spencer’s ex-wife, who threatened to take Spencer’s daughter Nikki away from him, forcing Spencer to call us quits for good.

Heartbroken, I buried my feelings for the man I loved, and put in a transfer to another department to appease my father. Only to my surprise Spencer refused to sign it until after I helped him organize his company Christmas Party.

I could only do this if he promised to keep it professional, but soon I was noticing the soft touches and lingering glances. Then one night he delivered a kiss that brought all my feelings back to the surface. I try to fight it at first until I discover something that will either bring us together or tear us apart for good.

 

I cleared my throat. “Things are going great,” I answered, straightening the tie Dad was wearing.

 

Dad turned and looked in the mirror, impressed with my tie straightening skills. “Wow, where on earth did you learn to do that?” he asked, knowing full well I’d never held a serious relationship before.

Truth was I had come to learn to straighten ties almost immediately after Spencer and I had had an intense session of hot sex against his office wall.

I shrugged. “It’s just easier when someone else does it,” I said, turning away from my father.

 

“When is Spencer supposed to be back from that business trip?”

 

“Um, I believe he said Monday. At least that was what his schedule said. Why?”

 

“Good, I have to go out of town for work on Monday. I feel better knowing he is home next door to look over you when I am gone.”

 

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks and hoped that my father hadn’t seen it. He wouldn’t feel better if he knew that Spencer and I were involved. He certainly wouldn’t feel better if he knew the things Spencer and I had done together when he’d been gone.

 

“What time are you supposed to be meeting this woman?” I asked, feeling my phone vibrate in my pocket.

 

“I pick her up in ten minutes. I guess I should probably get going. She lives on the other side of town,” he said, looking at his watch.

 

I handed Dad his jacket and practically shoved him out the door and watched as he ran down the front steps of the house. “Make sure you keep the doors locked, and if you’re feeling ambitious, why don’t you pull up some of the Christmas decorations from the basement,” He called out as he climbed in the car.

 

“I might,” I yelled. I waved just as he pulled out of the driveway and watched until he was out of sight, then I took my phone and sent Spencer a message.

 

BabyGirl89: He’s gone.

 

Spencer didn’t respond. Instead, in a matter of minutes, he was standing in the entryway of the house, and I was pressed up against the wall in his embrace with his lips tightly pressed to mine.

 

 

 

 
 
 
S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs. 
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel “It Was Always You” was born. 
 
When S.L. Sterling isn’t writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors on her e-reader. Her favorite authors include Kendall Ryan, Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, Lauren Blakely, Alessandra Torre and Willow Winters. 
 
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
 

 

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Cover Reveal ~ Our Little Surprise ~ by ~ S.L. Sterling

Title: Our Little Surprise
Series: The Spencer Brooks Diaries Book 2
Author: S.L. Sterling
Genre: Age Gap, Instalove
Release Date: August 15, 2022
Cover Design: Thunderstruck Cover Design

Spencer Brooks was the most attractive man I’d ever laid eyes on. Not only was he my boss and father’s best friend but he was also the man I had been sneaking around with for the entire summer.

That is why my world shattered the night my father caught us in bed together. Angry as hell, my father forbade us to be together, but Spencer promised me that everything would work out. In the coming days, my father demanded I quit my job. Only he didn’t stop there. He also called Spencer’s ex-wife, who threatened to take Spencer’s daughter Nikki away from him, forcing Spencer to call us quits for good.

Heartbroken, I buried my feelings for the man I loved, and put in a transfer to another department to appease my father. Only to my surprise Spencer refused to sign it until after I helped him organize his company Christmas Party.

I could only do this if he promised to keep it professional, but soon I was noticing the soft touches and lingering glances. Then one night he delivered a kiss that brought all my feelings back to the surface. I try to fight it at first until I discover something that will either bring us together or tear us apart for good.

 

 
 
 
S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs. 
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel “It Was Always You” was born. 
When S.L. Sterling isn’t writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors on her e-reader. Her favorite authors include Kendall Ryan, Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, Lauren Blakely, Alessandra Torre and Willow Winters. 
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
 

 

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Book Tour ~ Our Little Secret ~ by ~ S.L. Sterling

 

Title: Our Little Secret

Series: The Spencer Brooks Diaries Book 1
Author: S.L. Sterling
Genre: Age Gap, Instalove
Release Date: June 20, 2022
Cover Design: Thunderstruck Cover Design
 

 

Spencer Brooks was the most attractive man I’d ever laid eyes on.
 
He was not only our neighbor and the father to the little girl I babysat for, but he was also my father’s best friend.
 
All of those reasons combined should have said he was totally off-limits, but my desire for him was too strong.
 
After all, What could one night really hurt?

 

 

 

 
 
 

 
S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs. 
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel “It Was Always You” was born. 
When S.L. Sterling isn’t writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors on her e-reader. Her favorite authors include Kendall Ryan, Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, Lauren Blakely, Alessandra Torre and Willow Winters. 
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
 
 
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Cover Reveal ~ Our Little Secret ~ by ~ S.L. Sterling

Title: Our Little Secret

Series: The Spencer Brooks Diaries Book 1
Author: S.L. Sterling
Genre: Age Gap, Instalove
Release Date: June 20, 2022
Cover Design: Thunderstruck Cover Design

 

 

 

Spencer Brooks was the most attractive man I’d ever laid eyes on.
He was not only our neighbor and the father to the little girl I babysat for, but he was also my father’s best friend.
All of those reasons combined should have said he was totally off-limits, but my desire for him was too strong.
After all, What could one night really hurt?

 

 
SPECIAL $0.99 PREORDER PRICE!

 

I stared out of my bedroom window down into my next-door neighbor’s backyard and watched as he walked behind his mower, cutting his lawn. I looked forward to every Saturday morning, because that was the day that Spencer would appear shirtless and do all his yard work. Spencer and his little girl, Nikki, had moved in almost a year ago now, and from the time I’d laid eyes on him, I’d wanted him. Problem was, he was a good twenty years older, divorced, and a father, and I had only turned twenty a few months ago. Not that any of that mattered, except for the fact that he was also my father’s best friend.

“Still staring at your god?” Carly questioned.

“How did you guess?”

“Well, you were actually in mid-sentence, and you just stopped talking.” Carly giggled. “That was the only logical reason I could come up with. Unless, of course, you were having a stroke.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m sorry, but how is it even possible that he can look just as sexy in grubby sweats, covered in sweat, as he does every weekday morning when he leaves for the office dressed to the nines in a suit and tie?” I questioned. “I mean, it doesn’t help that the man is beautiful. Thick, dark hair I’d love to run my fingers through, blue eyes anyone with half a pulse could get lost in, 6’2″ and a solid wall of pure muscle that I’d love to lay under. God, how I’d love to lay under him.” I grew quiet envisioning that image. “But in all seriousness, he looks dynamite dressed in a suit, and he looks just as amazing now.”

“God, I know what the man looks like, Ainsley. His picture is plastered on every bus stop and major billboard all over the damn city.” She sighed with irritation. The topic of Spencer Brooks had dominated every conversation we’d had for the past year.

“I think he makes the city look better. You can’t honestly tell me that you don’t agree?”

The phone was silent for a moment, and then I heard a huge sigh. “Is Spencer Brooks all we are going to talk about today?”

“I’m sorry…it’s just…”

“It’s just you’re obsessed with an older man,” Carly bit out. “One who just happens to be the same age as your father, which is just gross. He’s also, in case you’ve forgotten, your soon-to-be boss! Did you forget about that? It’s seriously quite a predicament you’ve gotten yourself into.”
 
S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs. 
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel “It Was Always You” was born. 
When S.L. Sterling isn’t writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors on her e-reader. Her favorite authors include Kendall Ryan, Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, Lauren Blakely, Alessandra Torre and Willow Winters. 
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
 
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Book Tour ~ Into the Sunset ~ by ~ S.L. Sterling

 

Title: Into the Sunset

Author: S.L. Sterling
Genre: Second Chance Romance
Release Date: May 10, 2022
Cover Design: Thunderstruck Cover Design
 

 

★★★★★ Review – “This book was absolutely amazing my heart was broken 💔 I cried but then I was smiling and sighing … absolutely gorgeous couldn’t recommend enough!”

★★★★★ Review – “I loved this book. I was in such a book hangover and this was such an easy read, just what I needed.”

★★★★★ Review – “Angsty , heartbreaking, heartfelt, emotionally charged , captivating , intriguing, off the charts chemistry, witty banter , humor , angst , page turner….”

 
 

 

 

 

Ben
I know why I lost her. I was too serious, I was too practical. I was too busy thinking I knew what she wanted without asking her.
Over time, this wore on her. All she wanted was to be heard. She wanted someone to support her big exciting ideas, I was supposed to do that, but I shut them down. No wonder she handed me my ring back and left town. No wonder she married someone else, leaving me with memories of sunsets at the beach and the future I had planned for us.
I went on and built my life without her. My father and I opened the second division of Sunset Builders in Las Vegas, and to my surprise, I stayed busy, almost busy enough not to notice the loneliness. That was until one day I was called to do a quick bathroom and kitchen remodel for a woman who lived on Las Vegas Boulevard. I shouldn’t of gone, I should have sent one of my men because when I arrived, and the door opened, every memory I’d had of Jessica came flooding back.
If I’d learned anything in her absence it was that anything worth doing was worth being done well, and anything worth having was worth fighting for. I just hoped she’d give me a second chance.
Jessica
Ben had always been right to keep me grounded. I should’ve listened because the falls didn’t hurt as bad that way.
I wanted a bigger life, in a bigger brighter place. I never appreciated the beauty of living in a small town with a huge support system. Instead, I left town without so much as a goodbye, chasing a silly dream.
I married the man who promised me the sun, moon, and the stars, but delivered blinding blows. I spent years hiding in the dark so that no one would see my bruised face. Most days, I thought I’d die before I escaped the nightmare. I dreamed of running, it was my only way out. Then I got news my grandfather had passed. He left me money and a gorgeous condo in Vegas. I had a plan. I would upgrade the condo, sell it, and fade away into the sunset, all while my husband was gone on a business trip.
Little did I know that Ben would show up on my doorstep. He swore we could make our dreams real, but this time I was the grounded one. I could only see how we would never work. I’d made too many mistakes and love was terrifying.

 

 
S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs. 
An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel “It Was Always You” was born. 
When S.L. Sterling isn’t writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors on her e-reader. Her favorite authors include Kendall Ryan, Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, Lauren Blakely, Alessandra Torre and Willow Winters. 
In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.
 
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New Release ~ The Greatest Gift ~ by ~ S.L. Sterling

 

Title: The Greatest Gift
Author: S.L. Sterling
Genre: Contemporary Holiday Romance
Release Date: December 17, 2021

 

BLURB

 

Derrick destroyed Tess’s heart only weeks before their Christmas-themed wedding. He’d been cheating on her with his secretary, I knew I should have said something, but didn’t because I didn’t want to be the one to break her heart. After all, I’d crushed on her since he’d introduced us, so instead, I decided to step in and clean up his mess.

 

One night she came to me, telling me how the honeymoon she’d booked was non-refundable and how she wished she had someone to travel with. Since I believed no one should be alone for Christmas I agreed to go with her.
We had 10 days in Paris and when we arrived it felt as if we’d been transported into another world. She was finally laughing and smiling until we arrived at the hotel to find everything had been prepared for the newlyweds, which we weren’t. One look at her and I knew the tears were going to come rushing back if I didn’t step up and take control of the situation.
Afterward, I pulled her in for an innocent hug. The problem was she fit perfectly as if she’d been made for me. It was then that I realized this trip wasn’t going to be easy and that the next 10 days were going to be filled with cold showers, especially if she didn’t feel the connection too.

 

From USA Today Bestselling Author S.L. Sterling comes this heartfelt holiday romance that proves time heals everything if you let it.

 

 

 

 

PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

 

EXCERPT

 

Laura and I sat in the living room working on calling all the guests. Derrick carried the last few boxes of his stuff down the stairs, followed by Maddox, who’d agreed to help him move. Derrick marched out the door without another word, we had done nothing but argue since he had arrived. Maddox placed the box he’d been carrying on the floor and then poked his head into the living room.

 

“I think that is it, Tess. Just call me if he forgot anything and I’ll come by and pick it up.”
I looked up at him and nodded. “Okay, thanks, but please don’t let him come with you. I don’t want to see him again,” I said, standing up and going over to him.
“I won’t bring him back here. I promise. You can call me if you need anything.” He smiled, pulling me in for a hug.
Maddox and Derrick had been best friends growing up. The couple of years I had been with Derrick, Maddox had become a very good friend to me. He was someone I cherished, and I hoped that with the news of us breaking up meant that he, too, wouldn’t disappear from my life.
“Let’s go,” I heard Derrick call from outside.
“He beckons.” He gave me a half smile and rolled his eyes. “Guess I’ve got to go,” Maddox said, winking at me. He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek. “I’m on holidays for the next week, so if you’re feeling lonely, just call or text, okay.”
I nodded and watched as he walked out the front door, pulling it shut behind him.
I went in and flopped down on the couch just as Laura crossed off another name on the list and hung up her phone. “Another person off the list,” she said, smiling.
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “I guess I should now call and try to cancel that trip. Even if I won’t get my money back, perhaps they can offer me some sort of credit.”
Laura looked up from the list of names and shook her head. “No way. Don’t you dare.”
“Don’t cancel the trip?” I questioned, rubbing the tension from my neck.
“That’s right. I was speaking with your mom earlier. Her and I both agree that you should go on that trip, regardless. It will give you a chance to get over everything that has gone on, perhaps even give you a new outlook on things. Call it a self-discovery trip.”
I looked at her. She was being ridiculous. “Yeah, okay, let me get this straight. I’m to go on my honeymoon by myself to get over my fiancé dumping me eight weeks before our wedding? That doesn’t exactly shout fun,” I said, rolling my eyes. I picked up the confirmation email I had printed and searched it to find the number I needed to call and cancel.
I’d just found it when the front door opened, and I heard my mother call out a hello. I looked at Laura and gritted my teeth, not really in the mood to be ambushed by either of them. “Hey, Mom. We’re in here,” I called out.
Mom came around the corner, a huge smile on her face. “Okay, girls, tell me what I can do to help?” she asked, throwing her coat and purse over the arm of the couch.
“You can convince your daughter to go on that trip, while I continue to call and let guests know they cancelled the wedding,” Laura said, looking proud of herself.
Mom looked at me with disappointment written all over her face. Then she sat down and crossed her arms. I could tell from her body language that I was about to get a lecture. “Tess, you paid for that trip. You should at least go. I know how excited you were to go see Paris. Besides, it will do you good to get out of here for a while and away from all of this.”
I shrugged and looked at Laura. “You two don’t get it. I don’t want to go. This should have been my honeymoon. How much fun do you think I am going to have? First, I’ll be alone, and second, it’s only going to be a reminder of what would have been.”
Mom and Laura looked at one another, suddenly smiling as if they had an idea.
“What?” I asked, crossing my arms and rolling my eyes.
“So don’t go alone. Take one of your friends. What about Laura?” Mom asked.
“Oh, no, I can’t go. I’m heading out to Denver for Christmas. Going to visit my parents,” Laura said, putting the phone down on the table.
“Okay, so we need to find someone to go with you. Your father and I cannot go. We have plans already—Hawaii.” Mom brought her finger up to her lips and squinted her eyes as she tried to think of someone. Suddenly, her eyes lit up. “What about one of your single, platonic male friends?”
I put my head in my hands and shook it before running my fingers through my hair. “Mom, I don’t have single male friends.”
“There has to be someone, Tess.”
“Like who?” I frowned.
“Teddy, or perhaps the firefighter, oh what’s his name? You know the one with those stunning blue eyes?” Mom said, once again bringing her finger to her lips as she struggled to come up with his name.
“Maddox?” I questioned.
“Yes, that’s it, Maddox! He has always adored you. You should ask him,” Mom said, Laura nodding in agreement.
“You actually just missed him.” Laura smiled.
“Oh, that is too bad. I’ve always liked him, such a sweet man, and a good looking one too.”
I buried my face in my hands. I couldn’t believe that, as I stood here, my mother and Laura were plotting to fix me up with someone so I could go on this trip. I rolled my eyes. “Mom, Maddox isn’t even my friend. He is Derrick’s.”
“Now I know for a fact that isn’t true. Maddox adores spending time with you,” Laura interjected. “Did you see the way he hugged you earlier? And he is single.”
I gritted my teeth and looked toward Laura, willing her with my eyes to stop. “Don’t you have a list of people in front of you to call?” I interjected.
“Right, phone calls.” She giggled as she picked up the phone and began dialling.
Mom turned to me. “Oh, Tess, don’t be so stubborn. I agree. I think you need to go on that trip, but I don’t want my daughter travelling halfway across the country alone. Plus, everyone else has plans, and if Maddox is single…and willing to go…then I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t ask him.”
I picked up the other half of the guest list and shoved it at my mother without answering her. “I’ll go make us some coffee. I am sure it is going to be a late night,” I said, leaving the room and heading out to kitchen.
“Just ask him?” she yelled out as I left the room.
“Mother, please, I am not asking Maddox!” I shouted over my shoulder.
“I’m just saying…” She smiled and lifted her eyebrows in gest. “He’s a good-looking guy who would probably love to accompany you to Paris. Just ask him.”
I shook my head in disbelief that my own mother would even suggest such a thing. I could hear them giggle from the kitchen, and I shook my head as their suggestion ran through my mind. “Ridiculously crazy,” I muttered to myself as I made the coffee for everyone. There was no way I was asking anyone to go on that trip with me, if I were to go at all.

 

© The Greatest Gift 2021 S.L. Sterling

 

 

AUTHOR BIO

 

S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs. An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel “It Was Always You” was born. When S.L. Sterling isn’t writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors on her e-reader. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.

 

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