Print Length: 460 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: April 25, 2017

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Four years ago, Cate’s entire life changed when she discovered she was the daughter of a supersoldier. But Jim Morgan’s overprotectiveness has pushed her away. These days, she’s working as a freelance photographer and living the dangerous life Jim never wanted for her.

When Cate snaps a photo linking a corrupt South American politician with the leader of a notorious drug cartel, her mercenary father leads a team to rescue her—only to get shot and critically wounded in the process.

As Morgan’s operatives rally together on a revenge mission, they’re faced with new alliances and old heartaches. Cate is forced to work with David “Ash” Ashton, the man who broke her heart two years ago, while Liam Macgregor and Sullivan Port resurface after years apart to finally try to deal with everything they’d left unsaid.

Soon it’s all-out war between the cartel and the mercenaries—with two couples caught in the middle of the blood feud. Love and redemption are within their reach...but first they have to make it home alive.

An explosive, long-running series wrap up filled with gun blazing action and two couples trying to stay alive while finding their way to happily ever after. I am positive that the readers who have been following the series are thrilled with this title, where they get to meet the characters from the previous stories, where everyone gets a little bit of screen time, where the loose ends are tied up, and the questions answered. The setting of the scenes is through enough that even a newbie to the series can enjoy it if the like new adult and/or male-male romance mixed into their suspense. 
The fiery and violent action against the cartel with constant twists and turns leaves numerous bodies behind, elevates the energy of the tale and brings tension to the scenes. The fact that Jim, the superman, got hurt rattles everyone involved. 
Cate and Ash had battled with the attraction they feel for each other ever since they met. I liked Ash, he was a genuine, southern charmer, and while a fierce warrior, he had a mellow heart to Cate. 
Cate drove me to bonkers with her immaturity. I hoped she would have grown and developed during the story but that hope was in vain, even in the epilog she managed to get an eye roll from me. She is young and inexperienced to be dealing in the world where she seemed to think she was an expert in. The drama around her is constant and mostly created by her, while she doesn't take responsibility for it. I am not a fan of young adult stories so take that into consideration, I am sure the fans of the genre finds the angst just perfect.
Sullivan and Liam's romance came as a surprise for me, somehow I missed the notion of the male-male romance with the plot. It is the first in that genre that I have read, and I think it was done in a fabulous way. The intensity of the feelings, the roughness of two alpha males colliding, the hesitation of coming out, the catholic background, it all made a realistic storyline that was some of the best parts of the book as a whole. 
The language is rough, the action is deadly, the passion is blatant, the life as a mercenary unpredictable and dangerous giving the plot constant spins and turns. 
~ Three Spoons

The Morgan ranch has seen its share of bad times. But as the four Morgan brothers are drawn back to their childhood home, the nightmares of their past give way to the promise of a new beginning…

Ry Morgan has always had a thing for Avery Hayes—one more hope his twin wrecked for him, pretending to be Ry to kiss her at the high school prom. Eight years later, Ry has had enough: he’s quitting the pro rodeo circuit, moving home to California to mend fences, and letting his brother clean up his own messes for a change. Reclaiming Avery’s stolen kiss is at the top of his agenda…

But Avery has changed. Her rodeo career ended with a fall that left her lucky to be alive, let alone walking. She hasn’t been on a horse since, and between surgeries and fighting off everybody’s pity she hasn’t done much else either. Ry is strong, confident, and sexy as hell—exactly what she thought she wanted at seventeen. Now, she’ll have to protect the safe space she’s made for herself—or risk it all for a dream she thought would never come again…

I jumped right in the middle of the series with a new author for me, but that didn't slow me down a bit. It was easy to figure out what was going on and what had happened in the past. And I liked the complex, dysfunctional family of the brothers, their girlfriends, their father, and their grandmother. It was an interesting mix of people, who clearly cared for each other and were trying to forgive the past to make a better future. 
The only one that I found hard to like, and I believe that was done on purpose, was Ry's twin HW. His arrogance and selfish actions were hard to tolerate at times, yet the more insight I got to him, got to know him, his actions started to make sense, in an odd way, at least there was a reason behind them. 
Ry was truly a good guy. He had been the peacemaker all his life, looking after his twin. He had a rough going as a child with their mentally ill mother. Coming home to work at the ranch brought all those memories back about the torture he suffered at the hands of his mother, resulting in nightmares and flares of temper. Ry was the good guy, easy to understand and like and cheer for. Even though HW was supposed to be the charming twin, for me Ry was the one with alluring personality and charisma to win over my heart. 
His attraction to Avery was passion filled yet sweet and adorable. He obviously not only desired her, he liked her, trusted her, and leaned on her when in need of support. 
At the beginning of the story, I admired Avery, her bravery, her spunk, her determination to make it after the accident. But  - and here is where my points for the story started to drop - she wasn't a very pleasant person. At first, she was negative, turning everything to be a conflict instead of a compliment. And then there was the pull and push, the hot and cold, she was all in and all out, and even though she did and said something out of order she made Ry grovel and apology when he didn't do anything wrong! And this just went on and on again and again, until I started to wonder if Ry would be better off with someone who wasn't so difficult to be around with. 
The story's focus is on the life in the small town, the upcoming wedding, and the disturbance HW created for the family, and mostly the subplot running through the series with the mother of the family who had been assumed dead for a long time. The developing romance between Avery and Ry is well immersed into the story and the twists in the plot. I found it hard to trust that the turbulence Avery created to the developing romance wouldn't happen again, but they did find a moment's peace towards the end, yet the family drama ends in a cliffhanger. 
This was a good story with complex characters, it just had a little too much angst and drama to my liking. I understand that Avery had gone a severe trauma with her accident, but with the picture the story gave of her, I expected her to be a more stable person with fewer insecurities and self-doubts. Those added to the turmoil in Ry's family, there was just too much unnecessary drama and misgivings in the tale.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

In peaceful Pennsylvania Dutch country, a young mother discovers a shocking danger—and an unexpected ally
 
A whisper of a threat looms over widow Deidre Morris. She and her young son have unwittingly become prisoners of her intimidating father-in-law's power. One wrong step could find her son torn from her and in the hands of the influential judge. But when Deidre collides with an intriguing stranger, the prospect of a new friendship gives her renewed hope…until a devastating murder rocks the quiet community of Echo Falls and Deidre learns first impressions can't be trusted. 
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Attorney Jase Glassman's assignment is straightforward: befriend Deidre, gather incriminating evidence…and allow her dogged father-in-law to take custody of her child. Anything else, including losing himself in her honest charm, will compromise the job he was hired to do. Yet when a murderer ushers danger into the town, Jase's only instinct is to protect Deidre and her son—no matter the sacrifice.

A vastly entertaining romance novel that has the perfect name since throughout the story there is the echo of danger that you can sense and the lurking threat that can give you chills. 
I really enjoyed the Amish neighbors, their customs, they culture, their language or should I say a way to speak with that tinted dutch accent (or at least I read in my mind every dialog with them with that accent!). There was a peaceful and harmonious co-existence with the English and the Amis that spoke to my heart. For some reason, I found it a beautiful way to live. 
All the characters were drawn with an intense and sharp pen. They were charming and engaging, each of them demanding attention when present in the scene. 
Deidre Morris was a delightful heroine. No matter what the rumors are, she is a kind-hearted, capable, gracious woman, a great mother, and a good friend. She is one of those characters that you immediately click with, and find the common ground, could even be friends with in real life. 
Jase Glassman had grown up in a rough environment and had recently experienced the ultimate betrayal of a loved one. His life is in shambles as he moves to the small town, trying to find his footing again. He is thankful for the chance to still be a lawyer when his new employer asks him an odd favor. 
I liked Jase. He didn't deserve the devastation he was delivered to. He had a good heart, he is kind to strangers and small children, he has good and simple morals and values, only if he could be honest about his intentions. 
I liked how the plot was built, how the romance advanced. It was a slow road to the first kiss, not to mention to any declaration of feelings. The whole romance is clean and sweet with no more than kissing between the hero and heroine. The novel had a focus on the life and living around the town, with the constant small attacks towards Deidre and Jase, and the odd things happening around them. I liked how Deidre's son and Jase were building a relationship as well, and the team the three formed as the story moved on. 
Echo of Danger is a mix of tender romance, small town living, and a murder investigation, with constant malice towards the characters that brings tension and strain to the tale and draws the main characters even closer together. A great summer read!
~ Four Spoons

Lightstruck
Brewing Passions #2
By: Liz Crowe
Releasing May 30, 2017
Totally Bound

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Brewer Ross has given up on love…until he meets a woman who turns his life—and brewery—upside down.

Ross Hoffman held the potential for a perfect life in his hands—a life with Evelyn, the only woman he’d ever allowed himself to love, their baby and…her husband, Austin Fitzgerald, who also happened to be his best friend. But the challenge of trying to make a threesome into something acceptable—let alone the thought of actually sharing Evelyn with anyone—forces him to bolt. Determined to put all thoughts of their relationship behind him, Ross jumps headfirst into a new brewery job in Colorado, and back into the sort of sexual decadence that he hopes will distract him from his misery.

When he agrees to assist Austin through a spate of brewery mishaps, he lays eyes on his true fate—in the form of the petite, mysterious and exotic Elisa Nagel. Hired as assistant brewer, Elisa is absolutely everything he believes he doesn’t want in a woman. But he’s drawn to her in ways he can’t explain, and he can’t help but fall hard, fast and deep, which places him square in the middle of her horrific, until now secret backstory.
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Ross is determined that his love will conquer and overcome the horrors of Elisa’s past, allowing her to trust him with the only thing he desires—her heart.

Reader Advisory: This book contains a scene with attempted rape and violence, as well as a brief scene alluding to person being drugged and raped.

Pre-Order from publisher

Amazon best-selling author, mom of three, Realtor, beer blogger, brewery marketing expert, and soccer fan, Liz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville currently living in Ann Arbor. She has decades of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as a three-continent, ex-pat trailing spouse.
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Her early forays into the publishing world led to a groundbreaking fiction subgenre, “Romance for Real Life,” which has gained thousands of fans and followers interested less in the “HEA” and more in the “WHA” (“What Happens After?”). More recently she is garnering even more fans across genres with her latest novels, which are more character-driven fiction, while remaining very much “real life.”

With stories set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch, in successful real estate offices and at times in exotic locales like Istanbul, Turkey, her books are unique and told with a fresh voice. The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight, frustrate and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.

Don’t ever ask her for anything “like a Budweiser” or risk bodily injury.

Author Links:   WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

The Truth About Love Vol II is out now!
Grab your copy here - myBook.to/TruthAboutLovevol2

Synopsis
Cherry Donaldson goes through dates like some women go through coffee. So when she find herself in need of a temporary roommate, saying yes to the gorgeous guy—even if he’s not her usual type—is a bad idea.
A very bad idea.
The last thing she expects is to fall into a friendship with Jared. But he makes it so easy. And before she knows it, the lines blur and his annoying habits become just a little bit charming.
Will Cherry break her own rules to take a chance on the guy she now calls a friend, or is The Truth About Love too much to bear?
Buy now - myBook.to/TruthAboutLovevol2


Head on over to Anna's facebook page to enter the pinned giveaway for a chance to win a copy

Secrets of the Tulip Sisters
Susan Mallery
July 11th 2017
HQN Books

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The relationship of sisters Kelly and Olivia Van Gilder has been, well… complicated ever since their mother left them as teens, though it's the secrets they have been keeping from each other as adults that have unwittingly widened the chasm. But one thing they do share is the not-so-secret torch they carry for the Martin brothers.

In the small enclave of New Holland, Washington, Griffith and Ryan Martin were demigods. While Griffith was the object of Kelly's high school crush and witness to her mortal teenage humiliation, Ryan was for Olivia the boy who got away-something she's never forgiven Kelly for-and the only person since her mother who appreciated her wild streak.

Now, ten years later, both brothers are newly returned to town. Believing they're destined to be together, Olivia's determined to get Ryan back, until she discovers that she's not the only one keeping secrets…and that perhaps he's not the handsome prince she remembered. And even though Griffith has grown up to be more irresistible than ever, Kelly's impulse is to avoid him and the painful memory he represents, despite his resolve to right the wrong he caused her long ago-and her desire to let him.

“He was nice,” Helen said as Kelly drove the handful of miles between Petal Pushers and their respective houses.
No need to ask who “he” was, Kelly thought. She’d just endured the longest three hours of her life in the same room as Griffith. She’d listened to him analyze the book, make jokes and generally charm every woman within earshot. Except her, of course. But then she was the only one to have survived being rejected by Griffith, so she was special.
“Incredibly nice,” Kelly murmured.
“Now you’re being sarcastic.”
“I can’t help it. Doesn’t it strike you as the least bit odd that he wanted to join our book club? There’s that mystery one in La Conner. Why doesn’t he join that one?”
“He’s local, like us.”
Griffith was many things but “like us” was not one of them. “Can you at least admit it’s slightly odd that he showed up?”
Helen considered the question. “It’s unexpected, yes. But it’s not a bad thing.”
“Not for you.”
Helen angled toward Kelly. “Come on. Griffith is gorgeous. You have to admit looking at him isn’t a hardship.”
No, it wasn’t, not that she wanted to admit anything of the kind. He’d always been one of those guys who captured the attention of every female in a three-block radius. Of course he was tall, with sandy brown hair and brown eyes. But it wasn’t the individual features so much as how they came together into one incredibly appealing man.
“I still wish he’d gone to the mystery book club. There are guys there. He’d feel more comfortable.”
“Maybe you should tell him.”
Kelly heard the amusement in her friend’s voice and groaned. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“A little.” Helen shook her head. “Come on. Is it really so bad to have a guy like Griffith interested in you? It’s been six months since you and Sven broke up. It’s time to move on. Griffith is a great moving-on kind of guy.”
“So speaks the woman who hasn’t dated since her divorce six years ago.”
“I’m very comfortable in my ‘do as I say, not as I do’ role in our relationship. Come on. You can’t tell me you’re not the tiniest bit flattered. You have to be.”
“Why? Because he’s staring at me? I don’t know what he wants, but I doubt it’s what’s you’re thinking.”
“Why would you say that?”
Kelly turned at the corner and headed toward her friend’s house. “I’m very clear on my place in the universe.”
“Meaning?”
Kelly waved her hand in front of her midsection. “I’m average at best. Not beautiful, not pretty, not ugly. Just regular.”
If Griffith was looking for a fancier version of a Murphy, he should check out Olivia. Kelly hadn’t seen her sister in forever, but she would literally bet the farm on the fact that Olivia was still gorgeous and glamorous and wearing a designer something. Not cargo pants bought on sale from an online farm equipment supply outlet.
“It’s a family thing,” she continued. “I take after my dad. We’re sensible people. Hardworking. Ordinary. My mom and sister are the…”
“Exotic tulips in the garden that is your life?” Helen asked drily.
“Not the analogy I was going to use, but sure. It works.”
“You’re selling yourself short,” Helen told her. “Worse, you’re saying bad stuff about my friend and I don’t appreciate that. You’re not ordinary. You’re lovely and funny and hardworking.”
“It’s amazing you don’t want to have sex with me right now.”
“Stop. It.” Helen glared. “I mean it. Kelly, you’re great. Griffith finally got his head out of his ass long enough to notice you.”
“I thought you liked him.”
“I do. I used the phrase for effect. What did you think?”
“Well done.”
“Thank you.” She shifted to face Kelly. “I’m serious. You’re obviously over Sven. Take a chance on a great guy.”
“We don’t know he’s great.”
“I’ve heard rumors.”
Kelly had, too. The problem wasn’t Griffith. Not totally. Nor was it her still recovering from the end of a long-term relationship. She was embarrassed to admit that while Sven had surprised her when he’d said it was over, she really hadn’t missed him. Or felt all that upset. Which was sad because after five years, shouldn’t she have been at least a little crushed? What did it mean that she’d gone on without much more than a blink? Hadn’t she been emotionally engaged at all? And if she hadn’t been, what was the reason? Had he not been the one or was she somehow stunted?
Not a question she really wanted answered. Although Sven had pointed out that she’d never been in love with him. Which was true, if disconcerting to find out from a man.
“What’s the worst that could happen?” Helen asked.
“If I slept with Griffith?” The list was really long—where was she supposed to start?
“Whoa, I was going to say if you talked to Griffith. I find it fascinating you jumped right into bed with him, so to speak.”
“Please don’t.”
“Too late now. You’ve subconsciously told me everything.”
“I haven’t and it wasn’t subconscious anything. I spoke out loud.” Kelly pulled into Helen’s driveway.
“You’re trying to distract me with facts,” her friend said with a grin. “But I see you for what you are.”
“I’m afraid to ask what that is.”
“As you should be.” Helen lowered her voice. “You’re a sex-starved single woman who desperately wants to get involved with Griffith but you’re afraid.”
Words spoken in jest that were just a little too close to the truth. Not the sex-starved part. Sex was fine, if not the amazing, earth-shattering experience the media claimed, but still. She did find Griffith intriguing and attractive and…
“He’s annoying.”
“Liar, liar.”
“He can be annoying.”
“Better.”
“I want him to leave me alone.”
Helen sighed. “At the risk of repeating myself, liar, liar.”
Kelly growled in the back of her throat. “You’re annoying.”
“That is absolutely true. Just say it. You’re interested. Intrigued, even. He’s hot and you have no idea why he’s suddenly interested, but you don’t hate it.”
“What I hate is being that transparent.”
Helen hugged her, then opened the passenger door of the truck and slid to the ground. “Only to me, my sweet. Only to me. My advice is simple. Say yes.”
“He hasn’t asked me anything. In fact all he’s done is stare at me and be everywhere I am.”
“Then go find out why. Oh, and start keeping condoms in your purse. Just in case.”
With that, Helen waved and walked into her house. Kelly waited until the living room lights came on before backing out of the driveway and heading home.
Kelly had no plans to take the condom advice, but confronting Griffith might not be such a bad idea. Maybe she could find out what he was up to. Because as nice as it would be to think he was interested in her, she knew for a fact her luck wasn’t that good. Besides, he was Griffith Burnett. Even if she got him, she would have no idea what to do with him.
​Sad, but true.

Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of books about the relationships that define women's lives—romance, friendship, family. With compassion and humor, Susan keenly observes how people think and feel, in stories that take readers on an emotional journey. Sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, and always uplifting, Susan's books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list, thanks to her ever growing legions of fans.

Critics, too, have heaped praise on "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!"

Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month, January of 1992. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.

Susan lives in Seattle with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a tattletale toy poodle. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Animals play a big role in her books, as well, as she believes they're an integral component to a happy life.

Connect with Susan  Website | Facebook | Twitter

Marrying the Wrong Earl
Lords and Ladies in Love #2
By: Callie Hutton
Releasing April 17, 2017
Entangled Scandalous

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Lady Arabella Danvers is happy with her life just the way it is. She is free to be herself and take care of broken and abandoned animals. Her mother is desperate for her to marry, and has decided to take things into her own hands. There is just one little problem with her plan.

Nash, the Earl of Clarendon has determined it is time to take a wife. He has selected a woman to whom he intends to propose. However, the annoying Lady Arabella has stumbled into his life at the wrong time, and in the wrong place.
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But he of all people should know if Lady Arabella is involved, plans will go awry.

Clarendon’s dark blond curly hair hung a bit more over the back of his cravat than was fashionable, but it suited him well. It appeared his valet had attempted to tame the curls but a few stubborn locks had sprung free and brushed his broad forehead. An aristocratic nose and full lips left no doubt he was descended from generations of nobility. His crystal blue eyes bore into her as he released her hand when they joined the line. They stood across from each other as the music began. He bowed, she curtsied, and they came together. She would be the bigger of them, and clear the air. “I do wish to apologize for the trouble I caused you today, my lord.”

They switched places. “’Tis nothing, I assure you.” He extended his hand, and they moved together with the other dancers for a few steps.

“I disagree, my lord. You ended up muddy, with your clothes torn.”

His jaw flexed as they moved around each other and joined the line of dancers again. “Of course, you disagree, but I assure you, my lady, ’twas nothing.”

As they weaved in and out of the other dancers, she mumbled, “What do you mean ‘of course I disagree,’ and why cannot you accept an apology freely given? Are you always so disagreeable, then?”

They joined hands once more. “Perhaps because I do not wish to be reminded of the incident.”

Separating, they moved around each other, dipping with the music. “I believe you are merely being stubborn.”

Nash closed his eyes. “And I believe you are being stubborn.”

“I am not being stubborn. I simply want to extend my apologies for the mishap this afternoon.”

They joined hands again and moved in a circle. “Fine. Your apology is accepted.”

Another couple switched places with them, eyeing them with curiosity. “There, now. Was that so very hard?”

“My dear lady, do you wish to dance, or converse?”

They stepped forward, hand-in-hand to the head of the line. “Can we not do both?”

“Perhaps I lose count if I talk and dance.”

Her eyebrows rose and she offered a tight grin. “Cannot do two things at once, my lord? Is that why you had such a difficult time rescuing a poor cat?”

Nash came to an abrupt halt, causing the couple behind them to stumble. “I did not have a difficult time of it.”
​
He bent close to her ear and murmured. “Furthermore, I am finished with this conversation.”

Callie Hutton, the USA Today bestselling author of The Elusive Wife writes both Regency and western historical romance, with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). Callie lives in Oklahoma with several rescue dogs and her top cheerleader husband of many years. Her family also includes her daughter, son, and daughter-in-law, and twin grandsons “The Twinadoes.”  
Callie loves to hear from readers. Contact her directly at [email protected] or find her online at her Website. Sign up for her newsletter to receive information on new releases, appearances, contests and exclusive subscriber content. 

Author Links:   WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

The Wedding Planner’s Baby
Sisters of the Wishing Bridge #2
By: Amanda Ashby
Releasing April 10, 2017
Entangled Bliss

​

Free-spirited Bec Watson was never having children––until she is. No way she’s ready for this, and she’s not going to tie-down the father, not even (especially!) if he’s secretly an English Lord. She’s doing this solo, which means she needs help from the one place she swore she’d never return…Wishing Bridge Farm. Home.

Lincoln Mathews has never known love, only responsibility. And now his family home and business is at jeopardy unless he finds a solution. Fast. Their idea? Marry for money. But the girl who stole his heart is carrying their child. His first mission? Follow her to Wishing Bridge Farm. But soon he’ll have to choose between duty to his relatives and love for the real family he never thought he could have. ​

A warm sensation spread in her belly as the afternoon air filled with his aftershave. She licked her lips while somewhere at the back of her mind warning bells were ringing, telling her it was a bad idea. That the baby came first. But then she remembered their conversation at Daisy Hill. He said he’d give her what she needed.
And right now, I need this.
“Oh.” The breath caught in her throat, and it took all her willpower not to just lean in and kiss him. “I’m not sure what to say.”
“Don’t say anything.” He shook his head as his fingers reached out and found hers. “It seems like when we speak, everything comes out wrong.”
“Lost in translation,” she croaked, as her insides turned to fire.
His fingers clamped down on hers. Emmy had said kissing him before talking was a bad idea. But they’d talked. She’d taken him to the doctor’s. And he said I have a unique way of looking at the world.
“Exactly.” His other hand reached up and cupped her chin, turning her skin to liquid. “And I’m sick of things being wrong.”
“Me, too.” Bec inched forward and was rewarded by the sensation of his mouth crashing into hers. The scenic cliff melted away, his cell phone fell to the ground, and all that was left was him. The kiss intensified, and his fingers tightened around hers, but it wasn’t enough. I don’t want any space between us. She dragged her hands free and curled them around the back of his head, her skin burning.
He let out a groan and pulled her on top of him. Explosions, fireworks...the whole lot swirled in her belly as he planted hot kisses down her neck. She tugged at his shirt buttons, not caring that they popped off. All she cared about was the shirt was now gone.
Ah, that’s better. She ran her greedy hands across his chest, his muscles rippling beneath her touch. His hands slid up under her T-shirt. Goose bumps skittered along her body as his fingers cupped her breasts. Whoever invented this deserves a medal.
She tugged at her own shirt, desperate to get rid of it. His eyes gleamed, and his mouth immediately went in search of the small owl tattoo that rode on her shoulder. The first time he’d run his fingers across it, he’d told her how much it turned him on. And now, feeling his breath hot against her flesh, she though how the small pain from getting the ink had all been worth it.

​

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
Bec’s quite wild and carefree and Lincoln is an English Lord and despite the differences they bounced really well off each other, which meant it was fun to write them. Plus, I loved Bec’s relationship with her best friend, Coop, so it was always a giggle when they were on the page together!
​
Name three things on your desk right now.
Colored Post It notes and colored pens
A large quartz crystal
A coaster in the shape of a Maori Tiki  
(and one thing that isn’t on my desk is me! I tend to travel around the house following the sun like a cat, leaving the desk untouched by human hands!)

What are some books that you enjoyed recently?
History is All You Left Me by Adam Silveria (loved this book so much and when I finished I did that sad blinky thing when you realize that you’re not in book world at all, but rather in your house).
The Starbound Trilogy by Aimee Kaufman and Megan Spooner
Storm Front by Jim Butcher.

What types of scenes are your most favorite to write?
The silly kind. I do have a tendency to go over the top with the situations that I throw my characters into and I figure that when it gets too ridiculous then my editor will haul me back. Though, every now and then they forget, and I end up with crazy weird things happening in my books. I really shouldn’t be left unattended!

What are you favorite types of stories to read?
I read a lot of Young Adult and Fantasy books and often describe my reading tastes as that of a twelve-year-old boy because I like a lot of action, sword fighting and magic. But I also love humor and romance so when I get a book that combines all of these things, I’m pretty happy!

What 5 things should readers know about you?

1) I can’t tell my left from my right without shaking my hand and then working out if that’s the one I hold a pen in (and yes, I know about all the tricks of making the letter L with your left hand and no one wishes that way would work more than me. Alas, it does not). However, despite not being able to tell my left from my right, I have a really great sense of direction, which was very handy in the pre Google Map/SatNav days!

2) I was born in Australia but have lived for many years in both England and New Zealand and as a result have a very strange accent. No, seriously, if we were having a strange accent competition I would totally win!

3) I will forever love The Spice Girls and all forms of 90s pop music. This makes my husband shudder, to which I merely reply zig-ah-zig-ah.

4) When it comes to black boots, I’m a firm believer that more is better!

5) The above policy also applies to purses and white linen blouses.

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?
I started writing when I was twenty-seven after suddenly waking up one day and deciding that I should write a book. I wish I could say I was exaggerating and that I’d some inkling when I was younger, but nope. Not a clue. I was really good at creative writing at school and had been a life long reader, but until that moment of clarity, the chances of me being a writer were as likely as me becoming an astronaut (which, no offence to astronauts, but it looks like a lot of work). But I digress. So, after waking up with the idea to write a book I promptly sat down and wrote a 50,000 word romance, enticingly titled Love Story. Yeah. It was as bad as it sounds! It took me about a month to write and if memory serves, I did the whole thing in bold. Because I really was that clueless!!! After that I kept writing more books and learning my craft until I finally sold my debut book ten years later. Probably another reason why I could never be an astronaut. I’m a very slow learner!

What do you do when you are not writing?
I also work in the children’s department at my local library, which is awesome! I love books and I love seeing kids reading books so it’s a win/win. I also spend lots of time watching television or having my own nose buried in a book. Oh and I have a small and totally under control addiction to buying vintage treasures, which keeps me busy!!! Apparently I also have a family to feed and water, so let’s pretend that they come further up the list!

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
I sure do! For a start, I’m so proud of everyone who listens to their inner voice, who dares to follow their dreams and who steps into the magical space of creativity, it’s an amazing place to be! As for advice, there is quite literally only one way to write a book, and that’s word by word. Yes, you might not have the craft nailed, or understand how a scene works but until you sit down and start writing your story, you’ll never figure it out. So, take a deep breath and get started. You got this!  

Amanda Ashby was born in Australia but now lives in New Zealand where she writes romance, young adult and middle grade books. She also works in a library, owns far too many vintage tablecloths and likes to delight her family by constantly rearranging the furniture.
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She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award, and her first young adult book was listed in the New York Public Library Stuff for the Teen Age.  Because she’s mysterious she also writes middle grade books under the name, Catherine Holt and hopes that all this writing won’t interfere with her Netflix schedule.

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The Right Fit
By: Daphne Dubois
Releasing April 12, 2017
The Wild Rose Press

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When Maxine Nicholls discovers her fiancé is cheating, she turns to fast food and nighttime soap operas, but her sister has a plan—unbridled rebound sex with a stranger.

As one of Toronto's hottest players, Antony Laurent tallies scores on and off the ice, but when the chiseled defense man hits a slump, rumors of a trade to the minor league send him to ambush a managers meeting at a posh club.
​
That night a chance encounter ends up as an unforgettable evening of passion. But Maxine and Antony are about to discover a game of casual hook ups can lead to something neither one of them thought they deserved—the right fit.

​

She dropped her gaze and stared at his hands. God, they are big hands. Big hands, big… “Do you want a coffee?” she blurted out.
“A coffee? Non.”
“Or maybe you need the washroom?” She pointed down the short hallway that lead to her bedroom.
He looked down the hallway, then back to Maxine. “You want me to use washroom?” he asked seriously.
“No.” She backed up a few steps until she reached the kitchen counter. The heat under her dress was now slick and uncomfortable. She glanced down and saw a mint leaf sticking out of her cleavage. Classy lady.
The romance cover model ran a hand through his hair again, making his biceps strain under the t-shirt sleeve. Maxine suspected he’d practiced that move in the mirror a few times. “Then what do you want?” he asked.
A burst of nervous laughter escaped, but then her smile faded. “No one has asked me that in a very long time,” she said. Slipping off his jacket, she laid it on the counter, letting her finger trace the stitching along the zipper, trying to build up her courage. “Why did you follow me into the cab?”
“Because no one has ever run away from me before.”
Rolling her eyes, Maxine looked up and saw that he was smirking. “Rejection is a new thing for you, I’m guessing.”
“Is that what you call inviting me here?” He tossed the ball cap and it landed perfectly on the dining table. The floorboard creaked as he took a step closer to her. There was a spark of anticipation in his eyes.
“Hold on, cowboy,” she said, putting a hand on his chest. My God! His muscles are rock hard under his shirt. Who the hell is this guy? She cleared her throat. “What makes you think you can kiss me again?”
He was still as stone under her touch, but Maxine could feel herself falling into his stare. “You kissed me,” he said, his voice ridiculously smooth. “There is a difference, I promise.”
It wasn’t only the French accent, but the confidence in his voice that made her knees almost unhinge. Her hand was flat on his chest; his racing heart was keeping time with hers. “That sounds like a proposition,” she said.
“It can only be decided one way.” Then he repeated his earlier question. “What do you want?”
He was so close she could see the faint brown and black colors of his stubble. There was a cleft in his chin. What do you want? An image of the long white box hidden in the closet was ignored; all Maxine wanted at that moment was to mold herself into his arms and forget about the last four years. “Kiss me,” she said.
His fingers grazed her cheek, tucking a wave of hair behind her ear. “Un moment,” he said. “A man should be prepared.” He peeled the last mint leaf off her chest then placed it in his mouth.
Maxine giggled through a surprised expression, which faded into a sigh.
Then, with deliberate care, he brought his lips down to hers, perfectly fitting their mouths together. He gently moved his chin starting a slow pace, controlled but with a sense of held back urgency.
This was nothing like the hastily stolen kiss at the club.
The cautious seduction was almost too much for Maxine. She wanted to taste him fully, kiss him back hard—tackle this moment like Alexis Colby.

​

Daphne Dubois writes contemporary romance and believes the right book at the right time can make all the difference. When she's not putting her characters in compromising positions (ahem), she works as a registered nurse. A member of the Writer's Federation of Nova Scotia, she lives in Eastern Canada, the most romantic place in the world.

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Two Little Matchmakers 

Anna Leighton's eight-year-old twin daughters think they've given their hardworking single mom the perfect birthday gift. But the family canoe trip with outdoorsman Liam Kane is far from relaxing.

Their rocky shared past--and the secret Anna's been keeping--means she's given Liam a wide berth for ten years...until now. Liam may be bowled over by his former high school crush's beauty, but these days he's a die-hard bachelor who's building a cabin for one.

​But the rugged Liam underestimates the power of an unstoppable force: two little girls who want a daddy.

A wonderfully written sweet story that had me smiling. I enjoyed the characters, the Kane brothers had an amazing bond, I loved the setup of the small town and the businesses both the Kanes and Leighton's were running. The story had such a strong undercurrent of faith and hope, it truly was inspirational and uplifting to read. 
The different Love Inspired lines of books from Harlequin are Christian faith-based stories. I admired how that aspect of faith in God was dealt with in this story. All the characters had a strong, trusting, obvious relationship with God. They relaid on Him during the good and the bad moments, they inner thoughts often prayers to God to be in charged of the instant they were in. This was a lovely romance story written to Christians who enjoy romance and like their books to reflect those same values and morals as themselves hold dear, there's no preaching or lecturing, just sweet small town romance filled with hope and faith. 
Anna Leighton was a dynamic lady, a business woman, an artist, and a mom. Her kind heart and easy trust had been shattered during her marriage, the ultimate betrayal a secret she held close to her heart. To be able to move on she had to face the truth, and to be honest about the abuse in the young marriage. 
Liam Kane and his brothers knew all about abuse, they childhood had been filled with it. Yet they had grown to be examples of a good, solid, God-loving men of faith. I loved Liam, he had such kind, understanding, caring, generous spirit, the biggest heart ever. His feelings towards Anna had been growing ever since he first met her in school, 'she was like a sun', he thought at one point. Anna and Liam's connection had a wrinkle they had to fix. The friendship was fragile, but thankfully they had the community and families around them who were pushing them together every chance they got. 
I enjoyed the twists in the plot, the conflicts were all heartfelt and real, the twins were adorable, and new information the brothers got regarding their biological family gave a taste of intrigue to the tale. 
The Bachelor's Twins was a precious romance and thought-provoking story that I adored!
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

A guilt-driven firefighter, a widowed mother, neither is ready for love, but love has other plans. 

Firefighter Lucas Bennett had the carefree life he’d always wanted until a deadly blaze took the life of his company mate and best friend. Blaming himself was easy but pulling himself from the tailspin of guilt proved to be much harder. The fog of sadness and guilt pushed him down a dangerous path until he nearly died fighting the beast. Forced to stop and reevaluate his life, he decided to make a change before it was too late. 

A fire took almost everything from Sarah Robinson—her husband and her home—leaving her to raise their precious daughter alone. Everywhere she looked held memories of her husband, pouring salt on her ever-present wound. Unable to live any longer around the memories of her husband, she and her daughter moved to Oak Grove, far away from the grief of the past. All Sarah needed was the chance to start a new life for her and her daughter. 

A car accident on a dark, rainy night put Lucas and Sarah on a collision course neither of them expected… with questions they’re not ready to answer. Can a single mother open her broken heart for a second chance at love? Will a broken firefighter risk his heart for what might be his only chance at forever? Are each of them willing to take one last risk to be together? His risk. Her reward. Together, they’ll mend each other's broken hearts.

I have read a lot of firefighter romance novels and there are the ones that are light and fluffy and mainly about the sex appeal of a man in uniform. Then there are those that are filled with angst and darkness of PSTD and the dangers of the job. I was happy to find out, that One Last Risk is neither one of those but takes the best of each of the sides and finds its own way. While it has light, fun, and flirty moments that made me smile and laugh, it also deals with serious issues of loss and learning to live again when a loved one has passed away. The character development was well done and part of the force moving the plot forward. 
The townfolks of Oak Grove are charming and enjoyable. With the mix of sweet and sassy, caring and bantering the Bennett family allured me in, and I believe this will be a lovely and lively series for all the small town romance fans. 
Lucas Bennett was a complex hero easy to fall for. He is a protective daredevil, he loves his job, loves to help people. He is great with kids, he is kind to strangers, he is considerate and even sweet when the right woman comes along. I loved Lucas and Sarah together. The sparks are flying, the chemistry is hot. Yet there are many moments where they get to know each other, where they take long walks in the park and talk about life, loss, and love. 
Sarah Robinson is a tough lady. She is a survivor, with spunk, and determination. She has a big, loving heart, her kindness winning the town folks over immediately. Her daughter is a sweetheart with cuteness overflowing. 
With the past of loss that Lucas and Sarah have, a relationship doesn't come as easily to them as it seems on the surface. They have to work over the obstacles and find the courage to face the truth, make compromises and learn to accept, forgive, and move on. 
One Last Risk is a captivating and absorbing story that was easy to get lost in. The alluring characters with interesting history, the family with a tight bond, the sensuous yet tender romance, and a little girl in a tutu won my heart with the rich feelings and emotions they brought to the tale. There were smiles, sighs, laughs, and even tears. This is a swoon worthy, engaging, emotion-filled story that left me hankering for more about the Oak Grove and the Bennetts
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Nancy Stopper is an award winning debut author. She writes contemporary romance with strong women and sexy heroes that tug at your emotional heartstrings and leave you with a warm feeling that lingers long after the last page. Her favorite escape is small-town romance and even when set in a larger location, her books have that small town feel.

Nancy's first novel won first place in the Short Contemporary Romance category of the Fool for Love Contest and was a Maggie Finalist in the unpublished Single-Title Contemporary Category.

Dreams Come True in Laguna, Nancy's first novella, was published in the Laguna Beach Kindle World in 2016. Her first full-length contemporary romance novel will be published in 2017.

Nancy lives in Virginia with her husband, two of her three kids that are still at home, and one cat who regards her with disdain daily. When she's not behind her laptop, you can find her at a ballfield, cheering on her favorite team (Washington Nationals) or her favorite player (her son, who pitches for his local high school). 

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Walk of Shame
Love Unexpectedly #4
By: Lauren Layne
Releasing April 18, 2017
Loveswept

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Sparks fly between a misunderstood New York socialite and a cynical divorce lawyer in this lively standalone rom-com from the USA Today bestselling author of Blurred Lines and Love Story.

Pampered heiress Georgianna Watkins has a party-girl image to maintain, but all the shopping and clubbing is starting to feel a little bit hollow—and a whole lot lonely. Though Georgie would never admit it, the highlights of her week are the mornings when she comes home at the same time as her uptight, workaholic neighbor is leaving to hit the gym and put in a long day at the office. Teasing him is the most fun Georgie’s had in years—and the fuel for all her naughtiest daydreams.
​
Celebrity divorce attorney Andrew Mulroney doesn’t have much time for women, especially spoiled tabloid princesses who spend more time on Page Six than at an actual job. Although Georgie’s drop-dead gorgeous, she’s also everything Andrew resents: the type of girl who inherited her penthouse instead of earning it. But after Andrew caps one of their predawn sparring sessions with a surprise kiss—a kiss that’s caught on camera—all of Manhattan is gossiping about whether they’re a real couple. And nobody’s more surprised than Andrew to find that the answer just might be yes.

And who is he, you ask?
Andrew Mulroney, Esquire.
I know this because we moved into the building on the exact same day, and right before we got into a horrendous fight over whose movers should have access to the building loading dock first, he handed me his business card.
The thick white card stock declared that he had a fancy law degree to go along with the fancy suit he was wearing on a Saturday.
Andrew handed it over with such superiority, I actually wished for a half second that I had a business card of my own that would somehow be better than his. Like, lined with gold or something. No, platinum. With a diamond in the corner. It would be too heavy for him to hold, and he’d drop it, thus having to kneel at my feet to pick it up.
But then I realized it was just as well that I didn’t have a business card.
Because it would say . . . what? Georgie Watkins, professional party girl?
Anyway, I digress. Despite the high temps of that swampy July morning, the encounter had been the start of an epic cold war.
Me, the socialite in apartment 86A against the uptight esquire in apartment 79B.
I’m not entirely sure I’m winning the war, but I’ll never tell him that.
I let my gaze drift over Andrew, even though his appearance rarely holds any surprises. The man’s a lesson in sameness, like some sort of anal-retentive version of Groundhog Day.
There’s always the black mug with some healthy gunk inside held in his right hand, Tom Ford briefcase and Armani garment bag in his left, containing what I know to be a perfectly tailored three-piece suit.
Andrew’s coppery hair is perfectly styled, although I’d swear that there’s some natural curl in there threatening to disrupt his perfect order. I imagine that annoys him, so it therefore makes me happy.
Let’s see, what else about my nemesis?
He’s got a hard, unfriendly jawline that’s perfectly shaven.
Dark brown eyes, cold and flat. Black gym bag over one shoulder.
I suppose you could say he changes up his attire, because he does alternate between black and gray gym shirts. But considering that they seem to be the exact same fit, both colors molding perfectly to his impressively sculpted upper body, we’re not giving him any points for variety there.
Same goes for the lower half. The black shorts worn in summer have given way to sleek black sweatpants now that October’s upon us, but they’re both black and Nike, so we’ll give him no credit for changing it up there either.
The shoes, though . . .
I do a double take.
Well, well, well . . .
Instead of the usual black gym shoes, the man’s shoes are red. I don’t know how I missed it before.
I drag my eyes back up his body with a grin, and he gives just the slightest roll of his eyes to indicate that he’s noticed my slow perusal and isn’t fazed in the least.
“You went shopping, Dorothy!” I say happily.
He stares at me. “I don’t shop.”
Of course not. Far too frivolous.
“No, that makes sense,” I say, pointing at his feet. “Glinda would have given these to you.”
Andrew looks down at his Rolex watch. “I’ve got to go. Have a good day, Mr. Ramirez.”
“You too, Mr. Mulroney,” Ramon says with a deferential nod. “Enjoy your workout.”
“Yes, do,” I say, turning and watching as Andrew moves toward the front door of our building. “What’s on the schedule today? Treadmill, or just skipping down the Yellow Brick Road?”
Andrew Mulroney, Esquire, doesn’t respond. He doesn’t even turn before pushing through the revolving doors and stepping out into the still-dark autumn morning.
Now come on. Tell me that wasn’t at least a little bit fun, despite the ungodly hour.

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Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.
A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.
She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL's ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books. 

Author Links:   WEBSITE   |   FACEBOOK  |   TWITTER  |   GOODREADS