Lily Cookson has a few rules for the New Year, the most important being don't fall for Jack Bailey. The gorgeous, rugged man returned with a new look and a determination to win her back, catching her off guard. After a forbidden night in his arms, she vows never to let it happen again. But when morning sickness kicks in a few weeks later, Lily realizes staying away from Jack just got a whole lot harder.
Jack Bailey left Shadow Creek behind five years ago when his world imploded around him, knowing it would be best for everyone if he was gone...including Lily. It took him a long time to get his life back on track and grow into the kind of man she needs him to be. Now he's determined to prove to Lily that he's back for good and ready to commit, but the secrets she's holding onto are nothing compared to the bombshell he drops... 
The Baby Bombshell took me for an emotional roll-a-coaster ride, every moment of the story filled with big feelings and intense ambiance.
I ended up inhaling the tale at one sitting with a box of tissues next to me, while completely lost in the world of the characters, feeling everything from the pain of the past hurt to the joy of the present jubilee, as the tale was forever so fluently flowing off the pages. Jack Bailey demonstrated remarkable character development throughout the story. He had to leave his home to be able to deal with and accept the deep sorrow for the loss of his brother and nephew, yet he used that time away to grow as a man, and make it possible to return home and make a future there. His struggles were deep felt, he had no ill intentions with his withdrawal from his loved ones. I admired how he used his time away, and his loyalty to Lily even though they were apart for so many years. His struggle to have faith, in himself and in the future, were touching. He had made some tough decisions in his past, some of them maybe hard to understand, yet each of them proved to be wise moves when looking at the bigger picture. Lily Cookson was on the edge for fulfilling her career dreams when her life went all haywire with Jack's return. She hadn't had it easy, financially or with personal matters. I felt for Lily, her struggles broke my heart, but she had managed despite everything she had had to face on her own. She was a strong, capable, smart woman, easy to like and cheer for her success. The connection between Lily and Jack was palpable, the energy between them was tangible every time they were in the same room. The love, adoration, the passion they had for each other was obviously meant to be. The road they had to take, the past mistakes and hurt they had to face, it was heartfelt, yet there was hope in the air, they just had to learn to have faith in the future, and learn to trust again without fear. This story with its high emotions, upheavals, and ardor was an experience I enjoyed, the perfect romance story that touches your heart and stays in your mind long after the end. A story of loss and pain, faith and trust, hope and love, a splendid tale, indeed! ~ Five Spoons!
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Every single person Paige has drawn has ended up dead. And now she’s drawn herself.
Paige Jeffries’ is the darling of the art world. Her works are original, compelling. But after a brutal attack two years ago —a savage beating from an unknown assailant—Paige has become all but a recluse. She knows her mind is broken. In her sleep she’s drawing scenes of violence. Murders. Going to the cops isn’t an option because they already think she’s crazy. And they may be right. Seasoned homicide detective Brett Wagner is asked to look into a cold case nobody wants: the assault and battery of a local artist who claims to have drawn a picture of her own attack before it even happened. He remembers shy Paige from high school, and is driven to find her attacker, to believe her when nobody else does, to protect the innocent beauty. Because when he witnesses firsthand what Paige is drawing in her sleep, Brett realizes they are scenes from actual cases. Cases that had no connection until now. Portland has a secret serial killer, and Paige is somehow linked to his mind. And he’s coming for her. 
The story starts eerily with the killer's thoughts, setting up the tone of peril at your doorsteps, danger, and death just a few steps away. That intense atmosphere lasts through the story, where the plot is well thought out, where every scene is vital to the development of the story, with a solid built up of the scenes with escalating tension.
I enjoyed the characters, from the main couple to the secondary cast they were all engaging and intriguing. I found Paige to be inspirational, a character that will stay with you long after you have finished reading the story. From her art to her strength to survive, her dealing with her gift, the darkness of the past two years, and still being able to function as well as she did was admirable. I liked how it was Paige to show Brett's depth as a character with the colors she saw in him. One of my favorite moments in the story. (*sigh*) The connection between Brett and Paige was believable, going from passionate attraction to adorable loving, to playful and even secure as their feelings deepen. The love scenes actually took the plot forward and were not too much at any time. They were not there just for the sake of to have them and the amount of detail was perfectly done. I enjoyed the role the sisters had in the story, giving a little glimpse of the characters of the previous book and an introduction to the sister who's story will be next. This book is easily read as a stand-alone novel, yet I do recommend the first book in the series, just because it's a great story. With escalating violence, action, and intensity, the crimes and suspense have a creepy, menacing feel to them. The way the culprit was found, the leads and evidence the law enforcement followed were logical and believable, while the suspense was frightening and downright scary at times. The gift Paige have amazed me and really stayed with me after putting the book down. The amount of doubt mixed into the belief of the gift to be real, Brett's misgivings about it, his questions, and need to find more about it, it all made the story somehow even more realistic, Paige's abilities even more powerful. An intense, compelling, potent, and passionate tale that made me check my locks and windows because of the eerie feelings it gave me, had me on the edge while enjoying the story immensely, and inhaling each and every word. This story is an experience I highly recommend! ~ Five Spoons
INTRODUCING THE NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES - SURVIVAL INSTINCT OUT JULY 11TH 2017
SPECIAL PRE-ORDER PRICE ONLY $0,99 
Winner of the Golden Quill Award for Best Romantic Suspense, and a finalist in multiple other Romance literary awards, including the coveted RITA Award by the Romance Writers of America, Janie Crouch loves to read - almost exclusively romance - and has been doing so since middle school. She cut her teeth on Harlequin (Mills & Boon) Romances when she lived in Wales, UK as a preteen, then moved on to a passion for romantic suspense as an adult.
Janie recently relocated with her husband and four children to Germany (due to her husband's job as support for the U.S. Military), after living in Virginia for nearly 20 years. When she's not listening to the voices in her head (and even when she is), she enjoys traveling, long-distance running, movie-watching, knitting and adventure (obstacle) racing. Janie completed an Ironman Triathlon in 2014 and is prepping for another one in 2017. Check out Janie's updates and more on her website at http://www.janiecrouch.com TWITTER FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM 
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. 
This is a nice, light-hearted and flirty type of story that was fun to read. There's a lot of banter between the characters and small town incidents that can be humorous. The story is well written and moves on smoothly, as Bec and Lincoln are trying to figure out their lives with the new challenges they are facing.
Even though this is a stand-alone novel, I would recommend reading the first book of the series before this one. I felt that a lot of the backstory was lacking, about the sisters and their relationships, why didn't Bec want to come back home, the time in Italy that was often referenced but never completely revealed, how close truly were Bec Watson and Lincoln Mathews since the story gives a two different kind of pictures of the relationships. What took me by surprise was a number of characters that I didn't like or were not very pleasant. Bec herself was immature and a bit flaky. Maybe she really wasn't mature enough for the responsibility she was facing, since most of the decisions she made were odd. Bec's sister Piper and Lincoln's mother are not amongst the nicest people in the literature world, even though Lincoln's mother did warm up towards the end, but the choices she had made were still in my mind and counting against her. I didn't understand what was the huge deal that Lincoln didn't reveal his whole identity to her in Italy. Especially since it seems their relationship was more of a physical attraction at that point. Also hiding the baby news was an odd choice in my eyes but maybe not for her. Lincoln was a solid character, he was easy to like, to understand his reasons, and his feelings towards Bec were believable as the story moved on. This is a fun story with some original twists and lots whimsy and wisecracks embedded in the dialog, providing a light, quick, and a good read. ~ Three Spoons
Truly, Madly, Whiskey By: Melissa Foster Releasing April 10, 2017 World Literary Press 
A new sexy standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.
Eight months is a long damn time to have the hots for a woman who keeps a guy at arm’s length. But Crystal Moon is no ordinary woman. She’s a sinfully sexy, sass-mouthed badass, and the subject of Bear Whiskey’s midnight fantasies. She’s also one of his closest friends. Just when Crystal thinks she has her life under control, scorching-hot, possessive, aggressive, and fiercely loyal Bear pushes all her sexual buttons, relentless in his pursuit to make her his. The more Bear pushes, the hotter their passion burns, unearthing memories for Crystal that are best kept buried. But there’s no stopping the collision of her past and present, catapulting the two lovers down an emotional and sexually charged road that has them questioning all they thought they knew about themselves. 
“Really, Bear. I can drop you at your place before I go to the fabric shop.” Crystal started the car, feeling more in control than she had inside the shop. She hated the way she’d frozen up when things had gotten hot between them. She wanted him. After putting herself through three years of therapy, dealing with not only the trauma of the attack, but the bullshit with her mother and the loss of her father, she was sure she could handle anything. She’d dated other guys since she’d left college without issue. Why did it have to be different with the only guy she wanted to be close to? It pissed her off that her past still owned a piece of her, and she needed to get over it before Bear got fed up and walked away for good.
“I have to go to the store anyway.” He flashed one of his smiles. “We might as well go together.” “You need to go to the fabric store?” she said flatly, knowing he was bullshitting her. She realized her car smelled different, cleaner. The seats were shiny, the dashboard dust free. “Did you clean my car?” “Detailed it,” he said casually, as if he did this type of thing every day. For all she knew, he did. “Changed your oil, topped off your fluids. You really need to do those things every three thousand miles.” He touched the doll hanging from her rearview mirror. “I dusted off this, too, even though I’m a little worried that it’s a voodoo doll.” She wasn’t about to tell him it was a worry doll that she loved more than life itself. “Bear.” She couldn’t suppress her smile about the voodoo doll as she drove toward the store. “You really need to stop acting like you have to take care of me. I appreciate you handling the inspection, which I’m paying you for, by the way. But you don’t have to do all these things for me. I already like who you are.” Even if I have a hard time showing it. “I know you do,” he said, as cocky as ever. Why is that such a turn-on? “I didn’t do it to get your attention. Shit, six three, two thirty.” He flexed his biceps and winked. “You’re sitting next to Peaceful Harbor gold, baby. I’ve got your attention.” She couldn’t suppress a laugh. “That you do, and probably half the women in this town.” “Only half?” He kept her laughing the whole way to the fabric store, and it was just what she needed. It really had been a long day. They’d hosted three parties, and one of the mothers was just about the most obnoxious woman on earth. She’d pushed her daughter toward pink frilly outfits for the first half hour, when all the little cutie had wanted was to dress up as a skateboard princess. Gemma realized Crystal was going to strangle the wench, and she’d calmly suggested the woman head down to Jazzy Joe’s for coffee. The rest of her day hadn’t been much better. Plus, she’d spent the morning overthinking everything about her relationship with Bear, which was probably why she’d freaked out when she’d really been dying to kiss him. She parked in front of the fabric store. There were some things that just didn’t fit in the world as Crystal knew it, and Bear Whiskey clad in a tight black T-shirt that said Whiskey Bro’s across his massive chest, a pair of snug, low-slung black jeans, and leather boots strutting into Jennilyn’s Fabric was on the top of the list. She pulled her list from her bag as his eyes coasted over the store. What was he thinking, coming with her? That was dedication she could not ignore. The epitome of commitment. That is Bear. My Bear? She toyed with that as he draped his arm over her shoulder. She wondered what had taken him so long. She’d expected him to do it the second she’d stepped from the car, but he was probably in shock that they were actually going to a fabric store. She smiled to herself as he leaned closer and rubbed his nose along her cheek. “Can I help you?” she asked with a laugh. “You smell like jelly beans, and I happen to have a thing for sugary goodness.” “You can’t seriously have that good a sense of smell.” He pressed an unexpected, and deliciously warm, kiss to her cheek and reached into her purse, withdrawing a bag of jelly beans. “Hoarding? Or were we going to hide these later in your body and let me find them?” He moved his mouth beside her ear and whispered, “Blindfolded. With my hands tied behind my back.” He nudged her deeper into the store. Holy crap. She’d stopped walking. Was she breathing? And was that a thing? Blindfolded? Hands tied behind his back? Oh, the control that would give her. She’d be at no risk of being overpowered. But would she want that much control? She imagined herself lying naked on her bed, watching as his greedy mouth moved over her breasts, down her belly, and she felt herself go damp. No, no, no. Ice cream. Ice baths. Cow poop! Her body continued vibrating from the inside out. This was bad. Really, really bad. Like a virus she couldn’t shake. She needed an anti-Bear pill. Stat! 
Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.
Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS 
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October Daffodil By: Richard Malloy Released February 15, 2017 Soul Mate Publishing 
Every autumn after the first frost, hundreds of resplendent daffodils bloom behind the old gristmill.
Teens Dick Ladson and Callie Ewing will always remember the moonlit haven where they loved, hoped, and dreamt. In October 1960, they defy Callie’s controlling mother, vowing to share a life together. “Let’s lie in the mill flowers ’til it’s time for you to go,” Callie whispers, her words garbled with sobs. They exchange poignant goodbyes, hoping his enlistment in the Army will provide the means for their marriage. As they face an uncertain future, will the strength of their love survive? 
Dick’s thoughts returned to the present. The geese continued chanting, and the watermill continued trickling, echoing peaceful rings throughout the village. Pleasant October breezes caused colorful maple leaves to flutter to the ground.
It had been the most exciting day of his life. He looked forward to going to the cabin the following morning, but for now he couldn’t stop thinking about Callie. He stared at her house a few yards away, hoping to catch a glimpse of her passing by a window, but she never came into view. When he went to his room, he doodled around with a few lines of verse while visualizing her hurried glance through the boughs of the butterfly bush. Was she an angel in disguise That she may flaunt such azure eyes A single glimpse of her hauntingly Etched deeply in my reverie He knew beyond doubt that he’d found the mysterious girl he longed to meet. But, what will tomorrow bring? Will she feel the same? Will we walk along the river? Will she be my steady girl, or am I just a passing craze? Will I remain mesmerized by her, or will I suddenly wake from a wonderful dream? I’ve got to be with her, touch her, kiss her. Meanwhile, Mally Wrinn sat on her porch swing at the end of the street and wrote the first lines of a new love story. ‘The majestic hummingbird winged in slow-motion above the handsome stranger, as if conducting a melodic overture in the prelude of a classic love saga. His cerulean eyes savored a glimpse of an enchanting face amidst the amethyst butterfly blossoms before she vanished mysteriously into the gathering of spectators marveling at the great flock of Canadian geese alighting around the magnificent watermill. He snubbed the flock the crowd admired and sought the one he most desired. Damsel to damsel, his eyes frisked them over like bees fox-trotting from clover to clover. ‘She’s there!’’ 
A late-bloomer in the world of writing, author Richard Malloy never dotted a fictional ‘i’ before the age of fifty. As a youngster, he bounced around southern Indiana like a chaotic Ping-pong ball, always landing on the poor side of the tracks everywhere from the now ghost hamlet of Ewing to the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home near Knightstown and many spots in between. At seventeen, he struck out on his own and enlisted in the U.S. Army.
Following his military service, he worked in construction, eventually becoming a factory supervisor while raising his family. Reaching middle age, his lifelong dream of trying to learn the art of writing finally came to light. Learning that the future of the company he worked for was in question after all his struggles to keep it afloat, he stared out the office window into the gloomy, rainy weather and muttered, ‘Sometimes on a rainy day, I’d just like to chuck it all’ . . . and that was the start of his first poem, Rainy Day. After the publication of his poem, The Spiraling, Richard began writing his first novel, October Daffodil, and he plans to write many more stories. Author Links: FACEBOOK | GOODREADS 
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A Study in Scoundrels Romancing the Rules #2 By: Christy Carlyle Releasing April 11, 2017 Avon Impulse 
Sophia Ruthven is the epitome of proper behavior. On paper at least, as long as that paper isn’t from one of the lady detective stories she secretly pens. She certainly isn’t interested in associating with the dashing Jasper Grey, the wayward heir to the Earl of Stanhope, and one of the stage’s leading men. But when she learns Grey’s younger sister Liddy has gone missing, she can’t deny her desire to solve the mystery…or her attraction to the incorrigible scoundrel.
Responsibility isn’t something Grey is very familiar with. On the boards and in the bedroom, he lives exactly how he wants to, shunning all the trappings of respectability and society. Grey knows he should avoid the bewitching Sophia, but he’s never been able to say no to what he wants. And having Sophia in his arms and his bed is quickly becoming the thing he wants the most. As Sophia and Grey’s search for Liddy continues across the English countryside, can this scoundrel convince a proper lady that he’s actually perfect for her or will their adventure leave them both heartbroken? 
Laughter tickled his ears. Weight bore down on his chest, draped over his hips. A soft weight, pliant under his hands. Heated too. Pleasure in his groin twined with pain in his head as the soft, warm weight moved against him.
He blinked, then again. Colors shimmered and blurred. The light was too dim. The room too smoky. Perfume burned his nose, too spicy and pungent. What was that sound? A moan. A cry. A rumbling groan reverberated in his own chest. “Don’t leave me now,” a woman whispered near his ear. “I need release.” He flexed his fingers, digging into the warm flesh of smooth feminine legs. Slid his hand up, finding the thicket of curls between the woman’s spread thighs. “Yes, Grey.” She moved against him, her breath quickening as little moans emerged. She clutched at his shoulder, her other hand on his, showing him how to touch her. He didn’t require much direction. The role of lover was one he knew by heart. Some said he was skilled on stage, but he never doubted his expertise in the bedroom. His own body had numbed. Whether from drink or the drugging effect of the smoke rising in whorls above his head, he wasn’t certain. But this, how to touch a woman, how to give pleasure. This he knew intuitively. This was where he excelled. Heaven knew he’d failed at everything else. Except acting. But performing on stage was all a matter of illusion, of lying artfully. Sex and falsehood were his twin aptitudes. If only he could see the woman clearly and scatter the fog in his mind. He twisted his head on the pillow and noticed a half-empty glass of blue-green liquid glowing in the low gaslight. “What did I drink?” A trill of laughter. Red lips. The curve of a grin in a pale face. A waterfall of red hair. He swirled his fingers in the woman’s curls. She stilled and held her breath. He knew he’d found the key. Gently, masterfully, he touched her with all the art he’d learned from countless lovers. “Oh, Grey.” She twitched against his fingers, dug her nails into his shoulder. “Don’t stop.” He didn’t. Not until she gusted out a long moan, dipped her head, and sank against him as if her bones had melted. “Absinthe,” she murmured against his chest. “A bit of laudanum.” Grey pressed a fist to the throbbing crown of his head and tried to sit up. The lady on his chest stretched like a cat woken from a nap before rising off him and stepping away from the bed. No, he realized when his vision cleared and he took in the books lining the walls, not a bed. Not his bedroom. He was on a settee in his London townhouse’s library, and he and his lady companion were not alone. Half-clothed bodies reclined around the musky, haze-clouded room. Some sleeping. Others smoking from an enormous bubbling hookah. At least one couple was busy, writhing and moaning in the far corner. A man stumbled past the open library door, nude from the waist up, his shirt and coat rolled in a crumpled ball in his arms. Returning to the threshold, he let out a burp before offering, “Many happy returns, Grey. Smashing birthday party.” 
Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there’s nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings.
Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS 
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THE REUNION
by Sara Portman
Genre: Historical Romance
Pub Date: 9/26/2017
An inconvenient engagement turns a marriage of convenience into so much more in this sparkling new series from award-winning author Sara Portman . . .
Lady Emmaline Shaw’s reputation was irreparably damaged when her fiancé, John Brantwood, disappeared immediately after their engagement four years ago. Since then, she’s grown from a shy, uncertain girl to a woman who knows her own mind. And what she knows is that London society holds nothing for her.
Rumor has it that John ran off to war and died in battle. Now, as the new Duke of Worley, his shocking resurrection throws the ton into a tizzy and makes him one of England’s most sought after bachelors—except that he’s already engaged.
John needs a wife capable of smoothing his beloved sister’s introduction into society. But though Emma happily grants him his freedom, her fiery beauty and resilient spirit hold him captive. In fact, John has no intention of letting her go. Her fate is now in his hands, but will her heart be safe there as well?
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Sara Portman is an award winning author of historical and contemporary romance. In addition to being named the 2015 winner in the Historical Category of the Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® contest, Sara has been a finalist and winner in several other writing competitions. A daughter of the Midwest, Sara was born in Illinois, grew up in Michigan, and currently lives in Ohio. In addition to her writing endeavors, Sara is a wife and mother in a large, blended family. Visit her at saraportman.com.
Marine archaeologist Charlotte Bennett is no stranger to risk, but her dives into sunken wreckage are always meticulously planned. However, being the maid of honor in her cousin Samantha's English wedding gives her a new perspective on her life as a nomad who's given up on romance altogether. Though an encounter with roguish wedding guest Greg Rawlings leaves her unsettled, the other people she meets make a trip to the tranquil town of Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, enticing. Acting on impulse, Charlotte offers to house-sit at Red Clover Inn while Sam and Justin Sloan are away on their honeymoon.
The quaint inn isn't open to the public yet and Charlotte will have quiet time to plan her next project. It might also give her a chance to see how her cousin found love and a sense of family. But the peace is immediately disrupted when Greg shows up at the inn. The Diplomatic Security Service agent lives a dangerous life, and he, too, wants to clear his head before his next assignment. Juggling work, raising his two teenage children and nursing a wounded heart has left him jaded, and the last thing he expects is to find himself falling for the willful Charlotte. As the attraction between them flares, Charlotte realizes she might be in too deep. And each of them must decide if they can put love first before it's too late. 
A leisurely moving lovely tale about family, friends, and starting new chapters in life. I enjoyed the story with its several subplots and the multitude of characters. I can imagine that the fans of the series, who have read every book before this one, enjoyed the visit with the old friends.
With the destination wedding in England, most of the two large families and they friends were introduced in the story. Either for the first time in the series or as old characters. I felt that was overwhelming, and took a lot of attention away from the developing romance at the Red Clover Inn. Part of the story is lived through the honeymooners in Scotland as they are trying to build the backstory of one of the protagonists. As a reader, I was already aware of the issues coming to the light so I didn't see the necessity of the frequent visits with them, more of a distraction from the main story as well. Charlotte Bennett and Greg Rawlings were both great characters. They are mature and both of them have seen and experienced a lot during their lives. They had depth and personality to back up their convictions. Their banter and wit were clever, the chemistry between them was great. With everything else going on in the story, I felt like I kept waiting for something to happen between them, the focus to be on them as a developing relationship and a future couple, yet the moment kept on building and when something finally happens it was time to wrap up. I would have liked to see much more story about them, instead of things happening around them. But that is just my personal preference. A relaxed and nice story about life, finding your place in it, finding your destiny, letting go of the past and moving on to the new direction. It is well written and has a fluent flow to it, making it an enjoyable read ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
A dying father's final wish brings a mystery to life once again...
In the small town of Legacy, Texas, an old man is dying. At his side is the son determined to clear his name. Mac Morrison knows his father was wrongfully imprisoned for murder, and he's determined to find the real killer. But not before he reunites with a love from his past... Hailey Green, who's still grieving her brutally murdered sister, hasn't seen Mac since he fled town in disgrace. Forced to raise her siblings, Hailey still relies on no one but herself--until the man who killed her sister returns. Turning to each other while seeking answers, Hailey and Mac find their old desires reignited and realize that the only life worth protecting is one together! 
The depth of the emotions, both love, and despair, took me by surprise despite the warning from the author at the forewords. More than a suspense story, this is a story about family, loss, and new chances in life and love. Every single emotion is sharply drawn and highlighted, yet the author doesn't let the tale sink into a deep angst but keeps the hope and faith for the future and justice alive.
Both Hailey Green and Mac Morrison had had to face more than their fair share in life. The lot that life had given to them to bear broke my heart more than once while reading the story. The way Haley held her family together, made it work despite the circumstances and the financial difficulties was admirable. The love and understanding that she still held in her heart and soul were amazing, yet believable. I wanted to reach out and hug her and help her, and make her day a bit easier if any way possible. Mac's lot wasn't much lighter than Hailey's just a very different one. The injustice and the reasons for it seemed so dire yet unfortunately convincing. His love for his father was palpable and one of the most beautiful things in the story. The respect Mac had towards his father, against all odds, was virtuous, telling so much about his character as a man. Another emotion and connection in the story that was palpable was the one between Mac and Hailey. Very soon it comes obvious the bond they had as kids was a special and unique one, one that could carry across the time and difficulties, if they only could find in their hearts the room for forgiveness, for understanding, and to make it somehow work within their family situations. I enjoyed the story immensely, it was inspiring and uplifting even with the sadness and destruction life had dealt for these two families. The suspense was lacking in the tale, even though the murder investigation is a constant thought in the minds of the characters, it was happening in the background, only mentioned in sidenotes, until the climax of the story where danger is apparent and deadly. To me, the killer was obvious from the start, but I was still curious of the puzzle how it would come about to reveal him as the culprit, but that part of the story was quickly wrapped up and solved, leaving me little disappointed. I love it when a story takes me by surprise, and this one with the deep emotions and the depth of the connection between the characters surely did that. If you approach this tale as an ode to family, survival, and love instead of a murder mystery, you will most certainly enjoy and revel in this heartfelt tale of devotion, affection, adoration, and love in its many different forms. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Three Little Matchmakers
Rancher Bo Stillwater has no plans of becoming a husband or a father…but he can't turn away from the three babies he finds at the county fair. After leaving the abandoned triplets in the care of the doctor's daughter, Louisa Clark, his duty should be done. So why can't he seem to stay away from the babies and their pretty caregiver? Watching the town's most eligible bachelor with the little trio reawakens Louisa's unmet dreams. She's found satisfaction in spinsterhood and caring for others, convinced that motherhood passed her by. Do she and Bo only work so well together for the children's sakes…or could they both find courage to make this sweet temporary arrangement something truly lasting? 
This story was truly inspiring and heartwarming with the selfless acts of the protagonists, their strong faith in God, and the kindness of the people in town, it all made me smile and want spread joy around me.
The triplets were cute as a button, the bond they had with each other, contrasted with the bond of the grown up twins, was both fun and amazing. I admire how both Bo Stillwater and especially Louisa Clark were willing to put everything aside to take care of the triplets and kept doing so even when it wasn't convenient. That was a lesson I want to take to my own heart. The faith in God Bo and Louisa demonstrated during the hard times as well as the good times, how they bound their heads together in prayer on several occasion as facing life and its challenges was another example to be taken to the heart. Both Bo and Louisa were characters easy to like and admire. They had good hearts, they were kind, considerate and generous, yet they both had wounds in their souls that made them steer away from marriage. The struggle they went through was heartfelt, yet not too angsty. The advice and matchmaking from the townfolks were humorous. With smiles, laughter, and few moments of apprehension, the romance advance in a timely matter. Mixed in there's taking care of the triplets, the fair in town and all the events around it, as well as the challenges the growing town in Texas is facing. I enjoyed the tale with its many lovely moments and charming folks, with the character's faith in God as a guiding light as they learn about life and their own destiny. An uplifting and heartening story filled with hope and auxiliary spirit ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Winning Dr. Wentworth Sterling University #2 By: Rebecca Heflin Releasing June 6, 2017 Self-Published 
She’s benched her heart. His is on the injured reserve.
Burned-out and broken-hearted statistics professor, Dr. Shelby Wentworth, returns to her hometown determined to escape the disgrace of a nasty divorce, shake off the taint of her ruined career, and start over. This time she swears she’ll live by the rule ‘don’t get your honey where you get your money.’ But an unexpected reunion with her former high school crush, not only makes her rethink her decision to return home, but also tempts her to break her one rule. After a career-ending injury and his own disheartening divorce, former NFL quarterback, Nash Taylor, returned to his hometown to become the head coach of the Sterling University Bobcats. When his childhood best friend literally runs into him in the faculty parking lot, he thinks maybe it’s time to put his heart back in the game. Nash, in the hunt for a division championship, enlists the number-crunching Shelby as his secret weapon. But Nash’s plan to help Shelby regain not only her confidence, but also her financial security backfires and lands Shelby in the same hot water that brought her home in the first place. Will Shelby let the past dictate the future, or will Nash win her heart on his way to winning the championship? 
Shelby Wentworth tossed her backpack across the console onto the passenger seat of her car then dropped into the driver’s seat and slammed the door shut. Closing her eyes, she took a deep, cleansing breath. At least, she tried to take a deep breath. After the contentious conversation with her ex-husband, the pain in her chest made it difficult to breathe.
Would she ever be able to leave the past behind and focus on rebuilding her career? Her life? Pressing a hand to her sternum, she counted to five as she inhaled, held her breath for another five-count, then exhaled. The breathing exercise slowed her racing heart and calmed her. “That's better,” she murmured. Starting the car, she threw it into reverse and backed out of her spot in Sterling University’s faculty parking lot. And right into a solid object. The sickening crunch set her heart racing at warp speed this time. Glancing behind her in horror, all she saw was a big gray behemoth. With trembling hands, she put the car in park and jumped out to find a late-model dark gray Suburban, it’s rear passenger-side fender crumpled, but little damage otherwise. Her old Honda Civic, on the other hand, hadn’t stood a chance against the tank she’d backed into. The trunk was crumpled, and her bumper hung off the passenger side in a lopsided grimace. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a tall, athletic man stride around the back of the SUV. Fear swamped her, and she covered her mouth with both hands. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry! Are you okay?” Bracing herself for the tirade, she backed away from him, holding her hands out in front of her. “No harm done.” What? That’s it. No yelling? No name-calling? No threats? He adjusted his red Sterling Bobcats ball cap, leaning down to assess the situation then scratched his chin and stood up. “Okay. Maybe a little harm done,” he said with an easy smile. “Question is, are you okay?” He removed the aviator sunglasses he wore and directed his concerned gaze right at her. “Nash?” The instant she saw those electric blue eyes, she recognized him. Butterflies took flight in her stomach, and not from fear this time. He’d been powerfully built in high school, but that had been just a preview to the powerfully built man he would become. And although he’d left the NFL, he hadn’t lost his quarterback build. They hadn’t seen each other since the day they’d graduated high school. But, despite her broken heart, she’d secretly followed both his college and pro football careers. She’d been watching the day of the NFL draft, five years earlier, when the Denver Broncos called his name and he’d gone down on one knee and proposed to his college sweetheart, Stephanie Cummings, further adding to her heartbreak. She’d also been watching the Broncos versus the Raiders the day he’d taken the hit that had ended his career. And finally, she’d witnessed the press conference when Nash Taylor stood, tears in his eyes, as he gave up the sport he loved at the young age of twenty-seven, his beauty-queen wife noticeably absent. It wasn’t long after that news of their divorce hit the headlines. “Shelby?” he asked, his surprise evident in his expression. “You remember me?” she couldn’t help asking. “Of course.” He frowned. “Why wouldn’t I remember you? We were best friends back in the day.” Were being the operative term. A flush crept up her neck and into her face as she recalled her first kiss in the backseat of their best friend’s car. But the flush turned to heartache at the memory of Nash’s later betrayal. “I thought your mom moved. Are you here visiting the university?” he asked. “No. I, uh, I took an assistant professor position in the College of Arts and Sciences.” A step down for her, but she’d been lucky to get even that. She toed a piece of her car’s bumper that had fallen off in the collision. “No kidding?” He rocked back on his heels. “How long have you been back?” “I moved two weeks ago. I’m surprised I haven’t seen you before now.” She knew he’d moved back to his hometown of Sterling after he’d left the NFL and became the head coach of the newly formed Bobcats football team. It was the one of the reasons she’d hesitated in taking a job she’d so desperately needed. Being in the same town—and a small one at that—as Nash would be a constant reminder that she’d never really gotten over her high school crush. “I’ve been . . . out of town.” He shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “Oh.” She nodded as if she understood, but really she didn’t. Clearly there was more to that statement. An awkward silence fell. “Look, I know the new police chief. Let me give him a call so we’ll have a report for the insurance companies.” He pulled a smartphone from his back pocket. “Oh, but—” She’d really rather just pay for the damage than deal with the insurance . . . and have them raise her already-too-high rate. “Can we just handle it between ourselves? Of course I’ll pay for the repairs.” “You sure about that?” He paused in tapping out the number. “Yeah.” A nervous laugh escaped. She’d just add it to the long list of bills she currently struggled to pay. Maybe Nash would take it in installments for old times’ sake. “Why deal with all that paperwork?” “I can’t let you do that.” ***** Shelby wrapped her arms around herself, the body language unmistakable. She nodded. “I’ll get my insurance information.” She turned back to her car. “No. I mean I can’t let you pay out of pocket. And don’t worry about the insurance. The deductible is probably more than what it would cost to repair the damage.” He could think of a better way for her to repay him. “How about you buy me dinner instead and we’ll call it even?” She looked good, Nash thought. Better than good. The pretty tomboy had grown into a beautiful woman. She’d cut the long, light brown hair that as a teenager she’d worn almost exclusively in a ponytail, so that it just touched her shoulders, and she’d filled out in all the right places. The shy smile was still there, although he didn’t miss the sadness in her amber eyes. Or the fear when he’d first approached her. “What?” Confusion skittered across her face. No surprise there, considering he was just as confused by his offer as she was. He grinned. “You know, the meal you have at the end of the day? In the South we call it supper, in case you’ve forgotten.” She’d lost some of that innocence he’d found so appealing so many years ago. Along with her accent. Guess that’s what happened when you received an Ivy League education. She looked away and then back at him. Her eyes narrowed. “I just nailed the back end of your car, and you want me to have dinner with you?” He had an all-consuming urge to gather her in and hold her close until the tension in her shoulders, and the sadness and fear in her eyes, retreated. But he doubted she would accept his sympathy. After they’d both left for college, he’d tried to hold onto their friendship despite the distance, but she never answered his emails or phone calls. He knew he’d hurt her in high school when he took Leandra Lucas to prom instead of her, but he’d made a promise to a friend, and he didn’t break promises. “Yeah, why not? Catch up. It’s been, what, eleven years since I saw you?” The day they’d graduated in fact. Him with decent grades and a football scholarship, and her as class Valedictorian. She’d headed off to Brown University for an accelerated program in mathematics the following week, and he hadn’t laid eyes on her since. Not even for their ten-year reunion last year. She bit her lower lip then drew it into her mouth, and his eyes locked on like a heat-seeking missile. The memory of the sweet, hot kiss they’d shared in the back seat of Ethan's 1993 Ford Mustang assaulted him. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She was probably right. He just nodded. Clearly, she hadn’t forgiven him for what he’d done. Not that he could really blame her. He should have been upfront with her then. She would have understood. Maybe. “I should probably give you my number so you can get me the repair bills for your car if you change your mind,” she said, returning his attention to the present. “Right.” She stepped close and a light, clean scent tickled his nose. Like lemons, only sweeter. He tapped the number into his phone as she rattled it off to him, all the while wondering whether she wore perfume or if it was her shampoo. “But I won’t. Change my mind, I mean.” “Okay. Well. Again, I’m really sorry about . . .” Her voice trailed off as she indicated the fender-bender. “It’s just a car. Nobody got hurt, and that’s the important thing.” “I’ll see you around.” Shelby rounded her car and climbed into the open driver’s side. Realizing she couldn’t leave until he moved his car, he turned to do just that, but couldn’t help but wonder what twist of fate had brought Shelby Wentworth back into his life. 
Rebecca Heflin is an award-winning author who has dreamed of writing romantic fiction since she was fifteen and her older sister snuck a copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss' Shanna to her and told her to read it. Rebecca writes women's fiction and contemporary romance. When not passionately pursuing her dream, Rebecca is busy with her day-job as a practicing attorney.
Rebecca is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Florida Romance Writers, RWA Contemporary Romance, and Florida Writers Association. She and her mountain-climbing husband live at sea level in sunny Florida. Author Links: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS 
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A PARTICULAR DARKNESS
by Robert Dunn
Genre: Thriller
Pub Date: 9/12/2017
From the author of A Living Grave comes a gripping police procedural featuring sheriff's detective Katrina Williams as she exposes the dark underbelly of Appalachia . . .
Dredging up the Truth
Still recovering from tragedy and grieving a devastating loss, Iraq war veteran and sheriff's detective Katrina Williams copes the only way she knows how—by immersing herself in work. A body's just been pulled from the lake with a fish haul, but what seems like a straight-forward murder case over the poaching of paddlefish for domestic caviar quickly becomes murkier than the depths of the lake.
Soon a second body is found—an illegal Peruvian refugee woman linked to a charismatic tent revival preacher. But as Katrina tries to investigate the enigmatic evangelist, she is blocked by antagonistic FBI agents and Army CID personnel. When more young female refu-gees disappear, she must partner with deputy Billy Blevins, who stirs mixed feelings in her, to connect the lake murder to the refugees. Katrina is no stranger to darkness, but cold-blooded conspirators plan to make sure she'll never again see the light of day . . .
Robert Dunn is the author of the novels The Red Highway, The Dead Ground, and Behind the Darkness. He can be found online at robertdunnauthor.blogspot.com or on Twitter at @WritingDead.
The golden cowboy of Wrangler's Creek returns home to Texas to discover some old flames never fizzle…
There are plenty of things Garrett Granger hadn't counted on losing—his child to miscarriage, his wife to another man and the family business thanks to a crooked CFO. He also hadn't counted on moving back to the family ranch, where he's met by another surprise—former flame Nicky Marlow, who is renting his grandmother's old house. Nicky's been rebuilding her shattered life since her husband's death two years ago. But Garrett's timely arrival in Wrangler's Creek doesn't automatically make him the missing piece of the puzzle. Even if he does seem to adore her two-year-old daughter… Even if seeing him again stirs up old feelings Nicky would gladly keep buried, forcing her to wonder if moving forward has to mean leaving everything behind… 
No Getting Over a Cowboy was more of an experience to me than reading a book. I was right there in the middle of the story, observing, feeling and sharing the events that had me smiling, laughing, and even broke my heart a bit. The characters felt like my friends that I was visiting, and I was sad to leave them behind.
The whole story is written with such vivid images and invites the reader into the world created by the author, a world of friends, lovers, family, life, love, and heartbreak. But most of all it is a world where you can face your inner demons and troubles, learn from the past experiences, and grow as a human being, to reach your potential. I loved the characters, the whole ensemble of the people from the ranch hands to the widows, the family and friends and town folks. They each have an important role in the development of the story and they carried that responsibility well. Garrett Granger as a hero was drool worthy for sure, handsome, sexy, kind, considerate good guy, who means well even when occasionally stepping on toes of others. He is a complex character who had conquered his past the best he could, he wasn't afraid to show emotions, as clumsy as some of the attempts were. I adored him, simply said. And Nicky Marlow was definitely his soul mate. Nicky had endured so much in her childhood, the memories still haunting her day and night. Her ability to face them step by step and scream on the face of the demons hunting her had me in tears. There's a brilliant metaphorical scene where she and Garrett get the ultimate reward from their battles with the past, where the frame of their pain crumbles down and give them freedom from the pain. This series is getting just better with each unique installment. There are danger and threats, loving and lies, betrayal and secrets, the whole tale resembling life in its caricature way of exaggerated personalities and life events they face. I adored every moment I got to spent with them in that chaotic way of life at the Wrangler's Creek, Texas. I'm looking forward to the next opportunity for a visit! ~ Five Spoons!
USA Today bestselling author, Delores Fossen, has sold over 90 novels with millions of copies of her books in print worldwide. She's received the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and was a finalist for the prestigious Rita ®. Her books have been featured in Woman's Day magazine and Vogue. In addition, she's had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines.
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Thaniya Rasid grew up in the Middle East dreaming of becoming a surgeon. Now living an ordinary life as a mother, wife and a hospital lab tech in Vancouver, Canada, she garners unexpected fame as youTube’s Queen of Hummus when her video demonstrating the recipe goes viral. How could blending chickpeas in a food processor generate so much excitement? And how could her life have ended up so far away from all her expectations?
To make sense of the unlikely events that have brought her to this place, Thaniya turns to food, curating memorable eating experiences of her life, searching for clues. Between her childhood aversion to cucumbers, her search for an authentic Iraqi kubeh in the city of Jerusalem, her 10-year tomato wars with her husband Samih, a mood altering encounter with a blood pudding in Edinburgh, and a Kafkaesque nightmare involving a cauliflower, Thaniya unravels repeated patterns occurring in her life. The secrets of love, friendship and destiny hidden in her cauldron of mishmashed cultures begin to reveal themselves. Between lust and disgust there is a thin line. Spoonful Chronicles is the beguiling story of one woman taking hold of her fate by uncovering the clandestine geography of this divide in her heart. 
Every morning, no matter how hectic my schedule, I wake up early to prepare a pot of coffee. I pour the black liquid into a see-through glass cup. Then I add milk one drop at a time. I watch milk drops lazily swirl around in my cup. I never mix my coffee with a spoon. I just sit there and watch two extremes doing a gentle dance together. A blob of white rises to the top, then it is elegantly pushed into halves. The blackness of the coffee caresses and sways. Whiteness pushes blackness away and then takes hold of it wanting to conquer it. “You are mine,” whispers whiteness. “You can never conquer the idea of me,” responds blackness.
Slow. Playful. Passionate. I finally take a sip. My coffee is smooth. It flows over my tongue like honey. It gives me hope. Opposites don’t have to come with jagged edges and sharp sudden starts. One day, I will learn to dance like milk in a cup of coffee. Without a stir. No violent mixing shall occur. Flavours mixing at will, giving of their sweetness gently. Milk unmixed in coffee is at least a possibility. 
Elen Ghulam is an Iraqi-Canadian living in Vancouver
B.C. She worked as a computer programmer for 18 years before turning to writing fiction. Telling stories to silicon chips proved to be easy, and so she graduated to amusing humans. She is a passionate blogger at www.ihath.com. And yes! There is a hummus video. WEBSITE TWITTER FACEBOOK YOUTUBE 
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HIS HIGH-STAKES BRIDE
by Martha Hix
Genre: Historical Romance
Pub Date: 8/29/2017
Win, lose—or fall in love . . .
After losing her mama and all she has, vagabond Patience “Patty” Sweet dreams of reuniting with her father in the New Mexico territory. So she teams up with a no-good gambler whose winnings enable her to get her closer to her destination. Patty hates hanging around saloons and poker parlors, pulling dishonest deeds. But when a game of five-card draw goes wrong in Lubbock, Texas, Patty gets offered up as collateral—to a handsome stranger who’s about to turn the tables . . .
Lawyer Grant Kincaid has no intention of claiming his prize—a nearly nineteen-year-old petite beauty with sweet eyes—who has a hold on him he can’t deny. But as he tries to help Patty untangle herself from her shady partner, he discovers she’s not as innocent as she seems. For starters, she’s already stolen his hardened heart . . .
Amazon * B&N * GooglePlay * Kobo * Apple
Martha Hix grew up in Texas and didn’t mind listening to stories about how her ancestors had been in the place for a long, long time. Well, in Texas that just meant more than a hundred years. This weird kid soaked up the stories and became an ardent student of family and general history, which came in handy when she took to writing both fiction and non-fiction. Eventually, her romance novels were translated into many foreign languages, some of them very foreign, like Japanese, Greek, and Turkish. On the home front, she lives in the fabulous Texas Hill Country with her husband and their spoiled four-legged kids. Visit her on the web at marthahix.com.
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