The Good Luck Sister by Jill Shalvis
Series The Wildstone Series Genre Adult Contemporary Romance Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Publication Date May 1, 2018
This summer, romance blooms again in Wildstone!
After a difficult few years, Tilly Adams is ready for life to start going right. Though she has a case of first-day nerves teaching art at the local community college, she knows it isn’t anything a few snuggles from her rescue puppy won’t cure. Until she sees Dylan Scott again, her one-time BFF and first love sitting in the front row. Dylan knows he should’ve left well enough alone, but when he sees Tilly living her dream, he can’t help but make contact. Ten years ago, he left Wildstone and everything in it behind, including Tilly. He had his reasons, but now he wants her back in his life, anyway he can get her. When Tilly agrees to design the logo for Dylan’s new helicopter touring company, it’s business only . . . until she finds herself falling into his arms once again. Can she possibly open her heart back up to the only man who’s ever broken it? But soon they’re both realizing the truth—love always deserves a second chance.
Chapter 1
“I’ve finished my free trial of adulthood and am no longer interested, so please cancel my subscription.” From The Mixed Up Files of Tilly’s journal. Tilly Adams sat in the vet’s office staring at the doctor in shock. “Say that again?” Dr. Janet Lyons smiled. “I think Leo faked being sick. Probably so you’d stay home from work today.” Tilly looked down at Leo. “You do know he’s a dog, right?” All six pounds of him smiled up at her. About a month ago, she found him on a street corner hiding beneath a bus bench; wet, dirty, cold, hungry and matted. He’d been Dobby meets Gremlin meets neglected, abused Care Bear. Tilly had looked around for an adult, and then had to remind herself that at twenty-five years old, she was legal herself. So then she’d searched for an adultier adult, but she’d been the only one in sight. So she’d scooped the little guy up and had brought him to the SPCA, who’d said he was about five weeks old, a possible Maltipoo, which meant he came by his care bear look naturally. He was malnutritioned and suffering from mange. They’d said they’d do what they could, and Tilly had turned to go. That had been when she’d seen all the eyes on her from an endless row of cages … and she’d realized her care bear would soon be sitting in one too. Then she’d heard herself offer to foster him until they found him a forever home. They’d found him one too. Tilly had signed the adoption papers last weekend in spite of the fact that just that morning he’d escaped his crate, eaten her favorite sneakers, destroyed her favorite pillow, and then yakked up the stuffing from the pillow. He was a destructo of the highest magnitude, and something else too. He had no idea how small he was. He went after her sister Quinn’s twenty-plus pound cat and her neighbor’s hundred pound black lab with the same fierce, fearless gusto. Turned out, the little guy had a bad case of small-man syndrome, which was how he’d earned his name. Leo, short for Napoleon. And now on top of Leo’s impressive chewing skills, his escape artist skills, and his ability to get up on her bed and yet still not understand why stepping in his own poop was annoying, he had a new skill. He’d faked being sick. Proud of himself, Leo smiled up at her. Smiled. An hour ago he’d been coughing and limping and acting all sorts of odd. Now he just kept smiling up at her while sending her meaningful glances at the open dog biscuit bin between her and the doctor. Dr. Lyons laughed and gave him one. “Dogs can’t fake sick,” Tilly said while Leo inhaled the biscuit whole before licking the floor to make sure he got all the crumbs. “Can they?” Dr. Lyons scooped him up and gave him a kiss on his adorable snout. “Yours did.” Tilly sighed. It was too early for this. She’d had a crazy late night. Not hanging at Whiskey River, the local bar and grill. Not at a club with friends. Not working on her designs for he upcoming graphic art showing. Nope, she’d been on a serious stress bender -- a marathon of Game Of Thrones. She hadn’t fallen asleep until after two and her alarm had interrupted her in the middle of a really great dream starring Jon Snow. Dr. Lyons handed Leo over. He immediately snuggled into the crook of Tilly’s neck and dammit, her cold heart melted on the spot and she hugged him close. “You’re sure he’s okay? He was coughing. And then he limped funny. And then he wouldn’t eat.” “But he hasn’t coughed once that I’ve seen. And he’s not limping either. And you said all his food vanished while you took a quick shower.” “Yes,” Tilly said. Dr. Lyons waited for her to catch up. Tilly sighed. “He really did fake me out.” BOOKS & SPOONS REVIEW HEREAbout the AuthorNew York Times bestselling author JILL SHALVIS lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventure. Author Links
0 Comments
He’s claiming redemption—and the woman he wants A riveting Coltons of Red Ridge romance A sudden attack and a dognapping leave K-9 trainer Danica Gage shaken to her core. Even more surprising is her rescuer: P.I. Shane Colton. Years ago her family stole Shane’s freedom, but now Danica needs him to catch a criminal. And she must fight the urge to run into his arms…because wanting him could be a deadly mistake. Thrilling and intense suspense, tragic mistakes by the law enforcement that changed lives, and sweetest, most ardent, swoon-worthy romance, and the pets and four-legged partners who are drawn with specific characteristics, who are vital characters in the story, and who save the day more than once -- there is so much to love about this story, I was enamored from the page one till the end. I read as much of the K-9 stories as I can get my hands into. I love how the dogs contribute to the stories, how they show another side of the human characters, and how they are often in the key position to solve the cases and protect their partners. And how the author, Regan Black, has created Stumps, the corgi partner of the hero, with his characteristics, his love for belly rubs, his need and enjoyment towards the work they did, his protective and serious side vs the playful side, made me fall in love with him. And I loved how he interacted with the heroine's cat, as well. The suspense is two-fold, like often in category series. The immediate case is solved, while the big case in the background keeps stewing. The tension and anticipation of the attacks in the cases at hand are thrilling, the knowledge of the mastermind behind the attacks is frustrating as they are not being able to prove the case, and it puts everything and everybody on the edge while the intensity escalates. The connection between Danica Gage and Shane Colton is bittersweet. Shane's history with Danica's grandfather, the time Shane had to spend in jail for the false conviction, and the consequences for that for both the families, gave enough angst between them to avoid a relationship despite the burning, palpable attraction between them. I absolutely loved how the relationship was developed, the steps they had to take to make it work, the hard conversations they had to open up to so things could evolve to a deeper level. Nothing comes easy, except the physical connection, and Danica and Shane have to decide if the tie between them is enough to do the hard things, to be open, honest, and vulnerable, and work on the issues between the two families. The intriguing and fierce suspense, the charming, likable and relatable characters, both two- and four-legged, drawn with vivid and sharp lines, the romance that is so delightfully sexy and adorable, raw and realistic, that it took my breath away and made me smile... This story has it all from angst, fear, and savagery, to dreamy, sweet, and sensual feels that keep building as the story progress. I was mesmerized throughout the tale, wanting to inhale the story in one sitting... ~ Five Spoons
Determined to prove herself, archaeologist Amber Baum moves to Sweetheart, Montana to focus on her career. She has no room for mistakes and no time for love, so when she meets the handsome forest ranger, she vows to stay clear. Easier said than done… Garret Haute has dedicated his life and career to protecting the visitors to Montana’s vast wilderness and taking care of his family. He’s still haunted by a tragedy he was powerless to prevent, but after he meets Amber, suddenly he’s thinking about a lot more than doing his duty. When they become involved in a potentially dangerous project, sparks fly and Garret finds himself falling faster than he ever imagined. Can two people forget their pasts to embrace each other and their future? The author has created a world in Montana wilderness that took my breath away with the wild, wide, and glorious pictures she painted in my mind with her words. Honestly, those images and the rangers were the driving forces of the tale that kept me reading. Garret Haute is a complex character. He loves his family, his brothers of heart, and the nature that surrounds them. He is a protector, he is the alpha, he needs to keep the control, to look after those who are under his responsibility, keep the safe, secure, and defend them if necessary. There are moments in his past, like for most of us, that had molded him to be the person he is today, yet he feels he needs to hold those moments a secret, feeling the truth would change people's opinion of him. I liked Garret, and the other rangers, he was a good man with solid character, good intentions, he was honest and straightforward with people around him. Amber Baum ran away from her overbearing family. She felt they wanted to control her life and guide her decisions. Because of her experiences with her family, and parents especially, she is confrontational, needs to hold on to the control of everything, she has hard time to accept any help thinking people are trying to run her life, even though she most of the time does not seem to know herself what she really wants. I wasn't very fond of Amber, I didn't connect with her, and I didn't think her connection with Garret had the depth for a deeper commitment and a serious relationship. There was a lot of sexual activity, the heat and attraction were immediate and overpowering her thoughts, but there was a bit awkwardness to those moments, that needed a bit smoothing out. Overall, I missed a natural flow of the tale, and the timeline, as well as a bit more polished dialogue. The banter wasn't quite on the mark most of the time. So that is the reason for the score I gave - because while I loved the world created, the storyline, and the rangers, there was a bit awkwardness to the story, and a rushed happy for now ending, that left me wanting more. Yes, I am definitely interested in the future stories of the series, Hunter and his destiny especially intrigued my mind. With a high appreciation to the wild nature of Montana, the author created a world that is filled with intrigue, darkness, and awe of the creation. ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
The Bride Takes a Groom by Lisa Berne
Series Penhallow Dynasty Series Genre Adult Historical Romance Publisher Avon Books Publication Date April 24, 2018
Lisa Berne’s Penhallow Dynasty continues with a pair of star-crossed childhood friends who meet again years later—and find love where they least expect it . . .
Katherine Brooke may be a fabulously wealthy heiress, but she’s trapped, a pawn in her parents’ ruthless game to marry her into the nobility. Then Captain Hugo Penhallow—so charming, as handsome as a Greek god—comes into her life once more, and suddenly she sees a chance to be free. As a Penhallow, his is one of the highest names in the land, but still his family is facing ruin. So Katherine boldly proposes an exchange: his name for her money. But only if Hugo understands it’s merely a practical arrangement, and that she’s not surrendering herself entirely. Back from eight years in America and determined to give his younger siblings a better life, Hugo agrees. He’s never fallen in love, so why not? Yet neither of them guesses that this marriage will become far, far more than they ever dreamed of… Oh, damn, her heart was hammering hard within her, as if it were a caged animal trying to burst free. To combat it, to bring herself back into coolness, into her mind she summoned an image, a certain passage from one of her hidden history books, this one about the ancient Romans. Cornelius Tacitus had written in 97 A.D. about the Sitones, a tribe in northern Europe which was believed to be a matriarchal society. Among the Sitones, Tacitus said, the women were powerful; the women chose their mates. It was a wild, a radical idea back then—disapprovingly had Tacitus commented upon its harmful effects—and it still was, of course, seventeen hundred years later. Even in this modern era, in which civilization had evolved with things like the printing press, steam engines, inoculations, gas lights, the Encyclopædia Britannica, and Herschel’s great telescopes, women were still supposed to demurely sit around, waiting for some man to ask her to be his wife. But an hour ago, Hugo Penhallow had unexpectedly strolled into her parents’ drawing-room, and maybe, just maybe, they could effect a trade to their mutual benefit. It was not, to say the least, a romantic proposition, but it had been a long, long time since she had indulged in girlish dreams of love, a soulmate, happily ever after. And here, right in front of her, was an opportunity to escape Brooke House. So to Hugo she said, in a voice that was only a little bit breathless: “Marry me.” Tour Wide GiveawayTo celebrate the release of THE BRIDE TAKES A GROOM by Lisa Berne, we’re giving away for two fan bundles each containing the entire Penhallow Dynasty series in paperback, a charm necklace, and a signed postcard from the author! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. Two winners will each receive a fan bundle containing the entire Penhallow Dynasty series in paperback, a charm necklace, and a signed postcard from the author. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 5/4/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About the AuthorLisa Berne read her first Georgette Heyer book at fourteen, and was instantly captivated. Later, she was a graduate student, a teacher, and a grant writer — and is now an author of historical romance, with her first three books set in Regency-era Britain. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. Author Links
Disturbing His Peace by Tessa Bailey
Series The Academy Series Genre Adult Contemporary Romance Publisher Avon Books Publication Date April 24, 2018
Danika Silva can’t stand Lt. Greer Burns. Her roommate’s older brother may be sexy as hell, but he’s also a cold, unfeeling robot. She just wants to graduate and forget about her scowling superior. But when a dangerous mistake lands Danika on probation—under Greer’s watch—she’s forced to interact with the big, hulking jerk. Call him daily to check in? Done. Ride shotgun in his cruiser every night? Done. Try not to climb into his giant, muscular lap and kiss him? Umm…
Greer doesn’t let anything—or anyone—distract him from the job. Except lately, all he can think about is Danika. He’s wanted the beautiful, cocky recruit since the moment he saw her. But she’s reckless and unpredictable, and Greer is painfully aware of what can happen when an officer doesn’t follow the rules. Probation seemed like a good idea, but now Danika’s scent is in his car and he’s replayed her voicemails twenty times. Christ, he’s a goner. Danika’s melting Greer’s stone-cold exterior one ride-along at a time. Being together could have serious consequences… but breaking a few rules never hurt anybody, right?
“It’s cold in here,” she rasps.
It’s sweltering—at least in our heated bubble— and the flicker in her gaze tells me she’s aware of her lie. “Would you like to be warmed up?” “What do you mean by . . . warmed up?” She whispers, her tone suggesting she can’t believe she’s asking. That makes two of us. But her encouragement to keep going, to keep talking like this to her, has my hunger surging to an eleven. There’s some- thing keeping me from touching her, like some mental fail-safe put in place for self-preservation. I allow my mouth to brush those curls at her ears. With a rough intake of air, she dips, legs losing power, and I surge forward on auto-pilot, my body and mind conditioned to save her from falling. The no touching rule is no longer a possibility. Tour Wide GiveawayTo celebrate the release of DISTURBING HIS PEACE by Tessa Bailey, we’re giving away one paperback set of The Academy series! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. One winners will receive a paperback set of The Academy series by Tessa Bailey. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 5/4/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About Tessa BaileyTessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans, and laptop, and drove cross-country to New York City in under four days. Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend, and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention. She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband and daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love. Author Links
A Scandalous Deal by Joanna Shupe
Series The Four Hundred Series Genre Adult Historical Romance Publisher Avon Books Publication Date April 24, 2018
Joanna Shupe returns with another unforgettable novel set in the glittering world of New York City’s Gilded Age…
They call her Lady Unlucky… With three dead fiancés, Lady Eva Hyde has positively no luck when it comes to love. She sets sail for New York City, determined that nothing will deter her dream of becoming an architect, certainly not an unexpected passionate shipboard encounter with a mysterious stranger. But Eva’s misfortune strikes once more when she discovers the stranger who swept her off her feet is none other than her new employer. Or is it Lady Irresistible? Phillip Mansfield reluctantly agrees to let the fiery Lady Eva oversee his luxury hotel project while vowing to keep their relationship strictly professional. Yet Eva is more capable—and more alluring—than Phillip first thought, and he cannot keep from drawing up a plan of his own to seduce her. When a series of onsite “accidents” make it clear someone wants Lady Unlucky to earn her nickname, Phillip discovers he’s willing to do anything to protect her—even if it requires a scandalous deal…
“Yes…. I will.”
His nostrils flared ever so slightly. “Why?” he asked, brows lowered in confusion. “Why now?” She understood perfectly. A few days ago, she’d insisted on professional distance. Yet how could she explain it? They were high above the city, just the two of them, in a cocoon of warm July air. “Does it matter?” “It does to me. I’d like to know why you’ve changed your mind.” Because she wanted him, wanted him to do the same wicked things he’d done on the ship. The insides of her thighs grew slick just thinking on it. She went with a coy answer instead. “Isn’t that what women do?” One side of his mouth kicked up. “Most women, perhaps. However, you’re not most women. There’s no one else who can begin to compare.” Tour Wide GiveawayTo celebrate the release of A SCANDALOUS DEAL by Joanna Shupe, we’re giving away for two paperback copies of A DARING ARRANGEMENT! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. Two winners will each receive a paperback copy of A Daring Arrangement by Joanna Shupe. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 5/4/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About Joanna ShupeJoanna Shupe has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. While in college, Joanna read every romance she could get her hands on and soon started crafting her own racy historical novels. In 2013, she won Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart® Award for Best Historical. She now lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and dashing husband. To connect with Joanna, visit JoannaShupe.com. Author Links
He's the toughest cowboy on patrol fighting darkness--until a rare woman reminds him of the light in his heart... Barrett Iron Feather hardly has time for romance between busting drug rings as a veteran police officer and maintaining his roping winning streak at rodeos. Then his world turns upside down when the police chief goes behind his back and makes Barrett head of security for a Hollywood movie set. Skystone Canyon is a historical western being filmed in the picturesque mountain town of Bandits Hollow, and Barrett's furious he's been relegated to supervising "pampered city slickers". Yet he never dreamed duty would force him to run smack-dab into his first boyhood crush, former child star Lainey Neil. All grown up now, Lainey's no longer the chubby teen driven by her abusive father to attend "fat camp" at a Colorado horse ranch. She's a beautiful film star, and she's shocked to come face to face with Barrett, that unforgettable cowboy who taught her the grit she needed to survive her hellish childhood. Can a second chance at first love possibly blossom into forever love? Only destiny knows if Hollywood-style happy endings can turn out to be real... Skystone Canyon is Book 2 in the Iron Feather Brothers contemporary romance series. Iron Feather Brothers Series: Meet the Iron Feather Brothers--they're tough, they're dangerous, and family means everything to them. Whether it's living up to their ancestor's outlaw reputation or brandishing their own style of justice, these men have each other's backs. And it takes very special women to get under their skin and untangle their barbed-wire hearts in order to find love in this contemporary western romance series set in the Rocky Mountains. A sweet second chance romance between two teenage friends, who haven't seen each other in a decade. This is the second book about the Iron Feather brothers, it is Barrett's story, the police officer who struggles with his anger management. Even with the wounds that Barrett carries in his soul, from the abusive time in children's home in his teens, and the issues that have developed from the wounds, he has always known what he wants to do with his life. To serve and protect with all his heart, mind, and body, and mainly protect those who can not do that themselves. He might be quick to anger, but he is a good man, with the best of intentions. Lainey Neil has come a long way in the past ten years. She is finally finding her own platform, she is getting on own feet. The abuse from her father long behind her, and with the support of those who have always been there for her, she is ready to build a new life, a new direction to her career. But not everything is what it seems, and as the accident on the movie set starts to escalate, it seems even her life might be in danger. I liked the connection between Lainey and Barrett. From the before, where Barrett saved her from her father, and now, as they are getting to know each other again. I thought the chemistry between them had the warm and fuzzy feelings, it was a delightful mix of the innocence of a childhood and the passion and adoration of the adult minds. The storyline was intriguing, and I like the idea behind the book and the series. The three bothers who lost their parents and had to survive the abuse of the system as 'half-blood', who are seeking the connection with their mother's culture while trying to live in modern times. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, the book of Dillon and Tessa. I loved the world the author had built, the magic of the Native Americans that was integrated into the tale, and the bond between the brothers that was tight and true. Even though Dillon is mentioned in the story a couple of times, I missed the person I got to know in the first book, and Tessa, of course, who was not mentioned at all. The great ambiance of the small town wasn't used that much as the main focus was on the movie set. Skytone Canyon is definitely a standalone novel since it does not have an obvious connection to the story of the first book at all. I wish it did have or was more in line with the first book. The whole amazing connection to the bears Lainey was seeing wasn't even explained at all, to her or the readers, a point in a first book that really impressed me. The movie set and its events itself was lively and entertaining. Yes, there were used artistic liberties to create a movie-set-world by the author, but that didn't bother me any. It was the rather stiff dialog through the story that surprised me since I didn't experience this in the first book. Especially with the hero and heroine, as they used the 'Ms' and 'Mr' and 'Deputy Iron Feather' while approaching each other. I guess it was supposed to be humorous, but it was bristly and uncomfortable most of the time. I swear I expected Lainey to say "I do declare..." at any moment like she was from the Gone With the Wind. Was she stuck in her character from the movies, I do not know, but the story was missing the natural flow with the at times had awkward dialogue. (Or maybe it was the eARC that I received, maybe (hopefully) there were edits done after that since the book did have a considerate amount of obvious mistakes in it as well.) So, maybe not my favorite book in the series, but I still liked the story. The main characters were charming and charismatic, I like them and empathized with them and the hardships they have had faced during their young lives. There were laughter and tears, there was the joy of the reunion of the young hearts and the intrigue that was created by the sabotage on the movie set. It is a good story, the series has a solid background foundation to be building on, and the brothers have won over of my heart. This story just needed a bit more work, little polishing, and smoothness, to be scored more than ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side “What the hell are you doing?” cried Lainey, dismounting from Sand and dropping the reins. The faithful gelding remained in place, trained to ground tie. Lainey marched over to Barrett with fire in her eyes. She took a swing. Her knuckles met his jaw hard, making his head swivel back. Shocked, Barrett teetered for a second and regained his footing from the force of her blow. He’d seen more out-of-control women than he cared to remember through his job as a policeman, usually jacked up on drugs and ready for bear. But he honestly never saw this one coming from a Hollywood actress who’d seemed so sweet a mere fifteen minutes ago while she’d gotten her face powdered to “camera ready” perfection. “How dare you rescue me in front of the film crew!” Lainey demanded, her fists clenched. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve worked for respect in this industry? I insisted in my contract that I’d do all my own riding and stunts.” She pulled back her elbow for another slam. “And I was just about to stop that horse myself—” Instinctively, Barrett blocked her arm and wrapped his elbow around her neck in a classic restraint hold, fully prepared to choke her out if he needed to. He held her body close to his chest and used his other arm to pin her hands, squeezing like a snake. “Stop your horse, huh? Which is why she was accelerating?” he pointed out in a maddeningly calm tone, the one he always used on the job for dealing with crazy. Nevertheless, he couldn’t help noticing the way Lainey’s warm body felt against his chest—even if she was as mad as hell. Her skin and hair smelled as fresh as wildflowers, and her natural curves under the thin calico dress were nothing short of intoxicating. The more she wriggled, the tighter his arms cinched around her. Barrett couldn’t resist—he leaned his chin against the crook of her neck and simply breathed her in, feeling her pulse quicken against her soft skin, all the while keeping his hold firm. He didn’t want to scare her with his restraint, but he didn’t exactly want to get smacked again either. “Let go of me!” she cried, flailing her legs to try and kick him. “You sabotaged me—” Barrett smirked at her boldness and curled one of his legs around hers so she couldn’t get leverage—relishing the feel of being entwined with her more than he cared to admit. In the heat of the moment, they were totally wrapped up in one another, her heart beating as fast as a bird’s. Barrett pressed his cheek against Lainey’s and whispered in her ear, “May I remind you that you’ve already assaulted me once? For your information, Miss Neil, I’m a police officer. And if you don’t stop trying to hurt me, I’m going to have to arrest you.” Lainey squirmed fiercely anyway, and Barrett deftly released his neck-hold and grabbed her elbow, twisting it to make her body swing with a quick flip to the ground that left her dizzied in shock. Then he bent down and pressed his knee against her back to secure his hold. Lainey wailed like a wildcat, the sound muffled by the tall grass her face was planted in. Before she knew it, Barrett had both arms pinned behind her back, when she heard a sharp click as cold metal slid over her wrists. Barrett rolled her over and sat on her knees so she couldn’t kick him and shot a glance at his watch as though comparing the time it took to handcuff Lainey with his latest calf-roping score in tie-down events. A hint of a smile surfaced on his lips. Clearly, he was impressed with his results. “I have a gun, Miss Neil,” he flatly informed her, patting a bulge on his right hip hidden by the tail of his flannel shirt. “Just remember, this was the soft approach.” “B-But I’m the star!” Lainey sputtered. “Of the nearest jail?” Lainey’s mouth dropped. “You wouldn’t!” “Quite the opposite—it’s my job,” Barrett asserted. “Unless you straighten up and stop throwing punches at law enforcement. You think being pulled off a horse was embarrassing in front of the film crew? Wait till they see your mug shot.” He rubbed his jaw and glared at her. “I’d be happy to show the local judge my bruise.” When it became clear Lainey had given up the idea of kicking, Barrett slid off her legs and sat cross-legged in front of her while she wriggled upright with her hands cuffed behind her back, still attempting to catch her breath. Her wrists had turned a painful pink. “So, you’re a bit sensitive about how you’re perceived by that bozo director in butt-ugly boots?” Barrett glanced back at the film crew, who appeared to be milling around and at a loss for what to do since their ATVs wouldn’t start. “Something tells me that crew would be cheering right now if you’d decked him instead of me.” Another smirk settled on Barrett’s lips. “But I will compliment you on your right hook, Miss Neil. Very effective.”
Secrets in the Shadows by Various Authors
Series Summer of Supernaturals #1 Genre Adult Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Romance Publisher Pure Textuality PR Publication Date May 1, 2018
Immerse yourself in the dark side of the supernatural world with this collection of paranormal short stories dedicated to the shapeshifting creatures we love. Experience the majesty and fury of a fire breathing dragon, stalk the city streets at midnight with panthers, or run wild with magic under the full moon with werewolves.
SECRETS IN THE SHADOWS, the first action-packed anthology in the Summer of Supernaturals series featuring fur, claws, and fangs from seven of today’s best urban fantasy and paranormal romance authors. Featured Authors: Brandy Dorsch, Jena Gregoire, Gina Wynn, Kat Parrish, Liz Gavin, Nicole Zoltack, & Victoria DeLuis.
$50 AMAZON GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY! ENTER HERE--> http://goo.gl/XvKfhJ
The Good Luck Sister
A Wildstone Novella By: Jill Shalvis Harper Collins – May 1st, 2018
This summer, romance blooms again in Wildstone!
After a difficult few years, Tilly Adams is ready for life to start going right. Though she has a case of first day nerves teaching art at the local community college, she knows it isn’t anything a few snuggles from her rescue puppy won’t cure. Until she sees Dylan Scott again, her one-time BFF and first love sitting in the front row. Dylan knows he should’ve left well enough alone, but when he sees Tilly living her dream, he can’t help but make contact. Ten years ago, he left Wildstone and everything in it behind, including Tilly. He had his reasons, but now he wants her back in his life, anyway he can get her. When Tilly agrees to design the logo for Dylan’s new helicopter touring company, it’s business only…until she finds herself falling into his arms once again. Can she possibly open her heart back up to the only man who’s ever broken it? But soon they’re both realizing the truth — love always deserves a second chance.
A sweet and sexy, feel-good, humorous romance novella that is filled with charming characters who feel the pain from the past and have hope for the future.
Here is something that I have always been able to count on: Jill Shalvis' writing makes me smile, lifts up my day, and gives all the warm and fuzzy, good kind of vibes that romance novels, in my mind, are supposed to be delivering. The characters are well thought out, they have an in-depth history, they feel deep and wide, and while they are not immune to the pain and sorrow of life, there's always the silver lining that shines through. In The Good Luck Sister teenage best friends Tilly Adams and Dylan Scott are brought together again, after a decade apart. Dylan's abusive childhood left sores in his soul that needed time to heal. He broke Tilly's heart when he left the town to join the service, but he did it with good intentions. Tilly has worked hard to reach her goals in life. Her dream to be a famous painter is not picking up as fast as she desired, and teaching arts and graphic design would help to finance her life while she waits for her big break. Imagine her surprise on the first day of teaching, when she walks into the classroom and Dylan is sitting in the front row. Each chapter of the novella starts with a look at the life ten years ago, giving insights into the history Dylan and Tilly have. I appreciated those flashbacks to get the full history and see where Dylan and Tilly were coming from and what they had left behind, what they needed to overcome. The connection between Dylan and Tilly was true and tight, filled with adoration and passion. With the solid foundation they have had in the past, it was easier to build a relationship in the present. The timeline was a bit choppy, but the romance was believable and conceivable, the chemistry was there, the characters just needed to communicate, open their hearts, and honestly share their thoughts and feelings, from past and from the present. A delightful and enjoyable, entertaining tale of teenage lovers finding their second chance with their soul mates ten years later... ~ Four Spoons
Interested in having Jill Shalvis crash your Book Club?
ENTER HERE --> http://bit.ly/CRASHMYCLUBCONTEST Win a 30 minute Skype session with Jill to discuss her upcoming release, RAINY DAY FRIENDS, along with up to 10 print copies of the book and a $50 Panera Bread gift card! To enter, purchase THE GOOD LUCK SISTER, $1.99, a Wildstone novella releasing on May 1st, and then hit the link and complete the form! Winner will be announced on May 15th, and contacted by email address. Contemporary Romance Date Published: May 1, 2018 Publisher: Harlequin When "You've Got Mail" and "The Shop Around the Corner" meet the U.S. Army... You've got a fresh romance by USA Today Bestseller and Rita winner--and West Point graduate--Caro Carson. What happens when your internet crush...Shows up in real life?First Lieutenant Thane Carter has experienced great success as the senior platoon leader of a military police company at Fort Hood. But tbh, his love life stinks. Thane wishes his maddening--and off-limits--new coworker, Lieutenant Chloe Michaels, could be more like his online friend "BallerinaBaby." It's complicated, all right--especially when Thane learns that his workplace nemesis and his internet crush are one and the same!
|