Home Free
Sierra Legacy #3 By: Claire McEwen Released November 1, 2016 Harlequin Superromance
His first taste of freedom was only the beginning...
Arch Hoffman has paid for his crimes. All he wants is to come home to rural California and start over. He's not looking to be a hero when he rescues a wedding cake from hitting the dirt at the ranch next door. But culinary artist Mandy Allen's irresistible smile makes him glad to save the day--and thankful that they're neighbors. Mandy's just the distraction Arch needs. Her sweet voice quiets the memories that threaten his chance to be a better man, and he's determined to help her confront her fears. But the past is its own prison, and even love might not be enough to set them free.
A touching and honest story of a journey a man with a criminal background, and just released from the prison has to take and wants to take, to change his life, change himself, his habits, and make a chance for a brighter tomorrow, to have a future to be proud of.
Arch is a charming and alluring character, with his determination and desire to face the past and make the future better it was easy to root for him, wish him nothing but the best, and hope he finds his way. Mandy's prison has been her mind ever since her mother died, the panic attacks she never told anyone about. Together Mandy and Arch are a force to be reckoned with. By a set of circumstances, they are let alone to take care of two ranchers, and to be able to accomplish that they have to face their fears, their demons, their past, and overcome them. That road isn't easy for them. There are some who wants them to fail, there are some who wish they would fall back to the past behavior, there are some who are blaming Arch for their own mistakes, and some who just wish he would have never come home. The story and its honesty hit me in the gut. The development of the characters as their face the obstacles in their lives was beautifully done, and every moment with them pulled me more into the tale, into the pain and joy they experienced. Arch's rectitude was honorable, admirable, and even though Mandy and Arch had to go through the fire to find their feet, their future, the story has such a clear message of hope, that people can choose to change, and it is possible if you are willing to put all in and work for the change, it just made me want to cheer out loud. A delicate story about life, love, and change, a story that can affect a person if you let the message get close to your heart and choose to feel the good, the positive, and the joy in life. ~ Five Spoons!
A flicker of motion across the black backs of the cattle caught Mandy’s eye. Dark hair under a brown cowboy hat. Long legs in faded jeans. Shoulders wide under his padded canvas jacket. Arch Hoffman.
He was standing on the rail of the fence, waving with both arms to get her attention. She rolled down the window. “Hey,” she called, knowing that it didn’t matter what she said. There was no way she was getting out of this situation without looking like an idiot. “What’s going on?” He shouted the words, but it was still hard to hear him over the indignant mooing. The steers wanted breakfast, and they were confused and frustrated. Well, boys, welcome to the club. She’d been confused and frustrated for years now. “Not much,” she called back in a lame attempt at nonchalance. “What’s up with you?” She could see the confusion on Arch’s face even from this distance. He probably hadn’t been expecting small talk. “Um, not much. You need a little help there?” She forced a breezy voice. “I’m okay...just need to get out of this truck and get feeding.” “Oh.” He paused for a moment, as if trying to come up with the right words. “It’s just that...you fell into the cab.” How long had he been there, watching her make a fool of herself? “Oh, ya know, just lost my balance for a minute.” It was almost impossible to sound casual while yelling over the ruckus of forty upset steers. Arch jumped off the fence and Mandy lost sight of him. She had a tiny moment to hope that he’d decided she was fine and was gone on his way. Then she saw him swing up on the back of a big black gelding and guide it along the fence to the gate. Leaning gracefully from the saddle, he let himself into the pasture, closing the gate behind him. Mandy reached for the door handle, but her hand was shaking so hard she couldn’t grasp it. She wanted to get out and face Arch while tossing hay out of the truck like a pro. But fear had its cold claws sunk in deep. With a wave of his rope, Arch cleared the steers easily from his path. He took their place at her truck window, looking down at her from his relaxed perch in the saddle. “Do you want me to feed them?” His voice was a balm of gentle concern that almost brought out the tears fizzing hot beneath her eyes. She felt her cheeks heat, too, and knew her usually pale skin had gone scarlet. She couldn’t answer. But she nodded. “Okay,” he said. “Just sit tight.” She watched him in the side mirror as he guided his horse alongside the vehicle and leaned over, grabbing a few flakes of the hay she’d stacked there. He threw them to his right and several of the steers trotted toward the pile. Quickly he grabbed more hay and tossed it out behind the truck, creating another feeding area. Soon the pasture was littered with piles of hay surrounded by happy cattle. Mandy buried her face in her hands. He made it look so simple.
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Claire McEwen lives by the ocean in Northern California with her husband, son and a scruffy, mischievous terrier.
When not dreaming up new stories, she can be found digging in her garden with a lot of enthusiasm but, unfortunately, no green thumb. She loves discovering flea-market treasures, walking on the beach, dancing, traveling and reading, of course! Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
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Someone like You
Oxford #3 By: Lauren Layne Releasing December 6, 2016 Loveswept
Lauren Layne’s bestselling Oxford Series continues with the poignant, heartwarming story of New York’s most eligible bachelor, Lincoln Mathis, a man who’s living a lie—until his dream woman takes away the pain.
Lincoln Mathis doesn’t hide his reputation as Manhattan’s ultimate playboy. In fact, he cultivates it. But behind every flirtatious smile, each provocative quip, there’s a secret that Lincoln’s hiding from even his closest friends—a tragedy from his past that holds his heart quietly captive. Lincoln knows what he wants: someone like Daisy Sinclair, the sassy, off-limits bridesmaid he can’t take his eyes off at his best friend’s wedding. He also knows that she’s everything he can never have. After a devastating divorce, Daisy doesn’t need anyone to warn her off the charming best man at her sister’s wedding. One look at the breathtakingly hot Lincoln Mathis and she knows that he’s exactly the type of man she should avoid. But when Daisy stumbles upon Lincoln’s secret, she realizes there’s more to the charming playboy than meets the eye. And suddenly Daisy and Lincoln find their lives helplessly entwined in a journey that will either heal their damaged souls . . . or destroy them forever. Advance praise for Someone Like You “Fun and flirty, sassy and steamy, with a deep emotional pull that will keep you turning the pages.”—Kelly Jamieson, author of Top Shelf “An unsung hero with a story that touched my heart. Emotional and gripping. A top favorite of 2016 for me.”--New York Times bestselling author Melanie Moreland Daisy took another sip of her wine, watching as wedding guests took their places on the dance floor, warding off her boredom by trying to guess how long each couple had been together based on body language. She was a little amused to see that Emma and all of her Stiletto friends still seemed to be in the handsy honeymoon stage with their significant others, even though she knew they’d mostly been with their respective spouses for years. Daisy felt a little twist of her heart. Once upon a time, she’d thought that’d be her and Gary. As much in love on someone else’s wedding day as they had been on their own. At least she’d been in love on that day. She wasn’t sure someone like Gary knew what love was. Still, she was glad to be here. Glad to be surrounded by all of this happiness, even if it was bittersweet. Daisy wished her father could be here to see this. He’d died of a heart attack a year ago, and though their dad had wreaked plenty of havoc on Emma and Cassidy’s relationship all those years ago, Daisy wished he could have walked Emma down the aisle and had a chance at the father-daughter dance. The way it had worked out was rather lovely, though. Cole Sharpe, yet another Oxford writer, had walked Emma down the aisle, and a whole slew of the Oxford guys had twirled a laughing Emma around the dance floor in place of the father-daughter dance. It struck Daisy that this was Emma’s family. Sure, the twins were close, but they were orphans now, and they’d never been particularly close to the rest of their extended family. So Emma had built a family here in New York, with a network of tight-knit friendships. And though Daisy was happy for Emma she was also . . . jealous. “I hate to break it to you, pet, but you’re pulling off the wallflower routine a little too convincingly over here.” Daisy turned, somehow unsurprised to see Lincoln Mathis standing beside her, blue eyes twinkling above the pink bow tie that he pulled off with impressive masculinity. “You cheated,” she said, by way of greeting. He smiled, slow and flirty, as he rested one shoulder against the wall she was leaning on, looking down at her. “How’s that?” “You made them laugh and cry in your speech. I thought we agreed that you were just going to be the funny guy.” He smiled wider. “What can I say, I’m alluring in a multitude of ways.” “Speaking of,” she said, nodding her chin slightly to the sultry brunette making her way towards them, “I believe your previous dance partner is wanting an encore.” He let out the subtlest of groans, so quiet she thought she might have imagined it. “Dance with me,” he said suddenly to Daisy, straightening and looking down at her. She jolted in surprise, then in panic. “I can’t.” He smiled and held out a hand. “Come on now, Wallflower. I’m very good at dancing.” Wallflower. Daisy had never been a wallflower in her life. Although he had a point. She did seem to be lurking in the corner a bit. She silently scolded herself. This was everything she’d been coaching herself not to do. Not to let Gary win . . . “I don’t doubt your dancing prowess,” she replied saucily, “but—” She broke off. What could she possibly say? I don’t like being touched? It’s not that she couldn’t be touched. She wasn’t that broken. She didn’t freak out. She’d endured Cassidy’s hug when she’d greeted him last night; she’d danced earlier with her uncle. But those men were family. Lincoln Mathis was . . . not family. Dance with him, she commanded herself. Don’t be that broken woman Gary tried to make you. She didn’t move, and slowly Lincoln’s hand dropped to his side, just as the brunette reached them. “I love this song,” the woman said, running a possessive hand up Lincoln’s arm. “Dance?” Lincoln held Daisy’s gaze and she shrugged before blowing him a teasing good-bye kiss. “Bye bye.” His eyes narrowed. “Actually,” Lincoln said, turning and giving the other woman a regretful smile, “I need to step out for a moment.” The woman’s perfectly shaped brows folded into a frown. “Step out? For what?” “I need to show Daisy something,” he said, bending and kissing the other woman’s cheek. “Next time, love.” Before Daisy could register that she’d been commandeered as part of Lincoln Mathis’s escape, he’d plucked the champagne flute out of her hand, setting it aside before clasping her fingers in his and pulling her toward the door. “Wait, we’re really leaving?” she asked with a laugh as he tugged her through the throng of wedding guests. “Yep.” “I can’t,” she said. “It’s my sister’s wedding, I have family here, and . . .” “But you want to leave,” he said, turning and facing her. She narrowed her gaze. “Why would I want that?” He met her eyes. “Because you don’t like weddings any more than I do.”
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Lauren Layne is the USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen romantic comedies. She lives in New York City with her husband (who was her high school sweetheart--cute, right?!) and plus-sized Pomeranian.
In 2011, she ditched her corporate career in Seattle to pursue a full-time writing career in Manhattan, and never looked back. In her ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books. For a list of all her works, please be sure to check out her official website! Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram
Dr. Tessa McGowan had never seen anything quite like it. But the mutilated bodies on her exam table tell a stunningly macabre tale: someone with a twisted mind is kidnapping women and altering their faces to resemble real, life-size dolls. As a forensic pathologist, it’s her job to aid the agent leading the case—even if that agent is her estranged husband.
Twelve years ago an unspeakable tragedy destroyed Dakota Sharp’s world. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, he’s devoted himself to capturing killers. His only regret is that it cost him Tessa. Now, as the Dollmaker case brings them together—and raises his suspicions that he’s crossed paths with this deranged psychopath before—they may just have their second chance. But it seems Dakota’s not the only one who wants to make Tessa his own… She may be the Dollmaker’s next target, but Tessa has no intention of winding up as another toy on his shelf. Can she and Dakota stop this ghastly killer before his next deadly playdate?
A gripping, riveting and captivating murder mystery with a perfect balance of intriguing suspense of several murders and enthralling romance between a husband and wife fighting for a new chance, a new start for their life together.
As the crimson details of the two separate murders start to unveil, Dakota Sharp tries to stay focused on the job at hand, instead of dealing with the death of his step-father he was never close to or with his estranged wife who suddenly comes back to town. I liked how the mystery around the murders was built, how the details came to light, how suddenly the pieces of the puzzle started to fit together in a way no one expected. The identity of the culprit stays well hidden, the motives even better. The hunt for the answers is intense and fevered, as more victims keep showing up, as the evidence shows he is not finished, his deadly, and he might be close to them. Tessa and Dakota has a lot of unfinished business between them as well as resentment, even trust is lacking. Yet the palpable feelings they have for each other can't be denied. But can they look over the past hurt, can they make it work, can they accept each other as they are, can their careers co-exist in one relationship? So many questions, so much passion, such a deep emotions, but will they live long enough to find out the answers? I am in awe with the story, the flow, the vigor, the tension, the spacing of the tale all masterfully crafted to hold the reader's mind and built the pressure and concern through the tale while being enthralled by the desire and adoration of the burning romance, a rekindled love between a husband and wife. A perfectly balanced romantic suspense story ~ Five Spoons
Mary Burton loves writing suspense, researching forensic and law enforcement procedure, baking, books, and tiny dachshunds. Not necessarily in that order.
She also enjoys hunting down serial killers, which she does in her New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels of suspense and romance. She’s tracked them down in stories set in her hometown of Richmond, Alexandria, Austin and Nashville that have been praised by readers and reviewers. Her work has been compared to that of James Patterson*, Lisa Gardner** and Lisa Jackson***. Research is a favorite part of Mary’s work day. She never tires of learning more about police work, evidence collection and analysis, and doesn’t hesitate to take a hands-on approach, whether it means interviews with those working in the field, forensic seminars or lessons at the firing range. A Richmond native, Mary has lived there for most of her life. She is a graduate of Virginia’s Hollins University and worked in marketing before she began writing full time. Her first book was published in 2000 and now she’s the author of thirty-one novels and five novellas, including her contemporary women’s fiction written as Mary Ellen Taylor. Her new book, The Dollmaker is the second of her The Forgotten Files novels, which began with The Shark in May 2016. The third, The Hangman, will be published in spring 2017. Her recent bestsellers, the popular Morgan Family novels Vulnerable, I’ll Never Let You Go, Cover Your Eyes and Be Afraid, feature Nashville’s preeminent law enforcement family. When not traveling for research or visiting with readers at bookstores, book festivals and conferences, Mary is very much a homebody. She and her husband spend time alternately enjoying and lamenting their newly empty nest and spoiling their four legged babies Buddy, Bella and Tiki. *Fresh Fiction **Library Journal ***Library Journal Website Twitter
A Date at the Altar
Marrying the Duke #3 By: Cathy Maxwell Releasing October 25, 2016 Avon
New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell’s glittering Marrying the Duke series continues—Twice he has been close to the altar and still no duchess.
Will the third time be the charm? A duke can’t marry just anyone. His wife must be of good family, be fertile, be young. Struggling playwright Sarah Pettijohn is absolutely the last woman Gavin Whitridge, Duke of Baynton, would ever fall in love with. She is an actress, born on the wrong side of the blanket, and always challenges his ducal authority. She never hesitates to tell him what she thinks. However, there is something about her that stirs his blood . . . which makes her perfect for a bargain he has in mind: In exchange for backing her play, he wants Sarah to teach him about love. And he, in turn, has a few things to teach her about men . . .
Sarah Pettijohn had vowed she would never play the role of the Siren again . . . and yet here she was, tucked high above the stage behind the proscenium arch so that the audience could not see her, dressed in practically nothing, waiting her turn on stage. From her perch, she watched the teeming mass of male bodies in the audience below and knew they did not bode well for her.
The owners of the theater, Geoff and Charles, were masters at creating a stir. The house was packed with men from every walk of life. The rich, the poor, the old, the young, and the stupid had all paid their four shillings because, as Geoff said, men could never have their fill of “tittie” watching. “No matter how much it costs them, they like to look.” Sarah was not showing her “titties.” She wore a nude shift beneath her diaphanous costume. Granted there was little beneath the shift, but she was well covered compared to the other women in the company. She’d insisted upon it. She knew from the last time she had been compelled to play the Siren, six years ago, the male imagination could fill in the details, whether seen or not. Keeping her identity a secret was important, just as it had been in the past. To that purpose, Sarah wore a bejeweled mask and mounds of face paint and powder to create a fanciful, feminine creature with long lashes and golden skin. A black wig plaited into a thick braid hid her red hair. She’d also refused to attend rehearsals, preferring to practice her act in secret. She was not proud of what she was doing. She had a reputation to protect. After all, she wasn’t just an actress. She was a playwright. She’d agreed to play the Siren because Geoff and Charles promised to stage her play. Her play. For years, Sarah had rewritten and edited the work of men who used her talent and gave her none of the recognition. This past summer, Colman at the Haymarket Theater where she’d been part of the company for years, had promised to produce one of her plays but when the time came, he’d reneged and put one of his own on the schedule instead. One Sarah had rewritten for him. Sarah had walked. She’d left his company with her head high, and her pockets empty. That is when Geoff and Charles had approached her. They were talented theater men who had staged the first Naughty Review in order to raise the funds to build the Bishop’s Hill Theater. It had been a one-night event, just as this was. At that time, Sarah had been desperate for money so that she could provide a home for her half-sister’s orphaned daughter. She didn’t expose her “titties” then, either, but she would have done that and more to protect Charlene. What no one had expected was for the Siren to become almost legendary in men’s minds. Even Sarah was astounded and she was thankful that she’d been disguised so no one knew who she was. For months after that first Review, personal notices were run in the papers from men either begging the actress playing the Siren to contact them or looking for information about her. Fortunately, those few people who knew Sarah never betrayed her. Now, after years of running their own theater, Geoff and Charles were deeply in debt. They were in danger of losing the Bishop’s Hill and hoped that if the Review worked once, it would do so again. “Everyone wants the Siren,” Charles had said. “You do this for us and we will stage your play. We’ll all have what we want.” Sarah had reluctantly agreed. She’d had no choice, really. She didn’t have the means to stage the play herself. Charlene was now happily married and living in Boston, an ocean away. The time had come for Sarah to live her own life. If dancing and singing almost naked would bring her what she wanted, then so be it. A woman alone had to do what she must to survive—and if Sarah was one thing, she was a survivor. She shifted her weight on the narrow shelf and tightened her hold on the silken rope that would be used to lower her to the stage. The Siren would be the last performance of the evening. She’d secreted herself an hour before the curtain. Below her, two female gladiators with swords shaped like phalluses left the stage. William Millroy, an Irish tenor, came out and began singing about being cuckolded by his wife. The audience wasn’t paying attention. They had come for women. Someone threw a cabbage at Will but he ducked. More vegetables and a few fruits were thrown to the delight of the crowd, especially when they hit their target. William scampered off stage to the sound of cheers. “Where’s the Siren?” someone called out. A chant began. “Siren! Siren!” Sarah shook her head. Men could be so ridiculous. They had been doing this all evening. Her nerves were frayed. A group of bare-breasted dancers costumed as sheep came out onto the stage and the men forgot their chanting and roared their approval. One gent leaped from one of the boxes upon the sheep nearest him. Sarah knew the girl. Irene. She screamed and pushed his hands away from her breasts just as the bullyboys Geoff and Charles had hired rushed forward to toss the man into the pit. Laughter and ribald comments met his comeuppance. The music started and the sheep pranced around while a shepherd ran among them poking them in the bum with his staff. Every time he touched a sheep, she’d cry “Baaa” and the audience started mimicking the sound with an obscenity in place of the “Baa.” Sarah had an urge to go down on that stage and lecture the men on manners. If they kept up this rowdiness, her performance would be a short one. In fact, she would make it quick. She would sing one song, escape this theater without anyone being wiser to who she really was, and then she could start living the rest of her life the way she wished. She’d cast her play, The Fitful Widow: A Light Comedy Concerning the Foolishness of Men, and prove that her talent was equal to any male playwright’s. Her fierce determination came to an abrupt halt as she recognized one of the men in the very expensive boxes to the side of the stage. Uncertain she could believe her eyes, she leaned forward as far as she dared on the platform for a better view, balancing herself by holding on to the rope. It was him. There was no mistaking the broad shoulders or that arrogantly proud tilt of the head. The Duke of Baynton, that Pillar of Morality, the Nonesuch, the Maker of Ministries was at the Naughty Review. Sarah sat back, stunned, and then drew a deep breath. Who knew? Baynton was mortal after all. Or perhaps he had wandered in by chance? Oh no, he wouldn’t. She distinctly remembered him coolly informing her that he did not attend the theater. Well, he had added, save for the occasional Shakespeare. This was no Shakespeare. And it was intriguing to see him here. The duke had once wooed her niece Charlene. When Charlene had run off with another, his twin brother, no less, Baynton had gone after them and Sarah had insisted on accompanying him so that she could protect her beloved niece. In the end, Baynton had not won the lady. Charlene had married the man she loved and the duke had been somewhat gracious about it—that is, to everyone save Sarah. Apparently he did not appreciate outspoken women. She had little admiration for him as well. Two days of traveling to Scotland with him had convinced her that no other man on earth could be more insufferable or self-righteous than Baynton. At their parting, she had prayed to never set eyes upon him again—except this was good. This was a moment to be relished. Watched only Shakespeare. The hypocrite. If she’d had a shoe on, she would have thrown it down right on his head. Let him think it was the judgment of God Almighty for being in such an immoral place. Sarah would have adored seeing the expression on his handsome face . . . and he was handsome. Sarah was not blind to his looks. It was the words that came out of his mouth she didn’t like. But gazing at him, well, that was pleasure. In truth, she’d been overjoyed when he’d first called on Charlene. She’d wanted what was best for her niece and the Duke of Baynton was the best London had to offer. He was wealthy, respected, honored, and Char would have made a lovely duchess. Sarah could even recall the last words she’d heard the duke speak. Baynton had paid Sarah’s way home from Scotland by private coach rather than endure more travel time with her. He’d mentioned within her hearing that it had been “money well spent. She is too opinionated by half.” Words that Sarah had found surprisingly hurtful, although she’d had her fill of him as well. The sheep were almost done with their act. It had gone on overlong. The crowd no longer yelled crudities or baaa’ed. They grew restless. That was the problem with this sort of entertainment. It could never capture the imagination—not in the way a well-written play could. The Siren was up next. Had Sarah thought to make her performance quick and be done with it? That had been before spying the Duke of Puffed Up Consequence in her audience. She stood and wrapped the silken rope around her hand, readying herself to step off the platform the moment the dancers on stage finished. She felt strong, powerful, and inspired to give the performance of her lifetime. If Baynton thought his matched set of grays were high flyers, wait until he witnessed the Siren.
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New York Times Bestselling Author, Cathy Maxwell spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, “Why do people fall in love?” It remains for her the great mystery of life and the secret to happiness. She lives in beautiful Virginia with children, horses, dogs, and cats.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
Snowbound at Christmas
Holiday Romance Antholgy By: Jennifer Ryan, Maisey Yates & Lia Riley Releasing November 15, 2016 Avon Impulse
When a snowstorm pummels the western half of the country, three couples find once off-limits love just in time for Christmas. An unforgettable holiday anthology from bestselling authors Jennifer Ryan, Maisey Yates, and Lia Riley.
Close to Perfect: A Montana Men Novella by Jennifer Ryan At sixteen, Abigail gave Dex the gift of a lifetime, but the cost of it was more than he ever knew. Now she’s back in town with a secret that has been ten years in the making and this time it’s Dex’s turn to make the ultimate sacrifice or risk losing her forever. Snowed in at Copper Ridge: A Copper Ridge Novella by Maisey Yates Mia Landry has always had it bad for brooding cowboy Devlin Grayson. Too bad he’s her best friend’s older brother. But when they find themselves snowed in at Copper Ridge Lodge, Mia finally has the chance to tell the man of her dreams exactly what she wants… him. Hot Winter’s Night: A Brightwater Novella by Lia Riley While Brightwater is being covered in snow, Goldie Flint is stuck in her flower shop. She never expected her hero to be Kit Kane, the former love of her life. Kit knows that what he had with Goldie isn’t just in the past and with the help of a little bet, an ornery grandmother, and a lot of snow, he’s ready to show her that what he really wants for Christmas is a second chance. From Jennifer Ryan Close to Perfect Ten years ago… Dex sat on the hard bench outside the Sheriff’s office knowing he hadn’t done anything wrong, but shaking in his Converse just the same after a deputy showed up at the high school batting cage, cuffed him, and brought him down to the station. They charged him with stealing a car, drinking and driving, and in a drunken stupor, ditching the car in Crawford Pond. The car had been pulled out of the murky water, a case of beer in the back seat—mostly empty cans—along with his baseball cap with the MVP pin the team awarded him last season. How the hell did it get there? Laurie walked out of her father’s office and turned the butterflies in his stomach into hummingbirds. Oh God. I’m in deep shit. He’d thought landing Laurie as his girlfriend made him big shit. Hell, he was seventeen and she had a hot body he wanted to get his hands on, even if she never let him past second base. Then he met someone...different. Interesting. Nice. Abigail Swain was barely sixteen and in the senior class. She was that smart. Really smart. Paired together for a science class project, he’d gotten to know her and wondered why he’d never really noticed her. Small town, small school, still, she kept under the radar. Her parents believed school was more important than friends. Instead of spending her free time playing sports or hanging out at the diner downtown with other girls, she spent every spare minute at church or studying. Abigail might come off weird and brainy, but really she was shy...quiet. And genuinely nice. A perfect target for Laurie, who made it known she didn’t like him spending time with Abigail, even for a class project. Five days into working with Abigail something inside him shifted while she explained the intricacies of photosynthesis right off the top of her head. The way her eyes lit up. She planted her chin in her palm and looked right at him. Open and filled with kindness, she did something to his insides. He moved without thinking about it, leaned across the coffee table in his living room, and tentatively pressed his lips to hers in a soft kiss. He didn’t know why he had to do it until their lips touched and the wonder and softening in her eyes undid him. To his surprise, she kissed him back, and if he hadn’t been sitting on the floor already, he’d have hit his knees. That kiss changed everything and put a lot of things into perspective. Like he’d rather be with someone he liked and enjoyed spending time with. He and Laurie had more fights than good times and it wore thin. Quick. Despite Laurie’s many protests, he ended things with her with a promise that he wouldn’t back out of taking her to the dance so she wouldn’t be humiliated and have to go alone. From that moment on, he secretly spent more and more time with Abigail, though they kept their relationship hidden. Something about the way her overprotective father hovered nearby when they worked on their project at her house warned him that she’d get into deep trouble if her parents knew about them. Abby never said so, but he got the sense she feared her own dad. As the mayor of their town, he had a reputation for advocating strict morals. A lot of people outside their church congregation found him judgmental. Including Dex. He might not be valedictorian material, but he made better than good grades, was the best pitcher and hitter Crystal Creek High ever had, and he planned to take his team to the championships this spring. He had baseball and college to look forward to over the next couple of years and still Mayor Swain looked at him like he was nothing but a thing. His dad sat beside him, ready to do battle, and nudged him with an elbow in his side. “Laurie’s here. She probably told her father the two of you were at the dance all night, and you couldn’t have stolen that car.” The hope in his father’s voice destroyed Dex. I am so screwed. Laurie walked right past him, smiling that sweet smile he and the other guys she’d caught in her web knew hid her devious side. She was out for blood. Since her dad was the sheriff, he had a feeling she was going to get it. Every last drop she thought she deserved because he’d had the audacity to dump her and ruined her plan to get back together at the dance. The sheriff waved them into his office. “Let’s go, Dex. You’ve got some explaining to do.” “Listen, Sheriff, Dex had nothing to do with the theft of that car, or how it ended up in the pond. Dex was at the dance with Laurie last night.” Dex wished he deserved his father’s devotion and unwavering confidence. He wasn’t guilty of the charges, but he wasn’t innocent either. “Step into my office, Steve. We’ll just see what Dex has to say about what really happened last night.” His father turned and gave him one of those dad looks, telling him without words that Dex had better have a good explanation for not telling the whole truth this morning over breakfast about how great the dance was last night. Dex took a seat in front of the Sheriff’s desk and refused to say anything. Not until the Sheriff gave up whatever he thought he knew. Or rather, what Laurie wanted her father to believe. Dex stared up at his father, standing with anger flashing in his eyes after the sheriff laid out the evidence against Dex. “Why didn’t you take Laurie home?” his father asked. “She didn’t want to leave with me, said she’d get a friend to take her home, so I left.” “And you can’t account for your time after leaving the dance,” the sheriff pointed out, an angry I’ve-got-you gleam in his eyes. “I drove around in my truck for a while to cool down after the fight with Laurie.” The sheriff snorted and rolled his eyes. “I suggest you call a lawyer and come up with a better defense than the bullshit you’re feeding your father.” The sheriff stood and waved them out of the office. Dex walked out behind his dad in a daze. Even his father seemed at a loss for words. Dex wanted to explain what really happened, but couldn’t give them the whole truth. If Abigail’s strict parents found out he was seeing her behind their backs, she’d be in deep shit. His father pulled out his cell and dialed. “Who are you calling?” “A lawyer,” he snapped, then moved a few steps away. The sheriff stepped out of his office ready to process Dex and lock him up. His dad glared and bit out, “Sheriff, you don’t have any proof he was in that car. I could drive a truck through the holes in that story. It’s Dex’s word against Laurie’s.” “His hat was found in the vehicle. He claims he’s never been in the vehicle, nor does he know or associate with Mr. Fowler. Laurie, along with her friend, saw him on their way home.” The sheriff turned on Dex. “We’ll book you for DUI, grand theft auto, and destruction of property. You’re looking at three years minimum.” Abigail stepped through the door and stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes wide with shock as the sheriff’s last words sank into Dex’s head. He’d spend the next three years in jail. No scholarship. No college education. No life as he’d planned it. This charge would follow him the rest of his life. He’d lost everything.
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Goodreads Series Link - Montana Men
Goodreads Series Link – Copper Ridge Goodreads Series Link – Brightwater
Jennifer Ryan is the New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted Series and The McBrides Series. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances featuring strong men and equally resilient women. Her stories are filled with love, family, friendship, and the happily-ever-after we all hope to find.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home and in how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Describe yourself in five words or less.
Smart, spunky, giggly, fun-size, chocoholic. What types of scenes are your most favorite to write? The first kiss. I love the buildup to that moment, the anticipation, and the spark that finally ignites when two people give in to the connection that draws them together. What are you favorite types of stories to read? I write suspenseful contemporary romance, and I love to read suspense, but when I need a break from that, I escape into historical romance. I love a roguish Viscount or sexy Scottish Laird. What are some books that you enjoyed recently? All Chained Up by Sophie Jordan Troublemaker by Linda Howard Breath of Scandal by Sandra Brown What comes next? Why, another Montana Men novel, of course. Ford Kendrick gave up his one true love ten years ago to save the legacy his parents left behind for him and his brothers and get Jamie away from her abusive mother. He thought he sent Jamie away for her own good, but when she returns from the military broken in body, heart, and soul, he’ll do everything in his power to make his Firefly happy and shine again. When a friend from her past shows up and a secret revealed puts Jamie’s life at risk, Ford will put HIS COWBOY HEART on the line to protect Jamie.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author MAISEY YATES lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
Can you tell us a little about your book?
Mia is visiting her friend’s family for Christmas in Copper Ridge, and she and her friend’s older brother, Devlin, are the first to arrive at the lodge. Mia has always had a crush on Devlin, but she’s never had the courage to make a move. But then a storm whips up and leaves the two of them stranded overnight…and Mia figures it might be about time to make her some Christmas magic with the man she’s always fantasized about. How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story? Well, I love a cheerful heroine and a grumpy hero, especially for a holiday story. And I also love a good girl and a bad boy (with tattoos no less). Adding that forbidden element of her being his younger sister’s BFF, and a snowstorm, just seemed logical. ;) Name three things on your desk right now. A Diet Coke can (don’t judge me) my RITA (yay!) and a little iron mouse my husband gave me for Christmas. What types of scenes are your most favorite to write? I love banter. I love writing fights, I love any back and forth between the hero and heroine. And I love it most of all when a scene of banter takes a nosedive into double entendre and suddenly what started out light gets really tense and sexy. What 5 things should readers know about you? I don’t take myself very seriously. I really do love sweet potato fries (which is why they’re mentioned in a lot of my books). I LOVE writing, I really do. I’m left handed. I can sing a mean country song. How long have you been writing, and what (or who) inspired you to start? I’ve always fiddled around with stories, but I first finished a book in 2007. I was inspired by reading the Harlequin Presents line, and then by a contest Harlequin ran. I thought: Well, I should write something and enter the contest! That won’t feel like real rejection! I didn’t place in the contest, but at that point I’d written so much of the book I knew I had to finish. I did, and I sent it in, and eventually sold that book. Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers? They say writers should write every day, and I think that’s great advice to build good habits. But I would also add: finish the book. Don’t just write beginnings over and over. You need to practice seeing a project through to completion. No excuses. The biggest trap I see people falling into is being eternal starters, or eternal polishers or editors. Nope. Write the book, finish the book. Let it go. Do it all over again. Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans? Thanks for all the support. Readers are so important, and I’m so, so grateful for mine!
After studying at the University of Montana-Missoula, LIA RILEY scoured the world armed only with a backpack, overconfidence and a terrible sense of direction. She counts shooting vodka with a Ukranian mechanic in Antarctica, sipping yerba mate with gauchos in Chile and swilling fourex with stationhands in Outback Australia among her accomplishments.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter |GoodReads A la Twitter style, please describe your book in 140 characters or less. Wise-cracking ex marine gets stranded in blizzard with the ex-girlfriend who never forgave him for breaking her heart What types of scenes are your most favorite to write? I love me a good kissing scene What gave you the most trouble with this story? Keeping it short, novellas are such fun to write, but a little challenging because there is always a little more you wish you could include. If you had a theme song, what would it be? Somewhere Over the Rainbow Name one thing you won’t leave home without. My baby
NIC
Rossi Brothers #2 By: JM Stewart Releasing November 14, 2016 Crimson Romance
Single father Nic Rossi’s only desire is to raise his little girl with the same love and security his grandparents gave him and his siblings. That is, until Anna Thompson and her frightened daughter walk into his family restaurant, looking for employment, and turn his carefully ordered world upside down.
On the run from her abusive ex, Anna wants one thing: a quiet place like Angel Bay to raise her daughter. But she needs a job to pay for that dream, even if her new boss is a man whose sheer size makes her tremble. Yet Nic’s capacity for kindness leaves her feeling safe for the first time in years, and the gentle giant slowly awakens her long-dormant passion. Then her ex-husband turns up like a bad penny, threatening not only Anna’s safe haven but Nic’s daughter in the bargain, forcing them to choose between love and family.
Achingly beautiful and heartbreakingly shattering story of survival, healing, and true love. It breaks them into a million little pieces and it has to, to be able to make new again, built a completely new so one can heal, to find courage to stand up for themselves, and to learn what love really is, how it is to trust, love and to be loved, and still be safe in the arms of your forever mate.
The story pulled me right in and I was mesmerized with the characters, the flow of the tale, and how those two broken souls, find peace, love, and safety for their hearts with each other. Nic has dedicated his life to the family restaurant and his daughter after his wife walked out on them. Not even dating since the divorce couple years back, he has no need for a relationship, not to mention one with major complications. But when Anna and her daughter Lacey show up in his family restaurant one night looking for work, Nic feel drawn to her, wanting to help, to keep them safe, give them a new chance in life. And the journey they take from there, though it has nightmares, danger, and pain, it is the road towards healing and mending hearts, to learning to trust, and love, care, and protect like never before. This sensitive and poignant story got straight to my heart. It is at times dire and violent to get the whole picture of the torture Anna has gone through in her life, but with the healing love of the community, and with the support and care of Nic, they find something worth holding on to, something worth working on, something more special than most because of the drastic situation it grew from. The images are vivid and colorful and might be triggering to those suffered from abuse, even though the message of the story is filled with hope and faith for better tomorrows. ~ Five Spoons
She blew out her held breath, pushed her plate away, and offered him a smile. “Thanks for the meal. I will repay you. I need to get her to bed. What time would you like me to be here tomorrow?”
She scooted out of the booth, but his hand caught her arm before she could turn to pick up Lacey. Blood whooshed in her ears, and breathing became impossible as panic clawed its way through her chest. Tony’s face lodged itself in her mind. Eyes narrowed and staring her down. The way he looked right before his fist came down on her … He’s not Tony. He’s not Tony. She repeated the long-held mantra over and over and drew slow, deep breaths in an effort to put a lid back on the panic. Still the room around her spun as the past closed in on her. “The meal’s on me, remember? You can pay me back by letting me help you.” Nic’s voice jerked her back to the present. She lifted her head to find him watching her, gentle concern in his searching eyes. Was he really this nice? Or was this just a ruse, the way it had been for Tony? She didn’t know, but she had no desire to find out. She didn’t need his help. She just needed a job. She glared at Nic. “What is it with you? Do you have a thing for taking in strays or something, Mr. Rossi?” “My name is Nic, and yes, actually I do. My nonna used to roll her eyes every time I brought home a stray cat or dog.” Amusement laced his tone, his eyes crinkling at the corners. God, did nothing faze the man? His expression sobered. “Let me help. Because I can.” She blew out a defeated breath. “Why do you even care?” “Why do I scare you so much?” Touché. Nic released her arm and folded his hands on the table instead. “You want the God’s honest truth? That’s why I give a damn. Because I terrify the both of you, and I hate it. Every time I look at your daughter, I see my own.” She wrapped her arms around herself. The man left her feeling open and exposed. He offered her something she didn’t know if she could ever repay: human decency. “I can’t ask you to do that for me.” “Then do it for her.” He nodded in Lacey’s direction.
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J.M. Stewart is a coffee and chocolate addict who lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two sons and two very spoiled dogs. She’s a hopeless romantic who believes everybody should have their happily ever after and has been devouring romance novels for as long as she can remember. Writing them has become her obsession.
Author Links: Website /Twitter /Facebook / Goodreads
A season for love and family
Mistletoe Reunion by Cheryl St.John When Marlys Boyd moves West hoping to find acceptance for her doctoring skills, she's surprised to find her former fiancé, Sam Mason, running the local newspaper. And with the ladies in town determined to make a match of the doctor and the single father, she's not sure she can resist building the family they once dreamed of. Mistletoe Bride by Sherri Shackelford Pregnant by a man who betrayed her trust, a mail-order marriage is Beatrix Haas's only hope. But when she arrives in Cowboy Creek and learns her intended groom has died, she needs a new daddy for the baby that's coming right away. Blacksmith Colton Werner offers the mother and child the protection of his name, but can their marriage of convenience ever lead to true love?
Two beautiful novellas situated during the first Thanksgiving festivities where both women have to make a decision between two destinies both alluring on their own merit.
In Mistletoe Reunion by Cheryl St.John Marlys and Sam has a second chance to built a future together. Marlys is a doctor of advanced medicine and has always been career oriented and sure of it that she should choose between career or happy marriage. But Sam sees her as she is, and respects her knowledge and abilities, and encourage her to make a difference in the field of medicine no matter what the consequences. I felt the struggle they had, from their past connection to trusting again, the experimental status of Marlys's treatments, the wonder of what the future holds. But with adjusting and compromise, they find a way to each other again until Marlys gets a career offer like no other. Very forward thinking and thought provoking tale with sweet romance and trusting in faith to guide them to their destiny. Mistletoe Bride by Sherri Shackelford is an intense and fragile tale of a marriage of convenience. The aftermath of the European war makes its ugly head rise up in the Kansas town where Colton does his best to protect his sudden and unplanned bride. The circumstances of their marriage are peculiar yet with time and care the true feelings grow. I loved Colton and Beatrix. The fragility of the situation they are in was palpable. The obstacles on their way were enormous, yet their willingness to work on their relationship, to compromise and accept each other was remarkable. The stories parallel each other as the two couples are fumbling into love during the first Thanksgiving celebration. Their journeys are filled with hindrance and challenges, but with faith, hope, and love in the play, they have a fighting chance to find the forever and a day kind of love in their lives ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
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Sweet for a SEAL
ASSIGNMENT: Caribbean Nights #3 By: Anne Marsh Released April 14, 2016 Self-Published
“My dating life has starred cupcake men—sweet but more icing than cake and nothing that could keep my mouth busy for a more than a few minutes. Finn Callahan? He’s cake. A five-layer, lusciously frosted gateau.” – Valentina Fuentes
I’ve never met a woman I couldn’t love—for one night. I’m the bad boy, the player, the sexy heartbreaker you meet in a bar and take home. And after my last hellish tour of duty as a SEAL, sun, sand, and sex are my new mission in life. Happily ever after? Pass. I’ll give you the best twelve hours of your life, and then I’m gone because why settle down when playing the field is so fun? All that changes when I meet Valentina Fuentes. Actually, I rescue her from a ditch, which should score me major hero points. She’s even willing to admit I’m hot—and she’ll fool around with me. But convincing her that I’m anything but a sun-and-good-times boy toy? That’s mission impossible. She argues I’m the loaner car girlfriends pass around… and, sure, she’s willing to take me for a ride. A short ride. And for the first time in my life, I’d like more than a twelve-hour relationship. When did one woman make my smooth-talking bad boy self start dreaming of forever?
PROLOGUE
I’m the asshole. The player. The guy who gives you a screaming orgasm but not his number or his heart. Never the heart. Hearts are strictly off-limits in my world. I don’t do forevers because my relationships come with shelf lives, and none of them last longer than a day or two. My last date claimed her orgasm lasted longer than our relationship. She wasn’t wrong. None of this explains why I’m standing outside the zany yellow-and-white bakery Valentina Fuentes owns in Angel Cay, wondering what she’ll throw at me today. What names she’ll call me. Whether she’ll yell or cry or just slam the fucking door in my face and remind me that I screwed it all up. That from her point of view, she’s the payoff for a bet that should never have been made. Whatever she does, I deserve it because I didn’t walk. I ran like a coward because I was too scared to figure out how hearts worked until I’d broken mine. I want a hell of a lot more from Vali than a Band-Aid, too. I’ve fucked my way through a legion of women since my high school glory days. Women love a US Navy SEAL, and I loved them right back. Now that I look back, I wasn’t terribly discriminating, but I made sure my partners had a great time. I was Finn Callahan, the Orgasm King. Funny how that’s not enough anymore. I mean, I thought making a woman feel good, making her scream my name because I was that fucking good, making her melt for me, was enough. You see, when I made the woman of my hour forget everything but me, I got to forget too. I didn’t have to think about past battles or shit I’d gotten wrong or how maybe I shouldn’t have been the guy who came home. How there were other, better men who never left Afghanistan or Iraq or a godforsaken Colombian jungle. I mean, I know how to fight the good fight and give it my all, but if I were God and it came down to picking and choosing, Finn Callahan name wouldn’t be on the top of the Save List. I’d be dead last. So I need to open the door. Stop lingering on the sidewalk like the worst kind of pussy. It’s just that I don’t know what to say when I step through that door. Because when I’m around Vali, I’m not Mr. Sex-on-a-Stick SEAL. She sees through the bullshit and she sees me. And I’m certain I can never be enough for her. I need to man up. I need to open that door and step through it… pin all my hopes and dreams on the one-in-a-million lottery ticket that maybe it’s not too late. Maybe Valentina Fuentes hasn’t come to her senses, and maybe she’s still sweet for this SEAL.
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Anne Marsh is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. She has published over thirty novels and novellas.
Ann is also part of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors collective behind the SEALs of Summer military anthologies, and has hit the USA Today bestseller list individually with both her paranormal and her military smoke jumper books. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
Suddenly Dating
Lake Haven #2 By: Julia London Releasing November 8, 2016 Montlake Romance
If only Lola Dunne had the time—and the courage—she’d write her novel, and maybe even start dating again. When her friend offers the use of her summer home overlooking Lake Haven, Lola sees the chance to focus on herself for a change, and she eagerly accepts.
Engineer Harry Westbrook is waiting for his ship to come in. But it’s not happening soon enough for his girlfriend, who’s left him for good…again. To nurse Harry’s heartache, his pal extends an invite to his lake house in East Beach. When it turns out that Harry’s and Lola’s friends are a divorcing, not-on-speaking-terms couple sparring over the same house, the strangers find themselves accidental (and reluctant) roommates for the summer. They agree to make the best of it, even posing as a couple to mingle among East Beach’s well-heeled crowd. But the ruse is starting to feel real—and romantic. Are they brave enough to reveal their feelings before the summer nights turn cold?
New York City April
The first time Melissa broke up with Harry was on a Wednesday night, because Harry had come home later than he’d said he would. Okay, a lot later. Late-late. But he couldn’t help it—his crew had run into a problem installing a support beam under a bridge and it had taken a colossal effort by dozens of men to right that sinking ship. When he walked into their little apartment, he knew he was in trouble. Melissa was sitting at the bistro table with an empty wine bottle before her and the dregs of said bottle in her glass. There was a plate of food in Harry’s spot: congealed spaghetti and something else he didn’t want to examine too closely. “I’m sorry—” “I don’t want to hear it,” she snapped with a queenly flick of her wrist. “I’m done.” Done. What did that mean, exactly? For the evening? With him? Harry wanted to ask, but as he was a veteran of this relationship, he knew better than to seek clarification when that much wine obviously had been drunk. Melissa’s blue eyes narrowed; she knew he didn’t know what she meant. She came to her feet. Clumsily. And swaying a little when she pushed her long dark hair back over her shoulder. She had on a very short skirt and heels that made her look hot, and, God, Harry wished he’d made it home on time. “I’ve had it with you, Harry. You’re always late. You come in looking like some Game of Thrones character with your shaggy hair and your dirty clothes,” she said, gesturing wildly in his direction. “Well . . . I work in bridge construction,” he said calmly. “It’s kind of a dirty job. I apologize for my hair, but you know that I wear a hard hat most of the day.” “So you can’t get a haircut?” she cried, and pitched forward, catch- ing herself on the table. This was the first he knew that his hair was an issue. He dug in his pocket for a hair band and pulled it back into a short tail. “Oh, yeah, that works,” she snapped. “Here’s the thing, Harry. You do whatever you want,” she sang, casting her arm wide, “and then you expect me to sit here and wait with a dinner I slaved over.” Here they went with the same sort of argument they’d been having a lot lately. “I don’t expect you to wait, Melissa. That’s why I told you to go ahead without me,” he reminded her. “And, to be fair, it’s spaghetti.” Fire leapt into her blue eyes. “Not that I don’t appreciate it,” he hastily added. Jesus, he didn’t want to do this right now. He was tired, he was hungry, and that damn support beam was going to cost him more money he didn’t have.
Julia London is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty romance novels. Her historical titles include the popular Desperate Debutantes series, the Secrets of Hadley Green series, and the Cabot Sisters series; her contemporary works include the Lake Haven, Pine River, and Cedar Springs series. She has won the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and has been a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA Award for excellence in romantic fiction. She lives in Austin, Texas.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
The Marriage Agreement
Proposing a marriage of convenience to a rugged logger is the boldest move of Nora Underhill's sheltered life. In return for Simon Wallin's protection from her overbearing family, the unassuming seamstress offers prime frontier farmland. But their paper marriage changes when Nora's greedy brother tries to draw her back into a life of drudgery. Her only option: move to Simon's farm, and into the center of his loving, unruly family. Years of shouldering responsibility have left Simon cynical and reserved. But little by little, Nora's warmth opens his shuttered heart to joy. With their marriage claim under threat, can this practical arrangement blossom over the holidays…and become a love for all seasons?
I loved immersing myself into this story and the life and heart of the Wallin family. Simon and Nora make a deal for a marriage and hold on to it despite the interference of their families.
Simon is such a great complex character. His logical thinking and forward going ideas, always putting the families best first yet rarely taking the time to play and have fun has set him outside of the family circle. Nora takes the term low maintenance to a new level. She is used to so little everything she has makes her happy. She is filled with energy, faith, hope, and light. As soon as Simon says 'I Do' Nora's attitude starts rubbing off. Under the gruff exterior is caring, thoughtful, loving man who is willing to learn to live, love and laugh, if Nora is his teacher. I enjoyed the romance, the sweet dance they had around each other as the feelings grow and their commitment gets depth. Simon's faith to God gets a new wind, his direction in life gets a new purpose, and Nora's smile lights up the room from happiness and joy of living. Delightful and captivating story with lots of inspiration, filled with life at the ranch, family squabbles, living and learning to love, finding your way in life and fulfilling dreams during Christmas time ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
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Paper Love
A Chicago Christmas Romance #2 By: Aubrey Wynne Releasing October 18, 2016 Plato Publishing
Growing up in a Papua New Guinea mission, Joss Palmateer is a gentle soul with a unique view of life.
Still adjusting to a new home in the U.S and the sudden loss of her mother, love is the last thing on her mind. Sexy physical therapist, Ben Montgomery, meets his sister’s friend and the sparks fly. He takes it as a challenge when she ignores his advances, but it’s her extraordinary inner beauty that captures his heart. With the help of a stray homing pigeon and an old origami legend, Ben sets an unwavering course of romance to win her love
As they walked past the fountain, he stopped, swallowed, and plunged into the speech he’d planned for the last week. “Joss, I know you are hesitant to date me, and I understand your reasons. I can’t blame you but it’s also not my fault that I’m...popular.”
She opened her mouth to speak, and he gently put a finger on her lips. “Hear me out. Since I laid eyes on you that night, my world has tilted. I feel a connection to you that I’ve never felt before, and I think you feel the same.” She took his finger in her hand. “I don’t know if I’m in a place where I can move forward with a relationship.” Her eyes held a pain that threatened to rip his chest open. He wanted to heal her, remove the hurt from her eyes now and forever. “I know that. I’ve just finished my internship, and I’m starting a permanent position at the clinic.” He paused, stroking her cheek with the back of his finger. “Let’s take a month to get to know each other. You decide if you are staying or going back to your old life. I’ll get settled into my new job. We see each other as friends, no pressure or romance.” “So no strings.” “Exactly. Except I won’t be seeing anyone else. I need to prove to you that I’m not a player. Then in a month, we’ll reassess. If you are in a good place by then, we’ll make it official and start dating.” He let out a sigh. He couldn’t read her face at all. “One month?” She looked up at him, her eyes narrowed. “You’ve thought this through, haven’t you?” He nodded, hoping this brilliant idea didn’t backfire on him. “It’s a deal. So I’ll see you without any romantic overtures?” He hesitated. Not kissing her over the next month would be one of the hardest things he’d ever done. “No romance starting tomorrow.” “Tomorrow?” “I want you to know what you may be missing. Over the next month you can think about this.” He cupped her face in his hands, brushing his lips softly against hers. Every muscle in his body jumped to attention at the touch. His desire flared, and his head dipped again, covering her lips, coaxing her to respond. Her hands gripped his biceps, clinging to him as if she might fall. A soft sigh escaped her, and he thought he would explode. He buried his face in her shoulder, her silky hair caressing his cheek as he breathed in the scent of her. Joss had been sent to him. He would start the next phase of his life with her by his side. And he would pull her through her troubled waters. Ben gave her one more lingering kiss then pulled her hand through his arm. They walked silently toward the parking garage. His heart thumped slow and steady as he realized he’d found love. No sweaty palms. No racing heart. No panic. It was more like an enchantment, this discovery of a person who filled him with peace and hope, who made him want to be better, be a hero for someone else. But his usual bulldozer style would not work on Joss. Exuberance and charm would bounce off her shield. Patience and determination were the key; Joss would pay attention to his actions not his words. Just like his beating heart, slow and steady would win this race.
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Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trailriding and all things Christmas.
Her short stories, Merry Christmas, Henry and Pete's Mighty Purty Privies have won Readers Choice Awards and Dante's Gift received the 2016 Golden Quill and Heart of Excellence award, as well as being a Maggie and Aspen Gold finalist. Besides her Chicago Christmas novellas, Aubrey will release "A Vintage Romance" series inspired by tales of her stepfather, who served for the British Air Force in WWII. The stories will be set in the 40s & 50s. Her medieval fantasy series will launch in 2017 with Rolf's Quest. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Run Away Charlotte & Ask Me Again
The Courting of Charlotte Cooper 1 & 2 By: H.M. Shander Self-Published
**For the first two weeks of November, all PROFITS from the sales of ASK ME AGAIN are being donated to SAIF - Stop Abuse in Families - Society. (www.stopabuse.ca). This not-for-profit organization provides services and counselling to its clients (and families) who are experiencing abuse. They also have support groups, and have partnered with schools and community groups to provide education and prevention. Locally run and operated, they are an organization near and dear to H.M.'s heart.
Run Away Charlotte: The Courting of Charlotte Cooper #1
Released December 10, 2014 Trusting and depending on others has never suited nineteen-year-old Charlotte Cooper, who believes she’s unworthy of a happily ever after. She’s fiercely loyal to one - her BFF Joe. Afterall, Joe’s the only one who knows everything about Charlotte and he’s sworn to protect her heart, and her deep dark secrets. Until Andrew Wagner walks into her life. Despite his attempts to court Charlotte, she pushes him away, believing he can’t handle her past shadows. After a horrible accident, she slowly learns to trust and depend on him. As she shares her darkest secrets, he falls in love with her. Several incidents thrust the young lovers together, and Charlotte falls hard, giving her whole being to Andrew. While trying to be everything he can for Charlotte, he struggles to find the balance between family, school, love and commitment. However, their different definitions of love and what it means to love unconditionally come to a head after Andrew spends a summer abroad and Charlotte crosses a line. His reaction sends a devastated Charlotte into the arms of Jack, an older man who can successfully balance what Andrew failed to do. He puts Charlotte first, treating her like a princess while capitalizing on her vulnerability. He gives her everything her heart desires… except Andrew. When it comes to matters of the heart and mind, which direction do you follow? Love or Logic?
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Ask Me Again: The Courting of Charlotte Cooper #2
Released: October 15, 2015 After years of feeling alone and unwanted in her unhappy marriage, Charlotte longs for a time when she was happy and truly loved. When her world is turned upside down by a broken water main, the true loneliness of her life becomes overbearing. When Andrew shows up on her doorstep as Project Manager in charge of repairing her home, Charlotte’s heart come alive after years of it slowly tapping along. It’s been more than 13 years since they broke up, she’s married and he’s engaged, but that doesn’t mean the past is forgotten. The more time they spend together repairing the house, the harder it becomes to resist their intoxicating chemistry.
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From ASK ME AGAIN
She reached for her phone and as he slid it into her hands, he wrapped his around hers. It was warm and soft, and for a moment made her forget where she was. Slowly and gently, he turned her left hand over and stroked the inside of her wrist with his thumb. “What happened to your tattoo?” A white scar looked burned into her skin, hiding the blue and red blood lines that ran beneath. She closed her eyes. “I had it removed.” “You did, or Jack did?” He released her hand gently although his stubble covered face had disgust written all over it. “Stop painting him in such a negative light. You don’t know anything.” “Please, enlighten me then? Everything that I’ve seen, as of late, has not been the picture of romantic bliss.” Charlotte swallowed hard. “We’re having a dry spell right now. There’s a lot going on, Drew. Between the house and his caseload, and work functions, and galas and hobnobbing, there’s barely time to breathe. He’s even at work today – it’s a Saturday for crying out loud.” Andrew sat and stared at her. She lifted the cup to her lips, and allowed the warm fluid to wet her parched throat. “What’s happened to you?” His voice warm with concern. “Nothing.” “Your spirit, that amazing spirit, seems pushed down, far away.” “It’s called life, Drew. You might want to look into getting one.” She sneered at him. “Cat.” His voice was hushed and soft, emotion ringing through it. “What?” she said joylessly. “When was the last time you two went dancing, just for yourselves?” She said nothing. “When was the last time you watched the sunset? I remember how much you loved doing that. It was almost like the highlight of your day – those fifteen minutes of serenity.” Charlotte closed her eyes, trying to visually block out the look of sadness Andrew mirrored. She didn’t want to see it. She knew what her life had become, and she felt helpless to do anything about it. “I’ve got it.” Andrew snapped his fingers, springing open Charlotte’s eyes. “I’m going to make you feel alive again.” Many thoughts crossed her mind, unsure of Andrew’s plan. Some were dirty, some were clean, but almost every thought made her shudder with excitement. “Come with me.” His smile was contagious, but she crossed her arms. “Why? What are you going to do?” Sitting firmly in her place, she refused to move. “Not just me, us.” He rose. “Do you trust me?” He extended his hand to her. She placed a trembling hand into his, and stood. “Let’s go.”
I have been writing since I was fourteen – I’m not going to tell you how many years that’s been (haha) but it’s a few. (wink wink) My original stories were handwritten on loose-leaf paper tied together with yarn, and each story has its own custom cover courtesy of whatever magazine I had around. I’d cut out the main character and tape her onto the cover, and decorate around her with the title and other pictures. Oh, the days before photoshop and awesome cover designers… Anyways. I developed a deep love of romance books, as I always loved it when the heroine overcame the odds to get the man of her dreams.
That early love has developed into a passion – I continue to write contemporary romance novels. Now, as an adult who has experienced reality (not like my wildly naïve fourteen-year-old self) my characters still overcome those tough odds, but their obstacles are also very real, and sometimes very dark. However, the rewards are even sweeter. My heroes who are swoon-worthy and handsome and gentle, who have their own issues. No domineering alpha-males from me – I’ll leave those to many other wonderful authors I know and adore. My heroines are those women who are less than perfect, with a very select few she’ll call friends. She is neither popular nor outgoing but deeply loved by those lucky enough to know her. Right now I am hard at work on a sequel to Duly Noted as well as a second-chance romance story. I’m also tinkering on a novella which follows after Ask Me Again as many emails have come in from readers saying they hope for more from Charlotte and Company. It’s because of wonderful readers that I continue to write and develop my stories. I absolutely adore it when fans connect with me on twitter (@HM_Shander) because I’m very chatty on there, more so than my Facebook page (hmshander). Regardless of the way you contact me, I’m sure to respond. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
AN UNEXPECTED GIFT
As the single mom of triplets, Megan Rivers has no time to spare, especially for her playboy neighbor, Will Trent—she's been burned by his kind before. But when the flirty firefighter pleads for her help with an adorable baby boy suddenly left in his care, Megan can't say no…for the baby's sake, of course. After his fiancée ditched him, Will had been enjoying the single life. Now he's taking the kids to see Santa and picking out Christmas trees with Megan, and he realizes he likes being a family man. Will's ready to give love another chance, but can he convince Megan to do the same?
The Christmas Triplets is a fun, flirty, sexy and adorable tale with just enough drama and turmoil to give it depth and real life feel, if not the four children tumbling around didn't do it.
I loved both Megan and Will, the ease of their relationship, the steaming attraction, and lust filled thoughts, and most of all the tenderness and care they demonstrate as the feelings get deeper and more serious. The kids, all of them, were show-stealers with solid personalities and temperaments. The different family outings, Christmas events, and a wedding fill the life of the cast through December, presenting a picture perfect moments of Christmas even though without snow. The heartfelt goodness of Will's nature when he takes the responsibility of his friend's baby when in need won me over. His attention and care of the triplets confirmed my first instincts of him and his complete fumble into love made him even more delightful. And in no way was Megan any less lovable than Will with her big forgiving heart, supporting actions, and setting the girls happiness above her own comfort and needs. This was just what I needed, a story filled with all the goodness, light, and loving that is in the world. The caring friends, the loving families, the meddling yet helpful small-town people topped with dreamy, sexy, and precious romance that made me swoon and smile. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
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Tanya Michaels is an award-winning author of more than thirty romance and women's fiction novels, as well as numerous short stories and nonfiction essays. She is a four-time finalist for the prestigious RITA, awarded annually by Romance Writers of America, and was nominated for RT Book Review’s Career Achievement in Category Romance.
When she's not speaking at reader events and writer conferences, she's at home in Georgia with her husband of fifteen years and their two highly imaginative children. For a glimpse into Tanya's chaotic daily life, as well as updates on her current books and TV show addictions, follow Tanya on Twitter. WEBSITE TWITTER
Saved by the Firefighter
Templeton Cove #6 By: Rachel Brimble Releasing November 1, 2016 Harlequin Superromance
How can she forgive him for what he didn't do?
Photographer Izzy Cooper feels as frozen as her pictures. Trent Palmer might be the hottest firefighter in Templeton Cove, but she can never face him again. Not after he failed to save her brother. But when they're forced together by a calendar shoot, the sparks between them are undeniable. Izzy knows it's not fair to blame Trent for the tragedy, but opening herself up to loss again isn't something she's prepared to do, no matter how determined Trent is to show her that pain is part of life and that love—their love—can make any suffering bearable.
In Saved by the Firefighter Izzy and Trent's journey through grief to acceptance, from the pain of losing a loved one to starting to heal and live again is touching and absorbing.
Izzy deals with grief in her own way and seems to be stuck in the angry stage of it. She's pushing everyone away, needing her space to breath again, and from the fear of losing a loved one again she rather stays alone. Trent's patience with her is remarkable and admirable. Constantly on his toes never knowing when she will walk away again, he endures her tantrums and keeps on loving her. The pull and push ended up being mutual and frustrating, but as they develop and grow through the process of healing, they find their way to a peace and content. I understand the fear Izzy had with Trent's dangerous career, I don't agree, but I do understand. Life is so fragile, we might lose a loved one for anything at any time, so grasp on to every day you have with them and enjoy them and their company, instead of fearing to lose them in a job they are highly trained to do. I liked how Izzy used her art as a forum to grief, to express the turmoil inside her, to start to mend from the sorrow. The connection between Trent and Izzy was complex, fragile, and seemed to work the best when they were just friends. Izzy's brother, Trent's best friend, wished them to be together before his death, the whole town was cheering for them to be a couple, but there seemed to be so much hostility and raw feelings between them, I wondered if they would have been better off as just friends. A tragically beautiful story about life, loss, love, and healing, living and finding peace with the past, with exquisite character development during the journey of life. ~ Three Spoons
She carefully climbed down the rocks, one hand steadying her as she made her slow descent. Trent waited, needing to know she was safe on the sand before he could leave.
He wanted to protect his family and loved ones––to never fail someone again as he’d failed his baby sister. In Izzy, he saw his future. Why her, he wasn’t sure he could ever explain, but she mattered. Deeply. Yet, with every day that passed, she slipped further away from him and he wished to God it didn’t hurt so much. He briefly closed his eyes before opening them again, ready to walk on. Walk away. He glanced in her direction once last time as she leapt from the final rock, her hand protectively clasped around the camera at her breasts. Looking up, she held up a finger toward him as though asking him to wait for her. Surprise turned to pathetic relief as she jogged across the sand, her long blonde hair swinging back and forth in its ponytail. As she got closer, the more Trent tensed. It had been over a week since he’d seen her. The beach party a bigger disaster than he could’ve ever anticipated. She came up the steps toward him, tucking some fallen hair behind her ear. He noted the way she tried to smile for him, but it didn’t quite meet her eyes. “Hi.” He pushed his hands into the pockets of his work trousers. “Hi.” Slightly out of breath, she exhaled through pursed lips and stared into his eyes. “I think I owe you an apology.” She might as well as said she loved him. The pleasure that jolted through him probably wouldn’t have been any less powerful. He dragged his gaze from hers to look blindly toward a spot over her shoulder. “For what?” “For the way I spoke to you at the beach last week.” She sighed. “Won’t you at least look at me? You know apologizing doesn’t exactly come as second nature to me.” He turned. The trepidation and pleading in her gaze teemed with the blush at her cheeks, tugged at his chest. “I get it, Iz. It’s fine.” “What do you get?” “You need to blame me for Robbie’s death. You’ll only ever look at me and see a firefighter now. The man who couldn’t save your brother. You’ll never just see me. A guy who really likes you.”
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I don’t cook or bake, but I LOVE food and lucky enough to be married to the most amazing cook ever! My husband is a whizz in the kitchen and has cooked our family meals every night for years. Thankfully, he enjoys it too! My favorite dishes of my husband’s are many, but his fish pie is to die for and his traditional roast dinners have to be the best in the county. I don’t know how he does it, but it is the potato element of these dishes that have me reaching for ‘just a little more’ over and over again. He often makes the fish pie with a sweet potato topping which is melt in the mouth delicious. Combined with fresh salmon, cod and juicy prawns this is comfort food at its best. As for his roast dinners, I have never known my daughters, parents or friends not go back for seconds…or even thirds, lol! His roast potatoes are perfectly crispy on the outside and cloud soft of the inside – unbelievable. Teemed with red cabbage with sultanas, perfected roasted parsnips and honeyed carrots, OMG! These dishes are not for those on a diet or worried in any way about calories – purely perfect indulgence. I’m a lucky lady! As for my go to snack while I’m a deadline, I am usually quite happy to reach for my ever-present bowl of cashew nuts. Yum! Happy eating…
Rachel Brimble lives with her husband and two teenage daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. Since 2013, she has had five books published by Harlequin Superromance (Templeton Cove Stories) and three Victorian romances by eKensington/Lyrical.
Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, and was selected to mentor the Superromance finalist of So You Think You Can Write 2014 contest. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England. She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you! Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
Oil and water have nothing on Sam McCormack and Madison West. The wealthy rancher has never met a haughtier—or more appealing—woman in his life.
And when they're snowed in, he's forced to admit this ice queen can scorch him with one touch… Madison had plans for the weekend! Instead she's stranded with a man who drives her wild. A night of no-strings fun leaves both of them wanting more when they return to Copper Ridge. His proposal: twelve days of hot sex before Christmas! But will it ever be enough?
When twelve days of Christmas that was meant to be all fun and games turns into so much more, and that more takes hold of your heart and pulls all these other emotions into the front and center and suddenly you have to deal with life in all its glory and condemnation, yet all you want is someone to hold you...
I have been waiting for Sam's story because I had a feeling it would be something emotional - and oh, was it ever. It starts all lively, witty and sexy. The passion is steaming up the windows and nothing is held back. But when the intended weekend turns into the twelve days before Christmas, things get heated in all different kinds of ways. The deeply emotional, shattering, heartbreaking truth that comes to light after Sam and Maddy start to share their deep, dark secrets had me at tears. The raw honesty, the realness of the scenes, the feelings of not being enough and not being accepted, the multiple losses Sam has had to face, the humiliation Maddy had to live with, I felt for them and I mourned for them as the scenes unfolded in front of me like a big movie screen. And it's not just one moment of honesty, the whole second half of the book got under my skin and I still feel the ache I had for both of them. Hold me, Cowboy is an intricate tale where pleasure and pain of life, love, and living dances a wild passionate tango without cutting any sharp curves or taking any brakes. It hit me in the heart and left me in wonder, a marvel of a tale if you dare to let it affect you. ~ Five Spoons
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New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world. CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR: Website Twitter |