Closer: A Stage Dive Novella Blog Tour

When a stalker gets too close to plus-size model Mae Cooper, it’s time to hire some muscle.

CLOSER, an all-new standalone novella in the fan favorite Stage Dive Series from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott and 1001 Dark Nights, is available now!

Enter former military man turned executive protection officer Ziggy Thayer. Having spent years guarding billionaires, royalty, and rock n roll greats, he’s seen it all. From lavish parties through to every kind of excess.

There’s no reason some Instagram stylista should throw him off his game. Even if she does have the most dangerous curves he’s ever seen...

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

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Excerpt

“Your keys and security alarm code please, miss?” he asked, hand held out waiting. 

It might have just been me, but we seemed to be standing awfully close together. It almost seemed weirdly intimate. Almost. No, my bad. Ziggy wore his usual professional façade with nary a hint of emotion on display. His gaze was shuttered, his bearing military rigid. It was definitely just me and my overactive imagination. Being vaguely attracted to your bodyguard was kind of a pain in the ass. Not that I couldn’t use the distraction right now. Ziggy continued to stand there patiently waiting.

“Keys. Right.” I rummaged inside my Balenciaga City bag. Designer goodies were not only a weakness of mine, but a happy perk of being in the industry and achieving some small fame. 

“Ah, just a minute. They’re in here somewhere.” I pushed aside my purse, a cashmere shawl, tampons, a candy bar, some loose change, my small Chanel cosmetics case, a power bank, hair ties, pepper spray, a copy of the latest Sarah MacLean book, mints, a spare charging cable for my cell phone, the cell phone itself, Chapstick, Prada sunglasses case, my grandma’s rosary, dental floss, deodorant, a couple of pens, Kleenex, ear buds, water bottle, a USB stick, reusable straw, condoms, nail file, some old receipts, a travel size umbrella, hand sanitizer, lotion, a pair of pearl earrings, tweezers, Advil, a hair band, and some bobby pins. 

“Sorry about this,” I murmured. “I know I put them in here when we left.” 
He said nothing. A whole lot of nothing. 

“Huh.” With a great sense of victory, I held up a bottle of nail polish. “I thought I’d lost this.” 

One of his dark brows crept upwards. “I’ll have you know this color was limited edition. Little Death at Midnight by Oxley. You can’t buy it anymore.” 

His lips did not move, but that damn eyebrow arched even higher as he leaned forward a little and took in the contents of my bag. I swear his eyes widened. 

“Don’t you judge me. All of these things are necessary for my ongoing existence.” 

“Of course they are, miss.” 

The man was so judging me. Bastard. “You carry a koozie around with you, I see.” 

“It pays to be ready to party, Mr. Thayer.”

About Kylie Scott

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013, 2014 & 2018, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

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Truce? Hating Elijah Monroe Cover Reveal

Today we have the cover reveal for Truce? Hating Elijah Monroe by Amelia Kingston! Check it out and be sure to pre-order your copy today!

Title: Truce? Hating Elijah Monroe

Author: Amelia Kingston

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Day: October 1^st

About Truce? Hating Elijah Monroe:

A small town enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy. Harper Delaney is a newly certified elementary school teacher with the mountain of student loan debt to prove it. Moving back to her claustrophobically small hometown is about as tempting as two week old sushi, but the allure of free rent and a guaranteed summer teaching job are undeniable. On the hunt for her dream job in San Francisco, Harper just needs to survive the summer without murdering Elijah Monroe. He may have grown into a scorchingly hot fireman, but he’s still her nemesis. Harper gave Elijah her heart when she was sixteen, and never forgave the jerk for not wanting it. Probably for the best, since he's also her stepbrother. Elijah still makes Harper’s blood boil and heart race. And he knows it. She’ll wipe that smug smirk off his gorgeous face before leaving town. The only question is if she wants to do it with a kiss or a slap.

Pre-Order Today!

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Exclusive Excerpt:

I know it’s been too long since I’ve had a date when my first thought at seeing a firetruck pull up outside the school isn’t “Oh, no. Where’s the fire?” but “Oh, yes. Where are the firemen!” I’m practically drooling when I see him step out of the truck. His tall frame is broad and solid. Every inch of his more than six-foot body is carved from stone. This guy is cut. Ripped. Hot. If I faint, will he give me mouth to mouth?

My heart drops into my stomach and a weird little squeak leaves my throat when I realize who it is. I might legit need CPR. He was cute as a boy, but he’s drop dead gorgeous as a man.
 He’s not a man. He’s the devil. The bane of my adolescent existence. My stepbrother.
 I drag my eyes up to Elijah’s face. He looks put together and mature in a way that I’m not prepared for. His hair is the same warm brown, but now it’s cut short and tidy. He’s clean shaven, making those full lips pop. Lips which are curved up into a familiar smug smirk as his bright green eyes sparkle with devious satisfaction. He caught me checking him out and he wants me to know it. He struts across the parking lot, shoulders back and chest puffed up. He’s the same pompous jerk I remember from high school, breaking hearts and causing trouble.
 I look around the school yard and everyone has turned to watch the spectacle. The kids are all ogling the firetruck. The teachers and assistants are all ogling Elijah. I can’t control my groan. I cross my arms and scowl at him. 

He’s still a few feet away when I snap, “What are you doing here?” I’m loud enough half the playground can hear me. My happy teacher persona is a distant memory. I’m an angry, frustrated sixteen-year-old again, fighting the magnetic pull drawing me to him. Was it always this strong? Doesn’t matter. I’ll never give in to it.  “Nice to see you too, Short Stack,” he quips, crossing his arms to match me.

“Enough with that stupid nickname already. It’s been almost a decade. Grow up, Elijah,” I fume.

“Plus, it doesn’t even make sense.” 

He looks down at the ground, trying to hide his smile. He loves winding me up. And I fell for it. Now I’m more annoyed than ever. 
 

 

Connect with Amelia:

Amelia Kingston is many things, the most interesting of which are probably California girl, writer, traveler, and dog mom. She survives on chocolate, coffee, wine, and sarcasm. Not necessarily in that order.   She’s been blessed with a patient husband who’s embraced her nomad ways and traveled with her to over 30 countries across 5 continents (I’m coming for you next, Antarctica!). She’s also been cursed with an impatient (although admittedly adorable) terrier who pouts when her dinner is 5 minutes late.   She writes about strong, stubborn, flawed women and the men who can't help but love them. Her irreverent books aim to be silly and fun with the occasional storm cloud to remind us to appreciate the sunny days. As a hopeless romantic, her favorite stories are the ones that remind us all that while love is rarely perfect, it’s always worth chasing.

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Tikka Chance On Me by Suleikha Snyder

* * * * *

He’s the bad-boy biker. She’s the good girl working in her family’s Indian restaurant. On the surface, nothing about Trucker Carrigan and Pinky Grover’s instant, incendiary, attraction makes sense. But when they peel away the layers and the assumptions—and their clothes—everything falls into place. The need. The want. The light. The laughter. They have more in common than they ever could’ve guessed. Is it enough? They won’t know until they take a chance on each other—and on love.

Source: ebook purchase


First of all, there's no way to read this title without singing it - amiright? And look at the cover. I covet those shoes. This cheeky title along with the cute cover made it irresistible to pass up. Inside is an adorable story of two people who are trying to find their place without rocking the boat too much. 

This was a biker story without being a biker story. Trucker is leader of a biker gang who makes sure that they're not causing too much trouble when they don't need to. He just causes it in other ways like when he shows up with his guys at Pinky's parents' restaurant where he can discreetly flirt with her. She doesn't mind of course being she's doing the same. How can she not notice this tall, commanding drink of water. Steamy fantasies abound and let me tell you, there's a fantastic trip to Walmart that won't be forgotten any time soon. Seriously. 

I absolutely enjoyed Tikka Chance On Me (and I love saying it, too). It's amazing that this is a novella because of how much story Snyder packs into it. Her characters feel so fleshed out. I do like her sharp writing and what feels like a rhythmic flow at times that makes me wish I could write like that. If you're looking for a steamy romance with a smart, charismatic hero and heroine, this one's for you!

~ Bel

Loving the Secret Billionaire (Love At Last #1) by Adriana Anders

* * * 1/2

Mystery man, recluse, finance guru… Virgin.


I was a shut-in for a reason. With too many secrets, too much to hide, and way too much at stake, I spent years in my mansion in the woods, never trusting a soul.


So, when a stranger showed up at my door, with her plans to save the world, I should have sent her away, like I’d always done. 


But from the second she arrived, I couldn’t resist Veronica Cruz. She was all the things I’d been missing—passionate, generous, and so damned sexy. 


I let her into my life, gave her everything—including my heart. 


Now, the one thing she wants is the truth. The question is, will she still love me when she knows my secret?

Loving the Secret Billionaire is a sexy standalone novella in the Love at Last series, featuring a virgin hero and a slightly older woman.

Originally published in the Rogue Desire anthology, this edition has been expanded with new material. 

Source: advance e-galley provided in exchange for an honest review



Veronica is running for local city council. She has no prior experience or proper funding but runs her campaign on pure passion to do right by the community. Her rich opponent has plenty of donors to fill his coffers so it's a massive uphill battle for Veronica to just keep up and get her message out there. Then her life literally changes when she overcomes any qualms about canvassing the last house in a neighbourhood. One that doesn't look very inviting but she can't leave any stone unturned when she doesn't have too many other means to get her message in front of the people. The reclusive Zach opens his doors and winds up enchanted by Veronica's zeal and reasoning for running for office. Never having the need before to be involved in something, he finds himself inspired and wanting to be on her side, and before you know it he's helping her in ways she couldn't have fathomed. T

As you can gather from the title, Zach has the dollars to help make a difference to her campaign. But it's not just that that's a draw between these two. Veronica's genuine interest in people and desire to help contrasts with Zach's isolated life. Meeting her has been life-changing for him, too. The spark that was there when they first met burns stronger the more they're in contact, and they have heat! I do like the twist that he's an inexperienced younger man and is drawn to Veronica's confidence and sense of purpose. I also like the big secret surrounding him but I'm not going to tell here ;-)

Loving the Secret Billionaire was first featured in the Rogue Desire anthology where the idea is to present short romance stories with some politics thrown in. It's a chance to highlight any pressing social undercurrent in a less in your face kind of way. I didn't get the chance to read it in this anthology but the expanded novella is a fast-moving delicious sweet treat of a read that you can devour quickly. Filled with passion, sexy times, and most importantly heart, it'll bring you smiles!

~ Bel

On Hart's Boardwalk by Samantha Young - Review & Excerpt

* * * *

One of New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young’s most beloved couples returns for the first time in a brand new novella set ten years after her blockbuster bestseller Before Jamaica Lane…

Nate and Liv have a great life together but they miss the spontaneity and freedom they enjoyed early on in their romance. Careers and their children have inevitably kept them busy, so when Nate discovers Liv is feeling disconnected from him, he plans an anniversary trip to the idyllic seaside town of Hartwell, Delaware. There he hopes they will have the opportunity they’ve been craving—a chance to reinvent themselves and fall in love all over again.

With each new day comes a new adventure, from wedding crashing at the five-star boardwalk hotel to pretending they are two strangers having a chance encounter at the boardwalk bar. In the midst of this daring, sexually charged game of romantic rediscovery, Nate and Liv discover the only constant they need is each other.

* On Hart's Boardwalk is #6.7 in the On Dublin Street Series and #2.5 in the Hart's Boardwalk Series)

Source: advance e-galley provided in exchange for an honest review


I was a bit nervous about doing a review for this one because I haven't made it far in the On Dublin Street Series, as in I hadn't made it to book 3 which is Nate and Liv's story BUT I have read the first two books in the Hart's Boardwalk series. That balances things out, right? I think so and honestly, it didn't hurt my experience of the book at all. In fact, it's given me new motivation to catch up on the former series that's been patiently waiting for me on my bookshelf.

As much as I'm loving reading romance I do find that there are times when I want a storyline that focuses on an older couple. The perspectives have evolved and the experiences are different. In On Hart's Boardwalk, Nate and Liv have been married while now, have two daughters and lead happy but busy lives. It's a typical family scenario. What's changed is that they feel disconnected lately leading so rash assumptions and fears about the other. Nate arranges a surprise trip to the town of Hartwell meant to be a relaxing getaway and to get back to each other. 

There's so much in this that's relatable that it's easy to see where their issues come from. All they need is for quiet down so that they can focus on them, and Hartwell is that perfect place to unplug from the frenzy and slow down. Nate and Live still have it as they rediscover their spontaneous side and rekindle the fire between them. Emphasis on spontaneous ;-) 

On Hart's Boardwalk is a lovely mix of hot and sensual moments and even more so, the playfulness and emotional intimacy that sometimes go missing in long-term relationships. It also doesn't hurt to imagine Nate's sexy Scottish accent in your mind. I loved returning to Hartwell and its characters, and that this is a bridge between Young's two series. Definitely read it!

~ Bel

Enjoy this excerpt from On Hart's Boardwalk

Although Nate had agreed to wait to have sex until we played out our little strangers in a bar fantasy, I could tell he was disgruntled. For some reason his irritation made me want to torment him even more. After we showered (separately) and dressed, I grabbed his hand when we walked down to breakfast, trailing the fingertips of my free hand over the skin on his forearm exposed by his T-shirt.

Walking down the stairs he frowned at me. “You’re doing that deliberately.”

“Are you saying I don’t get to touch you at all until tomorrow night?”

“No.” He suddenly stopped and pressed me up against the wall of the stairwell, his mouth inches from mine. His hand, the one not holding mine, slipped under my sundress, his fingertips caressing their way up my inner thigh.

“Nate,” I gasped, looking down the stairs to make sure the entrance was empty.

“You tease me, babe…” His hot breath whispered against my lips. “I tease you tenfold in return.”

I fought with the desire flooding me and the concern over disrespecting our very nice inn owner. My concern won out and I reached for his wrist under my dress and forcefully removed his hand with a flash of ire in my eyes that made him smirk in triumph. “Not here.”

“Just playing your game.” He stood back and then began leading me down the stairs like nothing had happened.

There was only one other couple in the dining hall that early in the morning, an older couple who smiled warmly at us and greeted us ‘hello’ as we grabbed some coffee from the buffet area.

We’d just taken a seat at a table when Aydan came out of the kitchen and beamed at us. “You two are up early. Jetlag?”

“Yeah,” I said, fighting off a yawn. “I’m still kind of feeling it actually. But this will help.” I raised my coffee cup.

“So will some food.” She handed us each a menu. “I’ll be back in a minute to take your order.”

We were looking over the small menu and I was trying to decide between scrambled eggs, potatoes, and bacon; pancakes, maple syrup and bacon; or waffles. “I forgot how good breakfast is here.” I glanced over at my husband, who seemed less excited than me about breakfast. “You’re getting the egg white frittata, aren’t you?”

Nate used to indulge more food-wise but he’d found, as we all found, that he couldn’t metabolize crappy food as well as he used to. So, he only indulged every now and then.

“Aye.” He nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He knew it bugged me that he had more willpower than I did.

“I’m getting the waffles,” I immediately decided.

Nate laughed and leaned over to caress the top of my ass, which thankfully was hidden by the back of my chair from anyone else’s few. “You eat whatever you want, babe. We’ll both enjoy the fruits of that labor.”

I should have glared at him for feeling me up in the breakfast room of this quaint inn, but I couldn’t, because it felt like I had my old Nate back. The guy who made me feel sexy and wanted no matter what. So instead I gave him a soft smile.

For some reason my reaction made his gaze turn liquid with heat and he impulsively leaned over, cupped my face in his hand and kissed me. Hard. Deep. Quick.

When he let me go I couldn’t even think long enough to be embarrassed that he’d just Frenched me in front of an elderly couple who were trying to eat their breakfast. I could only blink, dazed, my lips wet and waiting for more. “What was that for?”

“Because I love you.” He shrugged, like it was most obvious answer in the world.

Before I could say anything else the sound of Bailey Hartwell’s raised voice met our ears from somewhere near reception. “It’s ridiculous that’s why!”

Nate and I shot each other amused looks, and pretended to peruse the menu even though I knew were both listening in. Nosy buggers.

Her voice was lower now, and the fact that we hadn’t heard another voice reply suggested

she was on the phone. “Vaughn, we have a house,” she hissed. “We don’t need another… why would you sell it? It’s beautiful… we don’t need to buy a house together to be together… it’s a waste of money…” there was a longer stretch of silence. “Okay, if you’re that intent on wasting money why don’t we just strip the house out and make it the way we both want it… it sits right on the water…. Stop being romantic when I’m trying to be practical, you know it confuses me… Stop it, I’m at the inn.” Her voice dropped even lower. Her breath seemed to catch. “You’re going to pay for that, Tremaine… no… no… Vaughn… okay, fine…. I love you too, you, handsome bastard.”

That seemed to be the end of the conversation, and I turned to Nate, laughter bubbling in my throat. “That sounded familiar.”

He grinned. “Didn’t it.”

“I don’t think our inn owner is going to Scotland anytime soon.”

“No?”

“No. If she’s got what I’ve got, she’s staying put.”

Arctic Fire by Keira Andrews

* * * 1/2

When two strangers are trapped in a blizzard, heat rises.

Haunted by what he lost in Afghanistan, Captain Jack Turner is at a crossroads. While the last place he wants to go is the Arctic, at least the routine mission gets him out from behind his new desk. But he starts off on the wrong foot with the Canadian Ranger guiding him across the forbidding and dangerous land, and Jack would rather be anywhere than sharing a tent with Sergeant Kin Carsen.

The Arctic is in Kin's blood, and he can't seem to leave the tundra behind. He wishes he could live openly as a gay man, but the North isn't as accepting as the rest of Canada. Although he's lonely, he loves his responsibility as a Ranger, patrolling the vast land he knows so well. But he's on unfamiliar ground with Jack, and when they're stranded alone by a blizzard, unexpected desire begins to burn. Soon they're in a struggle to survive, and all these strangers have is each other.

Note: This gay romance features emotional repression, hurt/comfort, adventure on the tundra, and love where you least expect it. 

Arctic Fire first appeared in the military bundle Unconditional Surrender in 2014.

Review:

The location of this story is what initially drew me in.  Not often do you find a story set in such a remote setting (deserted islands not withstanding).   The Arctic was completely new territory for me so I was intrigued.  And I certainly wasn’t disappointed.

  

The author did a great job of imparting a level depth that is difficult to find in short stories and novellas.  In only 100 pages the reader becomes emotionally invested in two not so different characters from completely different backgrounds.   Watching Captain Turner fumble and make a number of offensive remarks that Sergeant Carsen refuses to brush off was an excellent way to not only educate the reader but also provide the conflict needed to make their relationship progress within the confines of the story.   With Kin Carsen as his guide, Jack Turner adapts to his new surroundings while learning a whole new mode of survival.  And, of course, there is adventure and love along the way. 

My only complaint was that the ending was a little too “happy for now.”  It left me unsatisfied and NEEDING to know if Jack and Kin get their Happy Ever After.  I can only hope Ms. Andrews is planning on a follow up for these two lonely guys who have only just found each other.  If she does, you can bet I will be purchasing it in a heartbeat.

Nat

One Snowy Night by Jill Shalvis Release Day Blitz

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Heartbreaker Bay with a fun and festive holiday novella! ONE SNOWY NIGHT is out now! Grab your copy for just $0.99 today!

We are thrilled to bring you info on One Snowy Night!  Check out my review here.

     

About ONE SNOWY NIGHT:

It’s Christmas Eve and Rory Andrews is desperate to get home to the family she hasn’t seen in years. Problem is, her only ride to Lake Tahoe comes in the form of the annoyingly handsome Max Stranton, and his big, goofy, lovable dog Carl.

Hours stuck in a truck with the dead sexy Max sounds like a fate worse than death (not), but Rory’s out of options. She’s had a crush on Max since high school and she knows he’s attracted to her, too. But they have history… and Max is the only one who knows why it went south.

They’ve done a good job of ignoring their chemistry so far, but a long road trip in a massive blizzard might be just what they need to face their past… and one steamy, snowy night is all it takes to bring Max and Rory together at last.

Order ONE SNOWY NIGHT in ebook or paperback

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EXCERPT:

Christmas Eve had the nerve to show up just like it did every year: way too quickly and with ridiculous fanfare.

The nerve.

Rory Andrews stood in the courtyard of the Pacific Pier Building in San Francisco, surrounded by sparkly holiday lights and enough garlands to give the place its own ozone, and told herself things could be worse.

She just wasn’t sure how.

It was the unknown, she decided. Because this year, unlike the past six, she’d be spending Christmas with her family, a thought that caused a swarm of butterflies to take flight in her belly.

Not an uncommon feeling since she’d turned twenty-three a few months back and decided it was time to become a person she could be proud of if it killed her. And given the guy leaning against one of the lamp poles clearly waiting for her, arms crossed, frown in place, it just might.

Max Stranton. At his side sat Carl, his huge, eternally hungry, adorable Doberman. 

“No,” she said, not to Carl but to Carl’s owner. Who was not lovable. “No way.”

As always when their gazes locked, Max’s was a disconcerting mix of heat and…something else that she couldn’t quite figure out, as he was good at hiding when he wanted to be. She never quite knew how to take the heat because it seemed reluctant. He was attracted to her but didn’t want to be.

Ditto.

He made her knees wobble. And also a couple of other inner reactions that shouldn’t be happening in public.

“Merry Christmas to you too, Rory,” he said, and damn. It wasn’t just his eyes. His voice was rough and sexy, and for that matter, so was the rest of him.

He worked for an investigations and security firm in the building. Basically he and the rest of his team were fixers and finders for hire. To say that Max was good at his job was an understatement. He stood there looking like sex on a stick with a duffle bag slung over a broad shoulder, his dark hair two weeks past needing a cut, and the icy wind of an incoming storm plastering his clothes to a body that could be registered as a lethal weapon.

“What are you doing here?” she asked calmly even if her heart was anything but, pounding all the way up to her throat and ears because she knew. She knew exactly why he was here. “I don’t need a ride home.”

A flash of wry humor slid in with all that sizzling heat. “Because you’d rather take two buses and a train than get into my truck with me?” he asked.

Well yes, actually.  

And don’t miss the first two novels in Jill Shalvis’s Heartbreaker Bay Series, SWEET LITTLE LIES and THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE, now available! Grab your copy today!

   

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About Jill Shalvis: New York Times and USA Today 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 sexy contemporary and award-winning books wherever romances are sold and click on the blog button above for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.      

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One Snowy Night by Jill Shalvis

From Publisher:

It's Christmas Eve and Rory Andrews is desperate to get home to the family she hasn't seen in years. Problem is, her only ride to Lake Tahoe comes in the form of the annoyingly handsome Max Stranton, and his big, goofy, lovable dog Carl. 

Hours stuck in a truck with the dead sexy Max sounds like a fate worse than death (not), but Rory's out of options. She's had a crush on Max since high school and she knows he's attracted to her, too. But they have history… and Max is the only one who knows why it went south. 

They've done a good job of ignoring their chemistry so far, but a long road trip in a massive blizzard might be just what they need to face their past… and one steamy, snowy night is all it takes to bring Max and Rory together at last

Source:  Advance Copy from publisher in exchange for an honest review.

We met Rory and Max in The Trouble With Mistletoe.  Rory is the troubled young woman Willa took under her wing.  Max is one of Archer's henchmen with the awesome dog, Carl.  This holiday novella brings Rory and Max into close quarters as Max gives Rory a ride home for the holidays.  An unexpected history, a snowstorm, and Carl are the highlights of One Snowy Night.  Ok, there's also the steamy romance, but Carl, folks, Carl!  

I don't want to give anything away, but you all will want to pick up One Snowy Night as you are settling in for the holiday season.  This novella is perfect!  It's sweet, sexy, and a lot of fun - trademark Jill Shalvis.  

~Shel

Winter Wishes by Karina Halle Now Available!

Hi All!

Ladies, if you didn't get enough of a certain rugged Scottish rugby player then you are in for a wonderful Christmas treat! Karina Halle has made our holiday season better by releasing Winter Wishes. This novella stars our heroes Lachlan McGregor and Kayla Moore from The Play. I know what I'm reading this Christmas Eve! ~ Bel

Winter Wishes is available now for only $0.99 on Amazon!
(This novella will no longer be available for purchase after January 1st!)

Buy it now on Amazon!

A sweet and sexy holiday sequel to the bestselling romance, The Play.

Lachlan McGregor and Kayla Moore have fought hard for their happily ever after, so one would think their first Christmas together would be a piece of sugarplum cake.

But even though the city of Edinburgh is absolutely magical during the holiday season and the sizzling duo has enough steam between them to make snow melt, Christmas often brings its own share of troubles.

Kayla misses her mother and San Francisco while trying to adapt to life in Scotland, Lachlan struggles to stay on top of his ever-present demons (which pack more punch during the holidays) and his older brother Brigs is facing difficult memories of his own.

One thing is for sure though - this will be a Christmas they'll never forget.

NOTE: Winter Wishes is a holiday novella (AKA not a full-length book) and not a standalone. The story takes place between the last chapter of The Play and the epilogue.

Real World (Bend or Break #5) by Amy Jo Cousins

* * * *

When talking fails, it’s time to break out the big guns.

Five years ago, Tom Worthington busted his ass to overcome the fear and paranoia that led him to withdraw from the world and nearly lose his boyfriend. He never thought he’d find himself right back there, shutting Reese out, keeping secrets again.

Reese Anders is ready to try anything to get Tom to talk: if he can’t seduce his boyfriend with food, he’ll get Tom to open up in bed. But even Tom’s confession that his dad is getting out of prison soon doesn’t clear the air between them. And as the holidays approach, intensive mentoring from a new British boss creates more distractions, until Reese is keeping secrets of his own.

At a company Christmas party, it only takes Tom one look at Reese’s new boss to figure out how much danger their relationship is in. But he’s not about to let the connection that started all those years ago at Carlisle come to an end. It’s time to deal with their problems like adults. Face to face. Or back to front. Starting in the bedroom.


Warning: This book contains two adorable guys with way too many secrets, conciliatory rigatoni, a bedroom lesson on the power of multitasking, and indisputable evidence on what makes the perfect holiday HEA. 

Review:

I don’t think it will surprise anyone that I about lost my business when I found out that Tom and Reese were getting a follow-up story.  I’m pretty transparent about these things. 

It’s been five years between the end of Off-Campus and the beginning of Real World.  Both Tom and Reese are working and supporting themselves while Tom also puts himself through school to earn his MBA.  So, yeah.  Life is good.  Slightly stressful but good.  But sometimes events have the ability to make people regress in their behavior.  And Tom’s dad’s release from prison is one of those things.  Tom will finally have to face the guy that is responsible for the paranoia he worked so hard to beat.  Add that to some unexpected issues at work and the paranoia comes back in full force.   Unfortunately, so does his tendency to clam up and not tell Reese what’s bothering him.

Reese is pretty intuitive.  After five years he knows Tom better than he knows himself so he immediately notices that Tom has withdrawn.  When he finds out from a friend (and not from Tom) that Tom’s dad is being released he decides it’s time to soften up his boyfriend and make him realize that non-communication is not an option in their relationship.  And his campaign to wear Tom down works.  Sort of.  Tom may have come clean about his dad but there are other things he’s not sharing and Reese notices.  Reese needs Tom to be the one to open up and he can only do so much to make that happen.  The rest is on Tom.

A financial investigation at work has Tom more paranoid than ever.  Understandable considering his father’s history.  But when you keep all that stress in and start hiding away emotionally and physically you start to lose the connection to the ones you love most.  And Tom realizes that in a frightening way when he senses the attraction between Reese and Reese’s boss.   And his action is instant and memorable and really makes the story. 

This is a novella so I really can’t say too much more about the story without giving anything away.  I can say that this was a highly satisfying sequel to Tom and Reese’s story.  It is a beautiful and honest romance about relationships – how it’s easy to fall back into old patterns and how it requires constant work to keep a relationship going.  Their issues are real which in turn makes their love story relatable and real too.  If you are a fan of the series you will also enjoy following up with Cash, Steph, Denny and Rafe.  And, if you are fan of contemporary and realistic romance this entire series wins hands down.  

Nat

Into My Arms by Lia Riley Launch Day Blitz

Yay! I'm so excited that Into My Arms (Off The Map #3.2) is finally out today! And for the love of all that's holy, this scorching hot cover makes me insane! 

We're giving you two for Tuesday because not only do we have a tempting excerpt from Into Your Arms below, we have special treat - the cover reveal for Lia Riley's next novel With Every Breath ... but you'll have to scroll down to see that beautiful cover!  

INTO MY ARMS by Lia Riley (September 8, 2015; Forever Yours E-Book; Off the Map Series)

SYNOPSIS:

"You're here because I want to touch you."

Beth Jacobs spends her days slogging away in a corporate "fish bowl," as the hard-working assistant for one of North America's youngest dot-com billionaires. Aleksander "Z" Zavtra is the definition of dark and dangerous with a sexy Eastern European snarl. He's also ruthless. Curt. Exacting. An infuriating man she loves to hate. While Beth hardly sees him, it's as if he's always watching her . . .

Z doesn't do romance. But he never expected to be captivated by a whip-smart, fiery assistant who just so happens to share an uncanny resemblance to the beautiful face that haunts his dreams. He craves Beth. He wants to stroke her skin, to feel her heat beneath him. And what Z wants, he gets. And for one weekend, the lines between employer and employee are blurred as Z and Beth give themselves completely to the dark pleasures they've both been dreaming about.

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EXCERPT:

“Kiss me,” I challenge him. He twists around words and dances from truths. But he can’t evade body language.

He gazes at me as if I’m something he’s never seen. “I tell you how I did a terrible thing, and you offer a kiss.”

“There is much you aren’t saying, so maybe we need to streamline the conversation. Your lips touching mine. What could be simpler.”

For once, I have taken him by total surprise.

“Or more destructive,” he says.

“You kiss me with your eyes every time you look at me.”

“Ah.” He goes utterly still then. “Very well, then. Yes. I think I understand.”

“I want you to do it,” I say softly, reaching out my hand. “Please. What can I call you? Aleksander?”

“No, that’s what he used to call me, the bastard who was my father. At boarding school, I was Sander, and that, too, never felt right, not exactly.”

“So what do you prefer?”

“Call me whatever you like. You are the exception to my rule. The exception to all my rules.”

“Why?” My voice is breathless, more than a little unsteady.

“If I knew that, I’d be a wiser man than I am now.” His eyes close and his next breath is long, slow, and shuddering. “If I kiss you, will you hold still?”

Hold still if he actually kisses me? The idea of his full lips slanting on mine, his hard chest pushing insistent against my breasts is enough to make me writhe all on its own. “No.”

His gaze snaps to mine.

“How can I promise such a thing? After all, a kiss isn’t one-sided, at least not a good kiss.”

He stands, wiping his hands on his suit pants, his shirt a little wrinkled.

He walks to the window and looks out at nothing but night, seeing only his own ghost face reflection, and my own behind him. He places a hand on the glass and the heat from his skin heats the pane. When he turns, it remains, a foggy imprint.

I move to the end of the bed, hang my feet off, the robe slipping off one shoulder.

He is there then. I don’t even have time to register movement. He braces his hands on either side of the mattress, on the outside of my thighs, and there is no more oxygen in the room. The flame in his expression has sucked it all out.His lips crush mine as if time has run out. We don’t have the night, or the hours left to the weekend. There is only and ever this moment. No play-acting or showing off. No coy moves. It’s need, pure and raw, urgent and fierce. His lips are cooler than I imagined. A distant place in me registers that thought. Cool expect there is his tongue, easing against mine, and the contrast makes me sigh.

The moments when I realize I exist are infrequent. Flashes of realization that I am alive, and this is an actual life that I am living and for those few precious moments I’m on the outside, looking at my whole world and seeing it not for what it normally feels like, an all-consuming crushing adventure rather than a spider’s web tangling me.

And that’s what this. His lips. My lips. Nothing else is touching. Not hands or bodies. Not even our faces. Only our hungry mouths.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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. When not torturing heroes (because c'mon, who doesn't love a good tortured hero?), Lia herds unruly chickens, camps, beach combs, daydreams about as-of-yet unwritten books, wades through a mile-high TBR pile and schemes yet another trip. She and her family live mostly in Northern California.

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And now we're delighted to bring you the cover reveal for With Every Breath, the first in Lia Riley's upcoming Wanderlust series! 

WITH EVERY BREATH by Lia Riley (December 29, 2015; Forever Trade Paperback)

BREATHE DEEP . . . AND JUMP IN

At the ends of the earth, Patagonia is a land where ambition trumps reason and the savage summit of La Aguja lures the most determined climbers. It's also the last spot a "play-it-safe girl" like Auden Woods expects to find herself. But she'll lace up her brand-new hiking boots and do whatever it takes to secure a dream job at an adventure magazine . . . even if it kills her. And it just might. When disaster strikes, her only chance at survival comes in the form of the surliest, sexiest mountaineer ever to come out of Scotland.

After a climbing accident cost him his brother, professional mountaineer Rhys MacAskill is at the end of his rope. Redemption is not in his future. That is, until a terrifying storm blows a budding journalist into his tent and it's up to him to make sure they both survive until morning. Despite the demons weighing on him, Rhys can't resist the temptation of the charming American and one wild night just isn't enough.

Auden and Rhys soon learn there are no shortcuts as they navigate their way between life, death, and atonement, and discover something they never expected-love.

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