Tag Archives: contemporary and literary fiction

Giveaway – The Man Who Scream At Nightall by Rush Leaming @partnersincr1me @leamingrush

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The Man Who Screams At Nightfall… and other stories by Rush Leaming Banner

The Man Who Screams At Nightfall…
and other stories

by Rush Leaming

January 16 – February 10, 2023 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

The Man Who Screams At Nightfall… and other stories by Rush Leaming

Thailand. The Congo. Greece. Spain. America…

Four continents and 40+ years in the making.

The Man Who Screams At Nightfall is a landmark collection of short stories depicting a young man on a classic voyage of self-discovery, scouring the earth in search of some purpose in life.

From childhood to parenthood and everything in between—these tales are at times raw and unflinching, at other times poignant and moving.

Get ready for a literary journey unlike any you’ve experienced before.

WARNING: Some of these stories contain strong language, depictions of graphic violence, and sexual situations.

Praise for The Man Who Screams At Nightfall…and other stories:

“A powerful, gritty, and exquisitely written anthology —not to be missed.”

J. Miller, Reader’s Favorite

“A short story collection that excels in its sense of literary psychological growth and discovery. Libraries looking for interconnected short stories that represent life journeys and revelations will find The Man Who Screams At Nightfall…and other stories an appealing acquisition that promises much fodder for discussion to book club readers interested in fictional blends of psychological and social revelation.”

Midwest Book Review, D. Donovan

“Sharply observed, nuanced, precise, and morally challenging…”

“Leaming’s light hand with dialogue and keen sense of human psychology create a book that highlights weighty issues by putting a compassionate human face on human struggles. Sharp, inventive, and deeply moving: a fine literary collection.”

Book View

“Without a lengthy description of the characters, just enough to provide the imagery necessary to identify them, he catches and holds the reader’s attention like no other I’ve experienced in the hundreds of books and stories I’ve read over the years.”

Reader’s Favorite, L. Allen

Book Details:

Genre: Literary Fiction
Published by: Bridgewood Publishing
Publication Date: November 2022
Number of Pages: 150
ISBN: 0999745670 (ISBN-13: 9780999745670)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

…I could see the glow of a fire up ahead of us, and as we reached the mango tree, Pumbu motioned for me to stay low and follow him along a small wall of honeysuckle bushes. We crouched down, and from our hiding place, I saw Kachamba furiously pacing back and forth in his yard in front of a small bonfire. He swung his arms wildly in the air as if he was fighting off something that was falling on him. He dropped to his knees and then suddenly sprang three feet off the ground. Then he began to dance, swaying and spinning his body so close to the fire that I was certain he was going to fall in. All the while he screamed and shouted deep into the empty black night.

He spoke in a dialect that I couldn’t understand, so I had to ask Pumbu to tell me what he was saying. I asked him many questions: Why was he doing this? Who was he speaking to? Was he drunk? What was going on? Pumbu patiently explained to me that no, he was not drunk, and that he really didn’t know who he was speaking to, but that Kachamba’s wife had left him a few years ago, run off with another man and taken their children, and that ever since, he had not been right in the head. He was not from this village and had been kicked out of all the other places he had lived. He came here only because Kachamba’s father, the chief of Kitengo’s uncle, had once saved the life of the chief’s father (Kachamba’s uncle) and so the chief had to let him stay to repay that old favor. It was all very complicated, Pumbu said, and he didn’t fully understand it himself.

I was hardly listening, instead transfixed and horrified by what I saw. Spinning, swirling, shouting, and screaming—Kachamba’s face, so calm and happy as I had seen it earlier that day, was now knotted and twisted like a grotesque carnival mask, like some gargoyle sprung from the lowest depths of hell. The glow of the fire cut fierce shadows and gorges in his face, adding to the haunting vision that I saw.

For a long while, Pumbu and I hid behind the honeysuckle bushes and watched Kachamba shriek and wail and try to push back the night, until suddenly, all at once, he just stopped. Suddenly, he just stood still and quiet and stared at the sky. I followed his gaze and saw another shooting star. When I looked back, Kachamba had disappeared.

“Is that it?” I asked.

“That’s it,” said Pumbu. “He usually only does this for an hour or so.”

“And he does this every night?”

“Almost,” said Pumbu and yawned. “Mmm. I’m tired. I think I am going to go home.”

We left the bushes, went past the mango tree, and said good night. I walked home alone, both exhilarated and troubled by what I had seen.

I entered my room and prepared for bed, but long after I had extinguished my petrol lantern, I lay there staring into the darkness. I couldn’t sleep. I tossed and turned. It wasn’t that unusual—I noticed that it had been happening a lot lately, that I couldn’t sleep. I got up and found the bottle of Johnnie Walker and knocked back a tall glass until at last I was floating, and at last, my eyes did shut…

***

Excerpt from The Man Who Screams At Nightfall… and other stories by Rush Leaming. Copyright 2022 by Rush Leaming. Reproduced with permission from Rush Leaming. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Rush Leaming

RUSH LEAMING has done many things including spending 15+ years in film/video production working on such projects as The Lord of the Rings films. His first novel, Don’t Go, Ramanya, a political thriller set in Thailand, was published in the fall of 2016. His second novel followed suit in the summer of 2018, entitled The Whole of the Moon, set in the Congo at the end of the Cold War. 2021 saw the 5-star reception of his crime thriller Dead Tree Tales. His short stories have appeared in Notations, 67 Press, Lightwave, 5k Fiction, and The Electric Eclectic.

He has lived in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Zaire, Thailand, Spain, Greece, South Carolina, England, and Kenya.

Catch Up With Rush:
LeamingRush.wixsite.com/Nightfall
Goodreads
BookBub – @RushLeaming
Instagram – @RushLeaming
Twitter – @LeamingRush
Facebook – @RushLeamingStories

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaway entries!

 

 

ENTER TO WIN:

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Rush Leaming. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

 

 

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Giveaway – Cole Twins Box Set by Diana A Hicks @XpressoTours

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Cole Twins Box Set
Diana A. Hicks
Publication date: February 22nd 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense

The Cole Twins Box Set – a steamy romantic suspense box set that includes two full-length, standalone novels.

Here’s what you get:
UNLEASH YOU
Wesley Cole
Former Marine
Brilliant Investor and CEO
My first love

Dreamy Wesley Cole never once looked my way when we were kids. As my brother’s best friend, he only thought of me as the pesky neighbor.

I’m not a child anymore. I don’t need Wesley telling me what to do. And I’m sure as hell, I don’t need him telling me how to spend my money. I want him to see that I’m all grown up now.

One way or another, the broody marine will have to understand we belong together.

DEFY YOU
Zack Cole
Steamy Doctor
Perfect Jerk
My Fake Fiancé

It all started when I kissed the wrong twin brother. And now I can’t stop thinking about the kiss. I can’t stop thinking about Zack’s soft lips and kind eyes. I can’t stop thinking about the fact that now his life is danger because of me.

I’m desperate to stay in the States. Going home would sure end badly for me.

But is the steamy doctor’s proposal to be his fake girlfriend my only way out?

If you like angsty, all-the-feels romance with hot alpha heroes, then you’ll love this suspenseful series.

Contains explicit love scenes and mild violence. No cheating. No cliffhangers.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

—

EXCERPT:

When the doors slid open, I was greeted by a huge sign that read Cole Investment Research Advisors, Inc. To my left, at the end of the hallway, a receptionist desk stood empty. I strolled to it anyway, casually peering into the other offices. Every person was either on the phone or had their gazes glued to their computer screens.

A man’s deep and sort of angry voice caught my attention. I ambled toward the suite in the corner, the only room with a shut door. Could this be Wesley? Of all the Cole brothers, he was always the most intense and intimidating. Was that why I’d had such a big crush on him? Because he seemed impossible to get, so beautiful and unattainable. I pressed a hand on the frosted-glass door for support. In a split second, the panel swung open, and I fell flat on my face. Technically speaking, I tumbled over a pair of large Italian-leather shoes.

“Let me call you back.” The angry voice now had an annoyed edge to it.

“The door just opened.” I glanced up as a pair of hands picked me off the floor. My heart drummed in my ears. In part because I was embarrassed, but also because, holy shit, this was Wesley Cole. Somehow, he’d gotten hotter in the last eight years. The boy I remembered was gone, replaced by an incredibly gorgeous man.

“Yeah, I opened it.” His warm fingers loosened a bit around my bare shoulders, and he smiled at me with a little twinkle in his eye. “Are you okay?”

Was that recognition in his gaze? “I am. Thank you.” I shuffled back and smoothed out my skirt.

“Can I help you?” He shot a glance toward the empty receptionist’s desk.

“I think so. I came to see you. I’m Ana?” I pursed my lips. I hated that name when I was little. I especially hated it
when people added sweet in front of it. Sweet Ana. “I’m Anabelle Copenhaver. We were neighbors. Sort of.”

Wesley’s grandmother owned the estate next to ours. Wesley and his family spent so much time at that house, I considered them neighbors. In his letter, Charlie had mentioned that Wesley’s oldest brother, Derek, had acquired the estate, done a full renovation, and planned to move in soon.

“I know who you are.” A crease shot across his forehead. He released me so fast I stumbled back. “I didn’t think I’d be seeing you today.”

“I’m sorry. I should’ve made an appointment.” My cheeks burned hot. Wesley wasn’t a boy anymore, but the stern look in those hazel eyes told me he still thought of me as Charlie’s little sister. “I should go.” I turned to leave.

“Anabelle, please wait.” He put out his hand but then retrieved it. “We do need to talk. Sit down.”

Author Bio:

Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy romantic suspense and science-fiction romance.

When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Amazon / TikTok


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The Spotlight Is On The Scoundrel by Delta James @XpressoTours

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The Scoundrel
Delta James
(Club Southside, #1)
Publication date: February 17th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Danger and desire go hand in hand…

Welcome to Club Southside. Cerberus has opened an office in Chicago over the Club. The team takes on the jobs no one else wants. They handle everything from protection, covert rescue operations, cyber-crime to reconnaissance and more. These men are driven and deadly, willing to do what is needed to complete their missions and to protect the women they love.

A fast-paced romantic suspense series of interconnected standalone books that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order


Author Bio:

As a USA Today bestselling romance author, Delta James aims to captivate readers with stories about complex,curvy heroines and the dominant alpha males who adore them. For Delta, romance is more than just a love story; it’s a journey with challenges and thrills along the way.

After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, walks on the beach, and white-water rafting.

More about Delta, including a full list of her books and audiobooks, can be found at www.deltajames.com.

Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally to as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group https://www.facebook.com/groups/348982795738444.

If you’re looking for your next bingeable series, you can get a FREE story by joining her newsletter https://www.subscribepage.com/VIPlist22019.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Instagram / Newletter / Amazon


—

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Giveaway – Sleigh Bell Serenade by Shanna Hatfield @XpressoTours

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Sleigh Bell Serenade
Shanna Hatfield
(Winter Wishes, #2)
Publication date: January 19th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

He keeps his heart heavily guarded.
She meets everyone with a friendly smile.
Will the attraction sizzling between them pull them into the space between their two worlds?

Burdened by too many responsibilities, Bowen Jensen struggles beneath their overwhelming weight. Between raising his teenage sister, running their family ranch, and managing Sleigh Bell Tours, he barely has time to sleep, let alone do something just for himself. He can’t even recall his last date. Then a chance encounter with a beguiling woman leaves him pondering if there isn’t more to life than trudging through one lonely day after another.

Juniper Haynes appears to have it all with a successful real estate career and a picture-perfect life. In reality, she’s tired of dealing with demanding clients, wary of her so-called friends, and secretly longs for the peace she finds at her sister’s mountain home. After a magical New Year’s Eve kiss with a cowboy she barely knows, she realizes true happiness might only be found outside her comfort zone.

Can Bo and Juniper find the courage to embrace change and explore the possibility of a future together?

Find out in this sweet winter romance full of small-town charm, memorable characters, laughter, hope, and love.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“What a mess,” the woman said, brushing at her coat with the napkin Sassy handed to her. “I’m not usually such a klutz.” She gave up dabbing at the cider soaking into the white cashmere and looked to Bo again. “Thank you for catching me before I fell. I’m Juniper, by the way. Juniper Haynes.”

“Juniper,” Bo mumbled, finally managing to gain a miniscule amount of control over his tongue. However, his heart pounded so fast and loud, it echoed like a bongo drum in his head.

“That’s an awesome name,” Sassy said, with the enthusiasm summoned by a teenager impressed by someone older and more worldly. “I’m Sassy, and this is Bo Jensen.”

Juniper’s smile widened as she looked up at him. Even with her high-heeled boots, she barely came up to his chest. Then again, at six-four, he tended to tower over a lot of people.

“Sassy and Bo. It’s so nice to meet you. Thank you, again, for catching me. Happy Christmas Eve.” Juniper turned away and took a lopsided step, but her foot slid on a patch of hidden ice. She would have fallen if Bo hadn’t caught her a second time, his arms looping beneath hers from the back. She tilted her face upward and offered him a look of gratitude.

Something that felt like an electrical current trailed up his arms, threatening to short circuit what few working brain cells he had left.

Words.

He needed words.

To speak—to say anything—but nothing seemed to be able to work its way from his overloaded brain to his mouth. The sharp elbow Sassy jabbed into his side didn’t help any more than her questioning glare to rattle something loose.

Bo stared at the woman, fascinated.

Juniper.

What an intriguing name for an entirely captivating woman.


Author Bio:

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes sweet romances rich with relatable characters, small town settings that feel like home, humor, and hope.

Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

When this farm girl isn’t writing or indulging in rich, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. She also experiments with recipes, snaps photos of her adorable nephew, and caters to the whims of a cranky cat named Drooley.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her website http://shannahatfield.com or find out more about her here: linktr.ee/ShannaHatfield

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Pinterest / Newsletter


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  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
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Giveaway – Stranded With Billionaire Grumpy Pants by Stacy Deanne @XpressoTours

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Stranded with Billionaire Grumpy Pants
Stacy-Deanne
Publication date: January 11th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Chanel’s about to jump off a bridge. A single mother of a teen daughter in a wheelchair, she loves her job but hates her annoying, yet fine-as-wine, billionaire boss.

Wesley Babcock is the biggest jerk on the planet: rude, disrespectful, arrogant, and he thinks the world revolves around his needs. Chanel’s sick of it!

Needing to get away and having an employee discount for a vacation to Wesley’s wilderness resort, Chanel and her daughter take off for a trip during Memorial Weekend. Chanel’s looking forward to having some fun until she sees who else has shown up.

Yep, Mr. Grumpy Money Bags Himself.

And if that’s not bad enough, Chanel signs up for a nature hike only to get lost with… yeah, you guessed it.

Chanel and Wesley cross each other’s paths constantly during the weekend, but can they stop bickering long enough to realize they’re incredibly attracted to each other?

Tropes: billionaire, age gap, office romance, romantic comedy, single-mother romance

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“Mr. Babcock should be ashamed! Absolutely ashamed!” Chanel carried on at the check-in counter while the poor employees behind the desk shivered as if she were holding them at gunpoint. “I know he’s an ass, but didn’t know he was this terrible. How could this place not have a ramp? How?”

“We have ramps, Ma’am,” the pudgy redhead spoke as if she were afraid Chanel would strike her down. “One is in the back and the other by the spa.”

“Really?” Chanel scoffed, balling her fists so she wouldn’t throw anything. “So my daughter has to enter through the back like she’s a second-class citizen? Ramps should be visible in the front! Duh. That’s the idea of being accessible!” She slapped the porcelain counter. “This is unacceptable, and I’m reporting this place to the state for violations of the law. I will not let you get away with treating disabled people like an afterthought—”

“What’s going on here?” a male voice boomed throughout the waiting area.

Recognizing her boss’ icy tone, Chanel held her breath as she turned to face

him.

The debonair Wesley Babcock strutted toward the counter and everyone rushed out of his path. He always wore suits of dark-blues or blacks, so it surprised Chanel to see him without a blazer but still wearing his button-down white shirt and those diamond cufflinks with his initials engraved in them.

In this heat.

Chanel could do nothing but chuckle. It wasn’t bad enough she had to see this man everyday now he was here the one time she took a vacation.

“Ah, Miss Adeyami.” Wesley flashed a sarcastic smile that belonged on magazine covers. “What a surprise to see you here, causing a scene as always. Could you try to act like a lady, please?”

She scoffed. “Excuse me?”

“You’re my employee.” He flexed his triangular jaws. “Which means you represent me and my company at all times and I will not have you embarrassing my brand in my establishment.”

“Well, if you don’t wanna be embarrassed in your own establishment, then you should’ve had a ramp in the front of your place!” She pointed to the glass doors. “Or are people in wheelchairs not allowed here?”

He grimaced, his dashing greenish-brown eyes set in a carnal stare that reminded her of a shady salesman. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Mr. Babcock, sir.” The feminine male employee dashed from behind the

counter. “It’s really nothing to bother yourself with.”

“The hell it’s not. It’s his place.” Chanel held her waist. “How come there isn’t a

ramp at the front entrance? That’s illegal.”

“Perhaps you should brush up on California laws, Miss Adeyami, or else learn

how to comprehend them better.” Wesley straightened himself, shoulders squared. “The law is that we have ramps that fit the code and we do. We do not have to have them at all entrances or exits.”

“But that makes no sense. My daughter has to wheel herself all the way to the back of the place to get inside? Like she’s the help sneaking in or something?”

He relaxed his face, his dimples firm in his cheeks despite not smiling. “Your daughter’s in a wheelchair?”

“Yes and boss or no boss, I won’t let you get away with this.”

He shrugged. “What are you gonna do about it?”

I’m gonna report you to the authorities!”


Author Bio:

USA TODAY FEATURED AUTHOR

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Stacy-Deanne (Dee-Anne) is an award-winning author of romantic suspense, contemporary romance, thrillers, and women’s fiction books featuring BWWM pairings. Her books have been bestsellers in stores worldwide including Amazon, Apple, and Barnes and Noble. Her work has been praised and reviewed in USA Today numerously. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree and is a 2011 and 2012 African-American Literary Award Nominee. She also is a winner of the Swirl Award (an award dedicated to authors of multicultural/interracial works).

Stacy is known for bringing versatile stories to her readers. With her, you never know what you’re gonna get, which separates Stacy’s work from the pack.

Stacy’s books are full of passion, thrills, intriguing characters and so much emotion you can’t get enough! If you want something different and unpredictable then definitely check out her work.

With Stacy every book is an adventure.

Want to receive book updates? Sign up for Stacy’s mailing list:

http://eepurl.com/dFGzTL

Website: https://www.stacy-deanne.com/

Stacy is a proud member of ALLi, the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter


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  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Giveaway – Doc Showmance by Zoe Forward @XpressoTours

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Doc Showmance
Zoe Forward
Publication date: January 10th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

From USA Today bestselling author Zoe Forward comes a new enemies-to-lovers veterinary RomCom.

I would say Dr. Ian Todd is my archenemy. But that would require us acknowledging each other, which we haven’t done since we graduated veterinary school.

He’s famous. As in, he’s the world’s “Sexiest Veterinarian Alive” with his own wildlife TV show and a string of glamorous girlfriends.

I’m infamous as a reality TV emergency veterinarian with a snark mouth, take-no-crap attitude, and zero dating life.

When asked to fake a romance with him on TV to boost my ER show’s ratings, I want to say no-way, but the extra money will pay off my brother’s loan shark debt. Even though Ian broke my heart, playing his love interest shouldn’t be hard, especially if it means getting to watch him squirm.

Lines get blurred when the TV setups stop feeling fake. Can I chance this might be real love?

Goodreads / Purchase


EXCERPT

He grinned. “It’s over. You don’t have to keep acting for the cameras.”

Be cool. Be tough. My emotional tank had hit empty an hour ago. All I had left was defensive grumpiness, which meant my mouth filter wouldn’t work. “I never peacock for the fucking cameras. I refuse. Actually, I can’t act. It’s why this, with you here and whatever the hell they plan to make us do, is a nightmare. I can’t pretendto like you.”

“You think pretending to like you is going to be a picnic for me?”

“Then go. Quit. Please. Let’s not do this.” I lowered my bag and glared. “Go back to what you’re good at in those set up wild animal scenarios.”

His smile fell. “You don’t think I can do this. You think I can’t do emergency medicine.”

Oh, good Lord. I’d forgotten if I pushed him by disagreeing, he’d dig his heels in and do whatever the hell it was simply to annoy me and prove he was better at it. “I’m sure you’re a great vet to dolphins and elephants. Won’t see a lot of those here. What you will see is a lot is life or death scenarios. If your medicine is rusty, those split-moment decisions might not be the right ones. Then your patient dies.”

Okay, not exactly the right thing to say to inspire him to leave.

His cheek muscle spasmed as he stalked close to me. He had a solid foot on me, not that I was intimidated. “You don’t hold the monopoly on good medicine, Amber.”

“Go prove you’re Mr. Super Sexy Smart Vet somewhere else. Anywhere that’s not here.”

He was in my space, and oh, God, he smelled good. Fresh and spicy aftershave. In a job rife with terrible odors, this was heavenly.

Not heavenly. Snap out of it.

He cocked his head and scanned down my body. Softly, he said, “You think I’m sexy?”

Oh, my. The purr of his tone made my stomach clamp. I managed to tug my gaze off his. “I’m not doing this insanity of you picking apart every word I say. Not tonight.”

I marched out of the office, only to spin around and march back to grab my cell phone off the counter. Damn Ian for putting me off my game. This frazzled, scatterbrained behavior was about to become my new norm if he was in the vicinity.

Ian smiled a radiant expanse of white teeth. “You’re scared.”

I froze. I turned back to face him.

He chuckled low. “I get it. You’ve always been scared of me…of this.”

“I. Am. Not. Scared. Let’s get one thing straight. There’s no this.” I marched away without looking back.

Oh, it was on now. No one, and I mean no one, got to accuse me of being chicken.

Author Bio:

USA Today bestselling author, parent, wife, veterinarian, chocolate lover. Author of spicy paranormal and contemporary romances. Zoe Forward brings readers the perfect combination of action adventure, romance, humor and a bit of magic.

Her novels have won numerous awards including the Prism, Readers’ Choice Heart of Excellence, Golden Quill, Carolyn Readers Choice Award, and the Booksellers’ Best Award.

You can find her residing in the South with a menagerie of four-legged beasts and two wild kids

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub


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  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
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Giveaway – One Hundred Dreams by Kelly Collins @XpressoTours @kcollinsauthor

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One Hundred Dreams
Kelly Collins
(An Aspen Cove Romance, #22)
Publication date: December 29th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

He’s a man trying to keep things under control.
She’s a woman yearning to break free.
Is this a disaster waiting to happen or a love story in the making?

Actress Cameron Madden is sick and tired of being tired. With her last movie failing at the box office and her career in question, she heads to Aspen Cove to lick her wounds. The small mountain town is the perfect place to escape the prying eyes of a critical public, the demands of her career, and the rules set by her team. Expecting a female bodyguard named Valery, she’s shocked to find the script has been flipped and Valery is a tall, dark, and annoying man who goes by Val. The first thing he does is hand her a set of rules—his rules. And she plans to break every one of them.

The last thing bodyguard Valery Armstrong wants to do is babysit an actress, but when the job comes in, he is the only one available. Saving the day and picking up the pieces is what he’s been doing since his father passed away. That single event ten years ago taught him one thing—prepare for every possibility. Before agreeing to take on Cameron, he asks himself how difficult could one woman be? When he arrives, he hands her the list, then watches as she gifts him with a heart-stopping smile—right before tearing the page to pieces. How difficult could one woman be? Cameron Madden is about to show him.

Aspen Cove, where rules are made to be broken…

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

He pulled an envelope from his pocket and handed it to her. “These are my rules.”

She seemed to sink in front of him, but it was a momentary muscle lapse before that invisible string pulled her back up. Only this time, it seemed to drag her forward to stand in front of him. She swiped the envelope from his hand and tore open the flap. Once she drew out the single page with his rules, she let the envelope fall to the floor.

He watched as her eyes moved across the page. Second by second, they grew until he was sure they’d pop from her skull.

She raised her head and stared at him. “Are you serious?”

“Why would I give you that if I wasn’t serious?”

“It’s a page with one rule. You said rules.”

He smiled. “I don’t need more than one.”

She glanced at the paper and lifted her head. “You make all the rules?” She stared at him like he’d sprouted a horn in the center of his forehead.

“That’s my one rule. Take it or leave it.”

Her jaw dropped, and she took a step back. “What are you going to do? Leave?” She tore the page in half and let the pieces fall to the marble floor next to the envelope. “You’re not the boss, and you don’t make the rules.”

“Wrong.” He turned around, walked back to the elevator, pushed the button, and waited.

“You’re seriously leaving? How am I supposed to get to Colorado?”

He took several cleansing breaths before he spun around to face her. “Nothing has changed. You have a flight waiting at Los Angeles International Airport. It will take you to Denver, where you’ll have to get a ride to Aspen Cove. Rent a car. It’s only a few hours’ drive from there to your destination.”

She seemed to wobble on her heels. “You’re abandoning me?”

He shook his head. “I’m not. I gave you my rules, and you dismissed them. You don’t get to be the top private security firm in the country if you break your own rules, and my only rule is I make the rules.” The elevator door opened, and he stepped inside. “I’ll give you ten minutes to decide. If you’re not down in the lobby by then, I’ll leave. It’s that simple.”

She opened her mouth to speak, but the doors closed before she could get a word out.


Author Bio:

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International bestselling author of more than thirty novels, Kelly Collins writes with the intention of keeping love alive. Always a romantic, she blends real-life events with her vivid imagination to create characters and stories that lovers of contemporary romance, new adult, and romantic suspense will return to again and again.

Kelly has sold more than a quarter of a million books worldwide, and in 2021 she was awarded a Readers’ Favorite Award Gold Medal in the Contemporary Romance category for A Tablespoon of Temptation.

You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.

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Review – A Reservoir Man by L J Ambrosio #ljambrosio

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Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Non, je ne regrette rien (No I don’t regret anything)

Reading A Reservoir Man by L J Ambrosio was me stepping outside my comfort zone and I am so glad I did. A Reservoir Man has a deeper meaning in the story than just a title for the book.

From the day he was born in 1947, Michael was looked at differently. He had a harelip and all the old wives tales and folklore made his life more difficult than it had to be, but his parents loved him, unconditionally. His innocence makes him a victim to those who prey on the naive. I love that he was able to rise above it. Some people are givers, some people are takers, and Michael is a giver. I love that he is an observer. I, too, like to people watch. We both have an affinity for benches, a great place to watch people from. He was used and abused, yet still kept moving forward. I felt so many emotions while reading A Reservoir Man. The story feels like a true life biography. AND, the ending….brought tears to my eyes. Well done, L J.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of A Reservoir Man by L J Ambrosio.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

A Reservoir Man, critics have hailed this explosive and timely work as “a must-read coming-of-age story of 2022.” Twists and turns further pull the reader in to Michael’s action-packed tale, with powerful themes, from betrayal and family to secrets and identity. “Be sure not to blink because you just might miss a pivotal moment in Michael’s rousing, larger-than-life story.” –R.C. Gibson, Indiestoday. “This book is a dream, a gamble, a utopia, even.” — Kalyan Panja, Bookmarkks.

ABOUT L J AMBROSIO

Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. He taught at over 7 universities in America. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.

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Giveaway – Her Best Friend’s Brother by Yahrah St John @XpressoTours @yahrahstjohn

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Her Best Friend’s Brother
Yahrah St. John
(Six Gems, #1)
Published by: Harlequin Desire
Publication date: December 27th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Childhood friends become forbidden lovers in this sexy start to the Six Gems series from Yahrah St. John.

Their fiery affair fulfills her fantasies…
And puts everything at risk.

When travel blogger Wynter Barrington’s wealthy, disapproving family cuts her off, she finds comfort in a passionate chance encounter with Riley Davis, her best friend’s brother. He’s hot as hell…and totally off-limits.

And when they meet again months later, they begin a sizzling affair. Wynter knows Riley doesn’t do love and marriage, but her youthful crush is feeling more and more like a real relationship. If she’s not careful, Wynter may put more than her relationship with her best friend on the line. Can she survive falling in love with the one man she was never supposed to touch?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

—

EXCERPT:

Riley brought Wynter to his bed. He wanted to make love to her properly. That first time in his living room had been a feverish coupling because of the intense attraction they felt. But now, he wanted to take his time. If tonight was all he had, he wanted to show Wynter how much pleasure they could have together.

Wynter wasn’t some naive virgin. She returned his touches and kisses and showed him she knew exactly how to make him moan. And when she wanted to be on top, Riley let her without hesitation. She was skilled and brought them both to a culmination that had Riley seeing stars.

Eventually, they took a shower together, but even that turned into a sensuous glide of naked bodies that kept them up until the wee hours of the morning. Afterward, Riley fell into a deep sleep, which was unusual for him. For years, he’d never been able to get more than four or five hours of sleep because, when he was a teenager, he’d been on high alert. He had to make sure his mother was okay and wouldn’t harm herself. The pattern stuck when he went to college and then, later, law school. The long nights of studying to stay on top and be the best took their toll until Riley didn’t need much sleep to operate.

But last night, he’d slept like a baby because he’d had Wynter’s lush body wrapped around him. However, awakening this morning, something was very clear.

He was in bed alone.

Sometime in the early morning, after they’d just had the best sex of his life, Wynter had slipped away from his bed. Riley sat upright. That had never happened before. He was used to being the one who left, not the other way around.

Riley didn’t know whether he should be offended or not. Or perhaps Wynter hadn’t been as satisfied as he thought last night? No, he shook his head. Women could fake it, but Wynter hadn’t faked a moment of their intimacy. He could tell. She was responsive and very vocal about what she wanted. She hadn’t been afraid to take charge of her pleasure or his.

Riley groaned when he thought about the way she’d wriggled down the bed last night to position her head close to his groin. The way she’d run her fingertips over his erect shaft. Her touch had been featherlight, as if she’d reveled in the sensation of having him at her mercy. He’d been enthralled, and rather than fight it, he’d given in. She’d bent her head, taken him in her mouth and sucked him.

Afterward, she’d raised her head and given him a triumphant smile, all the while licking her lips as she caught a drop she must have missed.

It was one of the most erotic experiences of his life. Wynter had moved to the top of the list as the best lover he’d ever had. Although he wished they could have a repeat of the night before, Riley appreciated that Wynter understood the parameters. As a result, she’d left of her own accord, without him having to show her the door like some of his ex-lovers.

At least he would always have the memory of their one hot night. But, in the back of his mind, Riley would always wonder what might have happened if she had stayed.


Author Bio:

Yahrah St. John is the International author of forty books. She became a writer at the age of twelve when she wrote her first novella after secretly reading a Harlequin romance. Throughout her teens, she penned a total of twenty novellas. Her love of the craft continued into adulthood. She’s the proud author of thirty-nine books with Arabesque, Kimani Romance and Harlequin Desire as well as her own indie works.

When she’s not at home crafting one of her spicy romances with compelling heroes and feisty heroines with a dash of family drama, she is gourmet cooking or traveling the globe seeking out her next adventure. For more info:www.yahrahstjohn.com or find her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Bookbub or Goodreads.

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Giveaway – Deception by K Webster @XpressoTours @KristiWebster

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Deception
K. Webster
(Deception Duet, #1 & 2)
Publication date: December 20th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Reverse Harem, Romance

Sparrow is the businessman in a suit. Sully is the rebel.

And Scout is the psycho.

They’ve reigned as the Terror Triplets, using cruelty and intimidation to rule New York City society. Now they face a bigger challenge: the reclusive heiress Laundry Croft. It’s their job to work their way into her life.

They need to make her trust them. Even while they keep their own secrets.

“A brilliantly woven story with three hot-as-sin badass brothers, and I could not put it down! K Webster has delivered us another scorching hot masterpiece.” – USA Today Bestselling author Sara Cate

Each man uses her in his own way.

They seduce her and manipulate her… but will they fall for her?

Deception is a collection of two full length novels by bestselling author K Webster, including TRIPLE THREAT and DEATH WISH.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“I’m just having a bad day.” Her bottom lip quivers. “A really bad day.”

“I can see that.” His voice is soft. So soft. I don’t think I’ve ever heard Sully speak to anyone that way. Interesting. “Talk to me.”

“I can’t,” she whispers, her voice shaking.

“Honey,” Sully says, lifting her chin so she’s looking up at him, “you can. You’re hurt. You can trust me, remember?”

Rather than explaining to him what has her so upset, she cups his cheeks, drawing him to her. His lips are gentle as he kisses her supple mouth. It’s as though he has to handle her with kid gloves or she’ll break. I know for a fact she can take rough handling and barely crack.

She’s much tougher than she lets on.

His hunger for her wins out. Grabbing her ass, he pulls her up into his lap so her legs wrap around his middle. A needy moan escapes her, singing straight to my cock. As quietly as I can, I pull down my zipper and unbutton my jeans. I pull my throbbing dick into my hand, eager for some sort of release.

Sully’s massive hands squeeze her ass as he moves her against his lap. They’re dry humping like there aren’t people just around the corner. So dangerous, but so hot.

“We have to talk about this,” Sully murmurs. “As good as this feels, it’s only putting a bandage on the problem.”

For fuck’s sake.

Don’t be a pussy, man.

She ignores him, kissing him with all the fiery passion she possesses. Sully shoves one hand down into the back of her yoga pants, his palm splayed out over her ass cheek. This must feel good because she starts panting harder. I stroke my dick in tandem with the sounds she’s making. I’d kill for some lube right now, but since I don’t have any, I make do with licking my hand a couple of times to get it nice and slick.

“Ford,” she hisses, breaking from their kiss so she can look at him.

With his free hand, he yanks down her hood, revealing her messy, damp hair. He stares at her like she’s the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen.

These fuckers are obsessed.

I know obsession when I see it.

“I’m going to come.” Her whispered words sound surprised. “Ford, oh my…” She tilts her head back, baring her pretty neck.

I want to bite it and suck it and wrap my hand around it.

Mine.

Mine.

My breathing comes out quick and harsh. If they weren’t so consumed in one another, they’d hear me. I know the second she comes because her body tenses before trembling. She swallows down the cry of her orgasm as not to alert anyone.

He starts to lift her hoodie, giving me a flash of her small bra-less tits, but she stops him, dragging it back down.

“Ford,” she says, breathing heavily. “We can’t do this right now.”

Right now. Not never.

Images of her trussed up and captive in my bed are too much. I come silently, my semen hitting the orange ball with a barely audible patter. While I tuck my dripping dick back into my jeans, I keep my stare fixated on them from my hiding spot.

They’re so enamored in each other.

Which means she’s just as enamored with me.

My turn. My fucking turn.

I’m about to stand up and demand my turn when some doofus walks into the weight area. As soon as he noticed the two of them, his face blanches and he stumbles back.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, I, uh, I’ll leave.”

The dumb shit hurries to leave them to their dry fucking, but the moment is lost. Landry is already pulling from my brother and standing. He thrums with need, his dick trying to tear through his jeans as he reaches for her.

“I shouldn’t be here,” she mutters to herself. “This was a mistake. I was upset but if he finds me gone.” Panic flashes over her features making her reddened skin pale to a ghastly white. “I have to go back home.”

“Honey,” Sully growls. “Let me go with you. To make sure it’s safe.”

“No, lover boy.” She smacks his hand that’s still reaching for her. “I appreciate…”

Appreciate what, prickly princess? Making you come in your little panties and giving your lover boy blue balls in the process?

He rises to his feet, capturing her waist and pulling her to his chest. “Did he hit you again?”

“That was an accident, I think.” She frowns. “It’s other stuff. I just…never mind. You’ve calmed me down, but I really need to get back. I’ll call you later.”

They share another long, passionate kiss until she peels away from him. She runs off, leaving Sully alone with his nine-inch boner. I stand up, ignoring the searing in my bad knee. Slowly, I hobble toward him. He hears the sound of my feet on the mats and whips around to face me.

Shock turns into brief fear and finally into fury.

“What the actual fuck, Scout?” he snarls, shoving my chest. “You were spying on me?”

I reach down, rubbing at my knee, and scowl at him. “She’s my job, too.”

His brown eyes flicker with a multitude of emotions, but the one that’s most prevalent is possessiveness. He doesn’t believe she’s a job like he’s supposed to, and he certainly doesn’t believe she’s mine too.


Author Bio:

K Webster is a USA Today Bestselling author. Her titles have claimed many bestseller tags in numerous categories, are translated in multiple languages, and have been adapted into audiobooks. She lives in “Tornado Alley” with her husband, two children, and her baby dog named Blue. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, drinking copious amounts of coffee, and researching aliens.

You can easily find K Webster on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads!

Can’t find a certain book? Maybe it’s too hot for Amazon! Don’t worry because titles like Bad Bad Bad, This is War, Baby, The Wild, and Hale can all be found for sale on K’s website in both ebook and paperback format.

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