Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Her Righteous Protector (Night Storm #8) Release Blitz


Title: Her Righteous Protector
Series: Night Storm #8
Author: Caitlyn O'Leary
Genre: Romantic Military Suspense
Release Date: November 23, 2021


BLURB
Navy SEAL Lieutenant Max Hogan has watched as every single one of his men has paired off. He is beginning to wonder if there is something more to life than just mission after mission.

He is surprised the moment he’s asked to attend the reading of a will and even more surprised when he discovers who has passed away. He was sad this woman he’d had a brief relationship with was dead, but he hadn’t seen her for five years, so why in the world would he be sitting in her lawyer's office?

Ten minutes later Max is staring at the man, uncomprehending. The lawyer’s words don’t make any sense. His lips continue to move, but all Max keeps hearing is that first sentence.

“Megan wanted you to have custody of your son if anything ever happened to her.”

He has a son?

Once centered around endless missions and keeping his men safe, Max’s life is about to change in ways he never expected. Can he rise to this unexpected challenge, and will he have to do it alone? Or will his son’s guardian turn out to be his closest ally—and more?

This is an action, adventure, romantic, stand-alone novel.


PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU


EXCERPT
When Max Hogan got done with his shower and put on a t-shirt and cargo shorts, he called his neighbor, Lester Sinclair, Mikey’s father. Lester answered on the first ring.
“Hi Max. Feel like some home cooking?”
Max winced. “You don’t have to go to any trouble. I was planning on Pollard’s for some chicken. How does that sound?”
“Sounds great, but only if you let me pay,” the older man said.
“Normally that would be great, but I won a bet with Cullen today. He thought he could beat me on the obstacle course. He lost. I’ve got cash burning a hole in my pocket.”
Lester let out a hearty laugh. “Well if we’re eating on Cullen’s dime, let’s go for it. You know what Mikey and I like. Come on over.”
“I should be there in about a half hour.”
“Sounds good.”
Max picked up the keys on his counter, plus the hot wheels that he’d bought last weekend and left his house. He moved his truck to the street, then locked it. It was a perfect night for a drive in the convertible, what’s more Mikey would love a ride in the convertible. He drove over to Pollard’s and put in an order for twenty pieces of chicken, mashed potatoes, hush puppies, coleslaw, corn on the cob, fried okra, cinnamon apples, green beans and homemade corn muffins. He knew that Lester was on a tight budget so this should last awhile.
When he parked the Cougar on the street in front of the Sinclair’s house he wasn’t surprised in the least to see Mikey out front waiting for him. The big man’s grin was a sight for sore eyes.
“Max! Max! Max! I mowed your grass! Did you see? Did you?”
He was practically jumping up and down in excitement.
He ran down the walkway and gripped the side of Max’s car.
“I can help carry in dinner? Did you get hush puppies? Them’s my favorite.”
“I did,” Max assured Mikey. He handed him one of the bags, then hit the button to bring the top up so he could lock the car while he was inside with Mikey and Lester. By the time he walked up to the door Mikey had the screen door open, waiting for him.
“I got your mail today, too!”
Max grinned at Mikey’s exuberance. Everything the man said was an exclamation, how could anyone be unhappy when they were around someone so filled with joy?
“Mikey, don’t block the door and let Max in, the food is getting cold.”
“I’m not Dad, I’m helping.” Max handed Mikey another sack of food and followed him into the kitchen table. Lester had already started to unload the containers of food.
“What did you do, buy out the entire restaurant?” Lester asked.
“I was hungry and everything looked good,” Max explained. He dumped the last bag onto the table and went to the cupboard to get the plates, then grabbed the silverware they were going to need. When he was done he reached into the fridge and found the ever present pitcher of sweet iced tea. He might spend a lot of time over at his friend and teammate’s home, but if he had to say where he felt most comfortable, it was with Lester and Mikey, it reminded him of some of the homes he and grown up in.
When they got settled down at the table, Mikey grabbed their hands. “Can I say grace?” he asked?
“Of course,” Lester answered.
“Bless us oh Lord, and these our guests for the bounty for which we are about to receive, thank you, Amen. And thank for a whole bunch of food from Max, especially the hush puppies.”


ALSO AVAILABLE
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU


AUTHOR BIO
Caitlyn O’Leary is a USA Bestselling Author, #1 Amazon Bestselling Author and a Golden Quill Recipient from Book Viral in 2015. Hampered with a mild form of dyslexia she began memorizing books at an early age until her grandmother, the English teacher, took the time to teach her to read -- then she never stopped. She began re-writing alternate endings for her Trixie Belden books into happily-ever-afters with Trixie's platonic friend Jim. When she was home with pneumonia at twelve, she read the entire set of World Book Encyclopedias -- a little more challenging to end those happily.

Caitlyn loves writing about Alpha males with strong heroines who keep the men on their toes. There is plenty of action, suspense and humor in her books. She is never shy about tackling some of today’s tough and relevant issues.

In addition to being an award-winning author of romantic suspense novels, she is a devoted aunt, an avid reader, a former corporate executive for a Fortune 100 company, and totally in love with her husband of soon-to-be twenty years.

She recently moved back home to the Pacific Northwest from Southern California. She is so happy to see the seasons again; rain, rain and more rain. She has a large fan group on Facebook and through her e-mail list. Caitlyn is known for telling her “Caitlyn Factors”, where she relates her little and big life’s screw-ups. The list is long. She loves hearing and connecting with her fans on a daily basis.

AUTHOR LINKS


Pickled Petunia (Motts Cold Case Mystery #3) Blog Tour +Giveaway


Title: Pickled Petunia
Series: Motts Cold Case Mystery, #3
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: November 6, 2021
Cover Designer: BookSmith Design

 
 
Mystery beckons when a young woman seeks out budding amateur detective Pineapple “Motts” Mottley to find her missing mother in the third novel of the Motts Cold Case Mystery series. 

Murder comes to Motts’s doorstep when a stranger asks her to investigate a suspicious disappearance. Past experience tells her to say no yet her curiosity wins out. What’s the harm in asking a few questions? 

The missing person case quickly evolves into murder when a body is found in the strangest circumstances. Motts sifts through various suspects and lies, only to come face to face with danger. Things become even more personal when a killer from her childhood makes an unwelcome appearance.  

How many close calls can Motts escape? 

Will she survive amidst a flood of beer and a catastrophic inferno? 

 Available now! 

“I should probably rescue her from the deluge.” Motts went to answer the door. She didn’t know what to say. “Hello.” 

That was normal, right? 

“Can you find my mum?” her visitor blurted. “Please?” 

That was definitely not normal. 

Motts blinked a few times, trying to process the question shouted at her. “Pardon?” 

“I should’ve called, shouldn’t I?” She shoved damp hair out of her face. “Mikey said you’re autistic and might appreciate a warning. I’ve just…. I’m desperate to find Mum. No one believes she’s gone missing.” 

“I’m not the police.” Motts flinched when a crack of thunder crashed overhead. “Okay. Come inside. Everything makes more sense with a mug of tea. Mind the cat, he adopts strangers. Let me find you a towel.” 

“Cat?” 

Motts waved her inside and pointed to the curious cat who’d come to investigate. “Cactus. Not prickly, mostly fuzzy. The kitchen’s down there. I’ll be a moment.” 

Why would Mikey give her my name? 

Mikey O’Connell had been the grandson of a woman found floating in the sea in June. Motts had discovered his brother and mum were behind the horrific murder. They’d stayed in touch after the investigation. 

Grabbing a towel from the upstairs bathroom, Motts returned to the kitchen. She put the kettle on, grabbed two mismatched mugs, and dropped two slices of bread in the toaster. Everything would hopefully make more sense after breakfast. 

“Here.” Motts offered the towel to her. 

“Your auntie and my mum are great friends. I’m Paisley. Petunia Lee’s my mum.” She sat in the chair near the fire to dry off. Her whole body seemed to be shaking. “She works at one of the breweries near Looe. Her boyfriend said she left him a note saying she went on holiday.” 

“But?” Motts opted for one of the non-caffeinated teas her friend Vina had brought over for her. A lovely blackcurrant-flavoured one that reminded her strongly of Ribena. “Could she be on holiday?” 

“Mum’s not one to travel. I can’t remember the last time she took a trip anywhere.” Paisley began to towel dry her hair. She gratefully accepted the second one Motts handed to her. “She wouldn’t go without telling me.” 

“Have you tried calling her? What about the police?” Motts wasn’t sure how she could help. “I’m not a detective. I make origami bouquets and quilling art for a living. Don’t think I’m the best first choice.” 

“The police said she’s an adult. She can do what she wants.” Paisley huffed in irritation. She wrapped the second towel around herself. “Mikey said you’re great at solving mysteries.” 

Mikey’s a liar. 

And never invited to the cottage ever again. 


* * * * *

Motts Cold Case Mystery Series

Poisoned Primrose (bk 1)

Pierced Peony (bk 2)
books2read.com/motts2
 
Dahlia Donovan wrote her first romance series after a crazy dream about shifters and damsels in distress.  Dahlia is an autistic who prefers irreverent humour and unconventional characters.  She has found great happiness with her husband, her tiny dog Bacon, and her collection of books and video games.   

Dahlia has worked over the years as a teacher, insurance adjuster, and even had a brief stint as the pianist in a band–very brief, like three weeks. She uses her experiences as a TCK travelling around the world during the first twenty-years of her life to add spice to her stories.


Monday, November 22, 2021

The Bareback Cowboy (Southern Hearts Club #4) Blog Tour +Giveaway

Title: The Bareback Cowboy (Southern Hearts Club, #4) 

Author: Melanie Munton Genre: Romantic Comedy 

Release Date: November 23, 2021 

Cover Designer: L.J. Anderson at Mayhem Cover Creations 

Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

He might be one of the best riders in the world,

but she’ll give him the buck of his life.

WOULD YOU RATHER… Go through your entire life without ever falling in love?

OR… Have a rough-and-tumble cowboy stomp all over your heart with his sharpened spurs before riding off into the sunset like John f***ing Wayne?

Yeah, that happened. And frankly, I knew better. All cowboys are trouble. I’ve grown up around them my entire life, so I know how they operate. I’ve broken some of the toughest horses in the business. But for some reason, I found this thoroughbred impossible to resist.

A lot of good it did me too. Nothing but tears and comfort eating in the aftermath.

Suddenly, after a year away with no phone calls or texts to show for it, he’s back. He thinks we can pick up where we left off. But I’ve got news for him: His eight seconds with me are already up.

Little do I know, there’s a reason why he’s come back. And it’s the absolute last thing I expect.

AMAZON| iBOOKS| NOOK| KOBO

Tweet: Check out the #BlogTour for The Bareback Cowboy Book 4 in the Southern Hearts Club By @Melanie_Munton HERE>> https://ctt.ec/57Mbb+ your copy today on your favourite platform https://ctt.ec/2R1in+ #BAPpr #RomanticComedy

 

“You’re not Quinn Prescott.”

My arm drops. I’m not even sure how to react to that, let alone what to say. My inner brilliance comes up with, “I’m not? Then maybe I should call the DMV and tell them they made a mistake on my ID.”

His frown only deepens. “I don’t hire minors. Even if you’re legal to work, wages get muddy with minors and it’s not worth navigating.”

Uh…minor?

Cut him.

Is he actually serious? Sure, I’m short. Barely 5’1”. And yeah, I’m pretty small and petite. Always have been. I was teased relentlessly about it in grade school because I always looked years younger than everyone else in my class. Among their many nicknames for me, I think their favorite was “Pipsqueak Prescott.”

But a minor?

This dude must be trippin’ off gin and juice.

“I’m twenty-four,” I state very clearly and a little impatiently.

His expression clears…and there it is. However he was struggling to see me before, he’s somehow figured it out and is now looking at me like he suddenly has free rein to do so. As if he’s actually letting himself really look now.

“I’ve heard that Morty and Quinn Prescott are some of the best horse trainers around,” he says dubiously. “And that you, in particular, have tempered some of the most unmanageable mounts. They say you have a gift.”

My chest swells with enormous pride at the compliment and at the knowledge that influential individuals in our field are actually touting our expertise. But it’s the tone with which he says all of it that rankles on my already prickly nerves.

Disbelief.

I huff, planting my hands on my hips. “What exactly were you expecting? A two-hundred-pound cowhand with a sailor’s mouth and a wad of dip in her lip?”

I immediately realize I shouldn’t have said that. Because he seems to take it as an invitation to conduct a more thorough inspection of my body. From the top of my shoulder-length brown hair and diamond stud nose ring, to the tank top and untucked flannel shirt, to the denim shorts, and finally, to my lace-up, calf-high combat boots.

Despite the fact that I first sat a horse at three years old and have grown up in the rodeo business, cowboy boots have never been my thing. They aren’t a prerequisite to being an expert horsewoman, thank you very much. I just feel more comfortable this way.

“The combat boots were a shock,” he eventually says after his gaze once again finds mine.

The urge to grin hits me, but I instantly quash it. Something still has me on the defensive with this cowboy. Then again, I’m always on the defensive. With almost everyone. I can never seem to turn it off.

And something tells me that with this guy, I’m going to have to keep my back up.

Because if I so much as blink, he might try to get me on my back.

Melanie grew up in a small town in the Midwest. After marrying her husband, she decided she wanted to try coastal life because why not? A few months later, they moved to North Carolina where she discovered her passion for writing, and they never looked back. They are now enjoying life with their beautiful daughter in Savannah, GA and loving every minute with their little Georgia peach.

Melanie’s other passion is traveling and seeing the world. With anthropology degrees under their belts, she and her husband have made it their goal in life to see as many archaeological sites around the world as possible.

She has a horrible food addiction to pasta and candy (not together…ew). And she gets sad when her wine rack is empty.

At the end of the day, she is a true romantic at heart. She loves writing the cheesy and corny of romantic comedies, and the sassy and sexy of suspense. She aims to make her readers swoon, laugh out loud, maybe sweat a little, and above all, fall in love.

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Some Call It Attraction (Sweet Dreams #5) Release Blitz +Giveaway


Title: Some Call It Attraction
Series: Sweet Dreams #5
Author: Sarah Peis
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release Date: November 22, 2021


BLURB
Two best friends. One lie. A second chance neither of them expected.

He’s used to champagne and caviar; I’m used to burgers and boxed wine. We were as opposite as two people could get, yet we became best friends, anyway.

Turns out all it took to tear us apart was a lie.

The last thing I expected was to see him again years later on the set of a reality TV show I’m a contestant in. It doesn’t take long for us to fall back into an easy friendship I thought I’d lost forever. But the feelings I tried so hard to ignore refuse to stay dead and buried.

What will he do when he finds out that I lied all those years ago? Because I can’t walk away a second time. Not even when being with him could get me kicked off the show.

This is Rayna’s story and a second-chance, friends-to-lovers romantic comedy.

Note from the author: In order not to get kicked out of the good (okay goodish.... fine, sometimes good) girls club, I’d like to point out that I write steamy romcoms and my characters use bad language (sometimes) and like to get it on. There’s no cheating and all my books have a HEA.


PURCHASE LINKS
99c for a limited time!
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU


EXCERPT
For once not overthinking everything, I held his hand while taking my first step on the beach. The sand was still warm, the sunset spectacular. The purple, orange, and pink sky looked like it was on fire. I took a few photos and sent them to Willa.
Grayson stole my phone and pulled me in to his side. “Smile.”
He took a few selfies with me, holding me in a comfortable hug. He was closer than he’d been in five years, and my palms became damp as my body went into overdrive.
Oblivious to my inner turmoil, he released me and handed my phone back. I stowed it in my back pocket, and he took my hand again, walking us down to the water.
“How does the reality match up with your expectations?” he asked after a moment.
“It’s even better.” And it was. Because not only did I finally get to experience the beach, but I got to do it with Grayson. And he was still holding my hand.
I braved one step into the water but then jumped back with a shriek. Too cold for me.
Grayson laughed at my exaggerated shiver. After he pulled me into the water a few more times, we walked along the beach, still holding hands.
A girl better not get used to this. Because it wasn’t real. Even though I didn’t think friends held hands like this. But who was I to question anything? I had no friends, no life, and no idea what I was doing.
Maybe this was what friends did these days.
Grayson slowed his steps, and our walk became more of a stroll. “So, you opened your bakery.”
“I certainly did. And I even called it Sweet Dreams.”
The name had been Grayson’s idea, and I’d loved it from the moment he first mentioned it.
“I’m so happy for you, Rayna. You did it.” He ran his thumb along my hand, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “One thing I know for sure: you can do anything you set your mind to.”
My face heated at his compliment. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I’m not sure it’s deserved.”
“Oh it’s deserved. Not believing in yourself has always been your biggest hurdle.”
It was hard to be self-confident with an upbringing like mine. And when the one person who had always been in my corner died, I nearly lost my way.
“I couldn’t have gotten to where I am without you,” I rasped, forever grateful he was there for me when I needed him most.


ALSO AVAILABLE
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU


AUTHOR BIO
Supporter of all things written, defender of the e-book revolution and master of the take out order - I'm not afraid to say I can’t cook, go a week without breaking something, read labels correctly or park cars in a straight line.

I love the written word in all forms and shapes and if I'm not glued to a book I'm attempting to write one. I’m a frequent blonde moment sufferer and still trying to figure out how to adult. I live in Melbourne, Australia, with my two little humans, the holder of my heart and two furry demons. I love to hear from readers so feel free to get in touch.

AUTHOR LINKS

GIVEAWAY

Friday, November 19, 2021

Deadly Illusion (Secrets and the City #1) Cover Reveal +Giveaway


Title: Deadly Illusion
Series: Secrets and the City #1
Author: Kathy Lockheart
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Cover Design: Hang Le
Release Date: December 10, 2021


BLURB
A sexy fighter saw her bruises. Now he’ll die to protect her. Maybe even kill…

Jenna was determined to leave her dark past behind her and build the life she’d always wanted, but just when she thought all her dreams were finally coming true, a shocking incident shattered her fairy-tale life, and now she’s hiding a terrible secret—a secret that could cost her everything.

Damian is as gorgeous as he is mysterious, keeping his own dark secrets from everyone he meets. He never thought he'd care about anything again...until he meets Jenna. He knows letting her get close to him will put her in danger, but when he suspects Jenna's in trouble, there's only one thing that matters: protecting her at all costs.

Thrust into a terrifying nightmare where a threat looms in every shadow, Jenna and Damian find themselves in a race for survival. Soon, everyone Jenna loves is in peril, and only the ultimate sacrifice can save them...

This book contains sensitive subject matter.

An emotional, tension-filled forbidden romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page...


Deadly Illusion is Book 1 in The Secrets and the City series, which is made up of full-length standalone romantic suspense novels with no cliffhangers.


PRE-ORDER LINKS
99c for a limited time!
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU



PLAYLIST

TRAILER

EXCERPT
I pointed my stick at his chest, noticing it no longer had blood splatter on it.

"For God's sake, Jenna! Is that really necessary?"

I clutched my weapon tighter.

Damian let out a frustrated sigh. "After what you saw, you really think a stick would stop me?"

"Yeah," I lied.

"If I wanted to hurt you, I'd have done it by now."

"Comforting."

"You know I'd never hurt you."

"No, I don't. I don't know anything about you." And I didn't trust my judgment. It'd been wrong before...

Damian rubbed his ribs. Evidently, I'd gotten in some good swings. I shouldn't have felt a rush of triumph.

"Leave," I insisted.

He looked at me sharply. "You can't be serious."

"I'm deadly serious."

Damian pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm trying to be patient here, Jenna, but it's been a long night. You're wet and cold, and you need to come back to the truck before you get hypothermia."

"I'm not going anywhere with you."

"Yes, you are."

"No, I'm not," I said, raising the stick when he reached for me.

"I'm not leaving you alone out here, Jenna, so cut it out!" He reached for me again, so I swung, but he dodged it and glowered at me.

How frustrating it must be to be so strong and yet powerless to move one small girl.

Damian looked up at the sky, then back at me. "Come back to the building, out of the rain."

"No."

"My truck, then. Lock me out if you want, but come out of the woods. It's not safe."

"No."

He scanned my body with a tightened jaw, clearly contemplating just throwing me over his shoulder and carrying me out.

"Don't even think about it," I warned. "I'm not going anywhere with you."

"I'm not leaving you alone out here," Damian said, irritated. The massive chunk of muscles took another step toward me.

I raised my bat.

"You go," Damian pointed behind him. "I'll stay, for God's sake."

"You might follow me."

"For the love of..." Damian's chest swelled as he ran a hand through his hair. "Why do you have to make this so difficult?"

"Because I don't know who you are!"

He held the back of his neck. "What do I have to do to get you to leave?"

Nothing. There was nothing Damian could do to convince me to leave with him. Not tonight, not ever.

This whole time he'd been hiding who he really was.

© Kathy Lockheart. All rights reserved.

ALSO COMING SOON
Releasing March 31
$2.99 for a limited time!
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU


AUTHOR BIO
Kathy Lockheart is an author of Romantic Suspense novels. Her books—which have a unique blend of emotional elements typically found in women’s fiction and the romance and danger elements found in romantic suspense—contain themes of dark romance, antiheroes, and forbidden romance. Her debut novel, Deadly Illusion, releases 12/10/2021, and her second and third novels release in 2022. When she’s not writing, you can find her silently cursing the person who put fluorescent lights in dressing rooms.

AUTHOR LINKS