Spotlight: One Kind Home by Christine DePetrillo

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Release Date: April 25, 2024

Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romance

Tropes: small-town romance, second chance, forced proximity, bodyguard hero 

How could Dolan’s stupid wink and a barely-there smile send such a scorching blaze through her?

It’s Claire Rayhill’s turn. All her siblings have found true love in Maplehaven. Clearly, she’s next. She’s been on a ton of dates since moving to small-town Vermont, but those guys haven’t given her that forever vibe. None of them have made her feel like she did six years ago on her one and only night with Dolan Fairmont. Her brother’s sexy bodyguard shifted her world right off its axis. Then he left. Claire has been spinning ever since, but she’s determined to find a nice guy who wants to make a home with her.

Until Dolan returns with the brick walls around his heart higher than ever. The mere sight of him has insults flying out of Claire’s mouth every time they are in each other’s company. Which is far too often. His singular focus on his job pisses her off, but the way he tracks her with those serious gray-blue eyes does something else entirely.

Dolan isn’t sure his brick walls will hold now that he’s back in Claire’s orbit. The sass that comes out of her mouth doesn’t affect him half as much as what that same mouth did to him six years ago. He’s never forgotten the power of her kiss or the fire of her touch, but his line of work is risky. He knows all too well that putting people he loves in danger is always a mistake. Better to not have Claire at all than to lose her.

When Dolan gets hurt, however, Claire surprises them both by volunteering to help. Will she regret that good deed? Will he?

Is one kind home enough to tear down all the walls around their fragile hearts?

One Kind Home is a second-chance, forced-proximity, small-town, contemporary romance with a bodyguard hero and a boudoir photography stylist who might just be picture perfect together.

First Chapter Peek here: https://christinedepetrillo.weebly.com/first-chapter-peeks.html

Excerpt

Of all the ways she’d pictured spending her thirtieth birthday night, alone hadn’t been one of them.

Well, she hadn’t been completely alone actually. At around 2:00 a.m., a noise outside had made her crawl out of bed. She’d shuffled to the sliding doors that opened to a small deck off the back of the cottage. After turning on the floodlight back there, she’d been greeted by a fox. One with the tip of its left ear missing. It had apparently knocked over a pot of mums she had on a low garden table. Oddly, it hadn’t run off when it noticed her watching. Instead, the fox hopped up onto an Adirondack chair and settled into a tight circle, cat-like, on the flowered seat cushion.

Quietly, Claire had opened the door and slipped outside to sit in the other chair. She sat with the fox for about twenty minutes, the September night air cool, but cleansing somehow. When she’d bought the pair of Adirondack chairs, she’d pictured one for the soul mate she was sure to find soon. Sitting there with a wild fox instead seemed silly, but the critter wasn’t half-bad company.

Rubbing her eyes now and focusing back on the ceiling, Claire wondered if that fox was free tonight. Maybe if she kissed him, he’d turn into a prince or something.

About the Author

Christine DePetrillo can often be found hugging trees, conversing with dragonflies, and walking barefoot through sun-warmed soil. She finds joy in listening to the wind, bathing in moonlight, and breathing in the fragrances of things that bloom. If she had her way, the sky would be the only roof over her head.

Her love of nature seeps into every story she tells. As does her obsession with bearded mountain men who build, often smell like sawdust, and know how to cherish the women they love. Today she writes tales meant to make you laugh, maybe make you sweat, and definitely make you believe in the power of love.

She lives in Vermont with her husband and many woodland creatures who defend her fiercely from all evils.

Connect:

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Small Town Hearts FB reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/141435039780507

Website: https://christinedepetrillo.weebly.com/

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BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/christine-depetrillo

TikTok: @christine depetrillo https://www.tiktok.com/@christinedepetrillo

Spotlight: Explosive Chemistry by Paige E. Ewing

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Pub Date: November 2023
Genre: Urban fantasy, futuristic fantasy, paranormal romance
Publisher: City Owl Press

Set 30 years into a hopeful future where fossil fuels are obsolete in Fayetteville, North Carolina, a reluctant spider-kin fortune teller must solve the mystery of who killed four soldiers at Fort Liberty. With not quite enough– or maybe too much– help from an infuriating Fae Colonel, and before her dear friends, an oak goblin doctor and a fairy with a penchant for machine guns, end up as the next victims. Including a neurodivergent main character and a diverse cast of quirky companions, Explosive Chemistry is the second installment of the Liliana and the Fae of Fayetteville series that started with Precise Oaths.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Paige writes about superheroes and sentient cities, were-spiders and gun-loving fairies, werewolves and fighter pilots. By day, Paige writes articles and technical books for O’Reilly Publishers about analytics software and data architecture. In her spare time, Paige loves to shoot arrows and throw axes and spears. She lives in the middle of Texas, and will show you far too many pictures of her garden if you let her. She once invented a way to grow food on Mars that NASA liked, and has a cute trophy to show for it. Her dogs and horses are unimpressed.

Spotlight: Devious Beloved by T.L. Smith

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Release: April 23, 2024

Genre/Tropes: Lovers to Enemies/Fake Marriage

He's devious, and my soon to be husband.

I didn't choose him.

I was coerced.

Whiskey has a way of manipulating me. He knows that I'll do whatever it takes to protect my family.

He's found my weakness and he's exploiting it. Seizing as he sees as his opportunity.

Now, I'm his wife for the next year.

I'm counting down the days until my time is up.

Until I'm free.

However, it doesn't seem to matter how devious he is, or that he's my father's friend.

When he's near, I want him to stay.

I hate that I love being married to my devious husband.

NOTE: Previous published as Cruel Deloved. It has been rewritten with over 6,000 words added

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

USA Today Best Selling Author T.L. Smith loves to write her characters with flaws so beautiful and dark you can’t turn away. Her books have been translated into several languages. If you don’t catch up with her in her home state of Queensland, Australia you can usually find her travelling the world, either sitting on a beach in Bali or exploring Alcatraz in San Francisco or walking the streets of New York.

Connect:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tlsmith.13

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Website: https://www.tlsmithauthor.com/

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7884394.T_L_Smith

Newsletter & Release Alert: http://tlsmithauthor.com/newsletter/

Cover Reveal: One More Truth by Stina Lindenblatt

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Release Date: May 30

Jessica and Troy’s gripping story concludes with the third book of the HIDDEN SECRETS TRILOGY as passion and danger collide . . .

After everything she’s been through over the past ten years, Jess should be focusing on her healing. She should be figuring out where her future will take her. And she should be finding herself after her abusive husband ripped away her identity.

Too bad someone else has different plans.

After a national newspaper article reveals to everyone in Maple Ridge about her past and her shame, Jess’s life and plans are put in jeopardy. Prejudices in the town run strong against her—prejudices because of where she spent the last five years.

But it’s not only her life that is at risk. Everything that matters to Troy, the man she’s falling in love with, will be ruined…unless she finds a way to stop it all from crumbling before it’s too late.

Stop it before the truth destroys Jess and all that she loves…

The dual timeline story is the final novel in Hidden Secrets trilogy. The books in the trilogy must be read in order. All other books in the Carson Brother series are standalone.

Buy on Amazon

Meet Stina Lindenblatt

Born in Brighton England, USA Today bestselling author Stina Lindenblatt has lived in a number of countries, including England, the U.S., Finland, and Canada. This would explain her mixed up accent. She has a kinesiology degree and a MSc in sports biological sciences. In addition to writing fiction, she loves photography, and currently lives in Calgary, Canada, with her husband, three kids, and their adorable rescue cat.

Connect with Stina Lindenblatt:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StinaLindenblattAuthor/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/872757169494007/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stinalindenblatt/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stinalindenblatt

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/stina-lindenblatt

Spotlight: Taming Her Heart by Bree Westland

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When a ghost from the past shocks the clan, Leslie Beckett, guardian of the long-awaited prophecy, is left with no choice but to plot a way forward. Tyler Jackson becomes a welcome distraction, igniting feelings Leslie is unprepared for. Meanwhile, the rogue fae are quietly claiming the minds of loved ones in their own quest for the elusive prophecy. Readers who enjoy brother’s best friend and tortured heroes who fall first tropes will devour Taming Her Heart by Bree Westland, a steamy fated mates romance.

Earning her place among them was the easy part.

Leslie Beckett had been the glue holding her family together since her mother disappeared not long after her birth. As a witch, a dragon shifter, and the only daughter in a household of male dragon shifters, she’d had to train harder. Be the best. She’d always crave the hunt. Yet the innate tug of magic made her feel most alive.

Tyler Jackson followed his sister to Rayner, leaving his career as a police officer on Earth behind. Ditching his ties to his undercover ops position proved more difficult though. So he put those skills to work when granted a spot on the alpha’s elite team. He was nothing if not ruthlessly efficient in his role.

When a ghost from the past shocks the clan, nothing is as it seems. As the guardian of the long awaited prophesy, Leslie plots a way forward. Tyler is a welcome distraction, igniting feelings Leslie is unprepared for. And he can’t get the wickedly talented, pretty princess out of his head.

Meanwhile, the rogue fae quietly claim the minds of loved ones in their own quest for the elusive prophesy. Can Leslie and Tyler’s growing bond prove stronger than the forces of fate uniting against them?

*Readers can expect healthy doses of hot shifters, naughty language, and intimate time with a fated mate, all wrapped up in a happily ever after. Can be read as a standalone romance but best enjoyed in the order written.

Excerpt 

Copyright 2024 @Bree Westland 

The futility of his statement hit him as their eyes met and held. Leslie would always be in danger. Instinctively he understood that. Her prophetic powers would only get stronger from here on out, ensuring that she’d be an ongoing target. He’d just have to make it his life’s work to keep her safe because he couldn’t imagine a world without her in it.

Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! 

About Bree Westland

Hi, I’m Bree! Paranormal romance writer and lover of all things fantasy. I write steamy shifter romances with growly alpha men and the strong women who love them. Most days you can find me tucked away in my office, lost in the worlds and characters I create, listening while they tell me their stories.

When not writing, you can catch me curled up with a hot cup of tea and my ever-growing TBR pile. I call home the sunny beaches of Jacksonville, Florida, but I love traveling as long as I can take my laptop with me!

Follow: Facebook | Website | TikTok | Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub | Newsletter | Amazon 

Spotlight: Sweetheart by Cookie O’Gorman

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Publication date: April 25th 2024
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Sweetheart (suh-weet-hart): Someone who is kind, friendly, and/or lovable. For reference, see Scarlett Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Scarlett Kent likes the idea of love—in theory. She’s just never had time for romance. Voted Most Likely to Succeed, founder of a youth mentoring program, and an aspiring professional violinist, Scarlett has goals—and a list of “firsts” she’d like to complete before graduation.

One thing that’s not on her list: Falling for Sam Bishop.

Flirtatious jocks who sleep through class aren’t her type—no matter how good Sam looks in his jersey. But when her car breaks down, Sam stops to help…which leads to an unexpected offer.

Sam volunteers to help Scarlett complete her list. In return, she’ll help him win back his ex.

It’s a sweetheart deal that should benefit everyone.

But between kissing lessons and pretend dates, Scarlett realizes Sam is the perfect fake boyfriend. And if she’s not careful, he could be her first real heartbreak.

This book features two souls who’re meant to be, one fake arrangement, so many heart-melting kisses and answers the question:

What happens when a perfectionist falls for a player?

Excerpt

"Oh look, here's your boyfriend now."

"Hey, Kent," a voice said behind me.

My "just friends" backed away, but they didn't go far.  Alexandria and Grayson weren't the only people watching either.  I could see several students and a few teachers had paused to watch the interaction between Sam and me.

This was it.

Phase one of the plan.

When I turned, I was ready, in the zone, the fake romance zone that is.

But then I got a look at Sam.  He was smiling extra wide, and his eyes were round too, like a cartoon.  My own expression nearly faltered, but I shook it off and stayed in character, as I rushed to close the gap between us.  Keeping my smile, I lowered my voice so only he could hear.

"What's wrong with your face?" I whispered.

"What do you mean?" Sam said, still smiling way too big.

"You look crazy.  Stop that."

"Do I?"

"Your teeth are blinding everyone in a mile radius," I gritted out.  "For goodness sake, Bishop, tone it down a notch."

"But I'm really happy to see you," he said.

With a sigh, I shook my head.  "Too much, far too many teeth."

Sam's face went back to normal in the next breath.  "This better?"

"Yes, much," I said.

"Hey, it was your idea to bust out the heart eyes," he said.

I lifted a brow.  "I believe I said to look happy."

"Really happy."

"Okay, but the goal is to convince people we're in love," I said, "not scare small children."

Sam laughed, but movement behind him caught my attention.  Brisa was walking arm-and-arm with Cooper down the hall.  They were coming this way.  My eyes widened, and I looked back at Sam with urgency.

"Pick me up and spin me around," I said.

"Huh?" Sam said.

I put my hands on his shoulders and tried not to shiver as his hands went around my waist in response.

Confession: The attempt failed.

"Brisa and Cooper at 12 o'clock," I whispered as pleasurable shivers raced up and down my spine.  "Pick me up and spin me.  Like we're reuniting after a long time apart."

"You think that's realistic?"

"I think it's romantic."

Sam looked unconvinced.

"Come on, Bishop," I said quickly.  "Spin me.  They're almost here.  You're supposed to be my boyfriend.  Right?"

He met my eyes and gave me a soft, genuine smile so unlike the one he'd been wearing before.  "Anything for my girlfriend," he said.

Then I was flying.

Or at least it felt that way.

I gasped as Sam lifted and turned with me in his arms.  This wasn't on my list, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why.  It was wonderful.  Sam's hands were warm on my waist, and butterflies danced in my stomach as I clung to his neck.

"Oh yeah," he said into my ear, "this is much more believable."

"Whatever, Bishop," I said unable to hold back a breathless laugh.

Round and round, we went, and when he finally set me down, I felt unsteady.

"I think you should leave the romantic gestures to me," he said.

"Not a chance," I replied.  Looking around, I didn't see Brisa anywhere.  The crowd of onlookers began to disperse, and there weren't as many people left in the hall.  But she had to have walked by us.  "Did Brisa see?"

"Don't know," he said.  "Your hair was in my face."

"Sorry."

"Don't be.  It was nice." 

Brow furrowed, I gave him a look.

Sam just shrugged.  "You have nice hair."

"You still say the most random things," I said, thinking back to when we were younger.

"You're random," he replied.

"And come up with the lamest insults."

"You're the lamest."

"Thank you for proving my point."

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Cookie O'Gorman Bio: Cookie O'Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, The Kissing Challenge (YA novella), WALLFLOWER, CUPCAKE, FAUXMANCE, and BOOKWORM are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romances The Best Mistake, The Perfect Play, The Sweetest Game, and The Total Knockout. Her newest release SWEETHEART came out on April 25, 2024!

Connect:
http://cookieogorman.com/
https://twitter.com/CookieOwrites
https://www.facebook.com/cookieogorman
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cookie-o-gorman
https://www.instagram.com/cookieogorman/
https://mailchi.mp/bdb1d9c56ae7/the-cookie-jar
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14924267.Cookie_O_Gorman