Spotlight: Unexpected Play by Alexa Padgett

Release Date: September 21

He's my brother's best friend. My new neighbor. And the Providence Forge defenseman who makes me forget I was ever broken.

Coming home to Providence was supposed to be temporary while I finished my master's degree and helped at my family's architecture firm.

I planned to raise my daughter in peace after my ex-fiancé walked away before she was even born.

Then Ryder Mackay moved in next door. The gorgeous pediatrician and part-time Forge enforcer has always been off-limits. He's loyal, steady, and the kind of man who shows up without being asked. Which is exactly why falling for him is such a terrible idea.

Because every time Ryder holds my baby like she belongs in his arms…every time he looks at me like I'm worth more than the wreckage I'm still climbing out of…I start wanting things I swore I'd never risk again: a future and a family. Him.

But Ryder's spent years protecting everyone around him while ignoring what he wants for himself, and if we're not careful, the timing that brought us together might be the very thing that tears us apart.

Previously published as Magnetic Medic, Unexpected Play is a steamy brother's-best-friend hockey romance featuring a protective hero, a single mother rebuilding her life on her own terms, forced proximity, emotional healing, and a fiercely earned happily ever after. Books in the Providence Forge Series can be read standalone — but reading in order deepens the world.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

Meet Alexa Padgett

USA Today bestseller Alexa Padgett’s books have garnered accolades from prestigious organizations, including Kirkus Reviews, National Indie Excellence Awards, and Publishers Weekly.

Alexa spent a good part of her youth traveling. From Budapest to Belize, Calgary to Coober Pedy, she soaked in the myriad smells, sounds, and feels of these gorgeous places, wishing she could live in them all–at least for a while. And she does in her books.

She lives in New Mexico with her husband, children, and Great Pyrenees pup, Ash. When not writing, schlepping, or volunteering, she can be found in her tiny kitchen, channeling her inner Barefoot Contessa.

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Cover Reveal: Just Scoring With Love by Lauren Blakely

When she's practice dating her hockey star best friend, but it starts to feel like the real thing...

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes the next standalone hockey romance in her Hockey Ever After series, JUST SCORING WITH LOVE! This spicy, childhood best friends-to-lovers, forced proximity, it’s always been you hockey romance about the cinnamon roll hero who’s secretly pining over his best friend releases January 13th in all formats, and will be free to read in Kindle Unlimited. Check out the cover and blurb below and pre-order your copy today!

Confession - I've been secretly fake dating my hockey-playing best friend.

I went to his house for dinner and walked straight into a matchmaking trap!

Miller’s teenage siblings have decided he’s been off the dating market long enough raising them, so it’s time for him to get back out there. And as his childhood best friend, they appoint me to “practice date” him.

Even though it’s walking a dangerous line, the forbidden goalie with the sexy smirk supported me when an injury shattered my own hockey dreams, so I say yes. 

To writing his profile. Taking photos of him. Going on “trial” dates.

Huge mistake.

Looking at my best friend through a new lens becomes pure torture. 

I can’t stop imagining his talented hands gripping my hips, his tempting mouth coasting across my skin.

Until a desperate kiss late one night at the rink changes everything. 

But I’m a sports broadcaster trying to break barriers in a male-dominated industry. I don’t have time for romance, especially since I cover his team now.

So we make a new deal: a temporary arrangement to get it out of our systems.

Only the way Miller touches me after dark suggests he’s playing to win, and has been for years. And I want more. 

But can I risk the one relationship I can’t live without? 

This is Miller and Anna’s romance. Tropes include: hockey romance, single guardian, childhood best friends to lovers, it’s always been you, secret pining, practice dates and fake dating, forced proximity, workplace romance, he has a dog.

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

✦ Amazon ➜ https://blkly.pub/JustScoringAMZ
✦ Audible ➜
https://blkly.pub/JSWLAudible

About the Author

A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Her books have been featured in US Weekly and People. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party. 

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Spotlight: Falling for Love by Carly Phillips

Release Date: September 17

AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

One reckless night was supposed to be forgettable.
Instead, it changed everything.

I wasn’t looking for trouble when I met Jack Dare in a Charleston bar.

But one look at the devastatingly handsome stranger and suddenly I wanted things I’d spent years denying myself.

Freedom.
Desire.
Him.

So for one night, I stopped being careful.

One drink turned into stolen kisses.
One kiss turned into a night I still can’t forget.
And by morning, I disappeared before Jack could learn the truth about me.

Because men like him don’t survive people like my ex-boyfriend.

Powerful. Ruthless. Obsessed with control.
The kind of man who doesn’t let go once he decides you belong to him.

I thought leaving was the only way to protect Jack.

Until two pink lines changed everything.

Now I’m standing outside his Miami doorstep pregnant, terrified, and running out of options.

But the man who opens the door isn’t shocked.
He’s furious someone made me afraid to come to him.

Jack Dare is protective, relentless, and impossible to walk away from.
The kind of man who would burn the world down for the people he loves.

And the more danger closes in around us, the harder it becomes to remember this was never supposed to be forever.

Because Jack isn’t letting me run again.

And for the first time in my life…
I don’t want to.

Perfect for readers who love surprise pregnancy, one-night stands that turn into forever, protective alpha heroes, emotional intensity, dangerous exes, found safety, and guaranteed happily-ever-afters.

Buy on Amazon

Meet Carly Phillips

Carly Phillips is the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over eighty sexy contemporary romances featuring hot men, strong women, and emotionally compelling stories her readers have come to expect and love. She is happily married to her college sweetheart and lives in Westchester County, NY. She is the mother of two adult daughters and three crazy dogs who star on her Facebook and Instagram pages. She loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers. Way back in 2002, Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa and was the first romance on a nationally televised book club. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. For more information on upcoming releases, sign up for her newsletter (below) and receive two free books!

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To learn more about Carly Phillips & her books, visit here!

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Spotlight: Promise of Punishment by Tara Gallina

Release Date: September 16

AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

He's the memory that burns like poison. She's the obsession that devours his control.

Fable
They say angels only exist in heaven.
They’re wrong. Some are born into hell and learn to survive.

I was seventeen when I saved a beautiful stranger from dying in an abandoned garden. He promised to kill the villain in my nightmares. Instead, he shattered my life.

At twenty-three, I’m still running from the evil in my past, and the stranger who betrayed me. He’s back. Colder, and in a position to destroy me again.

I hide in a gilded mansion where elites play, falling for a masked man who makes my body come alive.

But some prisoners earn favors.
And some saviors keep deadly promises.

Wes
They say monsters are made, not born.
They’re right.

Cruelty came from my father. Survival came from the girl who healed me when I was meant to die. She was a glimmer in the darkness, then she betrayed me. Or so I was told.

Now she’s standing in front of me, a grown woman with haunted eyes and a hatred for me I don’t understand.

She doesn’t know I’m the man behind the mask, bringing her desires to life. She doesn’t know I own her world.

I was once saved by an angel, and I failed her. This time, I’ll keep my promise and reveal who I truly am.
Even if it makes her hate me more.

*Can be read as standalone. Check trigger warnings.

Buy on Amazon

Meet Tara Gallina

Tara Gallina writes across various romance genres, from new adult and college to small town and fantasy. While most of her books are steamy, she's also penned a few sweeter titles.

Her stories blend angst, tormented heroes, a hint of humor, and the occasional tear. Many of her books come alive through settings inspired by her travels.

When she's not writing, she loves to visit gardens, New England in the fall, European castles, and Caribbean beaches. She has a fairy garden, a Lady Lair for writing, favors the color pink, and only drinks wine that tastes like melted sugar.

She lives in the Sunshine State with her husband, where she raised her two sons who are now adults. Her writing journey began in 2014 when she signed with a literary agent for a young adult retelling. Since then, she's moved on to publishing steamy romances and hasn't looked back.

To find out about Tara Gallina’s upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter here

For more information on Tara Gallina and her books visit: https://www.taragallina.com/

Connect with Tara Gallina: https://www.taragallina.com/about-me

Spotlight: Scored by Aleatha Romig

Release Date: September 7

AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

It all comes down to this—the conclusion of The Coopers.

With the postseason on the line and the dream of a championship within reach, tragedy strikes the Lexington Coopers once again.

As Reid Hubbard's daughter, I've spent my life protecting my family's football dynasty. Pressure comes with the name. Expectations come with every game.

What I never expected was Griffin Graham.

Fourteen years after he shattered my heart, the veteran quarterback is back in my life—and somehow, back in my heart. Now the man I swore I'd never trust again is the one beside me when I fall asleep and the first face I see each morning.

But love doesn't make winning easier.

The season has come down to this.

Every play.
Every decision.
Every game.

My father wanted a Super Bowl victory.

Now, with everything we've fought for hanging in the balance and Fin facing his greatest challenge yet, the future of the Coopers—and our second chance at forever—may depend on the final score.

Have you been Aleatha'd?

From New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a steamy, addictive football romance packed with family legacy, second chances, heartbreak, and jaw-dropping twists.

SCORED is Book 4, the dramatic conclusion to the Coopers series. This series must be read in order: INTERCEPTED → RUSHED → SACKED → SCORED.

Buy on Amazon | Audible | Bookshop.org

Meet Aleatha Romig

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years, they've raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns or her new lighter side, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams! 

Keep up with Aleatha Romig and subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.aleatharomig.com/contact

To learn more about Aleatha Romig & her books, visit here!

Connect with Aleatha Romig: https://www.aleatharomig.com/contact

Spotlight: Silver Bells, Single Bed by Paula Dombrowiak

(Hollow Reign, #2)

Publication date: September 1st 2026

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

My bandmate’s little sister is off-limits.

Then a Christmas blizzard traps us together in Chicago with only one bed.

After months on tour, all I want is to get home for Christmas. Instead, a winter storm strands me in Chicago with Harper Beaumont, a rising ballet star with everything on the line, including the lead role in her company’s production of The Nutcracker.

With both our flights canceled and Harper watching her dream disappear, I do the one thing I absolutely shouldn’t do convince her to experience the Christmas magic of Chicago.

Somewhere between sparkling lights, one forbidden kiss, and a snow-covered city, Harper stops being my bandmate’s little sister…and becomes the woman I can’t stop wanting.

When the only hotel room left has one bed, resisting her becomes impossible, especially when she asks me to be her first.

One night with Harper is hot enough to melt the Christmas snow but when morning comes and my bandmate finds out I crossed the line with his sister…

I have to decide if I’m brave enough to risk everything for the woman I was never supposed to have.

Silver Bells, Single Bed is Book 2 in the Hollow Reign Christmas Novellas—a series of interconnected, steamy holiday romances that can be read in any order.

Excerpt

“Sir, we need to check your bag.”

Fuck. I move out of the way while the agent unzips the main compartment, feels around the edges, then reaches into the side pocket. He frowns and pulls out something bright pink and unmistakably shaped like an exceptionally large cock.

What the actual fuck?

Motherfucking Casey!

As if this day can’t get any worse, it turns on, vibrating in his hand. I tilt my head towards the ceiling, though instead of looking for some divine intervention I’m imagining wringing Casey’s scrawny little neck. 

“Anything with batteries needs to be taken out of your bag,” he says, like he sees this shit all the time. 

The vibrator is getting attention from everyone around me. A teenager whips out his phone and starts filming.

Great. This is gonna be on the internet in about thirty seconds. Merry fucking Christmas to me.

“That’s not mine.” Which is exactly what every person in the history of air travel who’s been caught with a vibrator at airport security has said. 

“It was in your bag, sir,” he says unimpressed.

I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. “Apparently my friend,”—and I say that loosely—“thinks he’s hilarious.” The agent just stares at me while the vibrator dances in his hand. “Fucking Casey,” I mutter under my breath. 

A little kid tugs on his mom’s sleeve and asks what that noise is. She steers him away without answering.

The agent unceremoniously switches it off with a click and drops it back into my bag. “You’re free to go,” he says, waving me out of the line.

I zip the bag shut and get the hell out of there as fast as I can. 

I’m gonna murder him.

There’s a nine-foot Christmas tree all decorated near the food court. I order a slice of pizza, drop into a seat, pull out my phone, and send a text to our group chat.

Liam: Casey you absolute fucking menace.

Casey: Found my Christmas gift? 

Liam: No. TSA found it you asshole.

Casey: 😂😂😂 wish I could have seen that.

I take a bite of my pizza.

Casey: Oh wait. I didn’t need to be there.

He sends a link to a TikTok. Goddamn. That kid at the TSA line. It’s already racking up views. 

Liam: I hate you.

Casey: Geez. Try to do something nice for a guy and this is the thanks I get 🙄

Phoenix: #vibratorgate

Theo: the comments lmao ☠️

Fuck, what are people saying? 

Nope, don’t care. 

I flip my phone face down and finish off my pizza. I stare at the phone. Jesus. Against my better judgment, I pick it up and flip through the comments.

@fangedfangirl: Sir that’s not a drumstick 😭

@moshpitdiaries: Even TSA getting backstage access now

@screaminginrow3 Reply to @moshpitdiaries: more like backdoor access 🤣

@distortedheart: Security said vibe check failed

I put my phone away and pull my hat lower. I’m gonna need therapy and a new identity by New Year’s.

A woman across from me glances down at her phone, then looks up at me. She nudges her husband.

I grab my bag and get up before anyone else connects the dots. Weaving through the crowds, I pass the wreaths and garlands lining the corridor on my way to a gift shop. I briefly consider buying a scarf or a hoodie, but who am I kidding? I’d just look like a guy who got stopped with a vibrator by TSA.

A small jazz ensemble is set up along the corridor, playing a smooth rendition of “White Christmas” and I stop to listen. Travelers are passing by in a rush, but for me, everything slows down. It’s two days before Christmas, and I just want to get home in time. 

I turn to leave, and that’s when I notice her. The woman from the security line, standing in front of one of the departures monitors with her back to me.

She’s in boots and tights, with legs stretching on forever beneath the hem of her skirt, the kind of gorgeous that makes a grown man walk into glass doors.

“Shit!” 

Or magazine racks. I catch it before it topples, shoving a scattered copy of People back into place while the guy at the newsstand gives me an annoyed look. Smooth, Liam. Real smooth.

I straighten up, the magazine rack wobbling behind me. There’s something about her that makes me want to walk over and say something. I don’t even know what. I just know that if I keep walking, I’m going to regret it.

The noise makes her turn around and I almost fall into the magazine rack again. 

It’s Harper Beaumont, my bandmates little sister. 

The one fucking person in this entire world I have absolutely no business looking at the way I just did. This can’t be happening. As if Casey hasn’t already fucked me over enough today. Now this?

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Paula Dombrowiak grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois but currently lives in Arizona. She is the author of Blood and Bone, her first adult romance novel which combines her love of music and imperfect relationships. Paula is a lifelong music junkie, whose wardrobe consists of band T-shirts and leggings which are perpetually covered in pet hair. She is a sucker for a redeemable villain, bad boys, and the tragically flawed. Music inspires her storytelling.

For more ways to learn about Paula and her books, check out her website: @www.pauladombrowiak.com

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