Spotlight: Cross Stroke by Elizabeth Hartey

Cross Stroke
Elizabeth Hartey
Publication date: January 16th 2018
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Tracey…

One night left my heart shattered and my reputation ruined, and now my only hope is to transfer to another university far from home. Although I’m a champion figure skater and am used to succeeding, I can’t dump the burden of distrust and intimacy I’m carrying.

But when I literally crash into the cocky captain of the hockey team, sparks fly, and the attraction is as undeniable as it is unwanted.

No way is this arrogant hottie the one to help me move past my fears. Or is he…?

Dak…

Overwhelmed with guilt and remorse, I can’t forget the tragic accident that killed my first love. To avoid ever feeling that kind of agonizing loss again, I vow to stick with one-night stands with every puck bunny who glides my way and focus on keeping my position on the hockey team.

But after I meet a feisty figure skater and am then thrown together with her as a lab partner, I find I want to melt the icy walls we’ve built around our hearts.

If we don’t strangle each other first.

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EXCERPT:

Tracey

My next trip into unrequited love land occurred with the esoteric art student. He had long flowing hair and haunting amber gold eyes which seemed to hold the secrets of life and made my limbs quiver. Things went pretty much the same with art boy as they did with rock god. Another beautiful friend who was unable to quench my robust desires. I introduced my music friend to my art friend and hearts and flowers bloomed all around—for them. I was happy for them. Really. Sort of. Okay, I was pissed. But I eventually got over it, and didn’t panic.

Having seen that look before, the first time rock god gazed at me, I’m not surprised or bothered by the way I’m imagining the jackass swallowing me with his eyes right now. I know it means nothing. What does bother me is his panty melting body in full view, which I, on the other hand, am more than attracted to. My legs are starting to feel rubbery underneath me. Bambi might be the right name for me after all.

“Maybe you need glasses, Bambi.” The jackass smirks. “You can’t see the big things right in front of you.”

“My eyes are fine. For instance, I don’t see anything big in front of me at the moment.” I glance down at the Thor-size hammer between his legs.

What? I’m certainly not going to tell him he’s been blessed by the gods.

He finally decides to wrap his towel around his miraculous…waist. Doesn’t help though. I’m still aware of the perfect V of his oblique muscles pointing the way to wonderland.

“Never had any complaints before.” He grins. “And I was referring to the big black letters on the door of the locker room.”

“I came in to change my clothes.” I flip my hair back in a perfect ‘f… off’ maneuver.

“I can see that, Bambi.” He arches a brow while taking one more long survey up and down my body. “But this,” he points one finger from side to side, “is the boys’ locker room, and unless you want to start a riot, I suggest you get out of here before the hockey team gets off the ice.”

Author Bio:

As a lover of the northeast US, my husband and I moved to the Poconos several years ago to open a Chiropractic Clinic. Four children and a menagerie of animals later, I have finally found time to fulfill my lifelong dream of writing novels. A dreamer at heart, romance is---of course---the genre I spend most of my time writing and reading into the wee hours of the morning. However, if it's a good book, any genre can keep me immersed in the story for hours.

When I’m not juggling work responsibilities and writing, I enjoy baking, knitting, traveling, hiking the beautiful hills and woods around my home and spending time with my family.

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Spotlight: Sweet Indulgence by Debbie White

Real Men Eat Cupcakes

Annie McPherson has had it with all the blind dates her grandmother and auntie set her up with. She just wants to be left alone to run the Sweet Indulgence cupcake bakery – even if it means she’ll remain single forever.

Jack’s just been through a gut-wrenching break-up, and women are the last thing on his mind. Now he’s on a mission to pick up cupcakes for his niece’s birthday party—not a mission to fall in love. Pulled in by Annie’s good looks and witty charm, though, temptation proves too sweet.

But will Annie’s pesky grandmother and auntie welcome Jack as Annie’s choice or will they have him jumping through hoops to prove he’s the one?

Fans of Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, and Susan Wiggs are sure to love Sweet Indulgence, the first sweet romance novel in the Charleston Harbor series.

This book is too sweet to pass up!

Excerpt

“Oh, Vicky,” Annie said, spreading her arms wide.

“Girl, it’s been way too long. It’s so good to see you.”

“I can’t wait to hear about your wedding plans. Are you stressed yet?”

The two gabbed as the hostess led the way toward their table.

“I’m so stressed. But you know, my new favorite saying is, it is what it is.”

Annie laughed. “I bet. Well, I can’t wait to come and see you two lovebirds finally tie the knot. Soon you’ll be Vicky Collins.”

“Victoria Collins,” Vicky said with a tone of superiority.

“I like the ring of that,” Annie said, nodding.

Vicky fussed to Annie about how picking out the right bridesmaid dresses for Jessica, who’d just given birth and still had a few extra pounds to camouflage, as well as one to accommodate the expanding girth of Cassie’s tummy, challenged her beyond her wildest dreams.

“I’ve selected five different dresses at three different stages of planning my wedding. I’m about to just have you as my only bridesmaid. You’re not pregnant are you?” Vicky teased as she poked at her salad.

“No, I’m not pregnant. I’m hardly seeing anyone.”

Vicky peered up at Annie. “Hardly?”

Annie smiled. “Jack is his name. We really just started seeing each other. He’s a great guy.”

“Good. Great guys are good.” Vicky put her iced tea to her lips and drew in a taste.

Annie nodded. “You know Jessica and Cassie didn’t do these things on purpose. They love you, and it’s just one of those things.”

Vicky forked a beet chunk and put it in her mouth. She chewed it slowly.

“Having a baby is a nice thing. You are happy for them, right?”

Vicky twisted her mouth then relaxed her lips. “Of course, I’m happy for them. It just makes it difficult picking out dresses. Do you realize we went from a fitted knee-length shift to an A-line skirt? Not to mention the color changes.”

“I think A-line is still a good choice,” Annie said, savoring a spoonful of her chicken gumbo soup.

“Yes, but now the measurements have changed. These changes are costing me money.”

“The wedding is in two weeks. You’re probably safe with one more fitting.”

“Tell me more about Jack.”

Annie’s eyes lit up. “He’s part owner of Powell Limousine Services. Oh, and they also have a vacation rental business.”

“I’ve used his services before.”

Annie knitted her brows together. “You have? When?”

“A while back. In fact, he’s providing pick up service for me at the airport for my out of town guests. And I’ve rented a couple of houses for them to stay at. Diane …”

Annie widened her eyes. “Diane is his sister. In fact, my sister, Mary is working with Diane now.”

“What a small world.” Vicky glanced at her watch.

“Do you have to run off?” Annie said, relaxing her shoulders and slumping.

“I do, dear. I have to meet Cassie and Jessica at the dress shop. Thank God you are still the same, and no adjustments are necessary for your dress.” She pushed back her chair.

“Lunch is on me,” Annie said.

Vicky dug in her purse and fetched her keys. “Thank you. Next time it’s on me.”

Annie slid her chair out and met her halfway. She reached her arms out and pulled her in for a hug. “Everything is going to be just fine. The dresses will be beautiful, you’ll be beautiful, and it will go down as one of the best weddings in Charleston history,” Annie said, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

Vicky drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Thanks for saying that. I really am happy the girls are in the wedding. I just want everything to be perfect.”

“It will be. And, you know why?”

Vicky cocked her head to the right.

“Because we’ve been best friends for many years. We’ve had our ups and downs, but we all agreed we’d be in each other’s weddings. This is just us keeping our promise.”

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About the Author

Debbie is a USA Today Bestselling Author. She currently lives in northern California where the hills are dotted with vineyards and the jagged coastline is nearby. Many of her books describe the beautiful area she calls home. She avidly supports animal rescue by donating a percentage of all book sales to rescue groups nationwide! Now here are a few more interesting tidbits of information about her!

1. Her spouse served in the U.S. Air Force for over 20 years. She uses some of her experiences as a military wife in some of her stories.

2. She has two granddaughters and a grandson.

3. She received her degree in Sociology in 2011 and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

4. She hasn't always dreamed of writing, but she's always loved reading and decided she'd give it a try. Her fans love her so much, she's still putting out books three years later.

5. Her very first book, The Salty Dog was an Amazon Best-seller. 

6. You can follow all the latest news about releases, book signings and more on her website http://www.authordebbiewhite.com

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr | Pinterest | Bookbub | Goodreads

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Spotlight: Quest for a Popstar by Katie Hamstead

Quest for a Popstar
Katie Hamstead
(Reality Romance, #1)
Published by: Limitless Publishing
Publication date: January 16th 2018
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

I haven’t done much performing, not since high school. Yet here I am, backstage, waiting for my turn to audition.

I’m excited, I’m nervous, and after witnessing the talent of the Murphy family, I almost throw in the towel. But I don’t. I walk out on that stage, and I never could have predicted what happens next.

The subsequent events fall like well lined-up dominoes. My life, my world, everything changes. Suddenly, success is overshadowed by exploitation, loyalty wrecked with betrayal, and trust slaughtered by life-changing secrets.

Oh, and then there’s Lucas, the guy—of course, there’s a guy—who might end up being the deciding factor on whether walking out on that stage will end up being the best decision of my life…

…or the worst.

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Author Bio:

Born and raised in Australia, Katie's early years of day dreaming in the "bush", and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing.
After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student where she met a young man who several years later she married. Now she lives in Arizona with her husband, daughter and their dog.
She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing.
When her debut novel, Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh, climbed into bestselling status, she believed she was onto something, and now has a slew of novels now available, and is published through Curiosity Quills Press, Soul Mate Publishing, and REUTS Publishing.
Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports, and be a good wife and mother. She now works as an Acquisitions Editor to help support her family. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.

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Spotlight: Love Between Enemies by Molly E. Lee

Zoey Handler is ready to put an end to her decade-long rivalry with Gordon Meyers. They’ve traded top spot between valedictorian and salutatorian for years, but all that’s over now. Right? But after a crazy graduation speech prank gets out of hand, suddenly their rivalry turns into all-out war. Time to make peace with a little friendly payback.

Step one? Make him believe they’re now friends.

Step two? Show him the time of his life at an epic graduation party.

Step three? Don’t fall for his tricks.

Step four? Absolutely, positively, do not kiss him again.

So what if he’s cute? (Okay, hot.) So what if he’s charming? (Heaven help her, tempting.) So what if he apologizes? (That has to be fake.) She knows the real Gordon. And no matter how much her heart begs her to stop, there’s no turning back.

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains one epic party, complete with every high-schoolers-gone-bad shenanigan, and two rivals who discover maybe they could be something much more…if only they’d stop fighting long enough to notice it.

Excerpt

“Help me out here,” Gordon whispered, his cheek brushing against mine as he spoke in my ear. “I’m blanking.”

The breath stalled in my lungs with how close he was, and how his soft words sent warm chills across my skin. The notion that he thought I was someone he could ask advice from both thrilled me and made my nerves twist. Or that could be because I could smell him again, which seemed to have a direct line to my crazy-button. Because only an insane girl would be wishing her enemy would keep whispering in her ear like that—he could recite the alphabet for all I cared, as long as he kept talking.

“Um,” I said, stumbling over my own words. New experience. Not exactly fun. My eyes darted over the faces in the room—completely oblivious to the battle raging inside me, the one that screamed to give in to what I was feeling for Gordon, and the other side reminding me how he’d slayed me this morning. I finally spotted the quarter on the table and remembered how to use my brain. “Any time someone says quarter, they have to drink.”

Gordon smiled and I felt it in my bones. “Thanks,” he said. “What she said.” He spoke a little louder as he sat up straight again, and I instantly craved the warmth of his nearness.

I’m in so much trouble.

I focused solely on the game and on the plan, but my body…my heart…wanted what I couldn’t have.

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About the Author

Molly E. Lee is an author best known for her debut novel EDGE OF CHAOS, and as a mentor at Pitch Wars - a program which connects promising writers to established authors in the community. Molly writes New Adult and Young Adult contemporary featuring strong female heroines who are unafraid to challenge their male counterparts, yet still vulnerable enough to have love sneak up on them. In addition to being a military spouse and mother of two + one stubborn English Bulldog, Molly loves watching storms from her back porch at her Midwest home, and digging for treasures in antique stores.

Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Read an excerpt from Finding a Husband by Kristen Casey

Molly O’Connell does not need a man. Boston is filled with men, few of them reliable. What she does need is a job, and she knows exactly which one she wants—there’s a law firm hiring down in Wilmington, North Carolina, and it’s an ideal opportunity. Warm weather, pristine beaches, a reliable paycheck…how could she go wrong? Heck, her brother-in-law has even hooked her up with a tour guide. It’s perfect.

Jake Alexander knows Molly is off-limits. Man, does he ever know. But when he agreed to show her around town as a favor to a friend, he never expected her to be quite so incredible. Gorgeous. Unforgettable. And his total inability to think of anything but her is going to be trouble with a capital T. Molly, bless her heart, is interviewing with his dad’s law firm—and if his guess is right, she’s a shoo-in.  And Jake…well, he’s sort of engaged. God help him, he probably should have mentioned that right from the beginning.

Why does Molly have to fall for the one man in creation she shouldn’t want? And can she make a life for herself in this new place without him? Wait and see.

Book Three in the Second Chances series. This book contains no cliff hangers, no cheating, and one guaranteed happily-ever-after!   

Excerpt

The pool sparkled in its frame of white pavers—a gleaming blue rectangle beckoning from the lawn. Molly was nearly running, she was walking toward it so fast. He chuckled. This might’ve been the best idea he’d had all week.

And that impression went double once she started stripping. She didn’t even wait for him—just toed off her sandals and shucked her jeans, dropping them on a chaise lounge angled toward the afternoon sun. In a minute more, her shirt was up and over her head—Jake caught the briefest glimpse of a demure set of pale pink lingerie—and then Molly was airborne, jumping feet-first into the deep end. She swam underwater like a mermaid, finally coming up for air near the center of the pool. Her hair was slicked back on her skull, as shining and dark as melted chocolate. Jake was frozen to the spot by So. Much. Molly. All on display for him. God—she was really, really wet.

She grinned up at him, splashing some water his way. “Come on, what are you waiting for? You big chicken!”

Jake’s lungs rediscovered that great thing called air. He stalked closer, sat on the chaise, and pulled off his t-shirt and boots. Molly tried like hell to maintain her teasing expression but her eyes betrayed her, settling on his chest and staying there. Jake stood slowly, undid his jeans with shaking fingers, and dropped them to the ground. He walked to the edge and looked down at her, knowing Molly would see exactly what she was doing to him—wanting her to see. Jake was hard as a boat mast, and his boxer briefs didn’t hide a thing.

Molly’s face went blank and he watched her swallow, the tendons in her neck shifting and catching the light. She paddled her arms back and forth in the water—once. Twice. Jake flexed his toes and leaped, tucking into a cannonball and landing three feet behind her. He heard the beginning of Molly’s scream half a second before he went under.

Two seconds later, Jake was sucking in air and lunging for her. Molly was too busy swiping the water from her face to see him coming, so he had the advantage. He wrapped her wet, delectable body in his arms and dropped his mouth straight to hers.

Molly met him eagerly, opening her lips and granting him entry. Jake’s tongue dove hard and deep, dancing with hers in the hottest kiss they’d shared yet—and that was really saying something. Her bra and panties had gone mostly sheer now that they were soaked, and the combination of that peekaboo effect and all of her wet, glorious skin sliding against his was driving Jake wild. He pulled her legs around his waist and kissed and kissed her. Never, ever wanting it to end. Molly hung on tight, her ankles locked together at his lower back and her arms snug around his neck. Somehow, instead of feeling caged, it made Jake feel free. Like he’d made it out of prison and into the great wide world beyond.

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About Kristen Casey

Kristen Casey writes heartfelt contemporary romances with plenty of heat, relatable characters, and witty dialogue. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two kids, and assorted cats, and in her free time enjoys all things crafty—especially projects she discovers on Pinterest.

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Read an excerpt from Besting the Billionaire by Alision Aimes

Playing dirty in the boardroom just got a whole lot dirtier….

Billionaire Alexander Kazankov always wins. But he didn’t count on high-heeled, drop-dead sexy Lily Bennett getting in the way of his latest deal. She’s a distraction he doesn’t need, not when he’s so close to making things right for his family.

Lily may walk and talk like a Southern piece of fluff, but she’s been underestimated before. She’s determined to succeed—and no entitled, arrogant asshole, especially the too-gorgeous-for-his-own-good-kind, is going to get in her way.

Oil meet water. Gasoline meet spark. It’s all out war as these two enemies go toe-to-toe in an ugly, take no prisoners battle to prove they’re the right choice to be CEO of the same company. All too soon playing dirty in the boardroom leads to playing even dirtier in the dark. It’s destined to end in personal and professional disaster. So why can’t they stop?

Excerpt

“Do...do you want to talk about it?”

“No.”

She ignored the brief stab of hurt. “I understand.”

“Do you?”

“I think I do. You feel guilty even being here right now.”

Pain flared in his gaze. “Yes.”

But he was here anyway. Unable to help himself. Drawn to her. Just like she was to him.

She advanced another small step. “I’m not sorry you’re here. I’m glad.”

He shook his head. Looked away.

He’d been strong for her once. Known exactly what she needed. She was determined to be the same for him now. “It’s okay, Alexi. I really do understand.”

Shifting restlessly, he plowed a hand through his hair. Even with the distance still between them, she could sense the violence of his emotions.

It was several long heartbeats before he spoke. “The first thing I thought after I found out Lena was okay was how badly I wanted to be with you.” His gaze tangled with hers, as intense and raw and unapologetic as ever. “I shouldn’t have, but all I could think of was feeling your skin against mine. Drawing your scent into my lungs. Wrapping your thighs around me and driving deep.” He took a step closer. “Forgetting everything else and coming alive. The way I only do when I’m with you.”

Her heart stuttered and then floated out of her chest.

For a man like Alexi, to admit his need was probably as comfortable as swallowing a sharp knife. But here he was. Scared shitless, grieving, desperate for solace—and he’d come to her.

Her. The woman who been told a million times she was only good for one thing. Who’d been useful to the first man in her life as a pretty face and a punching bag. Who’d been useful to her second as a trophy and a nurse.

But not to this man. He was here because of her strength. Because she’d lived his pain and survived it. Experienced the same anguish of watching someone you loved dying, helpless to do anything. She knew how badly it ate at you. She understood words couldn’t do a damn thing to ease the agony.

Sometimes you just had to escape for a little while. Lean on someone else. Lose yourself in someone else.

“I’m here,” she told him, letting the last of her defenses crumble. “We can forget together. Come alive together.”

His gaze darkened to near black, his stare tracing from her running shoes past her jogging shorts and T-shirt up to her lips. “If you’re going to run, you better do it now.”

Excitement shivered along her skin. “And if I’m in the mood to be caught?”

“Even better.” He opened his arms. She didn’t hesitate. Sprinting forward, she leaped. Her mouth claiming his as he wrapped his arms around her and carried her backward into the trees.

Pure and total insanity with no outcome but disaster in sight, and yet she couldn’t stop if she wanted.

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About the Author

Alison Aimes is the award-winning author of the sexy, sci-fi romance Condemned series as well as the sizzling, contemporary romance Billionaire Bad Boys collection. A romance fanatic with a PhD in Modern history, she’s an all-over-the-map kind of woman with a love for dramatic stories and great books, no matter the era. Now, she’s creating her own stories full of intrigue and passion, but always with a happy-ever-after ending.

 Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | BookBub | Bookandmainbites

Giveaway Details

To enter this fabulous giveaway, all you have to do is use the link below to go to Alison Aimes’s FB Page, like and share her pinned book release post, and leave a comment for her in the comment section letting her know it’s done.  That’s it. Winner will be drawn at random on 1/30.

http://bit.ly/29mVzwO