Read an excerpt from The Crown Princess by Kathleen Samuels

Dependable Crown Princess of Cordova, Gwen, is dreading the day she gives up her life for her country. With the day of coronation looming, Gwen decides to make a bucket list of crazy things she wants to do before the big day.  Taking her list, she travels to Las Vegas, a place where no one will question wild behavior and she can be just another normal person on vacation in sin city.  Enlisting the help of Alex, a notorious entitled playboy, she finds herself checking off more than just the items on the list. Is she willing to risk it all and take a chance at falling in love?

Fiercely independent Alex, the black sheep of his family, was raised in the hotel business. Breaking out on his own, he built a successful Resort and Casino on the strip in Las Vegas. When Gwen asks for Alex’s help on completing her list of ‘bad girl’ activities he readily accepts. Who else knows how to let loose but the Billionaire Playboy himself.  But as he starts helping her with the list, he begins to realize that this Princess might be worth trading in his bad boy image.

Excerpt

Alex ran his hands up her arms, gripping her shoulders. “I couldn’t get you out of my head.” His voice roughened with need. He leaned closer until their foreheads connected, their mouths a fraction apart.

“Oh.” Her whisper flowed over his lips.

“I think admitting it made things worse, sweetheart.”

He felt Gwen’s intake of breath right before she slid her hands around his waist, pulling him even closer. He released her shoulders and dragged his hands down her back, stopping with one hand on each perfectly rounded cheek. A gentle push connected their most intimate parts, his hardness up against her softness.

Buy on Amazon

About Kathleen

Kathleen Samuels knew the moment she picked up a Sweet Valley High book that happily ever after endings were the only books to read. She began writing in junior high school, determined to become an author someday. After college, she became a teacher for children with disabilities, still writing in her spare time. Joining Romance Writers of America in 2011 focused her efforts and she created The Royals of Cordova series. Kathleen is a collector of everything based on the Cinderella story and truly believes she will find her Prince Charming one day. Until then, she will write about them in her books. Kathleen makes her home in Southern California with her two college age children and little Tibetan Spaniel, Jack.

Connect with Kathleen: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight: Six Weeks with a Lord by Eve Pendle

Grace Alnott is out of time. To save her younger brother from an abusive guardian, her merchant father’s will demands she must marry a peer. Handsome but destitute Everett Hetherington, Earl of Westbury agrees to her offer of a marriage of convenience but stipulates she must live with him for six weeks. No matter how honorable he seems she can’t allow him to get too close, because the aristocracy cannot be trusted.

Six weeks. Major Everett Hetherington, new Earl of Westbury, has exactly six weeks to convince the very independent Grace Alnott to spend the rest of her life with him. Despite her belief she doesn't belong in his world, he must tempt the alluring Grace into staying, because he has fallen for her. Hard. He just has to ensure she never discovers his secret.

Excerpt

“A half share of her dowry. Fifty-thousand,” George announced.

Everett snapped around to look at his brother fully. Fifty-thousand pounds would pay the debts and current debts of the farmers and leave enough money to support the estate for a couple of years, until it could pay its own way. “Go on.”

George smirked. “The gossip is she’s from trade, thinks herself some sort of independent woman, and is offering a marriage in name only. Wants to live on the continent, apparently.”

“A marriage of convenience? Very expedient.”

Then she reappeared, gliding right past him. She was resplendent in a dress the color of sunshine, her head tilted back as she waltzed, showing the curve of her neck and the angle of her jaw. Her dark hair gleamed, complemented by the brightness of her dress, as she danced like she was the only person in the room who mattered. Her jaw line was too strong for conventional beauty, but something about the way she held herself was mesmerizing. She was like a cat walking along uneven ground, not perfect, but compelling.

“Exactly.” George had the tone of a vindicated brother. “Miss Alnott is pretty, too. Just over there.”

Reluctant to look away from the dancers, Everett glanced to see whom George indicated. Sensation shot down his spine.

“The lady in the primrose-yellow dress,” George said.  

He couldn’t take his gaze from her. Miss Alnott. “I see her.”

“I told you I’d find you a wife.” George turned away. “I’ll be in the card room.”

Oh no. “George—”

“Yes, yes,” he interrupted. “I’m not Peter. I’m not going to gamble everything away.”

George wandered off and Everett gave himself up to watching Miss Alnott moving around the room slowly as she and her partner traversed the floor. She was gathering attention. There were several sharks circling, their fine wool black coats gleaming. The matrons were talking about her, lips pursed with disapproval. Her pronouncement must be the reason for the hum of life in the room.

A fast step in the waltz made the wide skirts of her dress shine. It was a gold dress, really. An unsubtle ploy to give a man the impression she was financially desirable. She certainly looked the part of an aspiring aristocrat, smiling fixedly at the room.

This was the first cut of interest he’d felt since he’d begun his fortune hunting. It would be something to have such a lady for a wife: so beautiful and confident. Of course, if she wanted to live abroad, she wouldn’t be a true wife. But what did it matter? She would be like a wild cat living on the fringes of his estate, untamed and free, but technically his. Wary, coat gleaming, dangerous. If he found a wild cat, he would entice it with cream and take care of it, like he did with everything that was his.

“I suppose you think me selfish to not want to marry a man I neither love nor respect.” Her mouth was tight. “But I refuse to martyr myself by marrying Lord Rayner, when the result would be a totally powerless state after the marriage.”

Ah. Just a vague fear of a bad marriage. It seemed rather superficial to want love more than wanting to stay with family, but hadn’t he been cautious about marrying the wrong person? And as a man, all he had to be concerned about was a lack of conjugal bliss, not actual bodily harm. He was the owner, not the property.

“I can understand wanting love in your marriage.” He let his tone dip as he said the words and was gratified to see an answering visceral reaction in Grace. She flushed. This was where he would link the attraction between them with something more. “You know, love can grow in surprising places.”

Her neck stiffened and she sauntered away, looking deliberately around the room. Everett found he was anticipating her response.

“There are some leaks in this place, I concede. And there are holes in the curtains that let in light. Perhaps there are the prerequisites to grow something in this house.” She swung around to stare down at him. “But Everett, love is not a weed.”

“No, it’s a wildflower.”

Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the Author

Eve lives in England and writes angsty, snarky and passionate Victorian era romance. She has National Trust membership, a big-boned cat, and a crazy dog. She loves wearing dresses and eating chocolate.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight: To Catch a Texas Star by Linda Broday

He’ll do what it takes to prove his love

The son of a notorious outlaw, Roan Penny yearns to make his life count…but heroism comes with a price. Left badly injured, only the kindness of a gentle stranger can save him. He longs to be with the captivating beauty—his savior, his Texas star, his Marley Rose McClain—but he knows he’d bring her nothing but trouble.

If only he could convince his heart of that.

Marley’s lived a charmed life, and she’s determined to spend the rest of her days at her quiet hero’s side…but she isn’t what she seems. A life-long secret threatens to destroy everything she knows—and everything she could hope to be. As dangerous men threaten to pull her back into the shadows, a desperate Roan must ride hell-bent for leather to save the other half of his heart…before he can lose her light for good.

Excerpt

Unable to bear the torture, Roan whirled and crushed his lips to Marley’s.

A hunger so powerful that it hurt to breathe spread through him, rushing along his limbs and touching off a whirlwind inside him. He stood in the storm and let the emotion wash over his body, healing his ragged spirit and muzzling his fear.

A raspy moan escaped. His heart beating like a thundering herd of buffalo, he held Marley so tightly against him that he expected her to complain. If he could somehow open himself up and draw her inside, he would. He’d protect her with every bit of strength he had and carry the beautiful woman with him forever.

Dear, God, he wanted her. Wanted her more than anything in the world. His hands roamed over her curves, memorizing every indentation and soft swell. She seemed to be learning every inch of him as well, and the way she clutched, kneaded, and caressed him spoke of a great need of her own.

The air seemed to vibrate with this craving that swept through him. His senses filled with her, Roan deepened the kiss and backed her against a work table where they repaired harnesses and saddles. Tightening his grip, he lifted her onto the planks. She reached for him, knocking off his hat and it tumbled to the floor.

His heartbeat roared in his ears and drowned out everything except this overpowering desire for her.

How long they stood wrapped in each other’s arms, he didn’t know. He was barely conscious of where they were, or of the dawn breaking. Men and children would spill out any second and find them.

It took everything he had to break the kiss. He tenderly brushed a tendril of hair from her eyes and studied her dark eyes. “You’re like those shooting stars we watched. You blaze across a man’s life with such a streak of color and pageantry it steals a man’s breath. You’re my Texas star, Marley Rose McClain. That is if you don’t object to the title.”

His Texas Star. Yes, that’s exactly what she would always be.

Marley’s breath hitched. “That’s beautiful. I’ve never been compared to a shooting star before.”

“Well, you are. I don’t know what the future holds or if I’ll ever see you again,” he mumbled against her mouth. “Keep shining, Texas Star, for as long as you live.”

“I will.” Marley’s glistening gaze met his and she ran a fingertip along his jawline. “No promises, no regrets.”

“None.” The rooster finally crowed, reminding Roan he’d best hurry. “Maybe you’ll write a story one day about me and how you saved my life one frosty morn.”

Tears bubbled in her eyes. “You’d better come back or I’ll come looking for you.”

“You will, huh?”

“I’ll brave a den of snakes and go through a hail of bullets to get to you, and you can count on that.” Marley straightened his collar and picked a piece of lint from his coat. “You’re a handsome man, Roan Penny. Women are going to chase you, but it doesn’t mean you have to let them catch you.” Her voice broke.

Roan swallowed a lump in his throat. This was tearing him up inside.

With a cry, she tangled her fingers in his hair and pulled him close for another kiss.

“I’ll pray for you, Roan,” she whispered.

“Save your prayers for those who believe in their power.”

Before the banked fire had a chance to flare again, Roan stepped away from her and issued a stern warning. “Don’t come after me. I mean it. You don’t know the danger waiting in San Saba. If they knew I cared for you, they’d kill you. Promise you’ll stay here. You have to promise not to come after my sorry hide. Go on with your life.”

Marley shook her head, her dark eyes large in the low light. “I can’t do that.”

Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight: Play Dirty by J.A. Huss

Play Dirty
J.A. Huss
(Jordan’s Game #4)
Publication date: June 27th 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

From NYT Bestselling Author, JA Huss, comes the final sexy standalone in the Jordan’s Game series. Can a threesome really work? Or does it always crash and burn at the end?

They were never meant to be just two. It was always three. But seven years ago Jordan Wells broke the trust he’d built with Alexander and Augustine and everything changed.

Everyone moved on and got over it. Put the past behind them where it belonged and started new lives.

But now Alexander and Augustine are back—looking for a new game and the final third to complete their threesome.

And they won’t take no for an answer.

Jordan Wells is about to play his final game.

Will he win? Or will he be too afraid to try?

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES: Total Exposure, The Pleasure of Panic, The Boyfriend Experience, Play Dirty – ALL STANDALONE BOOKS.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

How Alexander and I got to this moment really isn’t the point. It’s not. We’re here. He’s got his hand on my cock, squeezing it, only the fabric of my pants separating us.

His eyelids are heavy, but I know him. They always look like that. He could be watching the last innings of the final game of the World Series and his eyelids would still be heavy.

So the look on his face means nothing.

He could be turned on, or not.

He could be doing this for me.

Or her.

Or himself.

None of this is the point.

The only point is… I need him and he needs me, and either we find a way to get through this or we all lose. He will lose her, I will lose the Club, she will walk away and life will probably implode.

Dramatic, I know. I get it. But it feels honest.

“Should I kiss you?” Alexander asks.

I have so many things to say back to him right now, it’s ridiculous. But none of them are the point either, so I just reach up, grab his hair, and pull him in until our lips meet.

He’s not gay.

He’s a little bit bi, which is why he’s here with me. And I’m a lot bi. Which is why I’m here with him.

But this kiss isn’t anything spectacular.

It’s rather stiff, actually. His lips don’t meld with mine. There’s no tongue. There’s no moaning or anything like that.

Fingers thread through my hair.

Not his.

Hers.

Her nails are long and today they’re painted a deep, shiny red. She presses them against my scalp—lightly—as her lips join ours.

Alexander changes immediately. First, a sigh. Then he moves closer to me. His hand gripping my cock tighter. His mouth softer, his breath faster, his eyes closed.

We kiss like that for a long time, it seems. No one is undressed. No one makes a move to undress.

We just kiss.

Which is a little bit nice. I guess. Kinda high-school. Kinda innocent.

But I’m not really out for a little bit nice.

I want to take her over to the couch, lay her back against the cushions, and fuck her like a man in a threesome.

And hell, her husband is welcome. Like I said, I’m a lot bi. So I welcome that part.

He, however… well, let’s just say he doesn’t feel the same way.

“You used to like this,” Augustine says, kissing Alexander’s neck now.

He doesn’t open his eyes and I’m grateful. Because he kinda fascinates me and those heavy-lidded eyes come with an intense gaze when they’re open.

It gives me an opportunity to look at him.

“I only ever did it for you,” Alexander replies. “It was always you who liked this.”

I could make him change his mind. I could. I’m that good. But I’ve given up on the dream of a bonded threesome.

Those feelings have long since passed. I live in a reality of my own making. Which might not be a hundred percent real these days, but it’s a lot more realistic than Alexander ever getting used to the idea of me.

I grab his hand and remove it from my cock.

This is enough to make him open his eyes.

“What are you doing?” Augustine asks.

“Leaving,” I say.

And I do.

Author Bio:

JA Huss is the New York Times Bestselling author of 321 and has been on the USA Today Bestseller's list 21 times in the past four years. She writes characters with heart, plots with twists, and perfect endings.

Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie Award in 2016 and 2017 respectively, her audiobook, Mr. Perfect, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017, and her audiobook, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018.

She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family.

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Amazon / Facebook Fan Group

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight: Ready for Love by Marie Force

Some places are made for starting over . . .
 
For four of the best summers of his life, Luke Harris was in love with Sydney Donovan, a wealthy seasonal visitor to Gansett Island. Then Sydney went off to college and never came back. She married another man and had two children while Luke remained on the island, working at McCarthy's Gansett Island Marina and wondering what had gone wrong between him and the only woman he ever loved . . .
 
Fifteen months after Sydney suffers the tragic loss of her family, she needs to figure out what’s next. Searching her heart, she’s drawn back to Gansett Island, a place of happy memories. But will she also be drawn again to the man from her past who she’s never forgotten? And is she ready for a second chance at love?

Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the Author

Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, including the indie-published Gansett Island Series and the Fatal Series from Harlequin Books. In addition, she is the author of the Butler, Vermont Series, the Green Mountain Series and the erotic romance Quantum Series. In 2019, her new historical Gilded series from Kensington Books will debut with Duchess By Deception. 

All together, her books have sold 6.5 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list many times. She is also a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller, a Speigel bestseller in Germany, a frequent speaker and publishing workshop presenter as well as a publisher through her Jack’s House Publishing romance imprint. She is a two-time nominee for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award for romance fiction. 

Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news. 

Join Marie's mailing list for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter @marieforce and on Instagram. Join one of Marie's many reader groups. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.

Cover Reveal: Hardwired by Andrea Bills

Hardwired
Andrea Bills
Publication date: September 1st 2018
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

When Navy Seal Operative Luke Kiersey is finally granted leave after five years, he finds himself driving to a house he doesn’t recognize in a town he’s never been to. The house is home to a beautiful woman and a little girl with big blue eyes. Day after day, he drives back only to hide in the shadows and wonder why he can’t seem to walk away from them.

His therapist says is PTSD.

His handler tells him he’s just not cut out to be part of the civilian world.

Luke can’t help but feel like it’s more.

The dog tags that once hung proudly around his neck, now feel like a collar; leashing him to a life that he fears he didn’t choose. After the terrible things he’s done in the name of freedom, could he possibly be worthy of something as precious as the woman and child he continues to watch?

When the two worlds collide, Luke needs his mind to be stronger than the implant the government placed in his back. They’ve told him he can’t survive without the implant they use to control him, but Luke’s wondering if he can survive without the little girl with big blue eyes and the gorgeous woman she calls mamma.

Add to Goodreads

Author Bio:

Andrea is a wife, mother and writer from small town West Virginia. She spends her time while she's not dreaming up lovers and villains alike chasing after her two kids and husband.
Her overactive imagination and her husband's wacky dreams attribute to her love of the written word. Guilty pleasures include reading all night and Reese Cups.

Facebook / Goodreads