Spotlight: Shopping for an Heir by Julia Kent

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Shopping for an Heir
Julia Kent
(Shopping for a Billionaire #10)
Publication date: September 20th 2016
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Romance

Gerald Wright works for billionaires. He never imagined he’d become one.

The former Navy Seal is a chauffeur by day, artist by night, so when hotter-than-ever ex-fiancée Suzanne Dayton interrupts his nude model sculpting class to serve him with inheritance paperwork from a man he’s never heard of, he assumes it’s a joke.

Turns out the joke’s on him. There’s just one catch. A big one.

And it might be Suzanne — in more ways than he ever dreamed.

Shopping for an Heir is the 10th book in the New York Times bestselling Shopping for a Billionaire series by Julia Kent.

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EXCERPT:

He smelled like home. Like love. Like promise and comfort, like passion and disbelief.

“What’s wrong?” he snapped, his face alternating between joy and anger. “Why are you here?”

Coming to her senses, she extracted the thick envelope from her brief bag, looking him square in the eye. “Legal matter. I’ve been instructed to deliver this to you.” She used remarkable restraint in not peering around Gerald to get more of an eyeful of Declan McCormick’s stately form.

Then again, Gerald was an impenetrable wall of muscle himself, not easily subverted. She’d need taller heels to peer around him. He did not move his palm from her arm, and his touch infused her, a deeply satisfying sense of connection slowly creeping along her skin, her breath quickening, his touch ringing bells inside her that had been dormant for a decade.

“What is it?”

“Read it. You’ll understand.” She turned on her heel and started to leave, shaking inside so hard she might trigger the New Madrid fault.

He glared at her. “What? That’s it? Ten years and that’s it?” He pulled back, breaking contact.

All her anxiety faded, like an antidote injected straight into the heart, his words kicking in, providing such clarity.

“Ten years you chose, Gerald,” she hissed, mouth curling, throat seizing. “You do not get to put this on me.” Grief flared in her, a burst like a fireball, and then it turned to the ash of anger, a light coat settling over every spare surface of her heart.

His eyebrows shot up, eyes gliding away, his nose twitching and mouth tightening as if holding back.

Squaring her shoulders, Suzanne decided to make this easy for him. God only knew why. “My law firm is handling the estate of deceased billionaire Harold Hopewell. You’ve been named in his will.” She tapped the thick envelope in his hand. “These papers explain everything.”

“Explain what?”

“You’re his heir. One of them, at least.”


Author Bio:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men's room toilet (and he isn't a billionaire). She lives in New England with her husband and three sons in a household where the toilet seat is never, ever, down.

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Spotlight: One Wish by Kate Kisset

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Blend a former tight end with a bad reputation 
and a gorgeous computer geek who doesn’t date.
Toss in two matchmaking grannies who have only One Wish this Christmas.

 Lilly Martelli’s first vacation in over a year has her on a mission to support her two busybody relatives in St. Helena. Helping the grannies bake stinky fruitcakes for their Christmas bake sale is bad enough, but being forced to co-host the fund-raiser with Mr.-Fun-in-the-pants Brett Benning might be too hot to handle.

Brett had hoped retiring from football, becoming a firefighter, and moving back to Napa Valley would be enough to repair his reputation. But he’s sick to death of the tiny town gossip, and tired of dating in the shallow end of the pool. He’s looking to score The One. 

What are the odds he’d find her while helping with the annual bake sale? His smart and sexy co-chair has him eating out of her hands and asking for seconds of her grandmother’s nasty fruitcake. For the first time in his life, Brett might be in over his head.


One Wish is a standalone, sexy romcom. Although you don’t have to read any of Kate’s other stories to enjoy this one, Love in the Vineyards fans will love seeing their favorite characters from other stories, as they get to know the Santino brother’s lovable grandmother, Mimi, their quirky great-aunt Cha-Cha, and all their gorgeous cousins.

If you enjoy small town romances, romantic comedies, and sexy love stories with a full cast of strong heroines, drool worthy alpha heroes, and grannies in orthopedics, you’ll love One Wish.

Excerpt

(Self-professed computer geek, Lilly Martelli is co-chairing the annual Sweet Paws Charity Bake Sale with St. Helena firefighter, Brett Benning. Her attraction to the former football player is growing and she’s just agreed to dance with him for the first time.)

He wrapped his arm protectively around her shoulders, leading her to the dance floor. At five eight, in her highest heels—the four-inch black stilettos with the wide-angle strap—next to Brett’s towering physique, she felt petite. Which was an unusual sensation. Feeling small and dainty next to an extremely well-built man was a whole new world. Jeremy, her last boyfriend from three years ago, was only five ten.

Ignoring curious stares, he ushered her past the band. Under blue stage lights, the songstress gripped the microphone and poured her heart into “That’s What I Want for Christmas.” Brett guided Lilly to a dark corner, gently positioning her in front of him.

“I’ve been dying to feel you in my arms again.”  Brett whispered, his soft breaths against her cheek.

Holding a wide grin, she couldn’t resist running her hands up his strong back, savoring his muscles, before resting her hand on his shoulder.

Clasping her hand, he slid the other over the flimsy fabric covering her waist, and she relaxed in his arms while their bodies moved in synch with the music.

When the singer came to the chorus, Lilly focused on the petite tree in the corner of the room, its red, green, and purple lights blending into a blur. Heat flushed her cheeks and she hugged Brett tighter. This is what I want for Christmas. Lilly nestled against Brett’s chest, basking in the warmth radiating from his body, closed her eyes and made a wish.

As if reading her mind, Brett leaned back and looked down with smile. Back and forth, they moved in time, sharing grins, gazing into each other’s eyes, and probably looking like fools on the dance floor. Lilly didn’t care about the couples gawking next to them, and Brett was almost chuckling when he pulled her close and buried his nose in her hair.

“I enjoy your company, Lilly,” he cooed softly, waking her up from a trance, and awakening her to every amazing possibility in the here and now. He brought her hand to his heart and held it there, resting his lips against her forehead, heating her flesh under his breath.

Not wanting to break the spell, Lilly didn’t make a move on her own, but simply let him guide her. “I enjoy your company too,” she murmured into his shirt, hoping he heard her over the music.

They rocked together for a few minutes without words. Her heart raced as Brett traced down her temple with his lips, still cradling her hand close to his chest. “I think we should spend more time together.” A ripple of bliss started from her spine and cascaded in a wave down to her toes.

She tilted her head up to catch him watching her with the gentlest expression. “We should, Brett.”  Every plan, every word of warning about getting involved with him, flew out the window. “We definitely should.”

Buy on Amazon

About Kate Kisset

 Former San Francisco radio disc jockey Kate Kisset is the author of Love in The Vineyards, a series of small-town contemporary romance novels set in California wine country.

Readers call her novels, sexy, sweet and refreshing, with complex characters and plots that serve up humor without holding back on heart.

Kate divides her time between Northern and Southern California. Her stories feature strong heroes and heroines set in the small town, real-world vineyard settings found outside her front door.  

When she's not writing, Kate's favorite job is being "The Mommy." She enjoys reading, binge watching Netflix and the Hallmark Channel, wine tastings, cooking, listening to music, and hiking with her loyal companion Luciana Parmigiana, her rescue-dog-editor.

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

Spotlight: Max's Christmas Adventure & Max's Midnight Adventure by Wendy Leighton-Porter

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Dividing my time between homes in South-West France and Abu Dhabi, I live with my husband and our beautiful Tonkinese cat. I spent 20 years as a teacher of French, Latin and Classical studies, before a change of career led me to writing books for children instead.
Shadows from the Past is series of time-travel adventures, featuring 3 children and a rather special Tonkinese cat by the name of Max. I'm currently working on the tenth book in the series, The Shadow of the Witchfinder. Max also has a few solo adventures of his own to accompany the series.
As I take my young readers on a magical mystery tour through the past, I'm hoping that my love of history, myth and legend will rub off on them too.




 ~ Website ~
  


MAX’S ADVENTURES are spin-offs from my 
SHADOWS FROM THE PAST books.

A second solo adventure awaits Max the time-travelling Tonkinese cat in this Christmas short story. 

Invited to accompany a well-known figure on a whirlwind trip into the past, he sets off on a mission to search for something very precious to his owners Jemima and Joe Lancelot - their missing parents. 

The hunt reveals tantalising clues to this mystery and ends with a special surprise for the twins.


Max the talking Tonkinese cat has a third solo adventure in this seasonal short story.

What happens when the feline hero is trapped in the attic one night?

Will he escape the clutches of the Christmas fairy, a regiment of soldiers and three obstreperous French hens in time to enjoy a holiday with his family?

One thing’s for sure, the Twelve Days of Christmas will never seem quite the same again …





Q&A With the Author:

1.  Describe yourself in 50 words or less.

After almost 20 years of teaching of French, Latin and Classical studies in the UK, a change of career led me to writing children's fiction. A Francophile, with a home in France, I’m currently living in Abu Dhabi with my husband and our Tonkinese cat.

2. What do you love most in the world?
As the question begins with “What?” rather than “Who?”, I think I can safely get away without mentioning my husband here! Everyone who knows me will confirm that I’m a cat lover, but my heart really lies with the Tonkinese breed. I adore them and would happily confess to being a Tonkaholic! A cross between Siamese and Burmese, they are the most delightful cats. I am, of course, speaking from experience – my first Tonk, Bertie (aka Max, the feline hero of my stories), is sadly no longer with us, but his sister is still going strong at almost eighteen years old.   

3. What inspired you to become an Author?
I’d always wanted to write but, with a busy teaching career, I never seemed to find enough time. When I stopped teaching I found myself in the enviable position of having plenty of spare time and realised that I could now set off along a new career path. Writing for children seemed the logical step after so many years spent in the classroom and, ever the teacher, I hope that my books are a little bit educational as well as being fun.

4. What is your favorite Winter / Holiday tradition?
I love the Christmas tree, with its twinkling fairy lights. I think it takes me back to my childhood and my early memories of the magic of Christmas. However, I’m also a bit of a mince pie addict. I make my own, using a family recipe, and eating them fresh from the oven while they’re still warm is a real Christmastime treat in our household.

5. What is your trick for getting past writer's block? And what advice do you have for other authors who are struggling to tell their story?
I’m lucky that this hasn’t really happened to me yet. I hope I’m not tempting fate here and am thinking that I should quickly touch wood or something! However, when I’m seeking inspiration, I usually find that my best ideas come to me when I’m in the bath (and have nothing to write them down with!). So, I guess that my advice would be not to try and force the story, but to take some time out and relax. Close the bathroom door to make sure you’re not disturbed, light a few candles, luxuriate in the warm, scented water and wait for the ideas to come floating into your head!

6. Now that we've gotten to know each other, tell me a story. It can be long or short. From your childhood or last week. Funny, sad, or somewhere in between. Just make sure it's yours. What's your story?
It happened one Halloween a few years ago when I’d been to a friend’s party, dressed as a vampire with full gruesome face make-up; white face, black-ringed eyes and fake blood dripping from the corners of my mouth. I was the first to leave just after midnight, as I had to go to work the following morning. My friend lived in a rural area with a manned railway-crossing near to her isolated cottage. Late at night, you weren’t allowed to ring the bell to get the railwayman to come and open the barrier for you to drive across the tracks. Instead, you had to climb the steps of the signal box and knock on the door, which I duly did – but there was no reply. I was a bit impatient at having to wait out there in the cold and the dark, so I moved in front of the window and saw the man with his feet up on the desk, seemingly engrossed in his newspaper. I rapped loudly on the window pane and at last he looked up. His face went white, his eyes almost popped out of his head, but he remained seated, staring at me with his mouth gaping. So, I banged harder on the glass and he eventually staggered to his feet and came to the door, looking terrified. ‘You nearly gave me a heart attack,’ he gasped. Then I remembered how I was dressed and felt such a fool, and also a little guilty for having scared him. Apparently, he dined out on that story for years and always told my friend, every time he saw her, that the encounter had probably shortened his life by 20 years! I wonder if it was on his recommendation that the crossing in question is now automated?



To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Part 1 Official Event page 
and
Part 2 Official Event page




Spotlight: Cake The Newlyweds by J. Bengtsson

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Original Release Date: February 25, 2018

Wide Release Date: December 12, 2018

You thought their story was over… but a love like theirs has no end. 

Fate doesn’t own Jake McKallister. At least, that’s what he tells himself. Life is better than ever. He’s at the top of his game, performing to sold-out crowds the world over. He has his health and a solid, fun-loving family to keep him grounded. 

And he got the girl - the beautiful, quirky girl he’s just made his wife. 

Yes, life is good. If only fate would stop screaming in his ear. 

Lucky is the best word for Casey McKallister. She has an awesome support system, a nerd’s dream job at a prestigious accounting firm, and best of all, she’s married to the hottest rock star to ever roam the earth. 

Yes, life is perfect… until it all comes crashing down around her. 

They say love conquers all. That’s what Jake and Casey are counting on.

Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the Author

A professional stay-at-home-mom for twenty-one years, Jill started her writing career in 2016 after reading a really bad rockstar romance. Although she had no previous writing experience and no desire to become an author, Jill was convinced she could write a better story.

And so began Cake: A Love Story. She wrote the novel for fun and added every single thing she’d ever wanted to read in a romance. Embarrassed by her newfound hobby, Jill kept her writing a secret from her family.

When the story was complete, she turned to Amazon to get the feedback she desired. Not thinking the book would ever sell, Jill planned to pull Cake off Amazon once it got a review or two but that never happened because, within a week of its release, Cake began to soar up the bestseller charts. Not only was Jill shocked by Cake’s success but now she had a whole new burgeoning career on her hands…and some explaining to do. Needless to say, the news of Jill’s secret book bay came as a complete shock to her husband and three children.

Jill is now a full-time writer.

Website: https://jbengtssonbooks.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CakeALoveStory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ji.ll5643/

Spotlight: Return of the Lycan King: Book 3 Darren and Cassandra by Candace Blackburn

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The biggest fight for the new Lycan King is convincing his Queen that he is committed to her forever. Darren has already fought to convince Cass to give him a chance, but a new Monarchy is just the beginning of the changes to the Lycan Kingdom. But as secrets and challenges to Darren's crown emerge, his inner circle must close ranks to protect their Kingdom, and to make sure the newly-returned Lycan King keeps his crown. Candace Blackburn returns to the world of the Lycan King in this epic, edge of your seat third installment!

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Release Date: December 11, 2018

Darren chases Cass to Ireland, determined to make up for his mistakes. When they return to North Carolina to build their lives together, nothing is the same. Darren has already fought to convince Cass to give him a chance, but a new Monarchy is just the beginning of the changes to the Lycan Kingdom. Secrets and challenges to Darren's crown emerge, and his inner circle closes ranks, to protect their Kingdom, and to make sure the newly-returned Lycan King keeps his crown.

Excerpt

Copyright © 2018 Return of the Lycan King: Book 3 Darren and Cassandra - Candace Blackburn

Chapter One

Liam's completion of flight training had rather fortuitous timing. Liam was one of the members of Lex's security team before Darren moved in. Darren snagged the other Lycan on the way to the airport with the subtle threat to "move your ass and don't breathe a word to anyone." Darren looked out the window of the Konstantine jet and didn't see ocean, but he didn't know how close they were to Dublin Airport.

Reading Liam's thoughts would have been easy enough, if Darren hadn't happily discovered that he could block that ability. So, he hadn't been subjected to the "have you lost your fucking mind" lecture that Liam likely received from Lex. Or the "you let anything happen to him, I'll kill you, myself" that undoubtedly followed said lecture.

Darren spent the entirety of the flight thinking of his mate. The pain in her voice, on her face, and the tears in her eyes, all as a result of Darren not claiming her. Pain, he had his own. Not claiming her was a physical, mental hell--it was pain from head to toe. But, he had reasoned that he'd rather live with that pain, than put Cass through one second of his impressive--or not--collection of screw-ups. Not to mention, all the bullshit that came with being King.

I'd rather cut off my own head than cause her pain like I saw that day.

Which is why they were over European airspace, because Cass was in Ireland. She left to escape him.

Because seeing me hurt her.

"Darren, we're ten minutes out from Dublin."

Liam's voice cleared his guilt-filled thoughts. He ran his hands through his hair and realized he needed to go splash some water on his face. "Thanks."

"No problem."

A minute later, he stood in front of the mirror and frowned. One of his buddies in college looked like he was in a perpetual hangover. Darren's roommate used to tease the guy, telling him that he looked like he'd been ridden hard and put away wet. That saying pretty much summed up the reflection in the mirror.

Maybe I should stop off and get a haircut, buy a new shirt and jeans.

He probably would do that, if it didn't take much time. His primary objective was to find Cass and get them back to the plane as soon as possible. Hell, he might as well tell Liam to file a return flight plan for, what, five hours from now? Yeah, that should do it. He hated the thought of claiming his mate in the bedroom on the plane, but damned if he was going to wait to get back to Raleigh. And, they wouldn't be in Ireland for very long. Oh no. In and out, that was his plan. They'd be back in no time.

***

Liam kept up with Darren's footsteps, barely.

"Still don't understand why you wouldn't want another beer. That may have been the best I've ever had. We should take a European beer tasting trip, just for comparison, though. German ales are pretty damned good." They'd only gone in the last bar because Darren caught Cass's scent.

"Not interested." Glancing around the crowded Temple Bar section of Dublin, Darren wondered why Cass would be there. She was private, definitely not the type to hang out in tourist spots.

"Or we could just stay here and sample whiskey. All the whiskey."

Technically, that didn't sound like too bad of a plan, if he weren't searching for his missing mate. "You should get on your knees and thank God that you can't get cirrhosis."

Liam snorted just as Darren thought he'd, again, picked up on Cass's scent. He froze mid stride and almost took out a group of people. Peering inside the closest bar, he inhaled deeply and looked for her glossy black hair. Nada.

Shit.

Darren turned, making a complete circle so he could visualize everything around him. His frustration was growing. Cass was so close, and he needed to see her. Feel her. Wrap her in his arms. Drop to his knees and apologize for being a colossal ass. Spend the next century begging her forgiveness. Then spend the rest of his life making her happy.

The sounds of barf splattering the pavement shook him out of his thoughts.

"This"--he pointed down at the moaning human in front of him--"is what all the whiskey gets you."

Liam glanced down with disdain as they stepped around the human. "Not me." He waved a negligent hand. "Higher tolerance and all that."

"Mmm hmm." Looking around, again, Darren barely restrained a growl. Cass's scent grew fainter, and he was no damned closer to finding her.

Going to lose my motherfucking mind.

Material brushed his arm, and Darren snarled as his head snapped around. "Hey, do you mind holding my jacket while I tie my shoe?"

What the fuck? Darren snatched the jacket and Liam bent, after casting a pointed glare toward Darren's hands. Claws had already punched through the tips, and if he were a betting person, he'd put money on his eyes glowing. Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, he slipped on his polarized Ray Bans, covered both fists with the jacket and willed himself to calm.

"No problem."

Biggest white lie ever. If Darren spent two more seconds out there without Liam's assistance, he'd likely have shifted and torn a bloody path through the Temple Bar district.

They needed to get out of public, check into a room and Darren needed to sleep off any jet lag. Then come sunrise, he'd try again.

Liam stood and cast a worried glance at Darren. "Okay?"

Not in the slightest. "Fine. Let's get something to eat, go find a room, and search again tomorrow."

Liam almost seemed to slouch in relief. "Sounds good. We'll hit the roads in the morning."

He confirmed that with a small nod. And I'll spend another sleepless night without her.

Buy on Amazon

About Candace Blackburn

Candace makes her home in North Carolina with her high school sweetheart husband and their two sons.  She's an indie author who has published two previous romances (with a bit of fantasy in each), Tristan's Redemption and Nate's Forgiveness.  Her current works are all paranormal romance (her favorite genre to read!) and are set in her home state.  She loves coffee, cold weather, the Boston Red Sox, the Carolina Panthers, and hearing from fans.

Connect with Candace:  Website  | Facebook  | Twitter  | Goodreads  | Amazon

Cover Reveal: The Bet by Natalie Wrye

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Happy #CoverReveal for The Bet by Natalie Wrye, coming December 30th!

Synopsis

It was supposed to be an innocent wager, a harmless game.

It turned out to be so much more.

Maybe that's because everything involving Violet Keats was so much more. More frustrating. More pain-in-the-ass. More sexy than anything I'd ever seen.

You know what they say: All's fair in love and business. And what happens to Manhattan's toughest lawyer when she ends up on the wrong side of my bitter family feud should be no different...

Until one night changes everything.

I knew what taking this dangerous bet would do to her. What I never bet on is what taking this gamble would do to me...

Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the Author

Natalie Wrye is a tequila connoisseur, Game of Thrones addict and author best known for writing steamy bedtime reads.

A Jersey Girl living in the South, when she's not obsessing over a new Netflix series or yelling at college basketball games on TV, she's usually crafting sexy stories about hard-bodied, alpha males and the strong-willed women who crave them.

She loves it when people get weird with her on Facebook, NatalieWrye.com or NatalieWrites@NatalieWrye.com.

FB reader group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/wryeontherocks

FB page: http://www.facebook.com/nataliewrye

VIP reader list: http://bit.ly/NatalieReaders

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/author/nataliewrye

Blog: www.nataliewrye.com

BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/natalie-wrye

E-mail: natalie@nataliewrye.com

IG: www.instagram.com/nataliewryewrites


Enter to #win a $10 Amazon Gift Card and a print copy of The Bet!

Enter: http://bit.ly/TheBetCoverReveal