Spotlight: The Honeymooner by Melanie Summers

The Honeymooner
Melanie Summers
(Paradise Bay #1)
Publication date: August 7th 2018
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Romance

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! The Honeymooner is a must read…I didn’t want this book to end. Get it today and start laughing. ~ Jilleen, SeasideBooknook.com

A must read! More than 5 stars! Melanie Summers could write a menu and I’d read it… I love her stories, they are all heart and soul. All I can say is I want to move to Paradise Bay! ~Lori Zenobia, Goodreads Reviewer

From bestselling author Melanie Summers comes the wickedly funny, ridiculously romantic spinoff of her highly-acclaimed Crown Jewels Series…

Twenty-eight-year-old workaholic Libby Dewitt lives by the motto ‘if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.’ She’s finally about to start her dream life with her steady-as-a-rock fiancé, Richard Tomy. Together, they’re the perfect power couple—right down to the fact that he’s agreed to use their honeymoon to help further her career in mergers and acquisitions. But ten minutes before the wedding, her dreams dissolve via text message.

Devastated and humiliated, Libby escapes to Paradise Bay alone. She’s got two goals for her trip: to devise a plan to get Richard back and to convince resort owner Harrison Banks to sell his property to her company. Unfortunately, when she arrives, she discovers that tall, dark, and built, Harrison is not about to make anything easy for her.

Instead, he derails her plans while at the same time, bringing out a side of Libby she’s kept carefully tucked away—a carefree, adrenaline junkie. After a few days together, Harrison’s got her wondering if the life she always wanted was meant for some other girl. Suddenly, Libby must decide which version of herself she wants to be.

Will she go back to her comfortable, safe life, or risk everything to be with the only man who’s ever made her feel truly alive?

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EXCERPT:

“Oh my God…did we…?” I press the sheet to me again, gripping it so tightly, my knuckles turn white.

“You don’t remember? It was amazing. The earth moved. And you—you were loud enough that we probably cleared out the entire resort.” He grins at me, then rolls off the bed and starts across the room, giving me a view of his muscly back and behind. Those are some seriously tight shorts.

No, Libby! Do not focus on his taut buttocks! You are not that kind of girl. “I’m very sorry, but I’m afraid I don’t remember any of it.”

“None of it?” he asks.

When I shake my head, he says, “That’s a real crime because it was the best night you’ve ever had. You told me as much right after round three.” Opening the mini-fridge, he grabs a bottle of water and takes off the lid. “At least I have it all on video.”

“What?!” My pulse speeds up, and I suddenly feel both hot and dizzy. What have I turned into? Some kind of hussy? Or worse—my mother?

“I didn’t think it was a good idea, but you were pretty insistent.” He shrugs, then crosses the room and holds the bottle of water out to me.

I take it cautiously, then shrink back from him a bit. Why would a man this hot do whatever predictable, boring old Libby Dewitt said to do?

In an instant, it all makes perfect sense. My heart sinks and I let out a loud groan. “You’re a gigolo, aren’t you?”

“What?”

“Listen, I don’t know what I told you last night, but I can’t afford to pay you. I’m a little low on cash at the—”

“I’m not a gigolo.”

“Then why would you…?” I don’t really know how to put this. Why would someone as hot as you sleep with a very plain Jane like me?

“Why would I what?” He folds his arms across his broad chest.

My words come out rushed. “Sleep with someone like me.”

“Are you kidding right now?” he asks, raising one eyebrow.

“No, I’m afraid not.” I shake my head, then wince because my brain is pounding and because I really don’t want to hear his answer. I’ve had enough rejection for one weekend. Before he can say anything, I take a wild stab at it. “Now I get it, you’re one of those guys with extremely low standards. The type who’ll sleep with anything with a pulse.” I gasp again. “Oh my God. I probably have an STD by now, don’t I?”

“Ouch,” he says, rubbing at his chest. “You’re pretty mean when you’re sober.”

“Sorry. I don’t mean to insult you. I’m honestly just very confused.” I sigh and close my eyes for a second, unable to stand the look of hurt in his strikingly brilliant hazel eyes. “Maybe it would be best if you just left. I’m really not myself at the moment.”

“Okay, but it might make more sense if you left.”

“Why?” I ask, opening my eyes again.

“This is my room.”

Author Bio:

Melanie Summers also writes steamy romance as MJ Summers.

Melanie made a name for herself with her debut novel, Break in Two, a contemporary romance that cracked the Top 10 Paid on Amazon in both the UK and Canada, and the top 50 Paid in the USA. Her highly acclaimed Full Hearts Series was picked up by both Piatkus Entice (a division of Hachette UK) and HarperCollins Canada. Her first three books have been translated into Czech and Slovak by EuroMedia. Since 2013, she has written and published three novellas, and eight novels (of which seven have been published). She has sold over a quarter of a million books around the globe.

In her previous life (i.e. before having children), Melanie got her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, then went on to work in the soul-sucking customer service industry for a large cellular network provider that shall remain nameless (unless you write her personally - then she'll dish). On her days off, she took courses and studied to become a Chartered Mediator. That designation landed her a job at the R.C.M.P. as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator for 'K' Division. Having had enough of mediating arguments between gun-toting police officers, she decided it was much safer to have children so she could continue her study of conflict in a weapon-free environment (and one which doesn't require makeup and/or nylons).

Melanie resides in Edmonton with her husband, three young children, and their adorable but neurotic one-eyed dog. When she's not writing novels, Melanie loves reading (obviously), snuggling up on the couch with her family for movie night (which would not be complete without lots of popcorn and milkshakes), and long walks in the woods near her house. She also spends a lot more time thinking about doing yoga than actually doing yoga, which is why most of her photos are taken 'from above'. She also loves shutting down restaurants with her girlfriends. Well, not literally shutting them down, like calling the health inspector or something--more like just staying until they turn the lights off.

She is represented by Suzanne Brandreth of The Cooke Agency International.

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Cover Reveal: With Kol by K.L. Donn

With Kol

Daniels Family Series, Book 2 by K.L. Donn Publication Date: April 2019 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Photographer: Taylor Nicole Alexander https://www.facebook.com/TaylorAlexanderPhotography/ Models: Tabitha & Scott Designer: Sensual Graphic Designs https://www.facebook.com/SenGraphicDesign/ Kol Daniels has spent years raising his sister after their parents passed away. Finally gaining the freedom to live his own life, he meets a girl… Who runs away. Thea Andrews only wants to be normal. She wants to drop the scars of her past and move forward. After finding a friendship with a woman who didn’t demand to know all her secrets, Thea feels comfort in her surroundings. When her friends brother, Kol, begins to show an intense interest in her, she runs. Not as far as she should have and for nearly a year, regret and fear hold her hostage from reaching out to the only friend she had. After finding Thea, Kol makes it his mission to obtain her trust and eventually her love. Discovering how much agony she tries to hide away from the world, Kol pushes until Thea lets her guard down and starts to open up. With Kol… Thea begins to believe in love again, but will her secrets haunt them forever, or is there a light at the end of the tunnel leading to a bright future for them both, together?

About K.L. Donn

Krystal has a love affair with tacos, coffee and writing books that capture every emotion imaginable. She has four kids and a husband who drive her nuts on the best of days, something she secretly wouldn’t change for the world. She doesn’t like when winter comes, even though Canada is beautiful during the season. She’s sarcastic, witty and loves to connect with her readers (especially when they send her tim tams).

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Spotlight: The Summer Retreat by Sheila Roberts

Celeste Jones has plans for a perfect summer with her boyfriend (and hopefully soon-to-be fiancé)—until he dumps her to be with the woman he’s had on the side for months. Heartbroken and furious, Celeste resolves to move on. When the going gets tough, the tough…okay, the not-so-tough go to the beach.

As soon as school lets out for the summer, she waves goodbye to her first-graders, packs up her bikini and heads for Moonlight Harbor, where she knows her big sister, Jenna, will receive her with open arms. Jenna could probably use some help at the Driftwood Inn, and Celeste is happy to do chores around the place in exchange for a relaxing summer escape. She just needs something—or someone—to distract her from her troubles.

Finding The One can be tricky, and Jenna is determined to make sure Celeste gets it right this time around. Not that Jenna’s an expert. She’s still trying to sort out her own love life. But if both sisters listen to their hearts, eventually they’re bound to discover that life—and love—is good at the beach.

Book Excerpt

Celeste Jones had kissed so many frogs looking for her prince, she should have turned green and grown warts on her lips. But she’d finally gotten it right in the man department. Emerson Willis was strong and smart. And sexy. Masculine and excitingly alpha. And a spectacular dancer. And sexy. And a cop. Did it get any sexier than that? They’d been together a year, and what a great year it had been. He’d spent so much time at her place, he might as well have moved in, but he felt it wouldn’t look good, with her being a teacher and all. As if first-graders knew anything about the birds and the bees or cared what their teacher did in her off hours. As if anyone cared what anyone did with anyone else these days. It had been sweet of him to think of that, though, and she loved him all the more for it.

Still, why not make what they had official since it was so great? “We’re having a good time,” he was always saying. “Relax and enjoy the ride.”

She could do that. Spring had come, and she was looking ahead to a summer of off-roading, trips to Eastern Washington to visit the wineries, hitting the The Summer Retreat, Sheila Roberts

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About the Author

Best-selling author Sheila Roberts has seen her books published in a dozen different languages and made into movies for both the Hallmark and Lifetime channels. She’s happily married with three children and lives in the Pacific Northwest. When she’s not hanging out with girlfriends, speaking to women’s groups or going dancing with her husband she can be found writing about those things near and dear to women’s hearts: family, friends, and chocolate.

Website Address:  http://www.sheilasplace.com

Twitter Address:  http://www.twitter.com/_Sheila_Roberts

Facebook Address: https://www.facebook.com/funwithsheila/

Spotlight: No Perfect Hero by Nicole Snow

No Perfect Hero
Nicole Snow
Publication date: April 3rd 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Bossy. Heart of stone. Snarly mess next door.
Send help before I’m prick-matized…

My next big mistake has a name.
Warren Ford. Best kept secret in this weird little town.
An alpha’s alpha. Spartan abs. Too blunt for everybody’s good.
Moody, broody, mysterious, and totally up in my business.

I thought Heart’s Edge would be safe.
No two timing exes. No pink slips. No hulking, loud, inked up –
Oh. Right.
Leave it to a badass to bring the drama piping hot.
Then he goes and saves a cat who means the world to my little niece.
Making me a mushy little puddle of wishes.

Wishing I didn’t know his savage kiss like my own reflection.
Or how erasing tears must be his superpower.
Wishing I’d never poked his scary past.
Or heard him growl when he swears it’s not our future.

There’s no way this works.
He’s no white knight. I’m no princess.
I need to go. He says stay.
Even our sheet-ripping nights can’t work miracles.
Only an answer as the danger closes in.
Is Warren my perfect slice of hero?

From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow – a twisted small town love story. See how far a damaged alpha goes to claim the feisty damsel in distress under his skin. Full length romance novel with a rollicking Happily Ever After.

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EXCERPT:

(Haley)

The worst part is, Warren isn’t even trying to deliver these torrid, ridiculous feels.

He’s just too intense. It radiates from him in this aura, this energy field of crackling lightning.

Stand too close, and he’ll catch you up in it and consume you.

As he stares down at me, something in his expression changes. Something tense, something hot, and then I can feel it in the charge pulsing through me, starting in my lips and centering lower. I feel it in every tiny hint of space vanishing between us as he leans closer.

Only for the sound of a stomping foot to cut us off as Tara shrieks from the open back door of our duplex.

“You leave her alone!” she shouts, rocketing out, all pint-sized fury, her little fists clenched and beating ineffectively against Warren’s thigh. “Don’t you hurt my auntie!”

That’s our cue to break apart, end whatever weird, layered thing keeps almost happening but doesn’t.

Warren holds both hands up, breathing shallowly, looking down at Tara with wide blue eyes. “Whoa. Hey. Hey, now. Slow down, kitten. I wasn’t hurting nobody.”

Tara glares at him, shoulders scrunched up, her face twisted in a mask of protective ferocity. I’d hug her if I wasn’t so shaken, trembling, pressing my hands over my face and trying to calm the racing of my heart.

“Liar!” she accuses. “She’s gonna cry.”

I shake my head quickly, dropping my hands and forcing a smile. “No tears here, Tara. I’m okay. Just a little startled. Warren surprised me, that’s all.”

Warren stares between us, hands still held up like he’s facing down the cops.

“For the record, munchkin…” He licks his lips, then says, “I wasn’t gonna hurt your aunt. I was gonna kiss her.”

What?! I’m physically rocked back by his words.

He slowly lowers his arms, and darts me an uncertain glance before looking back at Tara, offering a reassuring smile. “I just wanted to hold her because I wanted to kiss her.”

Instead of slowing down, my heart nearly does a full somersault. I stare at him, my mouth dry.

He’s joking, right? Just trying to calm Tara down and explain without frightening her?

But after that charged moment where our eyes locked, Warren leaning closer…

I’m not sure of anything.

And I’m not sure what I would’ve actually done, if that domineering, stubborn jackass had kissed me.

Tara frowns, tilting her head, her scowl easing as she looks at Warren, puzzled. “You…you like Auntie Hay?”

Warren grins, easy and warm. “Yeah.”

“Like…boy-girl like?” she whispers.

“Like boy-girl like.”

“Oh,” Tara says, before her face lights up and she blushes, giggling and covering her mouth. “Ohhh. Wow.”

Nope.

Oh, God.

I have to end this.

It’s bad enough that I’m sitting here, wondering how much hot blood can flow into my cheeks before I either pass out or burst into flames.

It keeps getting better.

Now my ten-year-old niece thinks the dick next door has a crush on me. Stifling my groan, I run my fingers through my hair, glancing back at the horizon and the beautiful sunset I’m missing, when I’d wanted to at least capture the general feel of the color palette on canvas.

“Go back inside so Warren and I can talk, kit,” I say, managing a smile for Tara. “I’ll be in soon to make dinner.”

Tara bites her lip, bouncing on her heels. I just know I’m going to have to field a thousand questions over dinner about whether I like Warren and if we’re going to kiss and be boyfriend-girlfriend.

No. No way. Abso-freaking-lutely not.

Damn that munchkin for even putting the thought in my head.

But she smiles too brightly to stay mad at, tumbles over, and tackles me with a quick hug, before pulling back and, with another little giggle, darting inside.

She’s humming under her breath. It’s thirty seconds before I recognize the tune. It’s Haley and Warren, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.

Meanwhile, Warren just stares, scratching at his neck like it’s the most natural thing in the world to have my kid niece thinking we’re a thing. And to have him standing here, as beast-like as ever, a storm in his eyes hinting at a conversation that might be the last thing on earth either of us need.

Somebody, please.


Author Bio:

Nicole Snow is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She found her love of writing by hashing out love scenes on lunch breaks and plotting her great escape from boardrooms. Her work roared onto the indie romance scene in 2014 with her Grizzlies MC series.

Since then Snow aims for the very best in growly, heart-of-gold alpha heroes, unbelievable suspense, and swoon storms aplenty.

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Spotlight: Dying on Edisto by C. Hope Clark


Dying on Edisto
The Edisto Island Mysteries Book 5
by C. Hope Clark
Genre: Cozy Mystery

One death. Two detectives. And unexpected backup.

A Callie Morgan and Carolina Slade crossover! (A standalone mystery)


When a renowned—and now dead—travel blogger washes ashore on the banks of Indigo Plantation, Police Chief Callie Morgan of Edisto Beach agrees to head the investigation as a favor to the county sheriff, whose reasons are as questionable as the death itself.
When death turns to murder and a watchdog from the county makes her investigation difficult, Callie reluctantly turns to Carolina Slade and Wayne Largo, vacationing agents with the Department of Agriculture. Because poison is growing on this plantation, and someone knows how to use it well.
"Page-turning...[and] edge-of-your-seat action...crisp writing and compelling storytelling. This is one you don't want to miss!" —Carolyn Haines, USA Today bestselling author
"Her beloved protagonist, Callie, continues to delight readers as a strong, savvy, and a wee-bit-snarky police chief.”—Julie Cantrell, NY Times and USA Today bestselling author






C. HOPE CLARK has a fascination with the mystery genre and is author of the Carolina Slade Mystery Series as well as the Edisto Island Mysteries, both set in her home state of South Carolina. In her previous federal life, she performed administrative investigations and married the agent she met on a bribery investigation. She enjoys nothing more than editing her books on the back porch with him, overlooking the lake, with bourbons in hand. She can be found either on the banks of Lake Murray or Edisto Beach with one or two dachshunds in her lap. Hope is also editor of the award-winning FundsforWriters.com.





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Spotlight: The Pretender by Katie Ward

Genre: YA Fantasy/Retelling
Release Date: September 2018

In rural France, two babies are born just two hours apart but to two very different lives. Isabella is born as a Princess into a life of opulence and love while Sophia is born into a life of poverty and abuse at the hands of her father.

‘The Pretender’ follows the journey of Isabella and Sophia as their paths cross and after discovering how alike they look, they decide to switch places with each other. Sophia is seeking sanctuary from her abusive home while Isabella is seeking freedom from the tightening burden of her Royal title.

‘The Pretender’ is a story of friendship, love and the strange power of destiny.

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Excerpt

At the time Sophia and Princess Isabella switched places, it was agreed it would be for one week. However, after Isabella fails to return, Sophia is faced with undertaking her first royal engagement with Prince Frederick of Switzerland.

*

Red-hot droplets rain down on my skin from the shower, the discomfort strangely therapeutic to my troubled mind. What is it that I'm feeling right now . . . Is it anger? Is it sadness? Or is it fear?

No, it's not anger. I conjure up the image of Isabella in my mind and I don't blame her; this was her only shot at freedom and so I completely understand why she didn’t return. And it’s not sadness, no, not at all.

It's fear that is coursing through my body, making me tremble from within because now the stakes have risen in a way I was never prepared for. With the help of Baptiste I've managed to fool Isabella’s closest family members - but under the intense scrutiny of the public eye and all those cameras and journalists, will the cracks be magnified to the point where the truth is undeniable? Just one mistake, one wrong word, could bring this precarious house of cards collapsing down around us, revealing me as an imposter – a pretend princess - but also plunging Isabella into the greatest danger she's ever faced.

This isn't a game anymore, and the repercussions could be catastrophic.

Stepping out of the shower, I see that my skin is bright red as I pull the huge soft towel tight around my body before walking into the bedroom.

‘What on earth took you so long?’ Alix says from my armchair, looking out of the window into the gardens.

‘You need to get a move on. Frederick’s here and he’s waiting to see you.’

Unaware there was anyone else in the room, I recoil with fright.

 ‘Sorry, Isabella, I didn't mean to scare you but Mama was so insistent that I come and get you, and you know what she’s like.’

Still tense from the fright, I snap, ‘Oh, for goodness sake, is there really such a rush? He'll be here for a whole week and he's managed however long without my company. Will another fifteen minutes really hurt him?’

Alix fixes me with a puzzled expression. ’Isabella, what on earth has got into you? When do we ever leave our state guests waiting? Mama told you last week, so you were supposed to be ready. Plus, you might find you're not disappointed when you do.’ She gives a sly grin.

I start to put on my make-up before dressing. ‘What do you mean by that?’

‘I'm not saying another word. Just get yourself ready and then you can see for yourself.’

My hands tremble as I try to pick out an outfit before finishing my make-up in a way that still looks casual.

‘How do I look?’ I turn to Alix, waiting for her seal of approval.

‘No way! What - are you going to the market? No, you're going to meet the Prince of Switzerland, and it's an official engagement. He isn't here for croissants, coffee and a girly chit chat.’

Alix disappears into the dressing room and returns with a smart green dress that falls just below the knee. It’s a lot more formal then I would normally wear but still quite nice . . . the thick material belies that it’s designer. I’ve never worn a designer outfit in my life.

I select a pair of patent black high heels to set it off - and I'm finally ready to meet the Prince. As I get closer to the State Room my nerves give way to excitement. The Prince of Switzerland! But this is Isabella’s childhood friend so I can’t afford to get this wrong.

‘Are you ready, Isabella?’ I see Alix smile understandingly as she leans in to give me a gentle hug.

‘No, I’m terrified - but here goes nothing.’ The doors fly open and, holding my head high, I walk into the room towards Mama and Daddy and the handful of guests assembled around them.

‘Isabella, you remember King Theodor II, Queen Katharina IV and of course Prince Frederick who needs no introduction obviously.’ My father smiles broadly at Mama.

I curtsy, say a polite hello to the King and Queen, then feel the weight of all eyes upon me as I turn to greet Prince Frederick. Gently clasping his hand, I feel a surge of electricity. Time stands still as I look into his large blue eyes; silently I trace his handsome but kind face with my eyes. His blond hair sets off his blue eyes perfectly as he stands in a navy suit and crisp white shirt, appearing more businessman than prince.

‘How have you been, Isabella? It's so nice to see you again’.

‘I've been very well, thank you, Frederick,’ I say stiffly. ‘I hope everything has been well with you?’ I see him smile and watch as it turns into a broad grin.

‘Yes, I too have been very well, thank you, Isabella . . . but I must confess that I've really been looking forward to seeing you again.’

I feel my cheeks flush before giving a nervous smile. He's obviously taken with Isabella and I must make sure that I don't let myself get caught up in the romance of this situation. I'm not Isabella and the compliments and affection that he gives me belong to her.

‘I must confess the same too, Frederick. I'm really looking forward to our engagement - I mean, our joint royal engagement in Paris,’ I stutter.

‘We're so pleased to hear that,’ King Henri says with a twinkle in his eye. ‘You're both heirs to your respective thrones so it's great for you to do this together.’

‘I completely agree, Henri,’ nods King Theodor. ‘Much better than the stuffy way we had to learn - but the monarchy was a totally different beast back in those days. It’s all so modern now.’

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About the Author

Katie Ward always knew that she wanted to write for a living. After completing a degree in Journalism at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, she moved to Dublin. While there, she had a short story published in an anthology titled Do the Write Thing which was part of a competition being run by Irish TV show Seoige and O’Shea. This story was originally written when Katie was 14 after she was inspired by an article in her favourite teen magazine. The anthology reached the Irish Bestsellers List. Katie was also shortlisted for a competition judged by Man Booker Prize-winning author Roddy Doyle a few months later.
The Pretender is her first Young Adult novel.

Author Links:

Twitter - @KatieWWriter

FB - @KatieWWriter

Instagram - @KatieWWriter