Audio Spotlight: Rational Creatures edited by Christina Boyd and narrated by Victoria Riley

Release date: Jul. 18, 2019

Synopsis: “But I hate to hear you talking so, like a fine gentleman, and as if women were all fine ladies, instead of rational creatures. We none of us expect to be in smooth water all our days.” (Persuasion, Jane Austen)

Jane Austen: True romantic or rational creature? Her novels transport us back to the Regency, a time when well-mannered gentlemen and finely-bred ladies fell in love as they danced at balls and rode in carriages. Yet her heroines, such as Elizabeth Bennet, Anne Elliot, and Elinor Dashwood, were no swooning, fainthearted damsels in distress. Austen’s novels are timeless classics because of their biting wit, honest social commentary - because she wrote of strong women who were ahead of their day. True to their principles and beliefs, they fought through hypocrisy and broke social boundaries to find their happily-ever-after.

In the third romance anthology of The Quill Collective series, 16 celebrated Austenesque authors write the untold histories of Austen’s heroines, brave adventuresses, shy maidens, talkative spinsters, and naughty matrons. Peek around the curtain and discover what made Lady Susan so wicked, Mary Crawford so capricious, and Hettie Bates so in need of Emma Woodhouse’s pity.

Rational Creatures is a collection of humorous, poignant, and engaging short stories set in Georgian England that complement and pay homage to Austen’s great works and great ladies who were, perhaps, the first feminists in an era that was not quite ready for feminism.

“Make women rational creatures, and free citizens, and they will become good wives; - that is, if men do not neglect the duties of husbands and fathers.” (Mary Wollstonecraft)

Stories by: Elizabeth Adams, Nicole Clarkston, Karen M Cox, J. Marie Croft, Amy D’Orazio, Jenetta James, Jessie Lewis, KaraLynne Mackrory, Lona Manning, Christina Morland, Beau North, Sophia Rose, Anngela Schroeder, Joana Starnes, Brooke West, and Caitlin

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About the Narrator & Editor

About the Editor: Christina Boyd

CHRISTINA BOYD wears many hats as she is an editor under her own banner, The Quill Ink, a contributor to Austenprose, and a commercial ceramicist. A life member of Jane Austen Society of North America, Christina lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her dear Mr. B, two busy teenagers, and a retriever named BiBi. Visiting Jane Austen’s England was made possible by actor Henry Cavill when she won the Omaze experience to meet him in the spring of 2017 on the London Eye. True story. You can Google it.

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About the Narrator: Victoria Riley

Victoria Riley is a British voiceover artist and audiobook narrator.  Originally trained as a theatre actor, she gradually moved into voice work and is now happiest behind the mic.  She loves classic literature and travelling the world. If she isn't recording, she's probably lying in a hammock in some far-flung place, reading book after book after book.

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Cover Reveal: Alee by Nicole Loufas

Alee
Nicole Loufas
Publication date: November 19th 2019
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Young Adult

With just weeks left before her high school graduation, Alee dumps with her sunshine stealing boyfriend in epic fashion – by sleeping with his best friend.

Since bad things happen in three, becoming the school slut is just the beginning.

A mass shooting steals the life of Alee’s Olympic-bound best friend and a homeless drug addict turns out to be the father who abandoned Alee as a child.

With a backpack full of daddy-issues and a bucket list of broken dreams, Alee searches for light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

Will the man who broke her, be the one who saves her life?

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Author Bio:

Nicole was born and raised in California. She claims to be a San Francisco native, however she's lived in both Northern and Southern California. She credits her creativity to the fact that she attended 12 schools between kindergarten and her senior year in high school. Her nomadic childhood allowed her to reinvent herself often. Some might say she was a liar. While others see the stories she told as a coping mechanism. Twelve schools, in six cities, in twelve years - give her a break. Today she channels her storytelling ability into writing novels. Long story short - kids that lie become writers.

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Spotlight: Capturing The Heart Of The Rock Star by Nomi Summers

Debut author Nomi Summers brings you CAPTURING THE HEART OF THE ROCK STAR, the first installment in her sweet contemporary romance series, Knox Brothers of Arbor Shores. When Shane Knox left his home-town years ago to pursue his dream, he never looked back. Until he finds himself back home and in the presence of his first true love, Avery Cooke. Find out if Shane will find redemption or will he leave for good in this smalltown, second chance, rockstar romance.

Even rock stars are haunted by the one that got away... 

Chasing music and freedom, Shane Knox left Arbor Shores nine years ago and never looked back... until now. With his best friend, Dax, getting married, Shane is coming home to face his past as well as Avery, the girl he left behind. 

The second he lays eyes on her, all of his long suppressed feelings come rushing back in a tidal wave of regret. For him, it was never truly over. But is it too late for a second chance? 

Despite being bitter over Shane’s abrupt exit, Avery has bigger problems on her hands than drama with her ex. Her family’s hotel, Arbor Shores Resort, is struggling. Financial difficulties have landed the business in prime position for a real estate buyout, which would destroy all Avery and her family have built. 

Putting his career on the line, Shane comes up with a plan that could save the resort. But will it be enough to redeem himself with Avery? 

Or is it time for him to leave Arbor Shores for good?

Buy from Amazon or read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon → http://bit.ly/capturingrockstar 

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Goodreads → https://smarturl.it/yhv4lg

Excerpt 

Copyright @ Nomi Summers 2019 

Shane walked Avery to the parking lot, holding her hand the entire way, long after the group could no longer see them. When they reached the car, he turned to her and said, “Thank you for today. I had fun with you.”

“Yeah, me too.” She was starting to soften, and knew she had to pull herself together. “Tomorrow it’s back to business as usual. No need to keep up the fake relationship after everyone leaves.”

“Unless you wanted to?” he asked with a hopeful grin. 

“There’s no use in pretending to be something we’re not unless it evolves to that. Let’s just take it one day at a time and see where this takes us.” 

“Well then, I’ll see you in the morning, boss. I’ll be ready for you to put me to work.”

“See you then,” Avery turned and began to open the door to her car, but she felt Shane push it shut. As she turned to face him to see what he was doing, he leaned in and pinned her gently against the car with his body. One hand on the door, he leaned in as if he were going to kiss her. With his other hand, he brushed his thumb along her bottom lip. 

“What are you doing?” she tried to whisper, but her voice cracked. 

“I’ve been dying to kiss you, Ave.” His voice was low, his breath warm against her cheek, as he leaned in to whisper in her ear, “Ever since I got here, I’ve wanted nothing more than to feel your lips on mine.”

“Shane …” she started, but her voice trailed off. Her legs were getting weaker and weaker. She was running out of fight with this man. 

“Just one kiss, Avery,” he whispered softly. “And then we’ll know.” 

Her eyes fell to his lips, so close to her own, and she began to close her eyes. She did want the kiss, more than anything. But she didn’t want her heart to break all over again. She wanted to be certain this could work before they took it too far. She straightened her back, placing a hand on his chest to create space between them. “I already know, Shane.” 

Before he could say anything more, she leaned forward and dusted a kiss to his cheek. She turned and opened the car door, whispering a brief goodbye before she got in and backed out of her parking spot, leaving Shane alone to watch her tail lights disappear in the distance. 

Author Nomi Summers: 

Nomi Summers is a clean contemporary romance author with a flair for taming bad boy heroes readers swoon over.

When she’s not dreaming up her next sweet small town romance, you’ll find her at the beach devouring the latest new release on her Kindle. Her other guilty pleasures include getting lost in mindless reality TV and spending far too much time talking to her dogs, as she’s convinced they understand every other word!

Nomi’s living her own “happily ever after” with her loving husband and their two fur babies in Tampa Bay, Florida. However, a piece of her heart will always belong in Michigan where she’s originally from--the inspiration for the settings in her novels. 

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Spotlight: Healing Hannah’s Heart by Preslaysa Williams

Time will heal her scars, but what will heal her heart?

Hannah Hart may have been burned by the breakup of her rocky marriage, but the ambitious Afro-Filipina model has big plans for her future. Her stunning looks and flawless skin provide the opening she craves to become a celebrity in the fashion world. Then an arsonist’s match brings Hannah’s world crashing down around her.

Recovering from the burns that destroyed her skin, Hannah is forced to accept help from the last person on earth she wants, her estranged husband, Jake Hart. Jake isn’t ready to give up on their marriage. The return of Jake’s teenage son from a one-night stand had been the catalyst for their breakup. How can he help both the son who resents his abandonment and the woman he still loves? He can do nothing about the scars on her skin, but can he heal Hannah’s heart?

As she struggles to rebuild her life from the ashes of her shattered dreams, does Hannah have the courage to give Jake a second chance? And is the world ready for a differently-abled model who will redefine what it means to be beautiful?

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Preslaysa Williams is an award-winning author who writes contemporary romance and women's fiction with an Afro-Filipina twist. Proud of her heritage, she loves sharing her culture with her readers. She is currently earning her second graduate degree, a MFA in Writing Popular Fiction, at Seton Hill University. She holds an undergraduate degree in Spanish Language & Literature from Columbia University.

Preslaysa is also a professional actress, a planner nerd, an avid bookworm, and a homeschool mom who often wears mismatched socks. To follow along with her busy life, visit her at www.preslaysa.com where you can sign up for her newsletter community.

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Sign up for Preslaysa's newsletter between September 10-17, 2019 for a chance to win a signed copy of Healing Hannah's Heart.

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Spotlight: The Daddy Coach by Karen Muir

About The Daddy Coach: 

Hoping to vindicate her brother, botanist Gina Dunn poses as a nanny to the man she believes framed him. Even though she grew up in a dysfunctional home, how hard can it be looking after twin four-year-old boys? If she can nurture rare orchids, surely she can handle this. 

Instant fatherhood hits contractor Will Sinclair hard when his twin sons he didn't know existed come to live with him. The rebellious boys reject Will as their real dad, forcing him to turn to Gina, his new nanny, for her "expert" help.

Interacting with Will and his boys as a “daddy” coach, Gina starts to crave the family she's always longed to have. But Will's reaction when he learns of her deception isn’t her biggest fear––one of two men she loves is lying…

Excerpt

They drove home in silence, the boys too tired to search for red cars. The outing had gone well, but Will wondered if he could have done more. Reviewing Gina’s suggestions, he remembered one in particular:  sing a silly song. His jaw tightened. He’d rather eat dirt.

Instead, he sang out boldly about the doggie in the window. No one joined in, and he felt like a fool, but he soldiered on solo through the first verse. He finished to total silence, broken seconds later by cries from both boys to “Sing it again!” 

Once again, he filled the car with his booming voice. "How much is that doggie in the window?" When Ian and Harry chimed in with hearty “Woof-Woofs," he laughed. Being silly with his boys made him feel like a kid again too--happy and carefree.

The third time through, Gina joined in too. About time. Her voice was pleasing and strong, but way off-key. His grin widened. She turned to him, laughing, and her smile sucker-punched him in the gut. Entranced, his voice wavered, his brain stalled. The boys’ eager “woof! woofs” filled the gap.

She turned abruptly to stare out the passenger window, but not before he caught the approval in her eyes. Another first. He'd done something right. It made him want to sing more goofy songs. "Thanks for today," he said. "Your suggestions were right on."

She turned to him, her smile gone. "You take good notes. Retrieving the buckets was a game changer."

"Hopefully, our next outing will be easier. And warmer." Still no smile. And no reply. Would there be a next outing? She was back to being cool and distant, looking out her side window. The attraction he felt was apparently one-sided.

Fair enough. She was right to remind  him of the roles they both played. She was the nanny his sons adored, the key to their newfound happiness. Far too valuable to risk losing to a 

failed romance. He was as the employer, the daddy in training. For the sake of all of them, he had to keep that straight.

Get Your Copy: 

Entangled  | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple iBooks | Goodreads 

About Karen Muir: 

A sense of humor was a must when Karen taught elementary grades and Head Start, and she's always loved books and movies that make her laugh. Karen's Fish Out of Water series from Entangled Publishing deals with heroines thrust outside their comfort zones. Their first meetings with their heroes tend to be quirky. An English Lit major at the University of Washington, Karen now reads mostly genre novels. Contemporary and historical romances and mysteries are my favorites. She loves camping--out in the wilds and close to nature--with all the comforts of our motor home. Sitting by a clear mountain stream with a good book to read is her idea of heaven.

Connect with Karen: Website | Twitter | Facebook

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Spotlight: Dark Memento by Katie Reus

Welcome to Verona Bay, a small coastal town where the secrets just won’t stay buried—and people aren’t always who they seem.

She was the one that got away…

Eight years ago Serenity Washington watched as her twin sister was murdered. She was lucky to escape the same grisly fate. With her sister’s killer in jail, she relocated and tried to move on with her life. She married a man in the Air Force and started a family, but when her husband dies unexpectedly she moves back to the last place she remembers being happy—Verona Bay, FL.

Now that she’s come home, it’s all starting again…

Within months of Serenity’s homecoming, she receives a ‘gift’—a bracelet from her sister that was never recovered after her death—and a taunting note. Terrified for herself and her young daughter, she turns to the local sheriff for help. But there’s only so much they can do without proof that the gifts aren’t more than sick pranks. There’s been no DNA, no fingerprints left behind—nothing to indicate who’s leaving them. As the horrifying gifts arrive with increasing frequency, Serenity has no doubt that she’s the ultimate target. But with her sister’s murderer—a confessed serial killer—still behind bars, she has no idea who’s stalking her.

She turns to the one man she’s been trying to keep her distance from…

Former Marine Lucas Jordan has been hung up on single mom Serenity since she moved back to Verona Bay, but she’s made it clear she’s not looking for a relationship. When she’s targeted, however, all bets are off. He won’t sit by while she’s terrorized, and with her and her daughter’s lives in danger he’s prepared to stand his ground and protect them both. Together they face the impossible task of trying to figure out who to trust before they all wind up six feet under.

Grab Your Copy:

Amazon: https://smarturl.it/DarkMementoKindle 

Apple: https://smarturl.it/DarkMementoApple 

Nook: https://smarturl.it/DarkMementoNook 

Kobo: https://smarturl.it/DarkMementoKobo 

About the Author

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Website: https://katiereus.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/katiereus

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1563059.Katie_Reus

Blog: http://katiereus.blogspot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiereusauthor/