Audio Spotlight: Two Thousand Years by M. Dalto

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Empire Saga, Book 1

Release date: Feb. 3, 2020

Synopsis: Two thousand years ago, the prophecy of fire and light foretold the coming of the queen empress who would lead the empire into a time of peace and tranquility. But instead of the coming of a prosperous world, a forbidden love for the empress waged a war that ravaged the land, creating a chasm between the factions and raising the death toll of innocent lives until the final, bloody battle.

Centuries later, Alexandra, a 22-year-old barista living in Boston, is taken to an unfamiliar realm of mystery and magic where her life is threatened by Reylor, its banished lord steward. She crosses paths with Treyan, the arrogant and seductive crown prince of the empire, and together, they discover how their lives, and their love, are so intricately intertwined by a prophecy set in motion so many years ago.

Alex, now the predestined Queen Empress Alexstrayna, whose arrival was foretold by the annals of the empire, controls the fate of her new home as war rages between the crown prince and lord steward. Either choice could tear her world apart, as she attempts to keep the empire's torrid history from repeating itself. 

In a realm where betrayal and revenge will be as crucial to her survival as love and honor, Alex must discover whether it is her choice - or her fate - that determines how she survives the empire's rising conflicts.

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About the Author: M. Dalto

M. Dalto is a Young Adult and New Adult author of adventurous romantic fantasy stories. Her bestselling debut novel, Two Thousand Years, was a 2016 Watty Award winner (Wattpad.com). She has since released two companion novellas, and its sequel, MARK OF THE EMPRESS. Her sophomore release, LADY MUTINY, has been signed with Magnolia Press for publication in 2020.

She was recruited to participate in Wattpad Paid Stories program for serialized authors in March 2019, and has since been invited into the Wattpad Stars program. She continues to volunteer her time as a literary mentor and freelance developmental editor, where she hopes to engage, assist, and inspire new writers through their literary journey.

She spends her days working as a full-time real estate paralegal, leaving her evenings to pursue her own writing agenda. When she’s not typing furiously at her computer, she enjoys reading fantasy novels, playing video games, and drinking coffee. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her husband, their daughter, and their corgi named Loki.

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About the Narrator: Amanda Abeillan

Amanda Abeillan has narrated over a thousand hours of audio included in books, educational videos, commercials and more. She loves telling stories and making them come alive for her audiences. She also enjoys singing, playing the piano, and learning French. In her spare time, she can be found watching British panel shows and history documentaries.

Website⎮Audible

Spotlight: Hate to Love Him by J. Saman

A gorgeous, brooding rock god. 

An unstoppable chemistry we fight to ignore. 

Desperate passion I want indelibly inked on my soul. 

Jobless and financially destitute, I have no choice but to see this tour through. Even with my boss hating my guts. A fact he goes out of his way to prove every chance he gets. 

Lucky for me, the best part of Jasper Diamond is his daughter. But being the nanny on the road with one of the world’s biggest rock bands poses more challenges than I was expecting – including falling for the elusive front man. 

But with the world chasing after us, how long can we hide what others are determined to exploit? 

They say there is a thin line between love and hate.

That all good things must come to an end.

Set on a collision course, nothing could have prepared us for this.

Or for what fate has in store for us.

Excerpt

copyright J. Saman 2020

I can’t stop dancing, even as I listen to the girls around me, placing bets on who’s going to sleep with Jasper Diamond first. I can’t help the swell of jealousy I feel, even when I know nothing will come of their posturing. 

It’s a difficult pill to swallow, knowing so many beautiful women want the man you’ve given your heart to. Especially after you’ve already experienced the same situation once before. And were cheated on. 

But they don’t know him. 

They don’t know the quiet behind the headlines. The calm after the show. The reticent, lonely heart of the man who does little more than write, play music, and love his daughter. 

What would I give to fill that heart? To complete it? What would that feel like?

To be a family with him and Adalyn. A real family. 

Toward the end of the night, Jasper rips his soaking wet shirt  over his head, and the women in the crowd scream ballistically. I do too; his muscular chest and cut abs all the way down to his glorious V are dripping wet and shiny and sexier than anything I’ve ever seen before. His tattoos on full display. 

Bad boy rock god. 

My sexy god. 

That’s what he is, and I’m all over it. 

He laughs, running his hand back through his wet hair, brushing the long reddish-brown strands from his face. 

“Don’t get too excited,” he teases. “I’m going to grab another shirt.” The women boo in protest, and he laughs even harder. “I bet if you cheer loud enough, the rest of these guys will go shirtless for you.”

He runs in my direction, while the crowd demands their favorite men strip down. “Oh my God,” one girl near me screeches, practically vibrating in her heels. “He’s coming this way.” 

Jasper snatches the towel handed to him by one of the stage crew, whipping down his body and tossing a clean, dry, black tee over his head. But then his eyes lock with mine, and he smiles so brightly my insides quake. He jogs over with purpose, his arms capturing me, melding his body into mine. The scent of his musky body wash, sweat, and infectious wonder, bleed into my every pore. 

Jasper shifts as if he’s going to whisper in my ear when his lips catch the corner of mine, sneaking a small kiss. I feel his smile glide along my cheek as he whispers seductively, “Pay attention, dream girl. This next song is all about you.”

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About J. Saman: 

J. Saman loves all types of novels, but finds herself always going back to writing/reading romances. She's addicted to Diet Coke and sour candy, and swears way too much. She's an admitted lover of picking at old wounds, second chance romances, love triangles and the perfect amount of angst . She writes smart, strong women and sexy alpha (slightly nerdy) men who have a softer side.

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Spotlight: After All by Heidi McLaughlin

After All
Heidi McLaughlin
Publication date: March 24th 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary

From New York Times bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin comes a heartfelt story about overcoming great loss and forgiving past sins to find happiness again.

Brooklyn Hewett hasn’t stepped foot in Cape Harbor for fifteen years—not since an accident claimed the love of her life, Austin Woods. Desperate to move forward, Brooklyn has focused on raising her daughter for the past fourteen years. But when the opportunity comes along to renovate, and possibly buy, the old Driftwood Inn, Brooklyn knows it’s time to go home.

But it won’t be easy. For one, Austin’s best friend, Bowie Holmes, still lives in Cape Harbor. Brooklyn hasn’t quite been able to forget him: not since the night they spent together—the same night they both lost Austin. Separated by tragedy and guilt, they’re brought together by the Driftwood project. And as they rebuild the inn, they discover they’re also rebuilding something else.

Brooklyn’s always been desperate to move on, not knowing that she first needs to reconcile past transgressions. She can’t forget, but she can forgive—Austin, Bowie, and herself—on her way toward long-awaited happiness.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

Instead of heading straight to the Driftwood Inn, Brooklyn detoured and drove down Third Street. This was the only town she had ever lived in or visited that hadn’t had a Main Street. It was such a random thing she picked up on when she and her parents moved here years ago. She never understood why until she learned that when the town incorporated, the people counted the streets up from the harbor, numbering instead of naming, with First Street being the closest to the water.

Curiosity filled her. For years she had not asked questions about her favorite spots, mostly to avoid the feeling of being homesick, but also so she could forget. The less she knew, the better. The less she longed to return, the easier it would be to create a new life. That was what she needed to do: start over, put the past behind her, and move on.

At the red light, she closed her eyes. It only took her seconds to tell Carly she would come back, even though, deep down, it wasn’t what she wanted to do. Yet, she owed the woman and could never tell her no. Brooklyn was content with the life she was living. She was one of the most sought-after home renovators, with homeowners paying her top dollar to come to them, to transform their visions into their dream homes. Her job afforded her many luxuries, except roots. She didn’t rent a home, let alone own one. Each town became her stomping ground, until the next job came in. She traveled thousands of miles, back and forth across the country, leaving her mark everywhere she went.

Author Bio:

Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.

Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband, two daughters, and their three dogs.

In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.

When writing isn't occupying her time, you can find her sitting courtside at either of her daughters' basketball games.

Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018, and is now available on DVD & Digital.

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Spotlight: Girl Meets Billionaire Boxed Set

Girl Meets Billionaire
Publication date: March 23rd 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Girl Meets Billionaire… and then what happens?

The road to happily-ever-after has many twists and turns, especially when an arrogant, sexy alpha billionaire is involved.

Read 8 FREE billionaire romances that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon in this special edition box set available for a LIMITED TIME only.

Night After Night by Lauren Blakely
Julia thought she could spend one passionate week in the arms of gorgeous Clay and then leave him behind — but she was wrong.

Mr. Perfect by J.A. Huss
Seduced by her billionaire boss, Ellie discovers forbidden desires she didn’t know she had. But what if the perfect man turns out to have hidden secrets?

Shopping for a Billionaire’s Fiancée by Julia Kent
Well-heeled Declan is getting ready to propose to Shannon, but first he’s got to get through his pesky future mother-in-law — and his fiancée-to-be just swallowed the ring!

Dirty Sexy Player by Laurelin Paige
In order to get her inheritance, Elizabeth agrees to a fake marriage with playboy businessman Weston. It’s supposed to be a temporary professional agreement — until they can’t deny their chemistry any longer…

At Any Price by Brenna Aubrey
Blogger Mia Strong cashes in on her online popularity by selling her virginity to the highest bidder — with no strings attached. But when sexy CEO Adam Drake wins the prize, all bets are off…

Anything For You by Layla Hagen
Devoting his life to his younger siblings means CEO Landon Connor has no time for romance. But one look at landscape designer Maddie Jennings leaves Landon hot and bothered… Will he finally consider making room in his life for love?

Most Eligible Billionaire by Annika Martin
Henry’s mother left the family business to her dog — and left the dog to Vicky, their beautiful next-door neighbor. A “highly entertaining” (USA Today) romantic comedy!

Tempting Levi by Jules Barnard
Resort owner Levi thinks he’s found the perfect assistant in gorgeous Emily. There’s just one complication: She’s his cheating ex’s little sister…

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

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SNEAK PEEKS:

Lauren Blakely, Night After Night

“You know I like the sex. I think the part that’s not getting through to you is how very much I like all the other parts. I like what’s in here,” he said, stretching across her to tap her forehead with his index finger, “And I like doing the things here,” he said, sweeping his thumb across her lips, “that involve talking.” He traveled down her chest, tracing a line between her breasts, and landing on her heart. “I also like the things I’m seeing in here.”

—

Laurelin Paige, Dirty Sexy Player

“I looked at the windows past him, trying to distract myself. Lights flashed and swirled around the dance floor in time to the beat, the only part of the music which made it into the sanctuary of the bubble room. I could tell it was crowded, but I couldn’t make out faces the way they could probably make out ours. “I don’t know if anyone’s looking,” I said.

“Don’t worry about them. Just focus on what you’re doing.”

Easy for him to say. He wasn’t facing them. He was only looking at me.

Nope. I couldn’t think about that either. Just had to focus on the task at hand.

I closed my eyes. “So just pretend that I… That we are… That under my dress…” I couldn’t even say it.

Weston leaned forward and murmured near my ear. “Yes, pretend that under your dress you are not wearing any panties. I have my dick out. I’m working you, and you are showing me exactly how you like it. Now go.”

Just like that, my panties were damp.

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Spotlight: Ruling the Princess by Christi Barth

I’m thrilled that my first trip back to my homeland, after years in exile, is for an assignment from the prime minister. Even better, the job's to put Princess Genevieve in her place...by cutting off her cash flow. Spoiled royals—even drop-dead gorgeous ones—don't do anything to deserve their wealth and status. Hell, they don't do anything. She's fighting me tooth and nail, of course. The only way to stop her arguing is, well, to kiss her.

And I can't seem to stay away from her. Now I see a whole different side to the princess—and not just because I've gotten her clothes off. But I was put on this assignment for a reason… Those outside the castle want to see the Princess discredited and push their own agenda, and I may have just given them all the ammunition they need.

Each book in the Unexpectedly Royal series is STANDALONE:* The Princess Problem* Ruling the Princess

Exclusive Excerpt: 

He didn’t want to agree with her. 

He didn’t want to enjoy holding her.

It pissed him off. A lot. 

When he stood in belly-deep water, Theo released her legs. But the princess didn’t take her hand from his neck. The length of her body lined up against his now. His erection notched between her legs, keeping her somewhat afloat. 

No way to ignore it. For either of them.

Her eyes widened, latched on to his. Her lips parted, about to ask a question.

Theo didn’t want to hear it. Didn’t want to fight about whatever it was.

So he kissed her. 

He started by licking off the drop of water that hung off her bottom lip. Half wondered if she’d bite him or bring her knee up to squash his balls. But at the first touch of his tongue, her lips parted even more.

Theo didn’t need to be told twice.

His teeth nipped at that juicy lower lip. Her whole body jolted against him. Angling his head to the side, Theo took her open mouth. From that first kiss, annoyance no longer drove him. 

No, it was the sweetness of her response that lured him back for kiss after kiss. For the contrast of her water-cooled lips to the heat as they tangled tongues. He kept kissing her to draw out more of those quiet moans that hardened his dick to pure steel.

One leg curled around his hips. Theo plunged a hand into the water to grab her ass, lift it up. He miscalculated, and his hand went under her suit. 

#noregrets 

He palmed her ass, squeezing its tautness, marveling at the mind-blowing smoothness. Every time his hand kneaded her, she bucked her hips and arched against him. 

One of her hands tunneled up into his hair. Her nails scraped his scalp lightly, sending tingles shooting down his spine. Her other hand yanked his shirt from his trousers. Handling the cling of wet clothes was never easy. Theo was thrilled with her tenacity when her skin finally stroked across his back.

And their lips, their tongues, never slowed down in caressing, in twisting, tasting, licks and bites that quickly became less practiced and more urgent.

The slap of the water against the tile broke through his concentration. Theo dragged his mouth down her throat for the thrill of feeling her pulse pound in triple time against his lips. “Princess—”

That light, pretty laughter cut him off. “I think, at this point, you should call me Genevieve.”

He knew she meant it as a gift, an honor. 

A knee to the balls would’ve been easier. Because it was a reminder that he wasn’t here to kiss a beautiful woman senseless in the sunlight. He was at Alcarsa Palace to lay down the law to the princess.

This had been a mistake. A terrible mistake. He’d crossed enemy lines.

Theo pulled his hand out of her suit, took her shoulders, and pushed her gently away. “Apologies, Your Highness. I overstepped.” 

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About the Author: 

USA TODAY bestseller Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes award-winning contemporary romance.

Christi can always be found either whipping up gourmet meals (for fun, honest!) or with her nose in a book. She lives in Maryland with the best husband in the world.

Connect with Christi: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Newsletter

Spotlight: Illicit (Coffee Shop Girls) by L. Moone

Simon
For almost two decades, I’d been celibate while mourning my wife’s death. As a single dad with a business empire to run, I never had the time or will to start dating again. But from the moment I met Kayla, everything changed.

She’s gorgeous, sharp and has a wicked sense of humour. The mere sight of her awakes something in me that had been dormant for years. We hit it off immediately, until I realise a difficult truth.

Kayla is one of my daughter’s friends. And that’s one boundary I’m unwilling to cross, no matter how much it pains me to let her go.

Kayla
I spotted him as soon as I arrived at the party. Older, sophisticated, but with an edge to him which I couldn’t place. I knew I had to solve the mystery that was Simon. Our conversation soon turns physical, and I’m hopelessly swept up in a passion I’ve never known before. Right up to the moment that we realise who we are to each other.

If there’s one thing you don’t do, it’s make out with your friend’s dad. No matter how charming and handsome he is.

The memory of that one kiss lingers long after the spell is broken. Can I really put it behind me? Can I ignore how he made me feel when I inevitably see him again? Or has our illicit encounter changed my heart forever?

Note: this self-contained steamy read may end up melting not just your Kindle, but your heart as well! If you love steamy body positive romance stories featuring confident older men and a curvy younger women, this second book in L. Moone’s Coffee Shop Girls series is going to tick all your boxes. Every installment follows a different couple from the moment lightning first strikes all the way to their happily ever after. They can be read in any order, but for maximum enjoyment I suggest you start with Book 1, Fireworks.

Excerpt

Kayla

He’s a true alpha. Effortless confidence, without even a hint of arrogance showing through. This is a man who goes after what he wants without fear or hesitation. Because nobody has ever tried to oppose him.

Neither will I.

He can have me tonight; he just has to reach out and make it happen. It’s all I’ve been able to think about since I first spotted him. 

We make it about half a dozen steps down the road, when his hand finds its way onto my arm. I pause, breathless with anticipation.

“I hope you don’t mind.” He inhales sharply through his teeth while he looks down at my lips. 

Just the tone of his deep voice has me creaming myself. I blink a few times, trying to swallow my nerves as he continues.

“But… I’ve been wanting to do this ever since you said ‘hi’.”

My stomach flips and I forget to breathe. His right hand finds my face and his thumb rests against my bottom lip. I lean into his touch, eager for what’s to come.

“Me too,” I mouth. 

I’m helplessly frozen in place as his other hand travels up my arm and across my shoulder until it slips around the back of my neck. He bends just enough to get down to my level and cups my face. 

The air between us feels electric when our lips brush past each other for the first time. I hold my breath and wrap both my arms around his broad shoulders. Even through his coat, I can feel the firmness of his body as he presses up against me. Underneath his expensive clothes, he’s all muscle.

He kisses me like he owns me already. His mouth, his tongue, his hands mark me as his. 

I don’t care that we’re standing in the middle of the High Street, in that same part of town where I’ve lived and worked my entire life. It’s a small enough place that most people who’ve lived here a while know each other.

It doesn’t seem to matter that my mum might pass us by on her way to the shops. Or one of my neighbours, even an ex-boyfriend or two. 

All I have eyes for is him.

Our mouths and hands continue to seek each other out. We’re both lost in the moment. Lost in each other. 

The chemistry I thought we had while talking, it was nothing compared to what I feel right now. His firm touch on my back makes me feel both empowered as well as weak just for him. Breathless kisses smudge my lipstick against his handsome face. He’s oblivious or he simply doesn’t care either. What a man. Compared to previous lovers I’ve kissed, this moment is like day and night. 

I was right. Approaching him tonight was either the best or the worst decision of my life so far. I’ve either hit the jackpot, or I’ll wind up broken. Whatever this is, it’s a moment I’ll never forget for as long as I live.

My first kiss with Simon ends moments later, when he pulls away just enough for me to have a better look at him again. Safe in his arms, time seems to stand still while he gazes at me with those steely grey eyes of his. 

“I’m so glad I met you tonight,” he says.

My knees are jelly. The words to answer him evade me. All I can think is ‘me too’, but I force myself to think of a different answer.

“And to think I almost didn’t turn up. Lauren’s invitation was a little last minute,” I respond.

“Lauren has been distracted lately,” he says.

“You know her well?” I ask.

“I’d like to think I do; she’s my daughter.”

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About the Author

Realistic characters, pure emotions, true passion. Everything I write is about the characters: how they interact, what’s going on in their heads, how the passionate relationship develops and affects them. I don’t believe in keeping things hidden, or dressing them up just for show. Some of my characters are potty-mouths, most of them are less than perfect (yes, even physically). I aim to write a happy ending for all of them, without keeping anything behind closed doors.

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