Spotlight: It’s A Work Thing by Michelle Karise

Garrett

They call me the King of Dynex, architect of the company’s crown jewel: the world’s largest scientific website. Half the company loves me, the other can’t stand me—when you’ve got your sights set on bigger things, it comes with the territory. Bonus: My ice-cold reputation hides my broken heart.

If Dynex pulls off its upcoming public offering, my best friend and I will be swimming in corporate stock, free to launch our own company. Now more than ever, I need to be focused. I don’t need a distraction like Jasmine Carmichael, a gorgeous consultant with honey-almond skin and a killer smile.

Jasmine
Ever had any luck with dating apps? No? Girl, same. I don’t play games. One, my travel schedule as a consultant doesn’t allow it. And two, at the first hint I’m an old-fashioned girl in search of romance, I’m ghosted.

I shouldn’t be attracted to six-three of citrine-eyed, muscular, urban sophistication like Garrett Hamilton. He’s a client, and clients are definitely out of my dating pool. But something about him makes me want to ignore the rules and roll the dice.

I should have remembered corporate games never end well—especially when you gamble with your heart.

Excerpt

That’s when he did it. His left hand unbuttoned his right sleeve, and he carefully folded the cuff to his inner elbow. He then folded the bottom until it reached the top of his cuff, revealing the cords rippling through his muscular, tanned forearms.

My heart raced, and as much as I tried, I couldn’t look away. The small, effortless move was so sexy. A short exhalation left my chest as I stared.

Yeah. We’ll be getting a lot of work done.

Still standing, he smoothed the edges of the folds. He smirked in an annoyingly self-confident way that dampened my panties. Then he repeated the action on his right arm. This time, he met my gaze and took his time rolling the sleeve, flexing the muscles in his forearms when he did it.

He knew he was turning me on. And he enjoyed it!

I imagined that I appeared wide-eyed and breathless while I squirmed in my seat. 

My god. Could this be more embarrassing?

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About the Author

Michelle Karise is a St. Louis-native who lives with her temperamental Shih Tzu, Rooney. The sassy, Type-A personality is a member of several professional organizations, notably the Romance Writers of America.Travel, martinis, and wit are her jam and nuance is her butter. She constructs stories featuring intelligent female leads and the confident and strong men that love them. Sometimes the hero and heroine don’t behave as she would like, but she is always optimistic that love will prevail.

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE: AUTHOR SITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | NEWSLETTER | PINTEREST | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Spotlight: Her Billionaires Series by Julia Kent

Her Billionaires
Julia Kent
(Her Billionaires, #1)
Publication date: September 24th 2013
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

FROM NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR JULIA KENT

COULD SHE REALLY FIND THE RIGHT GUY ON THE INTERNET?

“Hot, luscious woman who can suck a golf ball through forty feet of garden hose seeks rippling-ab’d firefighter who has a tongue that thrums like a hummingbird and enjoys painting my toenails and eating Ben & Jerry’s out of the carton while watching Orange is the New Black.”

Curvy business analyst Laura Michaels stared at the online dating site’s registration screen and frowned. That’s what she really wanted to write. By the time her best friend, Josie, edited and clicked “Send,” her personals ad was more fantasy than reality.

OR WOULD SHE GET MORE THAN SHE BARGAINED FOR?

When two different guys — Dylan Stanwyck and Mike Pine — replied within two days, she seemed doubly blessed. After a first date with model-turned-firefighter Dylan that ended in bed — and with a huge misunderstanding — Laura came home from her Walk of Shame to an invitation for a hike with ski instructor Mike. The Great Outdoors became the setting for so much more…

Caught between two men — literally — who turned out to be roommates and secret billionaires, Laura makes a startling discovery about her own capacity for passion.

And, maybe, long-term love in an unconventional romance with two men that pushes every boundary.

Including her own.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT (Book 1):

“Luscious, curvy financial analyst seeks friendship and more. Financially independent and self-assured, I’m a fit woman who wants a man (or, more than one! YOLO!) for stimulating conversation…er, yeah. Conversation. Message me (or massage me!).”

Something fierce and hot inside him came to life. From that description it sounded like she…seriously? No way.

“Mike! Hey, Mike! Get in here!” If there were a chance— any chance at all, here, then he had to act fast. Someone this amazing was about to get inundated by messages from needy weirdos.

And he needed to be the first.

His roommate wandered in. Where Dylan was all muscle and brawn, Mike Pine was tall and sleek, a marathoner’s body of long, lean tissue. Dylan’s dark, thick, Italian, looks made him popular with women, but Mike was the golden boy, with blonde hair and blue eyes—the long-distance runner with a soft heart, the guy women turned to and poured their hearts out, Mr. Sensitive to Dylan’s Mr. Conquest.

Dylan tapped the screen. “Take a look at her.”

He smiled smugly as Mike’s eyes raced across the screen. They’d been waiting for a long time. Too long. His roommate’s expression told him everything he needed to know. Score! It might finally be time.

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.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter / Bookbub / Amazon

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Spotlight: Guarded by the Soldier by Laura Scott

He’ll put his life on the line…If it means protecting a little boy and his pregnant mom.After months of searching, security expert Ryker Tillman finally finds Olivia Habush and her young son—just as they are attacked by armed mercenaries. Now safeguarding Olivia, her unborn child and little Aaron is the former special ops soldier’s new mission. But to save the family burrowing into his heart, Ryker must figure out why someone wants them dead…

Excerpt

“Ryker!” Poised near the front doorway, Liv hesitated. She wasn’t sure why she was suddenly so worried about the stranger she hadn’t trusted a few minutes ago, but she couldn’t bear to leave him behind.

The man who’d had Aaron collapsed on the floor at Ryker’s feet. He groaned but didn’t move. Bright red blood began to pool beside him on the floor.

“Go! I’m right behind you.” Ryker staggered forward, carefully stepping around the man. “We need to get out of here before the cops arrive.”

Logically she knew they shouldn’t leave the scene of a crime. They should wait for the police. But she’d been on the run for so long, she couldn’t do it. Hiking Aaron higher in her arms, she followed Ryker outside. Willa was dead and two men had almost succeeded in grabbing her and Aaron.

Every fiber of her being longed to get far away from the quaint town she’d once thought could be her new home.

“This way.” Ryker once again cupped his hand beneath her elbow, guiding her to the left.

“Wait.” She dug in her heels. “I have a car here.”

“No good. That’s how they tracked you. I have a vehicle stashed on the next block.”

They’d tracked her here through her car? How was that possible? She’d exchanged her newer car for an older model and asked the owner of the used-car lot to keep the transaction off the books.

“How do you know that?” she asked, already feeling breathless. Aaron wasn’t overly big for his age, but she was carrying her unborn baby, as well. She’d tried to keep in shape, but obviously she wasn’t going to be able to continue going at this pace for long.

“Because that’s how I found you.” Ryker glanced down at her. “Will Aaron cry if I hold him? We need to hurry.”

“Yes, he’s likely to cry, since the man on the stairs scared him.” The little boy was calmer now, but was sucking his thumb, a habit he’d broken six months ago. He was also, thankfully, wearing a Pull-Ups diaper as she could tell he’d wet himself.

The poor child had been scared to death.

She tried to match Ryker’s long-legged stride to avoid slowing them down. But seconds later, she could hear the wail of sirens.

“Almost there,” Ryker said encouragingly as he continued urging her forward. “See the black SUV?”

“Yes.” She was breathless with exertion, but pushed herself to keep going. It wasn’t until they reached his car that she realized they didn’t have a car seat for Aaron.

“Wait! We need a car seat,” she protested when Ryker opened the passenger door for her.

“I already have one in the back, see? Let me strap him in.” Without asking permission, he plucked Aaron from her arms and opened the back door to place the toddler in his safety seat.

Amazingly, Aaron didn’t cry. She wondered if her son sensed they were safe with Ryker.

It wasn’t until she’d climbed in and buckled her seat belt and Ryker slid in behind the wheel that the significance of the child safety seat hit her.

“You were planning to take me and Aaron all along!” Betrayal hit hard and she fumbled for the door handle. “You’re one of them! I can’t believe I fell for your act and—”

“Don’t, Olivia.” Ryker’s voice wasn’t harsh, but firm. “I have never lied to you. I don’t work for the Blake-Moore Group, in fact I helped bring some of their men down. However, I have been trying to find you and Aaron to make sure you were safe. That’s why I have a car seat. I wanted to be ready if they came for you.”

He’d already pulled away from the curb and was driing slowly away from Willa’s home. Liv glanced at her purse/diaper bag, thinking about the clothing and toys she’d left behind, and bit down on her lower lip to keep from crying.

Were they really safe with Ryker? She wanted to trust her instincts, but too much had happened in such a short time. Her life as she’d known it was over.

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About the Author

Laura Scott is honored to write for the Love Inspired Suspense line, where a reader can find a heartwarming journey of faith amid the thrilling danger. She lives with her husband of twenty-five years and has two children, a daughter and a son, who are both in college. She works as a critical-care nurse during the day at a large level-one trauma center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and spends her spare time writing romance. Visit Laura at www.laurascottbooks.com. 

Spotlight: By Sea & Sky: An Esowon Story by Bandele Antoine

By Sea & Sky 

The Sky Pirate Chronicles Book 1 

by Antoine Bandele 

Genre: Fantasy Adventure, Pirates 

With no magic, no brawn, and no pirate crew, Zala seeks to steal back the one treasure that matters to her most: her husband. 

To succeed she needs a ship—and not just any ship, but the latest, secret invention by the Vaaji Empire. An airship. 

Zala will have to use her wits to overcome scoundrels and nobles alike on her journey through the clouds. 

But if she's smart enough, she may just have what it takes to save her husband—and go down in history as the first sky pirate. 

Delve into a pirate fantasy inspired by the West Indies, The Swahili Coast, and Arabia, where Zala will encounter ruthless raiders, arrogant aristocrats, and imperial secrets. 

By Sea & Sky is Antoine Bandele’s sophomore novel, the first in the Sky Pirate Chronicles trilogy, a pirate fantasy. 

Goodreads * Amazon

Book Trailer:
https://youtu.be/S54AnsEzPPQ

ANTOINE BANDELE IS AN AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR IN AFRICAN LITERATURE.

He lives in Los Angeles, CA with his girlfriend, where he produces work on YouTube for his own channel and others, such as JustKiddingFilms, Fanalysis, and more. During the summer he is a camp counselor. Whenever he has the time he’s writing his debut series: Tales from Esowon. 

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Spotlight: Power Surge by Kennedy L. Mitchell

Series: Power Play #4

Genre: Romantic Political Suspense

Release Date: June 22, 2020

Now what?

Everything has changed, and not for the better. The not-so-perfect life I had as VP is gone, along with the team that’s been by my side each step of my political journey. Every move I make, every breath and thought, now affects millions, and the weight wears me down without Trey as a welcomed distraction. 

They tell me war is coming, and I’m the one who has to stop it. But how is the question no one can answer. Past enemies lurk in the shadows while new ones hide in plain sight, stalking, watching, and waiting for the right moment to take me out. I need Trey back. I need them all by my side and ready to fight for me.

Can I undo the mess that my predecessor left in his wake, or will I break under the burden to save the world?

No pressure, right?

Power Surge is the fourth book in the five-book Power Play series and is a continuation of Randi and Trey’s epic love story. The books in this series cannot be read as standalones. All five books follow one main couple's relationship as it grows through a five-year time period. It's suspenseful, steamy, and oh so unputdownable. If you're a fan of Tiffany Snow, Meghan March, and Skye Warren, then this series is for YOU! 

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About the Author

Kennedy lives in Dallas with her husband, son, and 80lb Goldendoodle who still believes he’s a lap dog. A bookworm at heart, Kennedy loves to snuggle up in bed or by the campfire with an unputdownable book. She began writing two years ago with Falling for the Chance and has no plans of stopping. Her novels are witty, action-packed, and offer enough steam for a great facial. If you like strong heroines and sexy, tattooed men who can’t keep their hands off them, then this author is the one for you.

Connect:

Website: https://kennedylmitchell.com/

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KLMBooks 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kennedy-l-mitchell 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NrETEf 

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2ws0ncY

Spotlight: The Dream by Whitney Dineen

The Dream
Whitney Dineen
(The Creek Water Series #4)
Publication date: June 21st 2020
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Ashley has loved the same boy since high school. She knew Davis Frothingham was special even before he championed her at her senior prom. She also knew he was completely out of her league.

Years later, her attraction for him is still there, but Davis? He doesn’t even remember her.

When Ashley is tasked with being the nurse for Davis’ terminally ill grandmother, she’s thrown back into his world. More than anything, she wants him to remember her, but that recollection could come at a price of its own.

Can Ashley accept that she’s good enough for Davis? And can Davis learn to love a girl from the wrong side of the tracks?

Find out in this delightfully fun romcom about love and life in Creek Water, Missouri!

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

I don’t meet his eyes. “No.”

“Why not?” he wants to know.

“Do you have a girlfriend?” I retaliate.

“I don’t.”

“Why not?”

“Point taken,” he concedes.

We’re sitting and staring at each other when Davis puts his hand on mine. He clears his throat in preparation to speak. A wave of anticipation washes over me, and I subconsciously hold my breath like I’m deep sea diving without an oxygen tank.

He’s probably not going to say, “Ashley, I’ve known who you were since the moment I saw you in the nursing home. I’ve secretly loved you since high school and wanted more than anything to tell you the depth of my feelings ever since, but I was afraid you’d turn me down.”

I’m fully aware I’m having some kind of mental break here, so you’re just gonna have to bear with me. I’m pretty sure he isn’t going to declare, “You’re the woman of my dreams and I long to hold you in my arms until the end of time.”

Chances are he won’t conclude this imaginary monologue by picking me up and carrying me out of the restaurant so he can take me to his house and ravish me. But the bottom line is that we’ll never know because just as he opens his mouth, a voice behind me says, “Davis Frothingham? My heavens, how long has it been? You look positively wonderful!”

Davis’s eyes move upward as he sees my unwelcome ghost from adolescence past. “Jessica. I didn’t know you were back in town. Are you visiting for long?”

“No, sir.” I can hear the interest in her tone as clear as day. “I just moved back to Creek Water. I thought for sure Beau would have told you.”

If Beau is involved, that probably means she’s buying a house, which would mean she’s not planning anything temporary. Crap. Why the heck is everyone coming back?

“Welcome home,” he tells her. Then he motions toward me. “This is …”

But before he can say my name, she looks at me and declares, “Oh hey, it’s you, from the bathroom!” She’s as excited as if I were a long-lost sorority sister.

“Hey,” I somehow manage while my throat constricts in terror. The Jessica Holt I know from high school would full on poop a brick if she knew she was being nice to FelAshleyO MoanRow. The good news is that Davis never said my name, and Jessica is so self-absorbed she doesn’t seem to care who I am.

The waitress comes over and delivers several plates including the filet, a lobster tail, and a caesar salad. As delicious as everything looks, I’m not sure I’ll be able to eat a bite of it.

“Do y’all work together or something?” Jessica asks once our food is situated. How insulting. She should assume we’re on a date considering our close physical proximity—side-by-side, not across from each other— but the thought doesn’t appear to occur to her.

I let Davis answer the question. “I work alone, carving furniture,” he says, not offering any other explanation.

“That’s right,” Jessica declares. “I have a couple of clients I’d like to send your way. Maybe I can stop by your workshop sometime this week.”

“Sure,” Davis replies. “I’m on the first floor of the Creeky Button Factory. Just ring the bell and I’ll let you in.”

“I can’t wait,” she enthuses. Then much less excitedly, she adds, “I guess I’d better get going. We just finished dinner and my folks are waiting in the car.” She lingers as though Davis might invite her to join us and perhaps even offer to take her home afterward.

I can’t let that happen, so I boldly put my hand on Davis’s arm and announce, “Don’t let us keep you. Have a good night.”

Davis’s mouth turns up at the corners into a lopsided smile like he’s trying to keep from laughing out loud. Then he tells his ex-girlfriend, “It was nice seeing you, Jessica. Have a good night.”

Jessica does not look happy. I want to take out my phone and snap a picture of her, so I can enjoy her expression at my leisure. Being that wouldn’t paint me in the best light, I don’t do it. But oh, boy, if I did, I’d print a hundred copies and hang them all over my trailer.

Author Bio:

Whitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries -- not always in that order.

Whitney is a multi-award-winning author of romcoms, non-fiction humor, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.

She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.

Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2017.

Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016.

Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.

Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017.

Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards, 2017

Finalist Top Shelf Indie Book Awards, 2017

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