Spotlight: That One Summer by Maddie James

Part of the Summer’s End Box Set - 14 Author Box Set

Contemporary Romance

Date Published: August 4, 2020

He’s the one who got away. She’s the one who couldn’t commit.

***

Twenty years ago, Lia Langston left Last Chance Beach, leaving behind friends, a really good job offer, and the young man she’d fallen in love with that summer. The breakup hurt them both—but she was expected back home in Chicago where a job was waiting. From there, she meandered through life—marriage, a child, divorce, career—yet, there was one constant. She never missed the annual week at Last Chance Beach with her college girlfriends.

Same week, same beach house, same beach town. The routine was safe and predictable. By the time beach week rolled around every year, she was more than ready.

Except for this year.

When Zach Allen—the young man she left behind—steps back into her life, she must face the twenty-year-old consequences of her leaving. Will Last Chance Beach allow her a second chance at love?

LAST CHANCE BEACH is the island paradise where Dreams go to live again, and Wishes may come true. It's Summer's End on the island, and the cottages, condos, hotels, and bungalows are filled to capacity.

There's plenty of time left to find summer fun and summer love, new romances and second chances, hot alpha males and heartwarming heroes, love at first sight and romantic delight, enemies to lovers and opposites attract.

Throw a log on the beach bonfire tonight and celebrate LAST CHANCE BEACH: Summer's End, a special romance collection of 14 all-new short stories from bestselling and award-winning authors. These summer stories—created especially for this collection—will thrill the hopeful romantic in you. Some are sweet: some are sizzling! Some are humorous; some are serious. All the stories will make you sigh!

LAST CHANCE BEACH: Summer's End will make you want to book a vacation to the island of legend and love, the place where soul mates find each other and love at first sight happens all the time!

Joan Reeves, NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
When they met, it was hate at first sight. Now they're stuck in the same overbooked beach cottage and horrified to discover they have the hots for each other!

Liz Flaherty, USA Today Bestselling Author
Their lives are planned out...until they're not! Are they in love or just stuck in a habit?

Nancy Fraser, Top 100 Bestselling Author
At a high school reunion; old flames meet again. Can they re-ignite what they once had and take a last chance on love?

Caroline Clemmons, Top 100 Bestselling Author
She faces a hard decision; he encourages her to choose with her heart. Will the solution drive them apart or into one another's arms?

Maddie James, Top 100 Bestselling Author
It's the typical annual week on the beach with the girls—until her summer fling from twenty years back shows up. He's the one who got away. She's the one who couldn't commit.

Jan Scarbrough, National Bestselling Author
The kids are grown; her husband has an important career, and she wonders if she still loves him, and if he loves her. Can she turn back the clock to save her marriage?

Kathleen Lawless, National Bestselling Author
Of all the beaches on the coast, who shows up on her beach? Him! A former competitive surfer runs into her former love, and revisits all the reasons things didn't work out for them before.

Bonnie Edwards, National Bestselling Author
She wants divorce—he doesn't. What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas!

Marcia King-Gamble, National Bestselling Author
She's hiding from the paparazzi after a scandal. He's the guy next door, an amateur photographer. Will he accept tabloid money for pictures of her? Or will he choose love over jumpstarting his career?

Kathryn Hills, Award Winning Author
Kat must convince her Gran to move to the mainland, but Gran—and hunky neighbor Ben—want Kat to takeover the B&B and antique shop. What will it take for Kat to stay? Some of Gran’s special island magic?

Connie Vines, Award Winning Author
She returns to Last Chance Beach to begin a new life. He's a single dad on vacation with his pre-teen daughter. He's worried his daughter may become too attached to her, but maybe he's the one whose heart is at risk.

Laura Hunsaker, Award Winning Author
Can dreams of the future erase her nightmares of the past? She's looking for a fresh start, but he’s rented the same beach cottage. One bed, two people? Whatever will they do?

Nora LeDuc
He's handsome and in town for only 2 weeks. She wants someone interested in a fling. He wants someone interested in a ring.

Hannah Rowan
She won the big lottery, but doesn't want anyone to know. He's a fixer-upper specialist, but things aren't always what they seem.

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About the Author

Maddie James writes to silence the people in her head—if only they wouldn’t all talk at once!

Whether writing traditional contemporary romance or building paranormal worlds, Maddie pens stories that frequently cross a variety of romantic sub-genres.

Affaire de Coeur says, “James shows a special talent for traditional romance,” and RT Book Reviews claims, “James deftly combines romance and suspense, so hop on for an exhilarating ride.” The author of over fifty titles of fiction—from short stories to novels—Maddie is an award-winning and Top 100 National Bestselling Author. Learn more at http://www.maddiejames.net.

Spotlight: The Veiled Descendants (The Veiled Duchess #2) by Sophia Menesini

Captain Shea Lara and the crew are back in this thrilling sequel to The Veiled Threat, The Veiled Descendants. It's been a year since she struck the deal — a year since she promised to marry her princess, a year of adventure, darkness, and change. Her fiancé has chased Shea across the Nereidan seas, but now it's time for her to come back to Arethusa. The storm has arrived, and none of them are prepared for what’s coming. An elven Fae with a blood connection to Shea, who plans to take Nereid back from the humans, shatters the life of a young Oceanan prince, and now it's up to Beck of Oceanus, Captain Shea, and Queen Joana to save their world from the powerful threat.But they can't do it alone. With the help of Shea's father, Poseidon, God of the Sea, and her former lover: the goddess of love, she will set out on a quest to find the one being who can help prevent Perses from destroying everything she holds dear. A god, who just so happens to be Shea's immortal brother, Triton.Shea chose the family she has now, but the tides are changing, and what she wants may no longer matter. She'll need to rely on the magic in her blood for the battle ahead. Perses is coming, with the help of vicious creatures, an evil empress, and the Lycon army, and he plans to drag her down to depths with him.

Excerpt

Aster opens his mouth, shaking his head, but James continues. He points to a long white scar down the side of his thigh. “Rigging accident. Was climbing the ropes for the first time, I didn’t listen to Tero, and a pin came lose. Broke my leg too when I fell.” 

James turns, laughing softly when he hears Aster gasp, either from his ass or the massive scar on his lower back, he couldn’t say. He prefers to think it’s his ass. 

“I’m sure you’ve wondered where I got it. First year on the ship was found by some rival buccaneers in the eastern port of Lycos, Hypnus, I believe it was. For entertainment, they each took a turn carving a pattern into my lower back. Paetre found me before they could do much else, but one managed to carve his initials among the mess. I have another man’s name scarred into me; do you think I’m less for it?” 

James looks over his shoulder to Aster.

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About the Author

The Storyteller with Salt Water in Her Veins

Sophia Menesini lives in Martinez, CA with her husband, and their two small Chihuahuas, Ziggy and Zeppelin. The Veiled Threat is her first novel. Sophia is an avid tea connoisseur and lover of Scotland with an unconventional memory for obscure Disney and Broadway song lyrics.

Connect:

Website: https://www.sophiamenesini.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MenesiniSophia

Tumblr: https://theveiledduchessseries.tumblr.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theveiledthreatnovel/?hl=en

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Spotlight: In Name Only by Sean D. Young

Some of the greatest romances start with a fairy tale.

Cassaundra Moore, event planner extraordinaire, stopped believing in fairy tales only in creating them for her clients. Why would she believe something so magical would happen to her after being scammed by her ex-husband, causing her loss of business and social standing. But when Adam Simmons, candidate for governor of Virginia comes along, making a proposition that would not only help propel him in the race, but also relieve her of her financial worries, she has to redefine what fairy tales are made of.

In Name Only explores one man and one woman's decision made out of convenience that forces them to consider there was something else at play. They both yearned for love.

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About the Author

Contemporary Romance Author Sean D. Young, a native of Gary, Indiana uses her vivid imagination to craft heartwarming and passionate love stories that deal with family, forgiveness, promise, romance and redemption. Her debut novel TOTAL BLISS was published in 2005. At an early age, Sean found that she loved words and tried to read everything she could get her hands on. She joined her first book club “Sweet Pickles” at the age of 7. Writing would come later, when she wrote short stories for her own enjoyment, then she wrote the Easter play for the youth at her church at the age of 12.Sean, a graphic/web designer loves building websites and graphics almost as much as she loves writing her stories. She loves working in her church and lives in Northwest Indiana with her family.

CONNECT WITH SEAN D. YOUNG

AUTHOR SITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | GOODREADS | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Spotlight: This is So Happening by Amelia Kingston

So Far, So Good, Book 2

Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 4, 2020

Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing

A torturously tempting love story.

Jessica ‘Jessie’ Allen is sugary sweet and perpetually perky. Running on an endless supply of enthusiasm, she’s in constant motion. The people pleaser is running herself ragged to make other people happy—anything to avoid having to figure out what would make her happy.

Devin Bennett is her complete opposite, the immovable object to Jessie’s unstoppable force. The tall, tattooed and brooding mechanic hates change and the perky blonde co-ed shoving it down his throat. Jessie is drawn to him like a valley girl to an outlet mall, but Devin dodges her advances better than a UFC fighter. The longer she’s around, the harder it is to keep his hands off her perfect body and his lips away from her sassy mouth.

For the first time in her life, Jessie knows what she wants. Devin Bennett. And she’s not above torturing him with temptation to make it happen.

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About the Author

Amelia Kingston is many things, the most interesting of which are probably California girl, writer, traveler, and dog mom. She survives on chocolate, coffee, wine, and sarcasm. Not necessarily in that order.

She’s been blessed with a patient husband who’s embraced her nomad ways and traveled with her to over 30 countries across 5 continents (I’m coming for you next, Antarctica!). She’s also been cursed with an impatient (although admittedly adorable) terrier who pouts when her dinner is 5 minutes late.

She writes about strong, stubborn, flawed women and the men who can't help but love them. Her irreverent books aim to be silly and fun with the occasional storm cloud to remind us to appreciate the sunny days. As a hopeless romantic, her favorite stories are the ones that remind us all that while love is rarely perfect, it’s always worth chasing.

Connect:

Website: https://www.authorameliakingston.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/akingstonbooks

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

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amelia-kingston

Promo Link: http://bookbuzz.net/blog/romantic-comedy-this-is-so-happening/

Spotlight: Talk Derby to Me by R.H. Tucker

Talk Derby to Me
R.H. Tucker
Publication date: August 3rd 2020
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

As the editor-in-chief of his high school newspaper, Evan Maldonado is right on track for college next year and pursuing his dream of being a journalist. To put the finishing touch on his college applications, he’s taking an intern position with a well-known newspaper where he’ll receive a letter of recommendation from the editor. There’s just one little problem. The business intern spot he was expecting to get is taken. The only other position they have available is covering the local roller derby league.

Mari Valdez isn’t worried about getting into college. All she’s concerned with is getting through the repulsive world of high school. Sure, she has her best friend, but she still has to put up with teasing because of her multi-colored hair or bruises. The bruises are from roller derby, by the way, the only thing that Mari looks forward to. It’s been her safe haven since her world imploded.

In order to get more information on the derby league, Evan follows Mari to her practices and games. To call their friendship rocky would be an understatement, but the more Evan and Mari are together, the more they seem to connect. When Mari’s personal life boils over, she finds herself confiding in Evan. And just when everything seems to be coming together for the two, a horrible mistake may separate them for good.

Talk Derby to Me is a stand-alone, YA romance novel.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

There are only a few minutes left before the bell rings for the end of lunch, so I grab my backpack, sling it over my shoulder, and head over to them. The lunch tables Vince and I sit at are under a roof, off to the side of the courtyard, but the entire thing is open air. Mari and Albie are sitting in their usual grassy spot, next to a huge tree. There aren’t many clouds above, but I feel like it’s about to rain on me. There’s no reason she’d agree to this, but I have to take the chance. I want that letter of recommendation.

Albie is the first to see me approach. “How ya doin’, Chief?” she says in the twenties flapper accent again. She really never gets tired of that joke.

“Uh, hey. What’s up, Albie?” She smiles, but Mari doesn’t look up from the book she’s reading. She has the cover wrapped around, reading with one hand.

I step closer, trying to see what she’s reading. I’m hoping to make a little comment as an ice breaker, but she gazes up at me, annoyed. “Can I help you?”

“I need you,” I blurt out, then immediately cough in embarrassment.

“Excuse me?” she says.

“Whoa, moving awfully fast there. Buy a girl dinner first.” Albie laughs.

“No, sorry.” I shake my head at myself. “I don’t mean I need need you. I mean, I need an in with you.”

Her eyes widen. “You need a what with me?”

“No, like—” I growl in embarrassment and stupidity at myself. “Sorry. Okay, so, I got a reporting internship with Riverside Tribune. I was supposed to write articles in their business section, but I got stuck with roller derby.”

She scowls, curling a lip, staring at me. It takes a full five seconds for it to dawn on me how rude that sounded. “No! Not stuck, I didn’t mean it like that.”

“How’d you mean it, then, White Boy Evan?”

First of all, I’m a little caught off guard that she knows my name. Secondly, it sounds racist, so that’s what I jump to first. “I’m half Mexican. Only my mom’s white.”

“And?”

“Well, I’m just saying, you said White Boy Evan.”

“You look white.”

I hold up a finger. “The politically correct way of saying that is Caucasian.”

“Yeah? What’s the politically correct way of saying stop talking to me?”

Taking a deep breath, I attempt to gather my thoughts and figure out a way of recovering the bang-up job of an introduction and request. She stares back at me, brushing a strand of green hair from her forehead, then quirks an eyebrow. It’s like she’s daring me to say something else.

There’s no time, though. I’m just about to try again when the bell rings. She hops to her feet, grabs her backpack, and struts away without another word, leaving Albie and me behind.

“That could’ve gone better,” I say, slumping my shoulders.

“Yeah,” Albie agrees, throwing her arm over my shoulders. “You really know how to talk to the ladies, Chief.”

Author Bio:

RH Tucker writes cute & edgy YA romance. He also lives in Southern California, consumes too much caffeine, eats too much pizza, and firmly believes Rocky Road is the best flavor of ice cream.

You can sign up for my newsletter for previews, excerpts, and short stories at:
https://www.subscribepage.com/rhtuckernewsletter

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter

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Spotlight: Kickflip Summer by Danielle Jacks

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Release Date: July 15th 2020

Kara

All I want is one last summer of fun with my best friend, Toby.Blue Oaks Theme Park seems like a perfect place to work while blowing off some steam. It’s our last summer before university and we want to make every day count. The thing I didn’t consider was being attracted to my new boss.But it’s just one summer. One quick fling. What harm can it do?

Bear

Returning home is something I can’t avoid. My dad wants me to start getting serious about my future, while I want to spend the summer teaching kids skateboarding.As always, he gets his own way, but when a cute brunette – literally – knocks me off my feet, I’m finding the theme park interesting in a whole new way.A summer romance. Totally insubstantial. I can handle that. Right?Two people brought together by chance. Both finding something they don’t know they need. A sweet romance about finding a home in the heart.

Excerpt

Bear’s point of view

“Do you ever think about taking something that isn’t yours?” I ask. 

I run my palm through my hair. Her eyes meet mine briefly before she looks away. I don’t know what her deal is with Toby. Are they misunderstood friends who eventually will become more? Isn’t that how it goes in the movies? Kara isn’t mine, but it doesn’t stop me from wanting her. Would it be so bad to give in to an urge? Our eyes meet again and she takes hold of my shirt, pulling me towards her. 

“Like a stolen kiss, you mean?”

Before I can answer, her mouth comes crashing down on mine. Every nerve ending in my body comes alive. Her lips are warm and soft. The taste of apple and honey fills my senses as I drink her in. A kiss has never felt this good, and my hands stray up her back and into her silky hair. I can’t get enough and I don’t want this to end. She read my mind. This is exactly what I meant when I asked the question. Kissing Kara is like nothing I’ve experienced before. She’s beautiful and delicious. Her touch is sweet and addictive. Kissing her is my undoing. I already want more. I already crave more.  

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About the Author

Danielle lives in Yorkshire, England, with her husband, daughter, and tortoise. She enjoys reading, long walks, and crafting. Her dreams include writing stories, visiting magical places, and staying young at heart. The people who know her describe her as someone who has her head in the clouds and her mind in a book.

Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/Danielle-Jacks-Author-111528483937105/?view_public_for=111528483937105

Email: daniellejacksauthor@outlook.com

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