Spotlight: A Captivating Touch by Elsa Winckler

(Cavallo Brothers Series, Prequel)

Publication date: March 9th 2021

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Discover beautiful South Africa in this sweet, heart-warming Cinderella story about a blogger, a billionaire, and one chance meeting.

When it comes to men, if physiotherapist Caitlin Sutherland didn’t have bad luck, she’d have no luck at all. To help cope, Caitlin blogs about the men she meets and the bad dates she’d gone on.

While on duty during the annual Wines to Whales bicycle race, a gorgeous, sweaty cyclist walks in and sets her hormones dancing. But he is Don Cavallo; one of the four Cavallo brothers — hotel tycoons, famous as much for their business skills as for the number of beauties seen on their arms.

Billionaire Don Cavallo has his own issues with the other sex. He has yet to find one who is interested in him, not his money or hotels. But when this sexy physio puts her hands on his back, she not only touches his body, but also his heart.

They’ve both been burned before, but neither of them can stop themselves from playing with fire.

Excerpt

“I’m sorry, but I don’t trust a man who shaves his legs,” Caitlin said, cradling the cell phone against her shoulder while flexing her fingers. She’d been massaging cyclists for the better part of thirty minutes.

It was the end of the second day of the grueling annual Wines to Whales cycling race, which had started at Lourensford Estate in Somerset West, situated less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town. She and the other two physiotherapists on duty had not been all that busy the previous day. Only a few cyclists with minor injuries had come to see them but from their experience the previous year, they had known the second day would take its toll on the cyclists.

The physio team had been treating a steady stream of riders with back pain, knee injuries, and hip problems. When Dana phoned, Caitlin had just finished with a patient and for the moment, at least, it was quiet. The other two therapists were busy on the far side of the big tent.

“You, my friend, don’t trust men, period. There is a very good reason cyclists shave their legs; as a physiotherapist who often works on them, you should know that.” Dana giggled over the phone.

“Yes, I know shaved legs are easier to treat when there are wounds, but really? A man should have hair on his legs. It’s just a given.”

“You get to put your hands on gorgeous, virile, sexy cyclists in tight shorts and you want to complain?” Dana sounded exasperated.

“Sexy? Cyclists? Seriously? They all look the same. Underfed, sinewy, and hairless. There is nothing sexy about a man who looks like that. And virile? I don’t know about that. Sitting on a saddle all day—”

Caitlin heard a movement behind her. “Got to go,” she quickly said to Dana and turned around. And blinked. A big, sweaty, sexy, gorgeous-looking cyclist with ink-black hair and chocolate brown eyes was standing just inside the tent, his helmet tucked under his arm. If the frown between his eyes was anything to go by, he was seriously ticked off.

Without consciously thinking about it, she dropped her gaze down to his legs. They were dirty and okay, hairless, but all muscle. Sexy, rippling muscle. He moved slowly toward her, the tight shorts leaving very little to her overactive imagination.

“I’m looking for a physio,” he said brusquely.

She looked up. “I’m a physio. Can I help you?” she asked, trying to sound professional.

“If you’re quite sure you’ve finished with your fascinating phone conversation,” he said.

Swallowing a quick retort, she tried to hold back her rising annoyance. He might be gorgeous to look at, but what a rude man. She ignored the sarcastic comment and motioned him to one of the high beds on which they worked.

“Back?” she asked.

“Yeah,” he said and nodded, looking even more irritated.

“Please take off your shirt and lie down on your stomach,” Caitlin said and turned away, looking for the massage oil.

“Any pain in your legs?” she asked as she turned back to him. And nearly dropped the bottle of oil she was holding.

On the same level as her eyes was the most perfect six-pack of steel muscles she had ever seen. And if she hadn’t been holding something in her hand, she would probably have done something stupid like putting out a hand and touching him to make sure his abs really felt as hard as they looked.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

I write love stories because I love reading them. I like the heroines to be feisty, independent and headstrong. And the heroes must be strong but possess a generous amount of sensitivity and should of course, be gorgeous!

Connect:

https://elsawinckler.com/

https://twitter.com/elsawinckler

https://www.facebook.com/ElsaWincklerRomanseSkrywer/

https://www.instagram.com/elsaw1/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6557709.Elsa_Winckler

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight: Secrets of a Duke’s Daughter by Samantha Holt

(The Duchess’s Investigative Society, #1)
Publication date: March 8th 2021
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance

A duke’s daughter must be prepared for whatever life—and love—throws her way…

Lady Cassandra Fallon is finally ready to take control of her life and join her late mother’s investigative society. She’s more than confident she can do the job—even when her first case involves a potentially deadly scandal. What she’s not quite prepared for is her brother’s attractive (and increasingly distracting) friend acting as her self-appointed bodyguard…

When Lord Luke promised his best friend he’d keep an eye on Cassie, he meant it. But the brazen and entirely too alluring woman she’s become is a far cry from the mischievous, freckled girl she used to be. Luke knows a lowly viscount has no business longing for (or touching) a duke’s daughter. But against all reason…he does…

She craves independence. He only craves her. An epic battle of the sexes is at hand. But will love be enough to get them to happily ever after? Cassie and Luke will soon find out…

Excerpt

“Anton will not be pleased you are keeping secrets.” 

“Anton is not here, and even if he were, he would not be as tiresome as you are being.” She shook her head. “I know you mean well, Luke, but I am not going to get into trouble as my brother fears and it is rather tedious to be treated as though I am still a little girl.”

Oh he well knew that. If she were, he would not have to dwell on how womanly she appeared in her powder blue pelisse. More slender than technically fashionable, her figure still teased, the coat hugging under her breasts and offering a hint of curves. 

Luke prided himself on being an equal opportunities sort of a man, finding himself attracted to a variety of traits but there was something about the tall length of Cassie that made him want to claw at his gut to rid himself of the itch there. 

If he had a penny for every time he’d thought of her naked over the last year or so he’d be, well, still too poor to afford Cassie’s upkeep but it would certainly buy a decent meal. His desire to see her long legs, bare and spread out on his sheets, or those delicate breasts free of their confines bordered on the obscene. 

He clenched his jaw and watched their progression through the busy London streets. Drivers cursed one another and pedestrians darted between the vehicles, slowing the journey to an agonizing pace. He needed it over as soon as possible so he could breathe Cassie-free air and rid himself of this madness.

Because, damn it, she was Anton’s little sister. 

“I will never understand why you do Anton’s bidding. Surely you have better things to do with your time?”

He allowed a tight smile. Cassie had little idea quite how wild he had been back in his college days and how close he had come to ruining his life forever. He considered that perhaps he should tell her and frighten her away for good, but he couldn’t bring himself to see the disappointment in her gaze. 

“I gave Anton my word to protect you, Little Cassie, and I am a man of my word.”

She made a dismissive noise and lifted her gaze to the roof of the closed carriage. “You men and your word. I would rather see action than words.”

Luke’s throat tightened and he swallowed hard, but the knot did not budge. She wanted action. He wanted to give it to her. By some miracle, he managed to remain on his seat and resist the desire to leap across the gap between them and pin her to her chair, ensuring they went absolutely nowhere while he showed her exactly what sort of action he was capable of. 

“I am here, in your carriage, escorting you to your friend’s house.” He forced a relaxed smile that felt borderline fraudulent. “That is action, Cassie.”

The redness in Cassie’s cheeks deepened. “Must you be so...relentless.”

“I must.”

“Well, I do not care what anyone has told you, it is a frustrating trait.”

Luke smirked to himself. Frustrated by him she might be, but he doubted Cassie felt even half of the frustration he suffered by simply being in her company. 

Today would be a long day.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Samantha Holt is known for fun, witty, and usually steamy historical romances. She's been a full-time writer for longer than she ever thought possible having originally trained as a nurse and an archaeologist. She's a champion napper, owner of too many animals, mum to twins, and lives in a small village near the very middle of England.

She's usually writing (or napping) but when she's not, Samantha is plotting (books of course!) with her husband, drinking coffee, climbing hills that are far too high for her fitness levels or visiting stately homes and pretending she's posh.

You can claim a free book by signing to to her newsletter www.samanthaholtromance.com

If you're not sure where to start, why not try:

▶ Capturing the Bride (The Kidnap Club #1). A fun Regency read full of spice and an unusual heroine trying to escape an arranged marriage and a hero who has no idea how to keep his hands off her!

▶ You're the Rogue That I Want (Rogues of Redmere #1) is a longer read with heat, witty dialogue, a feisty heroine and adventure. All books in the series are standalone.

▶ There Are Plenty More Dukes in the Sea (The Inheritance Clause #1) is a fun, steamy read focused on the Templeton family as they fight to save their inheritance.

▶ Wake Me With a Kiss is a sweet, fairytale romance. Twists on Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella are also available if you love a clean, fun read.

▶ To Steal a Highlander's Heart is a full length dive into the world of sexy highlanders. For those who love braw Scots, some steamy scenes, and medieval romance, this series is a perfect escape.

Connect:

http://www.samanthaholtromance.com/

https://www.facebook.com/samanthaholtromance/

https://twitter.com/samholtwrites

https://www.instagram.com/samantha_and_duke/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6458884.Samantha_Holt

https://samanthaholt.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=cd4c9a291cda3d8398f6cc6b2&id=497911adeb

Spotlight: Priceless Ink by Giulia Lagomarsino

Priceless Ink is book 5 in The Cortell Brothers series. It is recommended they are read in order.

Sofia
I couldn't do it. All I saw when I looked at Graham was my life going down the drain.
He didn't love me, which he made perfectly clear last night.
The corset was too tight and I was on the verge of a panic attack.
So, I ran...right into a sexy biker. He tore my dress and drove off into the sunset with me.
But that's where this romance ends.

Joe
Imagine my surprise when a sexy bride came running out of a church, right to my bike.
She was hot as hell, and when she asked me to take her away, I was more than willing to oblige.
But then she opened her mouth and I found out who she really was.
She was irritating as hell, so I screwed with her just to have some fun.
The funny thing was, as much as I wanted to send her home, something inside me just wouldn't allow that.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

Meet Giulia Lagomarsino

How does one become a romance author? It all started on a whim after I suggested supporting my family by donating plasma. My husband responded in his thick Slovakian accent, “No. Find something else. Write a blog. Write a book.”

And my journey began! I thought about what I like to read, and tapped into my goofy personality. I try to add humor to all of my books, even those of a more serious nature. I seek to create unique characters and hope that each book is different from the last. Mostly, I just enjoy writing and hope that my readers get a thrill out of the books.

Connect with Giulia Lagomarsino

Website: https://giulialagomarsinoauthor.com

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giulialagomarsino2414/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/crzybookladyluv

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/giulia-lagomarsino

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/31XyOsn

Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/2TIsqkk

Spotlight: The Keeper Series by Jillian Liota

Title: The Keeper

About The Keeper: 

Soccer goalie Rachel Jameson is in her final year at Glendale College on academic and athletic scholarships. It’s quite the achievement for a young woman who grew up in a home filled with drunken abuse, who barely made it out of high school alive.

But she’s smart, dedicated, and has her eyes set on that cap and gown next spring. Nothing’s going to get in the way of a hard-fought battle for the freedom and independence she’s so desperately craved.

Until she meets Mack.

He stumbles into her world with a flirty smile and warm eyes – a man that pushes Rachel out of her comfort zone and into his arms. Their chemistry is swift and undeniable, and soon after meeting the two recognize the depth of their connection.

But an unfortunate circumstance forces the two to abandon their romance before it has truly begun. Rachel’s carefully planned life begins to shake like an unstable house of cards, and when she risks losing Mack completely, she has to decide what’s more important.

Her future.

Or theirs.

Excerpt

My heart is pounding. So fast, so hard. I’ve never revealed that much about myself so quickly, so early. But I know it’s worth it. Mack seems worth it.

Please be worth it.

Just as his mouth opens like he’s going to say something, Anna lets out a wail and starts squirming frantically. Mack drags his eyes away from me and sets Anna down, where she promptly flings herself to the ground in tears.

“I think she’s tired,” he says, glancing at his watch. “I should probably get her home so she can lay down.”

“Okay, yeah,” I say, looking away from him and rolling my bike towards his truck.

Mack unlocks the door, then buckles a squirmy Anna into a car seat that is already set up in the back. After cracking the window, he shuts the door and picks up my bike, lifting it into the bed. When he’s done strapping down both of the bikes, he hops down next to me.

“I had a really great time today.” He reaches forward to take my hand, but instead of linking our fingers, he just holds my hand and rubs lazy circles against the inside of my wrist, under the bracelets. My stomach is jumping all over the place. He’s looking at his hand on mine when I hear him say, “I really want to kiss you,” then his eyes lift and stop at my lips, and my stomach launches itself into my throat, “but I have Anna in the car, and I don’t think it’s a good idea right now.” I can do nothing but nod as he continues to rub circles. “But I’m gonna hug you goodbye, because just holding your hand today has been the most amazing torture I’ve ever felt, and I’m not ready to let go of that yet.”

If I thought my heart was beating fast earlier, I had no clue. I can feel it racing a million miles an hour as he leans forward and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me snug into his solid chest. My arms instinctively loop around his neck, our cheeks pressed together. We just stand there for a minute. An hour, maybe. I have no idea. But I know that no kiss in my life has felt as good as being wrapped in his arms. Damn, he smells good.

His head drops as he pushes his face into my neck, and I hear him inhale.

“You feel it too, right?” he whispers, his hands on my lower back playing with the edge of my shirt. His thumb sneaks under the fabric and strokes lightly against my skin. “Please tell me I’m not crazy and that you feel this connection too.”

My eyes squeeze shut as I try to temper the flood of emotions rushing through me. “Don’t worry,” I reply. “I think we’re both crazy.”

He presses his face into the crook of my neck one more time before releasing me and taking a step back. He looks at me for a moment, his eyes soft.

“I’ll talk to you soon,” he says. And then he’s hopping into his truck and driving down the street.

The minute he turns the corner, I lay flat on the ground on the sidewalk, letting the cold cement cool my flushed body. 

Maybe Charlie was right about firsts, because if this is how I react to a hug from Mack, I can’t imagine what my response would be if I were to have sex with him. And in that moment, I know that whatever happens between us is going to absolutely wreck me.

Buy on Kindle | Paperback

Title: Keep Away

About Keep Away: 

Nursing student Charlie Davenport has never gotten over her freshman year fling with her best friend’s older brother. Sure, she’s enjoyed her time at Glendale College – maybe a little too much. But for some reason, he’s always been in the back of her mind.

But even though she’s sure their flame would still burn hot four years later, she doesn’t appreciate his sudden and relentless presence in her life. Because he’s suddenly ready to pick things back up, she should drop everything? She doesn’t think so.

That man is one mistake she can’t make again.

***

Professional soccer player Jeremy Jameson has hit a serious road bump in life. Miraculously, his poor decisions have opened the door to rekindling things with his sister’s best friend, Charlie – the only woman that has ever made him consider a relationship.

He doesn’t believe he’ll ever be worthy of her, but he can’t let her slip through his fingers again. And as he realizes its time to make some much needed changes in his life, he recruits Charlie to help. Hopefully along the way, he can convince her to give him another chance.

Jeremy knows Charlie thinks it’s a mistake to start things up again, but he also knows that’s just not true.

The real mistake was letting her go.

***This book is a novella follow up to The Keeper. While it can function as a stand-alone, it is highly encouraged to read The Keeper, as some major plot points and spoilers are referenced.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About Jillian Liota

Jillian Liota is a new author writing contemporary romance and new adult fiction. She lives in Kailua, Hawaii with her amazing husband, 2 cats, and 3-legged pup.  

She is the author of the new adult romance novel The Keeper, which focuses on a female college soccer goalie, as well as the follow up novella, Keep Away. Her newest release, Like You Mean It, is in the contemporary romance genre and has a more mature voice, as it follows a pregnant mother finding love in a new town. The next novel in the Like You Series, Like You Want It, will be published in Spring 2019 

She has a master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs, and she is passionate about all things improvement, development and organization. 

She’s also a big fan of taking walks with her husband and dog Maia, reading romance (obviously), watching a handful of horrible reality TV shows, and exploring the island she calls home. Check out her Contact page for more information on how to connect. 

Connect with Jillian:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Email  

Cover Reveal: Sips & Strokes by Sarah Skye

Publication date: April 20th 2021
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Lily Maldonado is screwed. The people-pleasing art professor has been roped into attending her ex’s wedding by her overbearing, image-obsessed parents. Even worse? The woman her ex is marrying is Lily’s childhood bully. She can’t back out, but she’s not sure she can face this nightmare solo.

Enter Calder Ross. The sexy Scot’s abs have graced the cover of many romance novel bestsellers, but the reformed playboy needs a more serious image if he wants to land his dream job as the spokesman for Sonce Whisky. Modeling for Lily’s figure drawing class is step one in the right direction.

After their very adorable—and very naked—meet-cute, Lily and Calder realize that they can be each other’s saving grace. Lily can bring Calder to the wedding as her fake boyfriend to ward off pitying stares. Calder can bring Lily to Sonce events as his fake girlfriend to show he’s the responsible, relationship-minded guy that execs want as the face of their brand.

But the longer Lily and Calder play pretend, the harder it becomes to deny the very real chemistry between them. Will they play it safe and stick to their fake roles? Or will they throw out the playbook completely and risk it all for love?

Grab your copy: Amazon

Spotlight: Unexpected by Bailey B.

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Asher Anderson is a dick.

We aren't friends, so when he seeks me out in the cafeteria on the worst day of my life, I'm suspicious. When he tells Liam Heiter that we're dating, which couldn't be further from the truth, I want to kill him.

Until I see Liam's reaction.

Liam—my best friend, the guy who crushed every hope of us officially being together—is jealous. He has never looked at me this way and I love it.

So, I play along.

Maybe watching me with someone else will make Liam suffer like I have the past four years. And maybe, just maybe, he'll come to his senses and realize we belong together.

It's not like I have any kind of feelings for Asher. At best, I tolerate him.

What's the worst that can happen? 

Excerpt

“Lainey, what the hell is wrong with you? You hate Asher.”

I don’t hate Asher, but that doesn’t mean there is anything going on between the two of us either. I know I should say something to let Liam know that Asher and I are just friends, and that is a stretch, but I don’t want to feel like this anymore. Like my every breath hangs on Liam’s approval or that my heart beats for his sideways glances. Maggie was right all along, I deserve to be more than someone’s dirty little secret.

“Why does it matter? You and I are only friends. Remember?” 

“I know that.” Liam huffs. “I don’t think Asher is good enough for you.”

“Lee Lee,” Corah coos. She steps in front of him, silently demanding his attention, but Liam looks past her. To us. “Don’t be silly. You should be thrilled your two best friends are together. We can double date now!”

“Yeah.”Asher wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me out of Liam’s reach. “That sounds like fun. What are you two doing next Friday night?”

Liam’s eyes widen and then narrow on me. His reaction to double dating makes me feel like I’ve been gutted under the weight of his gaze. I hate it. I want the strength I had moments ago, when I shoved it in his face that he lost all say in what I do when he made us friends. I want to be the girl who lives freely without worrying about what a guy who never gave two shits about her, until now, thinks. Most importantly, I want Liam to realize that he’s an idiot for giving up on us and I think the way to do that is to make him jealous. That’s the only logical explanation for why he’s acting this way. He’s jealous.

Maybe that’s why I reach my hand up and cup the back of Asher’s neck. 

Maybe I’m intrigued by the tiny flutter in my stomach from when Asher’s head dips.

And maybe, just maybe, I like the rush of adrenaline that shoots through me when Asher’s mouth presses against mine. 

The kiss lasts a fraction of a second, but it’s long enough to set me on fire. Even without tongue, Asher’s lips make me weak at the knees. I don’t understand why he has this effect on me. I gave up on my pathetic excuse of a crush when he called me shark bait, but something inside me stirs to life. Something I’m not ready to acknowledge. 

Asher pulls back and rests his chin on my shoulder. His heart beats wildly in his chest, and mine mimics the rhythm. Hard thumps. Fast thrums. 

“Liam,” he smirks, “it’s been fun, but there are only five minutes left of lunch and I plan to use every minute of it. If you know what I mean.”

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

Bailey B is an up and coming New Adult author. She lives in Lehigh Acres Florida with her husband, twin girls, and two fur babies. She enjoys (but doesn't get to take part in because of her crazy daughters) the simple things like Disney+ binge watching, Netflix romcoms, reading and sleeping. She reads two to three books a week and thinks if narwhal's are real animals then unicorns might be too. 

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway