Spotlight: Protecting Lindsay by Elsa Winckler

(Unexpected Love Series, #2)
Publication date: April 12th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Lindsay Wilson simply wants to concentrate on her shop where she sells her own mixtures of creams and essential oils. What she doesn’t want is the seriously sexy Blake Davidson hell-bent on protecting her from the abusive boyfriend who followed her to Montana all the way from South Africa. To add to her frustration, he makes her feel things she’s never felt before but she’s made a mistake in the past, can she trust her instincts this time?

Blake lost two people before because he couldn’t protect them, so what’s different this time with Lindsay? From the moment he’s laid eyes on her, all his instincts have been telling him to make sure nothing happens to her so he has no choice but to move into her place and keep her safe. But what about his own heart?

Excerpt

For the first time, she really looked at him. Oh, my. He’d grown a beard since she’d last seen him. She’d never liked beards, but on this tall, dark, and ridiculously attractive guy, it only added to his smoldering good looks.

Grinding her teeth to make sure her jaw wouldn’t drop, she turned away. “So, which essential oils are you interested in buying today?”

Here she was, a grown woman, just about salivating because a gorgeous man was in her shop. Maybe she should seriously begin to think about dating again. “There is an essential oil for just about every problem you may have. Suzie’s husband, for instance…” The minute the words left her mouth, Lindsay nearly groaned out loud. Normally, she kept clients’ issues completely confidential, but Suzie had already let that cat way out of the bag. Even so, why talk about Suzie’s bedroom problems, of all things, while she was talking to Blake?

“I don’t have problems in the bedroom.” His voice was as smooth as Tennessee whiskey.

Lindsay closed her eyes for a minute. He didn’t have to tell her that; one look at his broad shoulders, square jaw, and confident stride made it clear he was all man and… Oh, my goodness, the very last thing she should be thinking about was Blake and bedrooms.

“Okay, so maybe something for your beard?” Why didn’t she simply shut up? She motioned to one of the shelves. “I make a very nice oil with lavender, peppermint, lemon, and coconut oil. You should try it.”

“I don’t…” he began gruffly, before he swore softly and took out his wallet. “Okay, give me the damn oil.”

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About the Author

Elsa has been reading love stories for as long as she can remember and when she ‘met’ the classic authors like Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry James The Brontë sisters, etc. during her English Honours studies, she was hooked for life.

She married her college boyfriend and soul mate and after 48 years, 3 interesting and wonderful children and 4 beautiful grandchildren, they are now fortunate to live in the picturesque little seaside village of Betty's Bay, South Africa.

She likes the heroines in her stories to be beautiful, feisty, independent and headstrong. And the heroes must be strong but possess a generous amount of sensitivity. They are of course, also gorgeous! Her stories typically incorporate the family background of the characters to better understand where they come from and who they are when we meet them in the story.

Connect:
Webpage: www.elsawinckler.com
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Spotlight: Something Like Love by Claudia Burgoa

Release Date: April 12

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa pens a fun and sexy romantic comedy where playing pretend turns to playing for keeps…

We have to pretend that what we have is something like love…

I’m down on my luck.

Scratch that. This is the worst week of my life.

Enter the last person I want to deal with: Burke St. James.

He’s wealthy.

He’s a womanizer.

And a big liar.

And it turns out we need each other.

Burke needs a fiancée to seal the deal of a lifetime. I need help or my business is going belly-up. So, Burke very non-romantically asks me to marry him. Well, he asks me to be fake engaged to him, anyway.

I’ll attend a few dinners, pretend I’m in love, and meet the family.

In exchange, he’ll invest in my company and help me launch it off the ground.

All is easy, except his kisses feel more real than they should.

And the sex…damn, we’re not supposed to have sex.

It’s all for show…right?

Did I mention he’s a really good liar?

Pretending not to fall in love is more complicated than I thought.

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About the Author

Meet Claudia Burgoa:

Claudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. 

She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breaths away. Her books are the perfect blend of steamy and heartfelt, filled with emotional characters and explosive chemistry. Her writing takes readers to new heights, providing a variety of tears, laughs, and shocking moments that leave fans on the edge of their seats.

She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, her youngest two children, and three fluffy dogs.

When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family. At nights, she likes to binge watches shows or movies with her equally geeky husband.

Connect with Claudia Burgoa:

Website: http://claudiayburgoa.com/wp/ 

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Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Claudiasbooklovinchicas/ 

Spotlight: Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen

Release Date: April 12

I moved to Chicago six months ago, determined to finally open my own bakery. My landlady was this sweet woman who treated me like her granddaughter.
Then she sold the house. Now the devil himself is my landlord and neighbor since I live in the guesthouse on his property. Declan Maxwell is moody, unreasonable, and takes himself far too seriously. Unfortunately for me, he’s also damn sexy.

When he shows up on my doorstep in the middle of the night ordering me to turn down the music, I give him hell. Secretly, I’m also checking him out. We go toe to toe like this almost every night.

The man is impossible. But here’s the thing. I need a place to stay while I save for my business and this place is a steal. So, I need to put up with this handsome devil, though from a distance—because he’s far too gorgeous.

Then one day I come home injured from work and he surprises me by taking care of me.
And kissing me.
And just like that, all my best intentions go up in smoke.

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Free in KU

About the Author

Meet Layla Hagen: 

Welcome! My name is Layla Hagen and I am a Contemporary Romance author.

I fell in love with books when I was nine years old, and my love affair with stories continues even now, many years later. I write romantic stories and can't wait to share them with the world. And I drink coffee. Lots of it :-D

SIGN UP FOR MY MAILING LIST and find out about future books as soon as they are released! (just copy and paste this link in your browser to sign up): http://laylahagen.com/mailing-list-sign-up/

I am represented by Louise Fury (The Bent Agency)

Connect with Layla Hagen:

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Spotlight: Only One Forever by Natasha Madison

From Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comes a brand new stand-alone sports romance. The eighth installment of the Only One Series. A spin-off from the Something So Series and This is Series

Dylan

My dreams came true when I was adopted at ten.

I was the best on the ice. Living the life of what every kid dreams of.

We’ve been best friends since then. Even when she was the annoying little sister following us around.

I would do anything for her.

It is another family vacation; except this time it feels different. Everything feels different.

Alex

All my memories have Dylan in them. From the first time I fell off my bike, to the time I got my heartbroken for the first time.

He’s always been my protector, but it’s time to let the dream of being his go.

One last family trip, one last goodbye.

Except fate steps in and has other plans.

At the end of the day, you only get one forever.

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Meet Natasha Madison:

When her nose isn't buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she's in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It's a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn't listen to her...

Connect with Natasha Madison:

Website: https://www.natashamadisonauthor.com 

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

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Spotlight: The Barabbas Legacy by M.D. House

In this poignant capstone to The Barabbas Trilogy, the man called Barabbas—infamous former thief, murderer and prisoner turned Christian—and his wife Chanah continue their mission of spreading the gospel across the known world as cauldrons of political and military chaos boil across the Roman Empire. 

Nero is increasingly erratic, and it’s only a matter of time before the sharp knives of imperial politics finish him off. Various successors vie for position. Who will strike first, and who will come out on top?

Meanwhile, the rebellion in Judea has intensified, the Jewish zealots exerting great influence over the minds of the people. General Vespasian and his son Titus aim to put a permanent end to the insurrection. How many lives will ultimately be sacrificed on the great altar of Jerusalem? Can the Jewish nation survive the fulfillment of Jesus’s prophecy? What will become of the Jewish Christians and the apostles and sisters who lead them? And where will Barabbas and his family find lasting peace?

The Barabbas Legacy once again brings the early years of the church into vivid detail, concluding the journey of those first saints who sacrificed everything to bring Christ’s message to the world.

Excerpt

From Chapter 14, the perspective of a Roman soldier

Josephus settled himself underneath the narrow window with the view of the city, Corun leaning against the perpendicular outer wall on the south side. “You are not a coward,” the strangely influential Jew began, perceptively. He looked to be about thirty, but acted older.

Corun shook his head. It had been a long day. “No. I am a … conscientious objector.” There was another term for it, but his mind was fuzzy.

“Hmmm …” Josephus nodded sagely. He had clearly seen a great many things in his life, including horrific events. Corun could tell from his eyes. He wondered if his own eyes now reflected the same thinly suppressed horror at the cruelty of mankind. “You realize that won’t matter to Titus.”

Corun shrugged. “I suppose not. But we all die someday.”

“Indeed, we do. But why hasten it? I believe there is an opportunity for you to redeem yourself. You are a good soldier, and a valuable asset, unless …” He paused, and Corun finished his sentence.

“Unless my mind isn’t right. Or my heart.”

“Yes. You have many skills. I have questioned several of your comrades. You are from a noble family?”

Corun shrugged again. “Minor nobles, north of Italy.”

Josephus scratched his chin with a fleshy finger. He was certainly well fed. “Still. You have value. Titus and his father appreciate value.”

Corun grunted. “What value do you provide?” He was curious.

“Well, as I said, I’m a former leader among the Jewish zealots. I know many of the other leaders. I understand their training regimen and tactics. I’m also a skilled observer and recorder. I would like to be known as a great historian someday, recording the events playing out before us for future generations. As a lesson.” He flashed Corun a broad smile, eyes glistening. “Titus has recently given me permission to gather all the Jewish records from the temple once the city is taken, which makes God’s purpose for me even clearer.”

“I’m not as useful as you,” said Corun. “At best, sparing me would only bring Vespasian a minor ally in my family. Besides, I am studying to be a Christian.”

He wasn’t sure why he had admitted that. Was it true? Josephus cocked his head, looking intensely curious.

“A Christian, you say?”

Corun lifted his chin slightly. “Yes. I met a girl in Britannia who is Christian, and I spent some time in Rome at their temple, and in their library. All that doesn’t matter much now. Well, I guess on the other side it might. I don’t really know yet.”

“The other side …” Josephus pondered that, his eyes wandering for a moment until they settled again on Corun. “I’ve interviewed several Christians regarding their views on salvation, about what happens after this life, and how they know it. They seem quite convinced of how it will work. I should make a visit to their library. I’m not sure why I haven’t done so yet. By the way, do you know almost all the Christians left Jerusalem many months ago? It’s been nearly two years, I think. Their leader … what is his name? … ah, yes, Philip. He led them out. They went many places, but especially Pella. A few Jews followed their example, recognizing as the Christians did that something like this was coming.”

Corun felt a strange, joyful surge in his heart. The Christians had left? Was that why he had been so revolted by the nature of the siege, because so many Christians would die? But no, he felt for the innocent Jews as well. God did, too; he was sure of it. The surge retreated, and the glumness returned.

“Why are you here again?”

Josephus gave him a considering look. “You care for my countrymen. So do I. It was foolish of me to become part of the rebel forces. I’ve seen nothing but death and destruction among my people. I’m seeking to heal the rifts.”

“How did you gain the favor of Vespasian?”

Josephus shrugged. “I’m not quite sure. But he is a smart man, and generally not a wasteful one. He finds, develops, and leverages advantages. That’s why he’s emperor now. If I can serve him well, I can create advantages for myself and my people in the future.”

“But not here,” said Corun, shaking his head sadly. “Your people will be slaughtered here. They are being slaughtered. Every day it’s worse. Why doesn’t Titus just attack? He has four legions.”

Josephus’s lips had drawn into a tight line. He was clearly pained. After a moment, he replied, “He will, soon. I must be careful what advice I give him, though. Otherwise, he will throw me over the walls in a catapult. I say that only partly in jest.”

Corun stared at him blankly. So, Josephus was protecting himself. It was still odd he had come to visit Corun. Was he bored?

“Well, thank you for coming. It was good to talk to someone before I die. I don’t care if you’re Jew or Roman, or something in between.”

Josephus studied him for long moments. “You are brave and wise. And you are studying to be a Christian. Titus has a favorable view of the Christians. His father, too. The Jewish Christians were among the few in Judea to show true appreciation for Roman law, properly administered. They did not rebel. They didn’t spy much for the Romans, either, but they didn’t rebel. There is hope for you. I will speak with Titus when the siege is over. Perhaps he will let you accompany me in recovering the records from the temple. I could use the help, from a sincerely God-fearing man.”

Corun wasn’t sure what to think about the invitation, or Josephus’s compliment. Was he truly a ‘God-fearing man’ now? Would it make any difference in the end? It was too difficult to comprehend, especially in his current state, so he would continue doing the small tasks assigned him, eat his remaining few meals, and die bravely. It was the best he could do.

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About the Author

M.D. HOUSE is the author of The Barabbas Legacy, as well as the first two volumes in The Barabbas Trilogy, I Was Called Barabbas and Pillars of Barabbas. He also authored the science-fiction novel, Patriot Star. Before beginning his second career as a writer, he worked for twenty-five years in the world of corporate finance, strategic planning, and business development. Now, Michael lives in Utah with his wife, where he spends his time writing and enjoying his children and grandchildren. Learn more about Michael and his work at www.mdhouselive.com.

Learn more about M.D. House and The Barabbas Legacy at www.mdhouselive.com. The Barabbas Legacy is available on Amazon.

Spotlight: Love in the End Zone by Carina Rose

Release Date: April 12

Pro quarterbacks regularly face tough linemen determined to knock them down—but for one hotshot athlete, it was an infuriating blonde who stood the best chance of laying him on his back.

I was one of the top quarterbacks in the league, riding high after scoring a lucrative deal with the DC Rockets. Fans adored me, sponsors wanted me, and women, well, they were eager to date me. Except my life revolved around football, not falling in love.

Until I saw her.

I’d just scored the winning touchdown, sending the Rockets into the playoffs and ending the Virginia Thunder’s season. I spiked the ball and basked in the fans’ cheers. I’d done it. But then I took off my helmet and locked eyes with a gorgeous blonde.

She wasn’t cheering. Instead, she stood with her arms crossed, glaring at me. I smirked and winked, hoping to soften her murderous expression. Except it had the opposite effect. Rather than smiling back, she lifted her hand and extended her middle finger before disappearing into the crowd.

That was unexpected.

After my press conference, I couldn’t stop thinking about the woman in the stands. It didn’t help that social media had turned our interaction into a meme, and then I found out that the beauty was none other than Reese Parker, granddaughter of Charles Parker, owner of the Virginia Thunder. Which explained her reaction… sort of.

I should prep for the playoffs, but all I wanted to do was convince her I wasn’t enemy number one—and that scoring with me would be her best move.

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Meet Carina Rose:

Carina loves everything about romance. To her, it’s the little things that matter. She also believes in insta-love, since she knew her husband was the one the first day she met him.

When it comes to books, she uses them as an escape from reality. . . . to get swept away. Carina hopes her words do the same for her readers.

She’s a mother and wife and loves spending time with her family. She enjoys meeting new people, traveling, reading, watching sports, and, of course, relaxing on a beach.

Carina looks forward to sharing more love stories in her future novels.

Connect with Carina Rose:

Website: https://www.carinarosebooks.com 

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