Spotlight: Herlot of Alonia by Maria Rosestone

The Herlot of Alonia Series, Book 1

Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy

Published: April 7, 2020

Publisher: Book Baby

Experience a heroine's journey through magic, battle, and ancient secrets in HERLOT OF ALONIA, the first book in a medieval fantasy series.

In the small village of Alonia, tucked away in the kingdom of Eraska, a baby girl named Herlot is born into the world beneath a full moon and a grove of willow trees. Herlot is healthy and clearly touched by magic, which forever marks her as an outsider. The people of Alonia worry that the strange events that surround Herlot mean she is a bad omen, but Herlot learns to rely on her imagination and makes new friends, like the unicorn Devotio, folding herself into the magical world around her.

“No matter what happens, the stars can see you....You’re never alone.”

Just as Herlot turns eighteen and has found her place in her village, the kingdom of Eraska is invaded by the evil King Felix--a man willing to perform unspeakable acts in his search for a source of power to conquer all. It is time for Herlot to find her voice, embrace her magic, and save her people.

Buy on Amazon | Audible | Bookshop.org

About Author

Maria Rosestone is a historian and instructional designer who can always be found with a book. She particularly likes ancient and medieval history. If she is not researching or writing, she loves to go for nature walks with her family and dog.

Connect:

Website: https://www.mariarosestone.com/

Spotlight: Wronged and Respected - The Gentleman's Valiant Wife by Bree Wolf

#6 Love’s Second Chance Series: Highland Tales

Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Highland Romance, Scottish Romance

Date Published: September 8, 2022

In this Regency romance by USA Today bestselling and HOLT Medallion winning author BREE WOLF, a bitter Scotsman and a French lass find themselves running from a painful past and toward a shared future…if only they knew.

Ian MacDrummond is no more. He died three years ago off the Scottish Coast. In his stead, IAN STEWART now stands upon the deck of the Chevalier Noire, a French privateer. Tasked with a most urgent mission, Ian comes to realize that his past may not be as dead as he had thought—or hoped!—when his path crosses that of a young woman.

NOELLE CLEMENT had been happy once. Happy and in love. Now, all is lost—even her precious child. Unwilling to give up, Noelle accepts aid from the Duret family, who place a rather taciturn Scotsman at her side. Still, before long, Noelle comes to see that they have more in common than she thought.

As they rush to unearth the whereabouts of Noelle’s daughter, an old enemy closes in on them, threatening not only their tentative bond but also those they hold dear. In the end, it all comes down to one question: how far are we willing to go for those we love?

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of the LOVE'S SECOND CHANCE SERIES. Bree Wolf has always been a language enthusiast (though not a grammarian!) and is rarely found without a book in her hand or her fingers glued to a keyboard. Trying to find her way, she has taught English as a second language, traveled abroad and worked at a translation agency as well as a law firm in Ireland. She also spent loooong years obtaining a BA in English and Education and a MA in Specialized Translation while wishing she could simply be a writer. Although there is nothing simple about being a writer, her dreams have finally come true.

"A big thanks to my fairy godmother!"

Currently, Bree has found her new home in the historical romance genre, writing Regency novels and novellas. Enjoying the mix of fact and fiction, she occasionally feels like a puppet master, forcing her characters into ever-new situations that will put their strength, their beliefs, their love to the test, hoping that in the end they will triumph and get the happily-ever-after we are all looking for.

If you're an avid reader, sign up for Bree's newsletter at www.breewolf.com as she has the tendency to simply give books away. As a welcome gift, you also receive a book for FREE. Find out about freebies, giveaways as well as occasional advance reader copies and read before the book is even on the shelves!

Connect:

Website: http://www.breewolf.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breewolf.novels

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bree-Wolf/e/B00FJX27Z4/

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

BookBuzz: https://book-buzz.net/regency-romance-wronged-and-respected-the-gentlemans-valiant-wife-by-bree-wolf/

Spotlight: The Sweetest Game by Cookie O’Gorman

Publication date: September 8th 2022
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance, Sports

Hopelessly in love with my best friend’s brother.

That’s what it will say on my tombstone. Here lies Junior “June” Dorsey. Tomboy. Car lover. Bookworm. She suffered from a severe case of unrequited love syndrome.

It’s not like I haven’t tried liking other guys. I have. It’s just none of them measure up to him.

Baylor O’Brien. Beautiful. Cocky. Talented (on the field and in the bedroom—or so I’ve heard).

And completely oblivious to my love for him.

When Bay asks for my help, I can’t say no. He needs my PR expertise to revamp his reputation and up his chances of being scouted after one scout—the one he really wants—dismisses him as nothing more than a party-loving playboy.

When he asks me to be his fake girlfriend, I accept his proposal.

But how am I supposed to act like I’m in love without revealing the truth? And why is Baylor so good at pretending?

One thing I know that’s true:

All’s fair in love and baseball.

Wish me luck,

June

This new adult sports romance features two friends destined to become lovers, one sizzling fake romance, and a sexy set of brothers guaranteed to make you swoon.

Excerpt

After the other girls walked away, I'd opened my mouth to speak, to tell her she was brilliant, a miracle worker, the best buffer ever, but when Sunshine turned around the scowl on her face stopped me.  She took my hand and started walking.  She didn't stop until we were in the kitchen where she opened the door to the pantry, pulled me inside, closed the door and crossed her arms.

"Sunshine, I can explain," I said, but she held up a hand.

"True or false," she said, "you've been with those girls before."

"False," I said.  "One hundred percent false.  They tried in the past, but I've never taken them to bed."

"But you've taken others."

I shrugged helplessly.  "You know the answer to that."

"True or false, you wanted to go with them just now."

"False."

"True or false"—she cocked her head to the side—"you told people I was off limits."

I stared into her eyes then said, "True."

She put one hand on her hip, used the other to poke me in the chest.  "What were you thinking, Bay?"

"I just wanted to keep you safe."

Her laughter was cold.  "As if I'd need you to do that."

I was starting to get a little pissed now.  "You do need me.  You have no idea what guys can be like.  Most of my teammates are decent, but none of them is good enough for you."

"I think I could've determined that on my own."

"You don't even know when a guy wants you.  Take Seaver."

Her eyes narrowed.  "What about him?"

"He was hitting on you at the garage."  She scoffed, but I kept going.  "Seriously, Sunshine.  Guys are jerks."

"You mean like you?"

"Yes," I said, taking a step closer.  "I am a jerk.  But I'm a jerk who cares for you.  Deeply."

She shook her head.  "You told them I was off limits."

"Yeah."

"And what made you think you had the right to do that?"

"I had every right," I said.

"Oh really, why?"

"Because you were mine."

I took a step closer, watching her eyes flare.

"You are mine," I said.

The reality of my words didn't hit me until a few moments later.  I didn't know how to take it back, wasn't sure I wanted to.

"Bay," she said, and I looked down into her eyes, "are you ever going to kiss me again?"

I swallowed.  Suddenly, I realized I wanted that more than anything.  "I guess as your love coach I probably should."

She nodded.

"It'll give you some practice for that asshole you have a crush on."

"He's not an asshole," she said.  "Though he can be a jerk sometimes."

"I hate him," I said vehemently.

My words hit her lips.  We were that close now.

She swallowed.  "How will I know if someone wants me?"

Her words distracted me from the all-consuming hatred I felt toward her crush, and I forced a grin.

"He'll probably try to get real close," I said.  "Like this."

Her breath came faster as I pressed my body to hers.

"He'll also compliment you, say things to make you laugh, just to see you smile."  My hand went to her face, fingers resting on her lips.  "You've got a great one of those, Sunshine."

"What else?" she asked.

"He'll look at you like you're the only girl in the world."

I met her eyes.

"If he's smart, he'll realize he'll never measure up."

She took a shuddering breath when my hand moved into her hair.

"But that won't stop him from trying."

I didn't even know what I was saying anymore.  I just knew I had to taste those lips.

"If he really wants you, then you'll be able to feel it.  In every look, touch, kiss, that he gives you.  It'll be there."

"Oh," she breathed.

"That's how you'll know."

"I think I'm ready for you to kiss me now."

"As you wish, Sunshine," I said.

My lips came down on hers, and heat burst to life between us.  The spark I'd felt before was nothing to now.  This was fire.  Pure fire.  I had Sunshine in my arms, and she was burning me up.  And I loved every second of it.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Cookie O'Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, WALLFLOWER, CUPCAKE, and FAUXMANCE are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romances, The Best Mistake, The Perfect Play, and The Sweetest Game.

Connect:
http://cookieogorman.com/
https://twitter.com/CookieOwrites
https://www.facebook.com/cookieogorman
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cookie-o-gorman
https://www.instagram.com/cookieogorman/
https://mailchi.mp/bdb1d9c56ae7/the-cookie-jar
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14924267.Cookie_O_Gorman

Spotlight: Shy Girls Can’t Date Billionaires by Milly Rose

Publication date: September 5th 2022
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Young Adult

I never existed until the wrong guy took notice...

I was born shy. And near him, I fall apart. No wonder he can’t stand the sight of me.

After a fire destroys our home, my family is taken in by a billionaire tycoon. His mansion has countless bedrooms, yet my room is next door to his son, Thomas Ashworth III. Yes, he’s as pompous as the name suggests. And, for some reason, he hates my guts.

Even though his arrogance drives me crazy, his chiseled features turn me into a stammering, awkward mess. I hate being stuck with someone I can’t stand. And when he does something unexpectedly kind, it confuses my heart.

When I bump into him in the middle of the night, I’d never guess it lead to us sharing secrets.

He’s impossible to get out of my head. But he wouldn’t consider dating someone like me. Would he?

You will love Christie and Ash. They are stuck together in forced proximity, becoming practically roommates. He is a billionaire, alpha male type who is learning to love. She is the new girl in school, dealing with past trauma. Together they will go from enemies to lovers in an adorable young adult romance.

Excerpt

"Hi," Thomas says, folding his arms across his chest. "What's your first class?"

I stare at him as bags pull under my eyes. My lack of sleep and the adrenaline from panicking have taken their toll.

He unfolds his arms and tilts his head. "What's up?" he asks.

I smooth my clammy palms over my blazer and fidget in my shoes.

"I told you, you don't need to panic," Thomas says, stepping closer to me. "This school is a piece of cake."

I run a hand over my hair and turn my face away from him. I'm gonna lose it again. My insides contort with another urge to launch over a toilet bowl.

"Hey, what's wrong?" he asks, placing a hand on my arm.

I jolt in surprise.

He removes his hand and takes a step back. "Sorry," he says. 

I look away. "It's okay."

Thomas smiles. "Glad you got your voice back." 

I blush, and mumble, "Me too."

"Why do you look so freaked out?" he asks. "They showed you where to go, didn't they?"

I shake my head. "Not exactly."

"What happened when I left? Ms. Thornesmith usually handles everything, so I figured you wouldn't have an issue."

I fidget in my shoes again and turn my head in the other direction, staring at the closed bathroom door.

"A girl offered to show me around. Somewhere along the way, we kinda parted ways... I don't have my schedule, and I don't know where I'm going." Huffing, I pause my ramble to throw my arms in the air. "I don't know what classes I have... and I'm just lost again, like usual."

"Don't sweat it," he says. "I'll take you back to admin, and we'll get you a new schedule. Then I'll show you around."

I cross my arms and let out a tired, "Humph."

"What?"

"You'll show me around?" I say, looking at the floor. It is as confrontational as I get. It's shocking the words have come out of my mouth.

I doubt he'd help me. Why would he?

"Christie, you need to know where you're going. I'll show you where to find your classrooms. It's not a big deal."

"It was a big deal earlier," I say.

It's baffling that I'm continuing with this conversation.

"Hey, I'm sorry," he says, taking another step back. "My parents kind of threw this on me. I already had plans for this morning that I needed to follow through on."

"Fine, whatever," I say, crossing my arms in frustration. "You could have at least told your parents or me that you couldn't show me around. If you had said you couldn't help me, my mom would have come with me." I pull my arms tighter across my midsection. "It'd be better than being alone."

"I'm sorry you felt alone," he says, taking a step forward. "But, be honest, you don't exactly enjoy my company. I assumed you'd be relieved when I left."

His words surprised me. I look up to meet his eyes, finding them filled with sincerity.

"What do you mean?" I ask.

He puffs a laugh and slides his hand into his trouser pockets. "Don't act like you don't hate when I'm around."

I place a hand over my heart. "Me?"

"You're always judging me."

"I haven't said anything bad to you."

A nervous laugh seeps out of him. "You don't have to say it. It's in your eyes. I know you can't stand me."

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Milly Rose is an animal-loving romance enthusiast with a swoon-inducing book formula. Shy girl + hot guy + first kisses. Her YA sweet romance books will have you falling in love every instalment. Milly Rose is the quintessential shy girl, who you can contact via her mailing list and reply to her monthly email blasts! Milly spends her days vying for her cat’s affection, dreaming up her next book boyfriend, and writing a fun meet-cute under candlelight with a lovely brewed cup of tea.

GET A FREE BOOK HERE >> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cod6m6wfzw

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Follow along on Instagram + Tiktok @shy.author.milly.rose

Spotlight: Out of the Ashes by Samantha Grosser

Publication date: August 4th 2022
Genres: Adult, Historical

Amid the ruins of the Second World War, an illegal and tentative relationship begins.

England 1944. As Allied forces battle their way through Europe, German prisoners of war are sent to camps all over England. In a sleepy Somerset village, Clare is still grieving for her husband when the first prisoners arrive.

As the men start working on the farm, it isn’t long before she finds herself face to face with the enemy who made her a widow. Hating them all, she avoids them as best as she can. But when one of them saves a young child’s life, she is forced to reconsider. As an unexpected and illicit connection develops between them, her loyalties are stretched to the limit.

Their secret doesn’t last. Shunned by family and friends for illegal fraternisation with the enemy, Clare risks losing all she has. Then long-held secrets are brought to light and she must make an impossible choice.

In a world that has changed beyond recognition, can they find a way to build a future together, or will their happiness be destroyed by the burdens of the past?

Excerpt

She sat at the table, numb. She should have sweet tea, she thought, remembering it was supposed to be good for shock, but she was unable to bring herself to make the effort and the stove remained blank and unlit. She waited, expecting the numbness to pass and the pain of the grief to take over, but there was nothing. Her body felt as though it belonged to someone else, and her thoughts drifted, hazy and unformed. What was wrong with her? She had heard of other women collapsing with such news, weeping and hysterical. Why did she feel so empty? 

She laid the telegram on the table and straightened it out against the tablecloth, letting her eyes wander over the brief impersonal notice again, Walter’s death contained within it. How could so few words hold such momentous news? A letter would follow, it said. But really, what more was there to say? She would never hear her husband’s voice again, nor hold him in her arms. Their son no longer had a father.

She let out a breath, unaware she had been holding it, and feeling began at last to creep through her veins, a hollow in her guts. She placed her hand on top of the telegram, covering the words. She had always known, she thought. Right from the beginning when he told her he was going she had known, and she had spent all her tears and anger then in bitter fights and cruel words she had regretted ever since. Now she would never have a chance to make up for saying them. 

The memory of the last time she saw him flickered through her thoughts – the sadness in his eyes as he turned to walk away from her along the platform with the kitbag on his shoulder, a stranger in his uniform. She had watched him mount the carriage steps, squeezed his hand a final time, until with a hiss of steam and a whistle he was gone. She had known even then they would not meet again.

A dog’s bark outside in the yard roused her from her thoughts and she lifted her head towards the noise. The clock on the mantelpiece struck the half-hour. Soon Eric would be home and she would have to tell him that his father was dead. She shuddered at the thought of it and sighed, tracing the words on the telegram with her fingertips as though she might feel Walter’s presence within them – his warmth, his kindness, his laughter. The hollow inside her began to fill with pain, and her vision blurred with sudden tears. She pressed her hand against the sheet of paper under her palm. She would have to tell Walter’s mother too, she remembered then, and his sister and her husband, everyone else in the village. She would have to say it aloud. 

Walter is dead.

She wrapped her thoughts around the words and tried to roll them on her tongue, but her mouth refused to form the sounds. Her breath began to catch in her chest and as she wiped at her face where the tears had started to fall, she cast a glance towards the door. She wasn’t sure if she could face it. It was the thought that she must say the words to others that finally broke her defences. Lowering her face into her hands, she began to weep at last.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Samantha Grosser is a very British author who doesn’t function without tea. Having spent many years teaching English in Asia and Australia, she has now made her home on the sunny beaches of Sydney, Australia, where she lives with her husband, teenaged son, and a very small dog called Livvy.

She is the author of Another Time and Place, The Officer’s Affair, The King James Men, and the historical fantasy series Web of Witches. When she isn’t writing or reading, (which isn’t often) you can find her either doing yoga, going for long walks, or watching old movies.

You can find out more at samgrosserbooks.com

Connect:

https://www.samgrosserbooks.com/

https://www.pinterest.ca/grosser0312/

https://twitter.com/SamanthaGrosser

https://sendfox.com/samgrosserbooksnewsletter

https://www.instagram.com/samgrosserbooks/

https://www.facebook.com/samgrosserbooks

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4492009.Samantha_Grosser

Spotlight: A Hate Like This by Whitney Dineen & Melanie Summers

Release Date: September 8

A Hate Like This (A Gamble on Love Mom Com, Book 2)

Single mother Moira Bishop hates when her family interferes in her love life. If life as a young widow isn’t hard enough, just add three boys, a slew of unruly pets, and ownership of Gamble Alaska’s only diner. The last thing she needs is a man to look after too.

Entertainment lawyer to the stars Ethan Caplan hates his clients. There’s only so much coddling and placating a man can do in a lifetime. He’s finally decided he’s had enough, so he escapes to the tiny no-horse town of Gamble to work on the novel he’s always wanted to write.

Positive that Alaska will be distraction-free, Ethan’s sure he can pen a bestselling legal novel. That is until he lays his eyes on Moira Bishop. Suddenly he finds himself having five meals a day at the diner, just so he can talk to her for a few minutes.

When Moira’s son wins tickets to the Galaxy Studio Theme Park in L.A., Ethan jumps at the chance to play host to the family. He’s sure he can win her over by showing her how glamorous life could be with him. With the help of his friends, he plans the date to end all dates, hoping one incredible night will change her mind about giving love a second chance.

Will Moira open her heart to Ethan? Will Ethan do what it takes to prove that he can be the man Moira and her boys need in their lives? Will little Colton be tall enough to ride the Galactic Mindbender?

Find out in the deliciously fun second installment in the Gamble on Love Momcom series.

Buy on Amazon  

About the Author

Whitney Dineen is a rock star in her own head. While delusional about her singing abilities, there’s been a plethora of validation that she’s a fairly decent author (AMAZING!!!). After winning many writing awards and selling nearly a kabillion books (math may not be her forte, either), she’s decided to let the voices in her head say whatever they want (sorry, Mom). She also won a fourth-place ribbon in a fifth-grade swim meet in backstroke. So, there’s that.

Whitney loves to play with her kids (a.k.a. dazzle them with her amazing flossing abilities), bake stuff, eat stuff, and write books for people who “get” her. She thinks french fries are the perfect food and Mrs. Roper is her spirit animal.

Connect:
https://whitneydineen.com/
https://twitter.com/whitneydineen
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8145525.Whitney_Dineen
https://www.instagram.com/whitneydineenauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/Whitney-Dineen-Author-11687019412/

Melanie Summers also writes steamy romance as MJ Summers.

I got SUPER lucky and my first novel, Break in Two, a steamy contemporary romance cracked the Top 10 Paid on Amazon in both the UK and Canada, and the top 50 Paid in the USA. My Full Hearts Series was then picked up by both Piatkus Entice (a division of Hachette UK) and HarperCollins Canada.

My first three books have been translated into Czech and Slovak by EuroMedia. Since 2013, I've written and published sixteen novels and three novellas (and counting). I've sold over a quarter of a million books around the globe, and received two Bronze Medals at the Readers’ Favorite Award in the Chick Lit Category for The Royal Treatment (2018) and Whisked Away (2019), and one Silver Medal at the Readers' Favorite Awards in the Women's Fiction Category for The After Wife (2019).

Not bad for a newbie, eh?

I'm from Edmonton, Canada, where I live with my taller half, our three 'spirited' children (such a nice word to describe the chaos, no?). We also share our home with the cuddliest no-eyed dog ever, Lucy, and a furry Cuban dictator named Nelson. When I'm not writing, I love reading (obviously), snuggling up on the couch with the gang for movie night (which would not be complete without lots of popcorn and milkshakes), and long walks in the woods near my house.

I also spend a lot more time thinking about doing yoga than actually doing it, which is why any authorized photos of me are taken ‘from above’.

Oh, and I also love shutting down restaurants with my girlfriends. Well, not literally shutting them down, like calling the health inspector or something. More like just staying until they turn the lights off.

Connect:
https://mjsummersbooks.wordpress.com/
https://twitter.com/mjsummersbooks
https://www.instagram.com/mj_summers_author/
https://www.facebook.com/MJSummersAuthorPage
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17105602.Melanie_Summers