Spotlight: Here With You by Claudia Burgoa & Grahame Claire

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Release Date: October 18

USA TODAY Bestselling authors Claudia Burgoa and Grahame Claire bring you an enchanting Best Friend’s Little Sister holiday romance filled with sarcasm, love, and mistletoes.

I finally landed my dream job. 

No one told me my childhood crush came with it.

Theo Foster, my brother’s best friend. 

The famous billionaire playboy, race car driver, and my long-time frenemy.

Now I’m forced to see him every day. 

And that childhood crush…

It hasn’t gone anywhere.

Lucky for me, Theo Foster isn't one to stick around and he'll be out of Winter Valley in no time. 

If only he'd stop being all flirty with me. 

He isn't supposed to be all swoony and romantic.

And I’m not supposed to flirt back.

But a few caresses and kisses shouldn’t matter.

Or do they?

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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 watch shows or movies with her equally geeky husband.

Connect with Claudia Burgoa:

https://claudiayburgoa.com/wp/links/

Meet Grahame Claire:

Grahame Claire is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance.

A writer. A blogger. United by our love of stories and all things romance. There was definitely some insta-love. Hello? 

Books involved. A little courting. A lot of writing. The result...Grahame Claire.

Soulmates. Unashamed of our multiple book boyfriends. Especially the ones that rooted in our heads and wouldn’t leave us alone. Don’t worry. We’ll share.

Pleased to meet you.

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Connect with Grahame Claire:

https://www.grahameclaire.com/instagram

Spotlight: Deadly Paradise by Quinn Avery

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Publication date: October 18th 2022
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

As a child, Nova witnessed the murder of her parents. She is whisked away in the middle of the night to start a new life, however Nova can’t stop questioning the circumstances surrounding her parents’ deaths.

As a teenager, Nova lives a lonely and sheltered existence until fate delivers a handsome Greek boy into her world. Although forbidden to speak to him, the teens navigate through first love until she discovers he’s guarding a secret that unravels everything between them.

As a woman, Nova finally goes after the answers that have plagued her entire life. Answers that involve her first love, throwing them both in danger when he returns to save her life. Can she risk the dark secrets of their tangled past to collide with what could become a deadly present?

Excerpt

Nova was sixteen when Katerina Makris and her son, Nikos, came to work at the winery. The moment Nova first laid eyes on the mysterious boy with fierce eyebrows and a sharp jaw, her first crush manifested. From her secret perch behind the kitchen door, her knees literally shook as if the world was moving beneath her.

She watched intently as Katerina and Nova’s uncle carried on a conversation in Greek. Nova remembered very little of the language since her father’s death, but her uncle was able to converse with Katerina at a comfortable level. Nova hadn’t known he was fluent in her father’s native language. She was even more surprised the way her uncle treated Katerina like an old friend.

Both mother and son were striking, with eyes so dark they swallowed their pupils, olive-toned skin, stick-straight noses, and luxurious raven hair. Katerina’s loose waves bounced around her shoulders when she walked. Nikos wore his hair neatly trimmed around the sides, and longer on top. He was attractive in a way that made her belly swell. She held her breath, waiting for Nikos to speak. She was very interested in anything and everything the tall, handsome young man had to say.

Later that afternoon, while Katerina was trained in the kitchen and Nikos cleaned tables, Nova perched on the walnut bar top where soon customers would occupy stools across from the small oak and steel barrels containing the award-winning varieties of wine. She studied Nikos from afar as he worked, appreciating his Led Zeppelin t-shirt and dark classic jeans paired with old-school skater sneakers. Although lanky, he moved with the confident swagger of a grown man, and the muscles in his arms flexed impressively as he scrubbed each table. She’d only seen him smile once, but the flash of his bright white teeth as straight as piano keys revealed behind his generously rosy lips was enough to make her heart swell and her stomach tingle with excitement.

She was grateful she’d finally have someone around who was close to her age. Even better, she had a chance to talk to him without anyone else listening in. Her aunt was tending to the grapes that were nearing harvest, and her uncle was helping London perfect the pattern required for her next belt in Tae Kwon Do. The chef and other wait staff weren’t scheduled to come in for another hour, and the only other employee on the clock was in the kitchen with Katerina.

When she thought about approaching Nikos, nerves bubbled through her like a sparkling wine. Most of what she knew about flirting came from years of watching her aunt and uncle’s disgustingly affectionate relationship, and the sappy romance movies she sometimes watched with her aunt. She wanted to believe in love, but she was also cynical that anything could end with a happily ever after. Her parents had been madly in love, and their ending was nothing short of a Shakespearian tragedy.

“So, new guy,” she finally called out, hoping he couldn’t detect the tightness of her breath, “where you from?”

Turning away from the table, his eyes nervously swept past the kitchen before meeting hers. Their alluring darkness caused her heart to flutter against her ribs with the force of a bird’s wings. She suddenly understood the longing she sometimes heard in musician’s voices when they sang about love.

“Mykonos—ehhh…an island…in Greece.” His voice was as deep as her uncle’s, and his accent was rich. Every word he uttered sounded romantic. As they echoed through her head, she became motionless—all except for the widening of her eyes.

“Wait, did you say Mykonos?” A flicker of excitement passed through her. “That’s where my dad was from.”

Nikos’s dark, thick eyebrows rose. “Yes. Your father…he knew my mother. They were…ehhh…friendly. Since they were very young.”

Nova’s pulse sped. What else did he know about her father?

“Really?” Crossing her arms, she mirrored his high-browed expression. It seemed her uncle’s list of secrets was never-ending. “How did you and your mother end up here?”

“Your uncle…very kind. When we leave Mykonos, he tells my mother…ehhh…he can help.”

Interesting, Nova thought to herself. How did her uncle know her father’s childhood friend well enough to offer his help? For the first time since she had been torn from her family’s home in California, she believed she may actually have found an avenue leading to the truth about her parents.

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About the Author

Quinn Avery is an award-winning author who has written over 38 novels, both romantic suspense and mystery/thriller. An avid fan of the beach, a good book, and Dave Grohl, she enjoys spending her free time with her favorite people and biggest fans--her husband and children.

Connect:

https://www.quinnavery.com/

https://www.facebook.com/authorquinnavery/

https://www.instagram.com/authorquinnavery/

https://twitter.com/naumannbooks

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/quinn-avery

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14001963.Quinn_Avery

Spotlight: B is for Bonnie by Des Sweet

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Publication date: October 18th 2022

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Mafia, Reverse Harem, Romance

Buckle up for a modern Bonnie and Clyde Retell. This reverse harem take on the classic robbers will have you rooting for the bad guys and wanting more. Join Bonnie, aka Bee, and the Boys for the biggest heist yet. Jealousy and emotions run rampant before heading off to the Vegas Diamond Show. Will the boys learn how to share or will this tale end in disaster for some?

Excerpt

Bonnie felt Joe pull her in close. She felt him caressing her shoulders and kissing her back. She even heard him whisper a promise for a better life, before she allowed her body to fully relax and fall into a deep sleep. She awoke sometime later in the night. Bonnie wasn’t sure of the time at first, only that it was dark. A glance at the digital clock told her it was eleven at night, she rolled over to feel the bed. As usual Joe was gone, but she knew exactly where to find him. Bonnie had on a long sleeve henley and a pair of booty shorts, but she could feel the familiar chill from the deck door being cracked. He left it open to listen for her stirring. That was one of the things about Joe she adored. He loved her unconditionally the way no man ever had. He did everything she asked of him just to be with her. She knew it was wrong of her to be angry with him. He did everything he could to keep her safe while she was captive and to get her back as soon as possible. Shit the other boys didn't seem to care. Ray, he had a special kind of hell waiting for him, and Henry. Bonnie was hurt Henry didn’t show up for her. She knew Joe had to have called him, but nobody showed up like a knight in shining armor the way he did. Joe did everything right and she was taking her own guilt out on him. Maybe it was time to break up the gang and move on with their lives. She had more than enough money stock piled to live off of. Maybe just a few more big heists and then they would be able to hang up their boots forever. She sighed. Joe turned to find her staring at him from the doorway. The pale light from the house illuminating her like a goddess. She was a goddess to him though, and he desperately needed to make things right. Bonnie tossed a playful smile his way. The small motion was all he needed for encouragement. He cleared the space between them in no time. Joe scooped her into his arms pulling her in a giant hug. He lifted her, and Bonnie wrapped her legs around him. He carried her to the bed, kicking the door closed behind him. 

“I’m sorry.” Bonnie nuzzled her face against his cheek. His facial hair tickled her cheek in a way that always turned her on. She needed Joe. He was her person, more than anyone else, more than a one night fling with a kidnapper. The thoughts of Cj came slamming into her head. She had to deny all of it. She had to bury those away somewhere. Right now she wanted Joe and only Joe. She wanted to escape to a private island and never see anyone else ever again. 

His voice rasped against her ear, and she felt his hot breath as he whispered, “I am sorry too Bee. You are my goddess, I love you more than anything else in this world, I would go to the ends of the earth just to find you. I would do everything one hundred times over if it was the only way to end up with you and only you.”

Hell, this boy knew just what to say to her to melt her cold icy heart. His lips were hard on her as they kissed over every last inch of her body he could reach without putting her down. Joe spun around, diverting from the bed to the nearest wall. He threw her up against it, sliding one hand around her ass to help support the weight, while the other snaked under her shirt to cup and squeeze her breasts. He released his grip but only to tease her nipple, running his finger across it. His mouth still working to deliver kisses up and down her neck, under her ears, then back to Bonnie’s waiting lips. She traced her finger across his lips seductively, teasing him. Joe kissed those too. He caught her by surprise when he sucked one inside his mouth and ran his tongue up her finger before allowing it to slip from his hungry lips.

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About the Author

Spotlight: Forever Bound by Jessica Dall

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Published by: Entangled: Amara
Publication date: October 17th 2022
Genres: Adult, Romance, Time-Travel

From the minute Bridget Marshall began renovating the old Irish Castle she bought outside the Village of Shansally, Ireland (pop. 119) she’d been on the verge of being labeled another “Silly American.” But after years of managing other people’s hotels, she’s ready to run one herself. And nothing will get in her way, not even her grumpy next-door neighbor, Liam O’Flannagain.

Soon, though, the dream Bridget’s been waiting for is becoming a living nightmare. The renovations, not to mention the budget, are out of control, and someone—or something—is determined to get her out of the castle. And if that wasn’t enough, whenever she’s with Liam, the castle’s ancient past seems to come roaring to life, sweeping them along in a story they’re apparently destined to relive.

If she is to uncover the castle’s secrets, Bridget will need Liam’s help to figure out exactly how they’re connected…before the tragic past repeats itself.

Excerpt

I tried not to let myself get entirely swept away in the fantasy as we moved around the staircase to reach the ballroom at the back of the castle. “I know there’s going to be some—or, well, a lot—of bad news once we get started. Karen said it’s been a good decade since anyone’s lived here, but I’m hoping most of the neglect can be taken care of with the changes I already have planned. Like most of the plumbing is going to need to be torn out anyway to add bathrooms to the bedrooms upstairs.”

“It’s a good job we’ll be going down to the studs in most the rooms, aye.” He scribbled something in the little notepad he’d pulled out as we talked. “When you don’t use pipes for this long, you’ll have leaks. We’ll also have to be on the watch for mold, of course. And lead. I expect we’ll have a fair share of lead paint to remove, age this place is.”

Leaks, mold, lead… I tried to laugh the rising stress off. 

“And then we’ll have to start talking exorcists. I’m sure there must be a poltergeist or two.”

“Haven’t heard of any poltergeists,” Cormac said, tone matter-of-fact as he stopped to poke at another damp spot on the wall with his foot before going back to scribbling. “Folk do like talking ’bout the curse, though.”

I paused. “Curse?”

He flashed me another warm smile, one that actually reminded me a bit of my granddad’s. “I don’t put much stock in all that, myself, but people like spinning that yarn after the brutal string of luck this place’s had. You know, the Sloane family had her built after the buildings around the old Norman keep burnt. They had it ’til they were chased out around independence. Originally English, you see. Ever since, the castle’s spent more time empty than lived in. Chris Carlson, last owner of this place, only had her a year before the financial crisis. Sunk all his money into real estate during the Celtic Tiger, so wasn’t a good time for him.”

I hummed, preferring not to think about the housing collapse when I’d just sunk most of my own money into property.

“Some say the Sloanes cursed the place ’fore leaving.”

Not caring to stew on that either, I pushed the doors to the ballroom open. The same breathless feeling I’d had at the edge of the property swept through me again. With the way the backyard sloped away from the house, it looked like we could have jumped from the back door into the lake. The wall of floor-to-ceiling windows said whoever had designed the house had wanted to bring the the lake inside as much as I did. With a couple dozen white-draped tables and ambient lighting, I could have the most romantic restaurant in the county. That was certain.

Cormac was looking at me expectantly, and I realized I’d entirely missed whatever he’d just said.

“Sorry, what?”

He laughed lightly. “Don’t you let any of that worry you, lass. If you care for those tales, most the ghosts ’round here are supposed to be completely harmless. The Bean an Locha stays out there, even.” He motioned toward the windows.

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About the Author

Jessica Dall finished her first novel at the age of fifteen and has been hooked on writing ever since. In the past few years, she has published a mix of fantasy and historical fiction novels, along with a number of short stories that have appeared in both magazines and anthologies.

In college, Jessica interned at a publishing house, where her “writing hobby” slowly turned into a variety of writing careers, including creative writing teacher and, her current job, content editor for a small press.

When not busy editing or writing, Jessica enjoys crafting and piano, and spending time with her friends and family. She can most often be found at her home in Maryland with a notebook, her much-loved, sometimes-neglected husband, and toddler.

Connect:

https://jessicadall.com/

https://www.facebook.com/jessicadall/

https://www.instagram.com/jessicadallauthor/

https://twitter.com/JessicaDall

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3301144.Jessica_Dall

Spotlight: The Troubles with Heartbreak by Brittany Taylor

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Release Date: October 14

Trouble #1:
Levi Hawkins. Always....

Levi Hawkins has been trouble since the first time I saw him through the lens of my camera our senior year of high school.

He was the star quarterback.
I was the yearbook photographer.

Although Levi’s hatred for me was no secret, I spent the entire school year fighting my feelings for him, counting down to the day of graduation.

When that day finally came, I foolishly thought I'd seen the last of him. Until five years later, when he walked into the same newspaper I worked for. Only now, he was no longer a football star. He's the paper's newest reporter.

Disguised by a grand opening of a hotel on the shores of South Padre Island, Levi dragged me on an assignment. His college football reunion.

But just when I thought he'd roped me in enough trouble, he asked for one more favor.

Pretend to be his fiancé... for the entire reunion.

I knew he had dragged me along to get a story, but it wasn’t long before I realized there was more written between the lines.

And then I remembered... Levi Hawkins has always been trouble.

*This is the final book in the Heartbreak Series.

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About the Author

Brittany Taylor grew up all over the world including places such as California, England and Texas. Today she resides in Connecticut with her husband, son and two cats. She loves reading, but loves writing even more. Her favorite things in life are her family, binge watching Netflix, and tacos. 

Brittany Taylor has been obsessed with reading since kindergarten. She followed her lifelong dream in 2017 when she published her first novel, Without You. Ever since, she's been hooked and can't write the stories in her head fast enough. 

Connect with Brittany Taylor:

Website https://www.brittanytaylorbooks.com 

Newsletter https://www.brittanytaylorbooks.com/newsletter 

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

Amazon Author Page https://amzn.to/3HjQhyA 

Goodreads https://bit.ly/3Hny6rx 

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

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/brittany-taylor 

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@authorbrittanytaylor 

Spotlight: Ruin the Friendship by S.A. Clayton

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When there is Love at Sea, can a week-long cruise prove they deserve a shot at forever? Kacey Reid has had a thing for his sister’s best friend, Ashley Kenndy for as long as he remembers, but has fought his attraction for just as long. Being stuck together on the cruise will either give him the chance to finally prove that he’s not the unreliable man she always thought he was or it will it just ruin everything. Fans of Forbidden Romances will devour RUIN THE FRIENDSHIP by S.A. Clayton, a sexy, best friend’s sibling romance.

Read Now! 

Amazon → https://amzn.to/3qlXTZQ 

Ashley

I’ve had a thing for my best friend’s brother, Kacey, for as long as I could remember.

I mean, what’s not to love?

He’s smart, sexy as hell, and everything I ever wanted in a man — except for the part where he’s totally unreliable.

Being stuck on a seven day cruise with my favorite friend-emy?

Well, that may be more than enough to drive me insane, in more ways than one.

Kacey

I’ve wanted Ashley my whole life.

Sure, she’s my sister’s very best friend but she’s the most amazing girl I’ve ever known.

But, not all that long ago she told me to move on. To forget her.

Except there is no forgetting Ashley and I’m going to spend the next seven days trying to prove that I’ve changed and we deserve a shot at this forever thing.

No matter what happens, one thing is certain — I’m ready to ruin our friendship.

Ruin the friendship is a best friend’s sibling romance, part of the Love at Sea multi-author series. Get ready to set sail through the Caribbean on Festival Cruises’ most alluring voyage with eight of your favorite authors - happily ever after guaranteed!

Experience everything the Love at Sea series has to offer. From speed dating to masquerades, guests are sure to enjoy the hot days and steamy nights. Explore hidden waterfalls, swim with dolphins, and watch as eight couples find their forever on the open ocean.

Excerpt 

Copyright 2022 @S.A. Clayton

The instant I open the door and see the figure bent over the hood of his car, my heart stops. I haven't seen Kacey Reid since prom night when he drove Kelsey and me home after our disastrous dates ditched us at the after-party. I secretly fell in love with him that night, basking in the way the rage washed over him when Kelsey explained what happened, loving the way his eyes softened when he met my eyes and gave me his jacket when I was cold. I tried to forget him, even moving to the other side of the continent, but nothing worked. I was still in love with my best friend’s twin brother. 

“Well look who decided to finally come back home after all these years,” Kacey teases, that knowing smirk playing at the edges of his lips as his blue eyes latch onto mine. I take a breath, wondering how one man can change so much and yet so little in three years. His once shaggy blond hair is cut short, tendrils falling strategically in front of his face, making him look older than his twenty-one years. His crystal-clear blue eyes still cause my insides to flip every time they’re trained on me and those tattoos…they’re new. Both arms are covered and from the little I can see of his chest through his white t-shirt, that’s covered too. 

“I've been home, you’re just never here,” I quip, loving the way his eyes shine with humor as they meet mine. 

“Touché,” he says before grabbing the rag from his back pocket and wiping the grease from his hands. I wonder what those hands would feel like against me, how the calluses on those fingertips would feel gripping me tightly as I…I shake my head, silently berating myself for going there when I know I can't. 

“I didn't know you were home?” My voice cracks as I make my way to the fridge on the other side of the car. Kacey’s eyes follow my every move. There was a time when I would have begged him to look at me the way he is right now, but I have to keep my distance because from what Kelsey has told me, he will ruin me. 

“I’m not. My new place doesn't have a garage to store this baby,” he says, shutting the hood. “I keep it here and Mom and Dad let me come over and work on it.” I nod, turning so my back is against the fridge, and our eyes connect. 

“Are you sure it's not just a ploy to get you to come home more?” I say, his eyes widening as if the thought never crossed his mind. 

“Well shit,” he mutters, a small laugh leaving his throat as I smile, turning back around to get the beers out of the fridge. The second my back is turned and the door is open, I sense him behind me.

“Kacey, what are you doing?” I whisper just as his fingers grip my waist, hauling me back until I can feel all of him. Every hard inch. My breath shudders as those deft fingers trace over my hip and rest just over the waistband of my bikini bottoms. 

“Do you know how many times I’ve told myself to stay away from you?” he mutters against my neck, the stubble on his jaw causing delicious friction against my skin. “Do you know how many times I’ve had to remind myself that you're my sister’s best friend?” I shake my head, my fingers gripping his wrist as the tips of his fingers drop just below my bikini, causing every breath to leave my lungs. 

“Kacey we can't do this,” I whisper, closing my eyes and wishing we could, wishing I could feel what his lust feels like against me, what his passion would feel like inside me. 

“I know,” he growls against the shell of my ear, nipping at the lobe until I’m putty in his hands. “But that doesn't mean I can walk away without a taste…” 

About S.A. Clayton

S.A. Clayton lives in a small town outside of Toronto, Canada with her husband and her scary large collection of books that seem to take over every room. 

She has worked on both sides of the publishing industry, both in a bookstore and for actual publishing companies. Although she loved both for different reasons, she found that writing was her true passion and has spent the last few years breaking into the industry as best she can. 

She is a lover of all things romance and began her writing journey in her late twenties. Since then, she has immersed herself in the romance genre and couldn't be happier. 

When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys binging a great Netflix show (Stranger Things anyone?), baking (because who doesn't love cookies!) and spending time with her family. 

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