Spotlight: Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart

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(Love on Tap, #1)
Publication date: March 2nd 2023
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Hollis Hayes is the worst neighbor in the entire history of neighbors.
She’s also the hottest.
F.M.L.

I don’t have time to fight with the dog groomer next door. There’s a brewery to run, siblings to rein in, and a mom to look after. So if Hollis thinks I’ll roll over and let her drive me out of business, she’s not nearly as smart as she thinks she is.

Sure, I enjoy the little pranks we play on each other, and I don’t hate watching her prance around in those tight leggings. But she’s gone too far this time, even if she pretends to know nothing about it.

I’ll do whatever it takes to save my business from going under, and if that means playing dirty with the girl I love to hate, game on.

If you like snarky banter, sizzling chemistry, big crazy families, and evil geniuses, Ale’s Fair in Love and War is your next weekend read. It is a standalone steamy romantic comedy with tons of heart and an HEA.

Excerpt

CHAPTER TWO

A VIGILANTE’S WORK IS NEVER DONE

HOLLIS

The bell rings over the door again, and my eyes flash to the brawny figure darkening my doorway.

Speak of the devil—literally.

His scruffy jaw is locked tight, the tension in his shoulders telling the story of his less-than-ideal day. As those piercing blue eyes drill into mine, it occurs to me, not for the first time, what a crying shame it is that such beautiful eyes are wasted on a troll like Cash Brooks.

“Well, hello, neighbor.” I paste on my brightest smile. “What brings you to my salon today? Need a cold shower?” My tone is drenched in so much syrup I might give myself an actual cavity.

Cash stalks toward my counter, worn work boots scuffing the tile as he approaches. I purposely ignore the way his thigh muscles strain the denim of his jeans.

When he stops just across from me, chest heaving and lips curled into an angry snarl, I respond by wrinkling my nose and waving a hand in front of it. “I’d say so. You smell like a brewery.”

This is simply too easy.

A growl spills from his curled lips, indicating that my latest prank has rendered him incapable of speaking in human. Just as well, considering what a giant bull-headed caveman he is.

A crimson flush licks at the skin just under Cash’s stubbled chin. “You posted an ad for my virginity?!”

My brows draw together as I fix a pout to my lips. “Oh, did nobody take you up on the offer?” I reach over the shiny pink counter separating us and pat his shoulder, ignoring its muscular firmness. “Don’t be embarrassed. Virginity is just a social construct anyway.”

He shakes my hand off with a jerk of his arm, and I cover my pout with a contemplative finger. “Although maybe I shouldn’t have said anything about your looks.” I lean closer to whisper, “I just didn’t want anyone to be disappointed when they met you.”

He jabs the air in front of my nose with his finger. “You’d better prepare yourself, lady.”

I slap his hand away without missing a beat. “Lady? Oh, you are cruel, aren’t you?” I coo at him, causing his jaw to do that clicking thing I so enjoy.

“You ain’t seen nothin’ yet,” Cash grinds out through clenched teeth.

With that, he whips around and stalks back to my front door, giving me a prime view of his inconveniently nice ass.

“I haven’t seen anything yet,” I correct him but don’t get the pleasure of his responding expression. “Have a wonderful day!” I shout.

His growl is just barely audible as he disappears out of sight.

Ah, it is, indeed, a most wonderful day.

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About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Sylvie Stewart loves bad jokes, dirty rom-coms, country music, and baby skunks—preferably all at the same time. Most of her steamy contemporary and romantic comedy novels take place across her favorite state of North Carolina, and her characters never run out of snarky banter or snacks. When her laptop closes, Sylvie is a sucker for hugs from her twin boys and a good laugh with her hot-nerd hubby. If you love smart Southern gals, hot blue-collar guys, and snort-laughing with characters who feel like your best friends, Sylvie's your gal.

Connect:

Stay up to date on all things Sylvie! https://sylviestewartauthor.com

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Spotlight: The Baronet's Lady Biologist by Alissa Baxter

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Publication Date: February 28, 2023
Vinspire Publishing

Genre: Traditional/Sweet Regency
Series: The Linfield Ladies Series, Book 3

Georgiana Linfield is a lady biologist who is determined to travel the world. Upon arriving in London for the Season, she decides the best way to fulfil her dreams is to find an amenable husband to indulge her every whim. Refusing to give up her interest in natural history for a dull domestic life, she sets out to forge a different path for herself.

When her father’s elderly cousin asks her to set his natural history collection in order, she accepts his request with joy. However, the task brings her into almost daily contact with his godson, Sir Giles Tavistock, a renowned entomologist, who regards her with some suspicion. When Sir Giles discovers her skills as a scientific illustrator, he asks her to sketch his South American butterfly collection, and they forge an uneasy truce.

Their tenuous connection is shattered, however, when Sir Giles believes a rumour casting Georgiana in a far from flattering light. Vowing to have nothing more to do with him, she keeps him at a distance. But when the baronet’s butterflies attract unwanted attention, a series of events unravel that make Georgiana wonder if the famous collector might have done the impossible and captured her heart.

Excerpt

Georgiana pressed the palms of her hands together. “I am delighted you have come to London, particularly as I have been hoping Cassy will assist me with my scientific illustrations.”

Her mother’s brow creased. “I am sure Cassandra will give you some useful advice regarding her technique, my love. But I trust you plan to draw such things as flowers and landscapes as well?”

“An excellent notion, Mama. It is a fine idea to place insects among flowers in their natural environment.”

“I thought you could perhaps...er...occasionally leave the insects out?” She cleared her throat. “They do not have to be present in all your drawings and paintings, my love.”

“No?” Georgiana’s mouth tilted up at the corners.

“No!” Her mother shook her head when Georgiana let out a peal of laughter. “You persist in teasing me, my love.”

Rothbury chuckled. “Well, you do rise so beautifully to the bait, Mama.” He turned to Sir Giles. “We should be off.”

The two men took their leave. However, a few moments later, Sir Giles stepped back inside. “I shall bring my butterfly collection to show you tomorrow if that suits you, Miss Linfield?”

“Oh, yes. Thank you, sir. I look forward to seeing it.”

He studied her thoughtfully. “Would you consider drawing the various specimens for me if Lady Linfield has no objection? I am seeking an artist to sketch each butterfly.”

He glanced at her mother, who nodded and smiled. “An excellent plan, Sir Giles. It will put my daughter’s talents to good purpose. She is always seeking out opportunities for scientific illustration.”

“Miss Linfield?” Sir Giles spoke quietly, but there was a thread of laughter in his voice.

Georgiana clenched her jaw. He was studying her very much as she imagined a stoat would examine a rabbit. But she was not so easily intimidated.

“I would be pleased to assist you,” she said in a calm voice. “It sounds like the sort of collection that would be dear to any natural historian’s heart. I want to do your butterflies justice, but I imagine you will need the collection when you write your paper?”

“I have a duplicate of each specimen, so I will keep the one collection with me while you work on the other.” He bowed. “Thank you, Miss Linfield. And au revoir.”

He left the room, and Georgiana stared at the door, which the footman closed after him. “Au revoir?”

“Sir Giles’s mother is French.”

“Ah.”

“I am glad you appear to be warming to him, my love. He would be an excellent match for you, you know. Your father and I would welcome it.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I am not warming to him at all, Mama. I was merely trying to be civil.”

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About the Author

Alissa Baxter wrote her first Regency romance during her long university holidays. After travelling the world, she settled down to write her second Regency novel, which was inspired by her time living on a country estate in England. Alissa then published two chick lit novels, The Truth About Clicking Send and Receive (previously published as Send and Receive) and The Truth About Cats and Bees (previously published as The Blog Affair).

Many years later, Alissa returned to her favourite period with her Linfield Ladies Series, a trio of Regency romances that feature women in trend-setting roles who fall in love with men who embrace their trailblazing ways…at least eventually. Alissa currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two sons. She is a member of The Beau Monde – Regency Fiction Writers.

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Spotlight: Shield of Fire by Bree Wolf

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(Flames of Winter Book 2) 

Historical Romance, Regency Romance

Date Published: March 2, 2023

From USA Today bestselling and HOLT Medallion winning author BREE WOLF comes an epic love story that spans across an entire series. Ensure that you have a steaming cup of cocoa, perhaps some complementary mint ice-cream and a box of tissues at hand before you dive into the second installment of this slow-burn Regency romance full of enchanting moments between Sarah and Keir, the little wisp and her highlander.

A sister’s desperate call.

A new adventure.

And a love just beginning to bloom.

England 1804: Generally fearful of her own shadow, SARAH MORTENSEN, youngest daughter to BARON HARTMORE, did the unthinkable. After all, running off the night before her wedding, allowing herself to be kidnapped by a dashing Highlander or even spending a fortnight alone with said Highlander hiding out in the woods is considered unthinkable, at least by the ton.

Yet, Sarah did all of the above!

Along the way, though, the innocent, wide-eyed English miss, who never dared put a toe out of line, lost her heart the very moment society proclaimed her ruined beyond repair. Now, Sarah is free of her vile fiancé but also considered…

…unmarriageable!

KEIR MACKINNEAR, second son to the LAIRD OF CLAN MACKINNEAR in the Scottish Highlands, is called back home…to Scotland. After all, he only came to England as a favor to the Dowager Countess of Whickerton, and now that Sarah is safely settled with the Whickerton clan, there is no reason for him to linger, is there?

Yet reason or not, Keir cannot bring himself to bid Sarah farewell just yet, for he feels irresistibly drawn to the shy, wide-eyed lass who blushes every time their eyes meet. And so, when Sarah rides to her sister’s aid, he cannot abandon her. Still, eventually, Keir will have to return home.

Only if he does, he will be leaving his heart behind in England.

This book is part of a series. For your full enjoyment we recommend to start with book one, FLAMES OF WINTER.

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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 the prequel to the bestselling 'Love's Second Chance Series: Tales of Lords & Ladies' 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

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

Publishers Contact Links

Website: http://www.wolf-publishing.com

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Spotlight: The Dollmaker by Morgan Shamy

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Publication date: February 28th 2023
Genres: Young Adult, Historical, Mystery

Synopsis:

No one is safe. Not when the Dollmaker lurks in the shadows.

When Dawn Hildegard’s best friend Rose is kidnapped by “The Dollmaker,” a crazed serial killer who creates “art” from women’s bodies, she drops everything to find her—including her dream of becoming a doctor. With the help of a handsome new acquaintance and his mysterious brother, they set off to find the killer. Although they quickly become friends, Dawn cannot shake the uneasy feeling that the brothers know more about the murders than they admit.

As more and more victims are found murdered and displayed throughout town, Dawn must use her wits to find Rose before it’s too late. And before she too becomes the Dollmaker’s next victim.

Buy on Amazon | Audible

About the Author

Morgan Shamy is an ex-ballerina turned YA writer. She has been immersed in the arts since the young age of 4, where she performed various roles alongside a professional ballet company for over seven years, and has danced on prestigious stages like soloing at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She has taught hundreds of girls in her fifteen years of teaching, where some of her students have received full-ride scholarships to schools like School of American Ballet, the Harid Conservatory, Kirov Academy of Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet, to name a few.

Morgan discovered writing when her three-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer. It was through that experience which instilled the need to share art and magic with children through words on the page.

Morgan is also an accomplished concert pianist. She was the first girl in Utah to receive the 75 pt. Gold Cup in the Utah Federation of Music in piano solo/concerto competition. Morgan currently lives with her X-Games gold-medalist husband and four children in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Connect:

https://www.morganshamy.com/

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/morgan-shamy

https://www.instagram.com/morgan_shamy/

https://www.facebook.com/MorganShamy1/

https://twitter.com/MorganShamy

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18494856.Morgan_Shamy

Spotlight: She, You, I by Sally Keeble

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Publication date: January 11th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary

Synopsis:

An emotional page-turner of a story about a family torn apart by the legacy of war that asks the question: what happens to the hurt we can’t forget?

When Skye Stanhope returns to her grandmother’s childhood home, she’s searching for the roots of her life story. Why her tough-minded granny ran away to war. And why her brilliant mother died.

Behind the women’s successes, lies deep trauma. As Skye strips away the layers of secrecy, she confronts their inner torments: forces that bound the women together, but also tore them apart. It’s a journey from a poverty-stricken tenement block to an airbase in wartime Suffolk, through boom-time London to a coffee cart beside the sea.

Woven into the women’s lives is Tseng Hsiao Ling, a feisty, enigmatic seamstress whose fortunes become inextricably linked with theirs.

It’s a sweeping tale of love, war and family secrets over three generations.

Through each woman’s story, “She, You, I” holds up a mirror to the complexity of family relationships: mothers, sisters, daughters, and the unexpected twists in Skye’s search for closure.

Excerpt

“She”

Maisie’s story

She was safe under the bed. Metal strips above, bare boards below, her father’s tin trunk behind—name, rank, number engraved on its lid. “All you need to know about a man,” her father said. A blanket hung over the edge of the bed. Maisie lay behind it and clenched her fists against her chest to keep in the fear. 

Tonight was bad. 

“Floozy!”

“No!”

Shouts from the kitchen. Them fighting. She curled up and squeezed her eyes shut, covered her ears to make it stop. Anything to make it stop. 

“You’re my wife.”

A scream from the kitchen ran through her body. And then another, and another, until the whole night became a scream. She tried to block it out, but she couldn’t. It was inside her ears, inside her head. She was the scream. And then it stopped. She took her hands from her ears and listened. Nothing. Silence. 

Maisie lifted the blanket and peered into the room. Gaslight from the street spilt over the tattered strip of net curtain nailed across the window. It glinted off the broken mirror above the empty fireplace, touched the two best chairs on their square of worn carpet, and lit up the locked front door out to the landing of the tenement. 

In the far corner was the door into the other room, the kitchen. A spindly table stood next to the door, with a piece of lacey cloth draped over it, “To hide its legs,” her mother said, and on it was  china figurine of a man in a kilt with a lamb around his neck and a dog at his feet.

Beside the figurine was a photograph in a round frame of pleated cloth. Her mother, Flora, her hair swept up into a chignon and set with glittery jewels—only glass, she said—sat on a chair and behind her stood a soldier, uniformed, his face unmarked, handsome, with jet-black hair and a wide moustache that curled up at the ends like a smile. Her father, Simon. One arm was crocked behind him, the other stretched along the back of the chair, cradling her mother, and the greys of their clothes swirled around the whites of their faces and blended into the beige of the fabric that enclosed them. 

The night the glass in the frame got broken wasn’t as bad as this.

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About the Author

Sally writes novels about the things she’s passionate about—the triumphs and tragedies of people’s lives, their families and life stories.

It’s what originally took her into journalism and then politics, in the UK and beyond. She spent her early years in the USA, Switzerland and Australia, returning to the UK after working as a journalist in South Africa. After serving as an MP, she worked in international development and travelled widely, especially in Africa and South Asia. 

“She, You, I” is her first novel. She’s written nonfiction previously. Sally splits her time between Northampton and Bawdsey, a village in coastal Suffolk.

Connect:

https://www.sallykeeblebooks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/sallykeebleauthor

https://www.instagram.com/sallykeeblebooks/

Spotlight: Play By My Rules by Michelle Karise

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Publication date: February 28th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

All I wanted was a cup of tea, but I got early morning shenanigans.
Stolen beverage order? 
Furious confrontation? 
Asked out by a thieving, sexy, tall drink of . . . 
It wasn’t the best start to my day, but it had to go up from there. Right?
Wrong.
It was my first day at my new job, and I wanted to make the best impression. I arrived at the office with minutes to spare, and who did I bump into again?
The gorgeous thief.
Harrison Cooper was the president of my company and my boss.
It was fine. Really. Resisting the heated flirtations and stormy kisses designed to bring me to my knees would be no problem.
Office romance? 
My past exposed? 
Shattered world? 
Now how do I pick up the pieces?

Excerpt

The Kiss

Harrison ran a knuckle from my nape down my arm. His fingers entwined with mine, he raised my hand to his lips and pressed a kiss. Not wanting to break our connection, I stroked his cheek.

His hand crept along my side. Mine rested over his heart, the beat racing a thousand miles per hour.

Legs pressed against mine and one hand gripping my waist, Harrison used the other hand to push my hair to the side. I sucked in a breath. It was as if I’d been standing at the edge of a bridge with bungee cords binding my legs and my body poised to leap as adrenaline pumped through me, waiting for the feeling of flight. I clutched his shoulders and held on for dear life.

He leaned in, his stubble tickling my jaw before he sucked my flesh into his mouth. featherlight nips on my neck and collarbone turned to sucking and biting. My nipples hardened as I fell over the edge. He chuckled when I let out a soft moan.

“Arianna, I’d better stop.”

A little mewing sound of discontent escaped my lips as he pulled away.

“That was better than I ever imagined,” he whispered, not taking his eyes from mine. His chest rapidly rose and fell.

I nodded and rubbed my fingertips over my mouth. I wasn’t sure what to do. Do I stay? Or do I leave? How will I forget what happened? What does this kiss mean? When can we do it again? 

Should I quit my job?

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About the Author

Michelle Karise is a type-A romance author of stories featuring black female leads and the men who love them. She spends her days organizing, planning, and executing corporate initiatives. When she’s done with her workday, she spends her evenings crafting titillating tales of infatuation, passion, and pleasure. Michelle makes her home in Missouri with her overprotective dog, Rooney.

Connect:

http://www.michellekarise.com/

https://twitter.com/MichelleKarise

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https://www.bookbub.com/authors/michelle-karise

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19029745.Michelle_Karise