Spotlight: Crazy to Believe by Madison Michael

Publication date: February 21st 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

She’s Betting on Love and the Stakes are High

The “Crazy Eights” have been best friends for thirty years, but they rarely get together. The remedy? An audacious dare contrived to bring them together for weddings—their weddings. Each participant must marry within twelve months or complete a personally mortifying task.

Meet Sofia, beautiful and brilliant, longing for a family. Starting over after a divorce, Sofia is focused on her career, not some foolhardy dare. She’s set her sights on a new job, a new home and reluctantly accepting her single, childless status. Independent and determined, she can’t foresee she will both win and lose her heart’s desire in the next six months.

Jeremy Klein, genius engineer and inventor, is also making big life changes. He’s sold his startup to become a billionaire CEO overnight. Unfortunately, his ego hasn’t caught up yet, and despite family pressures and turning forty, he is gun-shy about returning to the dating game.

Then Jeremy meets Sofia. They bond over shared business interests and a chemistry that sizzles. Their attraction is immediate and so electrifying that a one-night stand quickly morphs into planning a future.

But plans can change. Accusations threaten to derail their relationship, Sofia’s career and Jeremy’s position. Spies, lies and misunderstandings abound until those “Crazy Eights” step in, scheming and manipulating to secure Sofia her happily ever after.

The stakes are high. Win the bet and lose your heart; or lose the bet along with your dignity. When the wager is nothing short of true love, are Jeremy and Sofia crazy to believe?

In the tradition of The Beguiling Bachelor Series, Madison Michael creates a romance series about independent and sassy women, sexy and successful men, love, passion, and lasting friendships. Infused with a bit of suspense and plenty of humor, Crazy to Believe is a complex romance you’ll be reading all night.

Excerpt

“It’s just that we never see each other anymore,” Gabriella grumbled “Sofia is in Boston, Harper is way the hell north and Willow’s on her stupid farm. Just hear me out. Avery’s always busy with her cat rescue, Melanie, with her kids. Sydney is off in New Jersey—we need to fix that, Hon—and even though Rachel lives here in Chicago, we never find time to get together. I hate that it took a reunion for even six of us to be together. At this rate, it will be ten years before we see each other again.” There were sad nods around the table. 

“We’re together at weddings and funerals,” Sydney contributed sadly. “Although I don’t recommend more funerals.”

“Noooo—” Sofia spotted the moment Gabriella’s wheels started turning. Gabriella was hung up on Sydney’s words, contemplative, preoccupied. “Not more funerals, please,” she finally continued, “but more weddings would be nice.” Gabriella’s pixie face beamed with mischief. 

“What are you plotting?” Harper questioned. Everyone’s attention swung to Gabriella’s face. 

“Look at how many of us are single.” Gabriella began, ticking them each off on her fingers like she was reviewing her grocery list. “We are ripe for weddings. We could marry Harper off to Travis , for example, and find Sydney a husband here in Chicago.”

“Wait a sec,” Harper jumped in. Sofia couldn’t remember ever seeing the usually calm Harper this anxious. “I haven’t said two words to Travis tonight.” Sofia was similarly jittery. Gabriella was up to something, and that was never good. 

“Well, we need to fix that. I have a husband, so do Melanie and Sofia. Sofia glimpsed down at her lap. She really needed to say something about the divorce. “But we could marry off the rest of you,” Gabriella said as if she was suggesting they go out for coffee. “You are all great catches, my friends. Men should be fighting over you.”

“Count me out,” Avery replied in a millisecond. “I’ve never wanted a husband.”

“I’m not sure I want to remarry,” Sydney admitted in her low voice.

Sensing Gabriella’s scorn from across the table, Sofia barely waggled her head no. She was being set up and rightly so. Gabriella opened her mouth to speak forcing Sofia to pipe up at last. “I need to say something.” She lowered the hand she’d raised as if in the schoolroom and took a deep breath. She wasn’t ready for the questions, and she had no good excuse for waiting so long to share. But Gabriella was done waiting, and it wasn’t Gabriella’s secret to tell. Once she held their attention, Sofia continued. “Count me in on this effort.”

Melanie’s head swerved in Sofia’s direction. “I don’t think so,” Melanie said , disbelief on her pretty features. “Nico would certainly object.”

“Object? Nico would kill you,” Avery chimed in, tossing a pat of butter at Sofia. “Are you insane?” 

She shouldn’t have waited, Sofia realized. As embarrassed as she was about the divorce, she was horrified to admit she hadn’t told her friends. Yes, splitting with Nico weighed on her as a failure, but keeping it from the Crazies felt like a betrayal. Why hadn’t she seen this months ago? 

“There is no Nico.”

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About the Author

Madison Michael is living her dream as a romance writer. Born and raised in Chicago, she covered the four corners of the U.S, before returning to her roots, friends, family and the best pizza anywhere.

She loves cats, cat jokes and cat videos, anything with too much sugar, and everything writing. Author of the Beguiling Bachelor romance series, and several stand alone romance novels, she can be found living in Chicago, writing, eating sugar, pizza or hotdogs, surrounded by cats.

Connect:

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https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15221601.Madison_Michael

Spotlight: Dr. Perfect by Louise Bay

A boss, his assistant, a snowstorm and just one bed. What could go wrong?

They call him Dr. Perfect.

I call him Dr. Aloof, Dr. Arrogant, Dr. If-you're-going-to-fire-me-just-get-it-over-with.

If I had other options, I'd quit, but I need this job. Badly. So I jump at the chance to impress him by hand-delivering some important documents.

Yes, he's staying on a remote Scottish Island, but I've got it covered...

Until the ferry back is cancelled, there are no hotels on the island and there's a storm headed our way.

So I'm snowed in with my impossibly handsome boss, who barely knows my name, in a tiny one-bedroom cottage in the middle of nowhere.

But unlike the snow outside, his icy stare is beginning to melt and we don't need a generator to keep it warm inside.

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About the Author

International, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes sexy, contemporary romance novels – the kind she likes to read.

Ruined by bonk-busters and sexy mini-series of the eighties Louise loves all things sexy and romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so she disappears into the fictional worlds in books and films.

Louise loves the rain, the West Wing, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, being on her own, being with friends, elephants and champagne.

She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!

Keep up with Louise Bay and subscribe to her newsletter: https://louisebay.com/newsletter/

To learn more about Louise Bay& her books, visit here!

Connect with Louise Bay: https://louisebay.com/contact/

Spotlight: Two Scandals and a Scot by Tracy Sumner

The Duchess Society Series, Book 5

Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Steamy Romance

Date Published: April 20, 2023

Publisher: WOLF Publishing

Step into a world of scandal, romance, and unexpected love! With witty banter, sizzling love scenes, and a twist on the classic marriage of convenience theme, Two Scandals and a Scot is a must-read for fans of the Duchess Society series by USA Today bestselling author Tracy Sumner!

Scandal number one. A runaway bride.

Scandal number two. The kiss.

When Theodosia Astley’s shocking engagement ball sets society ablaze, she finds herself in need of a hero. Can she help it if her savior comes in the form of her intrepid former student, Dash Campbell, a captivating gambler with a heart of gold?

The carriage was empty. And parked in her brother’s drive. She had no idea it was his.

With a bookish wallflower’s assistance, Scottish ruffian Dash wrote a novel that made him famous. When he finds himself presented with the opportunity to pay his erstwhile teacher back, how can he refuse? Even if Theo’s sharp wit fearfully fascinates him. It’s a dangerous wager for a Scottish gutter rat to think of falling for the sheltered sister of a duke.

When Dash proposes marriage to salvage her reputation, Theo suggests her own twist on the age-old agreement. They marry—but remain friends who do not fall in love.

What could go wrong?

Set against a backdrop of faithful wagers and sizzling desire, Two Scandals and a Scot is a thrilling tale of forbidden romance, with affection and passion pitted against societal expectations and personal demons. Follow Dash and Theo as they navigate their way through the high stakes world of love as they discover whether theirs can withstand the tests of time and circumstance.

The Duchess Society Series
#1 The Brazen Bluestocking
#2 The Scandalous Vixen
#3 The Wicked Wallflower
#4 One Wedding and an Earl
#5 Two Scandals and a Scot
More to follow!

Prequel: The Ice Duchess
Christmas novella: The Governess Gamble

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About the Author

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Tracy Sumner’s storytelling career began when she picked up a historical romance on a college beach trip, and she fondly blames LaVyrle Spencer for her obsession with the genre. She’s a recipient of the National Reader’s Choice, and her novels have been translated into Dutch, German, Portuguese and Spanish. She lived in New York, Paris and Taipei before finding her way back to the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

When not writing sizzling love stories about feisty heroines and their temperamental-but-entirely-lovable heroes, Tracy enjoys reading, snowboarding, college football (Go Tigers!), yoga, and travel. She loves to hear from romance readers!

Connect:

Website: http://www.tracy-sumner.com

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/Tracysumnerauthor

Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/sumnertrac

Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/tracysumnerromance

BookBub: http://www.bookbub.com/profile/tracy-sumner

Spotlight: Wed Like Wildfire by Lauren Helms

Wedding planner, Cassie Winters can’t wait to find her own happily ever after, and when she meets wedding hater, Theo Abbot, she realizes she’s got her work cut out for her. Theo’s grumpy, set in his ways, and determined to never fall in love again, but the more time they spend together, the more Cassie begins to wonder if she can change Theo’s position on love. Fans of Claire Kingsley and Kaylee Ryan will adore WED LIKE WILDFIRE by Lauren Helms, a steamy, grumpy sunshine romance.

Blurb

Once upon a time, there was a grumpy CEO who met a wedding planner who never stopped smiling…

Cassie
You could say that I live and breathe weddings and love, and as a wedding planner, a happily ever after is the main event. So when I learn that Theo Abbot absolutely hates weddings, that should be my clue to run for the hills as fast as my sexy little black stilettos will take me.

But I digress.

I'm on the hunt for my own epic love story, one T-Swift herself could write a song about. Which means unavailable and seemingly uninterested CEOs are off limits. Even if the man oozes sex appeal and his grumpiness turns me to mush.

A little flirting never hurt anyone.

Theo
Cassie Winters shines so bright I need a pair of Ray-bans to look directly at her. Problem is, once I've set my eyes on her, I can't seem to look away. The woman is a walking, talking promotion for all things love and happiness.

Hand me an antacid.

Counting, on one hand, the amount of times I've failed in my life, leaves me knowing I won't ever do "love" again. I'm set in my ways and not even this sexy little spitfire could sweet talk me out of my decision to never get married.

Yet it only took one drink to derail that plan.

But, things aren't always as they seem and when real life gets in the way of this fairy tale, we're both forced to take a hard look at what we truly want.

Are we both ready to wed or is this a wildfire that's about to burn out?

Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! 

Amazon https://bit.ly/3IGp2Q5 

Excerpt 

Copyright 2023 @Lauren Helms

I spot Cassie immediately, in the corner, at a table for four. I wonder if she knows it will just be us. Taking advantage of the fact that she hasn't noticed my arrival yet, I take a moment to study her. She sits tall, facing the entrance, looking at her phone. She seems to be scrolling through an app as her lips tip up and her eyes glitter as she looks at what’s on her screen. There is an untouched water in front of her, but her menu is closed.

The sheer happiness that radiates off this woman irritates me. I don’t know why, but as I approach the table, what tumbles out of my mouth is unexpected.

“Let me guess, you just took the most epic selfie ever and can’t wait to share it with all your followers?” My tone takes on a mocking tone and immediately I want to take it back. Damn I’m an asshole.

To her credit, she doesn’t even bat an eye at my rudeness. Her face turns up toward me and she smiles. “Well, good afternoon to you too, Mr. Abbot.” She puts her phone down on the table and gestures toward the seat across from her. “Please, have a seat.”

And I do, begrudgingly, because being around this woman causes me to not just be my normal grouchy self, but clearly a prick as well.

As I take my seat, she slides her phone into her bag that sits on the floor next to her chair.

I clear my throat, my attempt to shake myself out of my head. “Nora won’t be joining us. I assume you already know.”

Now this does give her pause. Her brows dip. “No, I didn’t know. She didn’t…” her voice trails as a faint ding from her phone sounds from below. In the few times I’ve seen this woman, I think this is the first time I’ve ever not seen a smile on her face. She studies her smartwatch, clearly reading the message that just came in, her elbows still propped elegantly on the table, as I watch her realize that it will just be us for lunch.

Her creased brows even and she plasters on a smile as she drops her hands to her lap. “Well, her timing could be improved, but you’re correct, she’s not joining us.”

I can’t stop myself before barking out a laugh. She tilts her head, her features dancing with happiness. I shut down my amusement at her words and offer a terse, “Excuse me.”

“No, that was enjoyable to watch. I didn’t know you had it in you, Mr. Abbot.”

I make the decision, in this moment, to put an end to the formalities. “Theo. Please, call me Theo.”

Her grin widens. “All right, Theo,” and just as expected, the sound of my name on her lips fucking gets to me. I shift in my seat as she continues.

“So tell me how I managed to get that laughter out of you moments ago? I get a feeling it’s not a commodity around you.”

“Nora has always waited until the last minute when it comes to communication over things that may cause contention. You’ve known her a short time and already know her tells.” I pick up the menu, though I already know what I will order.

“Ah, yes, well, I read people pretty quickly.” She shifts the menu slightly on the table in front of her, not picking it up.

“Yeah? What’s your read on me?” I don’t know why I ask. Glutton for punishment, I guess.

This time she lets out a laugh. “Let’s keep this lunch civil and not go there.”

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About Lauren Helms

Lauren Helms is a romance author her nerdy and flirty contemporary words. Lauren has forever been an avid reader from the beginning. After starting a book review website, that catapulted her fully into the book world, she knew that something was missing. While working for a video game strategy guide publisher, she decided to mix what she knew best--video games and romance. She decided to take the plunge and write her first novel, Level Me Up. Several published novels later, Lauren created PR company, Indie Pen PR, to help other authors promote their books.

Lauren lives in Indianapolis, Indiana sharing her love of books and video games with her own Gamer Boy husband and three young kid nerds who will hopefully grow up to share the love of things that united Lauren and her husband on their own happily ever after.

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Spotlight: Crossroads of Obsession by Danielle M Haas

Release Date: February 28

You never know who’s watching…

Former FBI profiler turned teacher, Elizabeth Gilmore, is rocked to her core when she witnesses a shooting at her college, leaving one of her fellow professors dead. Shaken, she accepts the help of the one man who hasn’t left her thoughts in years—the man whose actions destroyed her family. As danger continues to follow Elizabeth, she begins to wonder if the shooting wasn’t a random attack.

Tucker Clayman escaped his past by pouring his soul into training therapy dogs to aid in the recovery of injured veterans and law enforcement. He buried his true feelings for Elizabeth years ago, but as he whisks her and her child back to Crossroads Mountain Retreat tucked away in the Smoky Mountains, he can’t deny the way his heart soars when she’s near. He can never make up for the past, but he’ll try his hardest to protect her and her daughter. 

Together, they must uncover the stalker while fighting their growing attraction. Tucker doesn’t want to hurt Elizabeth more than he already has. Elizabeth might have forgiven Tucker, but she’ll forget. When the killer makes his final strike, Tucker will move mountains to keep her safe…and finally tell her exactly how he feels. 

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About the Author

Danielle grew up with a love of reading, partly due to her namesake – Danielle Steele. It seemed as though she was born to put pen to paper and write out the same love stories she devoured while growing up.

She attended Bowling Green State University with a dream of studying creative writing, but the thought of sharing her work in front of a group of strangers was enough to make her change her major…seven times. After a semester studying abroad in Spain, Danielle’s eyes were opened to a new love of travel, as well as a passion for studying Political Science.

After college, she moved across the state of Ohio with her soon-to-be husband. Once they married and had babies, she decided to stay home and raise her children. Her young daughter and son, along with her fur babies and husband, are the loves of her life, but some days her sanity slipped further across the line to crazy town. She decided to open up her laptop and brush off her rusty writing chops and see what happened.

What happened was rediscovering her passion for writing. Danielle now spends her days running kids around, playing with her Shar-Pei/Pit Bull love bug, and typing as fast as she can to get the stories in her head written down. She loves to write contemporary romances with relatable characters that make her readers’ hearts happy, as well as fast-paced romantic suspense that leaves them on the edge of their seats. Her story ideas are as varied and unpredictable as her everyday life.

When she isn’t writing, Danielle is daydreaming about her next travel adventure. Whether across the state, country, or world, she loves to go where ever she’s lucky enough to escape to for a brief moment of time. Luckily, her family has the same passion for adventure and they can gallop across the world together.

To learn more about Danielle, please follow her blog or connect with her on social media. She always has a new story to tell or an all-too-relatable mom moment to share.

Connect with Danielle M. Haas: https://daniellemhaas.com 

Spotlight: Fae Heir by Lucia Ashta

(Royals of Embermere, #1)
Publication date: April 19th 2023
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis:

Win the trials, earn a crown—or fail and lose everything.

The heir of Embermere has unexpectedly died, and now a new prince and princess must be crowned.

I’ve been hiding out with the dragons, but then mysterious fae show up at the dragons’ stronghold and abduct me at the King’s command.

The royals of Embermere are hosting the Fae Heir Trials to find their successors. The winners will marry and become the next to rule the fae lands. Turns out I’m the King’s illegitimate daughter and the wicked queen intends to kill me off during the challenges.

I find myself thrust into a barbaric tournament where death is all but guaranteed. I’m competing against the most gorgeous, deadly fae warriors of the realm. Determined, agile men who’ve been training to claim this chance all their lives—including clan leader Rush Vega.

Rush Vega is the Crown’s favorite, devastatingly charming and dangerously tempting. His combat skills and dark secrets will be my undoing. With my survival on the line, my heart must resist his pull and those intriguing moonlight eyes. He’s the queen’s spy, and that makes him my number one enemy.

My life might have become a game of savage brutality, but the Queen of Embermere underestimated me.

I was born a fighter. And I intend to win.

Note: Fae Heir begins the Royals of Embermere series, which is romantic fantasy intended for a mature audience. Each individual book ends on a cliffhanger, but the series concludes with an uplifting and satisfying ending.

Excerpt

“And you should be more aware if you wish to survive the tournament ... intact.”I scraped the tip of the sword I’d pointed at him across his junk, which bunched beneath a layer of tunic and breeches. And though my touch was soft as a feather, he jumped back as if I’d punched him, dropping his own sword to his side. “What the fuck?”he snarled, his eyes flaring. I batted my lashes at him, a picture of innocence as pure as freshly fallen snow. “Enlighten me, teacher. I thought that in a match of life or death I should press every advantage at my disposal.” “This isn’t a lethal fight.”With his shoulders tight with anger, he appeared even more dangerous than usual. I pushed off from the railing. “But that’s what we’re here preparing for. No one, not even you, thinks I’ll get out of the Gladius stage alive.” He glared at me. “See? You don’t even deny it.” “Still. There are some things you just don’t do.” I laughed. “Why not? Is your cock a sacred, bejeweled wand?” He stomped toward me. “Damn right it is. And you’d better fucking remember that from here on out.” I craned my neck back to look up at him. “Does it wear a crown upon its precious head?”I hadn’t meant to taunt him, but it seemed I couldn’t help myself.

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About the Author

Lucía Ashta is the Amazon top 20 bestselling author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and paranormal women's fiction filled with wild magic, spicy romance, and quirky characters that make you snort-laugh.

A former attorney and architect, she’s an Argentinian-American who lives in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains with her husband and daughters.

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