Spotlight: Bookworm by Cookie O’Gorman

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Publication date: April 20th 2023
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Bookworm (buk-werm): Someone who loves books, reading, and/or studying. For reference, see Charlotte Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Kent likes happy endings. Not that she’s looking for one herself. Awkward, never been kissed, and bookish to the core, Lottie would rather read about love than experience it.

But she enjoys helping others find their HEA in books.

Lottie loves working at the library…even if it means running into Bo Stryker.

Broody, athletic, and unfairly attractive when he frowns, Bo works at the flower shop across the street. Lottie is about to get rejected…when surprisingly, Bo steps in, pretends to be her boyfriend, and steals her first kiss.

One viral video later, everyone thinks they’re together.

Bo wants to keep pretending. Lottie wants to make amends—long story short: she was on a ladder; he startled her; the book slap was an accident.

A fake relationship may be the solution. But as they grow closer, Lottie can’t help falling for Bo—which is a disaster because grumpy sunshine only works in fiction…right?

This book features two opposites with undeniable chemistry, one lovable librarian, so many stolen kisses and answers the question:

What happens when a nerd falls for the grump-next-door?

Excerpt

"You enjoy spying on people, Kent?"

I nearly jumped at the sound of his voice.

Taking a deep breath, I slowly closed my locker door—and looked up into the eyes of Bo Stryker.

I hadn't even heard him approach.  He was obviously light on his feet—which was saying something because Bo was a big guy.  I'd been avoiding him all day.  Literally, this morning when I was leaving the house, I pretended not to hear him call my name from next door and sped out before he could flag me down.  I could've been listening to earbuds, right?  Then at school, I'd surreptitiously checked around corners before walking the halls, hoping to avoid exactly this.  But now, Bo was standing with one shoulder pressed against the locker beside mine, his brow furrowed.

"Why are you smiling?" he asked.

"A smile is an excellent way to improve an awkward situation," I said.  "Or at least, that's what I read once."  

Bo's jaw ticked.

Gripping my books to my chest, I added, "It may also be a defense mechanism.  I laugh at inappropriate times, smile when I'm nervous.  That kind of thing."

"I make you nervous," he said.

"One hundred percent," I said back.  There was no use lying.  My cheeks were starting to hurt I was smiling so hard.

Bo, on the other hand, looked like he was gritting his teeth.

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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, The Kissing Challenge (YA novella), 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. Her newest release BOOKWORM came out on April 20, 2023!

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: Twelve Hours in Manhattan by Maan Gabriel

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Publication date: April 18th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fairy Tales, Romance

Synopsis:

Two worlds. One heart. Twelve hours.

Bianca Maria Curtis is at the brink of losing it all when she meets Eric at a bar in Manhattan. Eric, as it turns out, is the famous Korean drama celebrity Park Hyun Min, and he’s in town for one night to escape the pressures of fame. From walking along Fifth Avenue to eating ice cream at Serendipity to sharing tender moments on top of the Empire State building, sparks fly as Bianca and Eric spend twelve magical hours far away from their respective lives. In that time, they talk about the big stuff: love, life, and happiness, and the freedom they both seek to fully exist and not merely survive.

But real life is more than just a few exhilarating stolen moments in time.

As the clock strikes the twelfth hour, Bianca returns back to the life she detests to face a tragedy that will test her strength and resolve—and the only thing she has to keep going is the memory of a man she loves in secret from a world away.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Maan Gabriel is a mom, wife, dreamer, writer, and advocate for women’s stories in literature. She earned her BA in communications from St. Scholastica’s College in Manila and MPS in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University. She has lived in Manila, Brussels, Dakar, and Mexico City. During the day, she works in strategic communications. Gabriel, along with her husband and son, currently calls suburban Washington DC home. After Perfect is her first novel.

"I dream of a world full of hope, where believing is as important as life itself, and where love can move mountains. This is in the very core of my stories, and I wish in more ways than one that I can inspire you to see the world as I see it... a fairy tale."

- Maan

Connect:

https://www.maangabriel.com/

https://www.instagram.com/maan_gabriel/

https://www.facebook.com/MaanGabrielAuthor/

https://twitter.com/MaanGabriel

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21241845.Maan_Gabriel

Spotlight: On the March: A Novel of the Women's March on Washington by Trudy Krisher

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A work of Women's Fiction that has crossover appeal in the New Adult and YA market, ON THE MARCH is about three women, all strangers, who meet on the bus journeying from Kansas to Washington, D.C., to participate in the 2017 Women’s March on Washington. Henrietta Oldham is an elderly woman who runs a failing antique store; Birdie Jackson is a shy African-American teenager who is marching at the insistence of her feminist aunt; Emily Messer is a recent college graduate who needs more in her life than her job as a barista. All three women have secret, undisclosed reasons for attending the march, and in the course of the novel, as the women begin to know and trust each other, these secrets are revealed.

Although Henrietta, Birdie, and Emily appear to have little in common as they begin their ride, ON THE MARCH confirms that classic women’s issues – sexual harassment, pay inequity, self-sabotage, even bra-stuffing – serve as common intersectional bonds among women across the generations. Even more, sharing their stories on the 34-hour trip together as well as participating in the march itself becomes the catalyst for changing each of their lives for the better.

ON THE MARCH is about the revived feminist spirit of our times, an intellectual, cultural, and often hilarious novel of the zeitgeist. It will appeal to millions of women who are now culturally and politically engaged, whether they marched or not. The idea behind the novel was to watch the way the events of the march helped women of different ages, races, and backgrounds come together to create positive change in the world and in each of their lives.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Trudy Krisher has a reputation as a trailblazer in writing and speaking out about sensitive issues surrounding self-identity, race, and gender through her fictional works. Similar to her protagonists Maggie from SPITE FENCES and Pert from KINSHIP, Krisher grew up in the South. Born in Macon, Georgia, in 1946, she was raised in South Florida.It doesn't take much to get me inspired! says Krisher, Usually, I want to write about people who are living out the questions on my mind.In each of her books, Krisher wrestles with difficult questions that each of her heroines needs to face. In SPITE FENCES, for instance, Maggie Pugh asks herself, Why do people try to wall each other out with fences?In my novels, I enjoy exploring a variety of artistic approaches that manifest themselves in unique creative forms. However, most important to me is always the audience for whom I write. Speaking to audiences of young adults-offering whatever insights I can about the world they will soon be entering- is among my most enjoyable experiences.Trudy Krisher is the recipient of an International Reading Association Award. Her books have been named ALA Best Books for Young Adults; an Ohioana Award; a Jefferson Cup Honor Book of the Virginia Library Association; a Parents' Choice Honor Book; a winner of The Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award; and the Amelia Bloomer Project Recommended Books and more.Learn more about her at her website: www.trudykrisher.com

Spotlight: Hidden Justice by Diana Munoz Stewart

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This is a gorgeous romantic suspense thriller being relaunched in Kindle Unlimited–check it out and be sure to grab your copy today! 

Genre: Romantic Suspense

About Hidden Justice: 

Saved from a brutal childhood and adopted into a wealthy, loving family of international spies, Justice Parish trained her whole life to rescue others. But when her latest mission hits a snag, she needs a new cover fast. Unfortunately, her best solution jeopardizes a good man. A man she can’t help but admire…in more ways than one.

After a loss too big to bear, Sandesh Ross left Special forces and dedicated his life to founding a humanitarian group in the Middle East. Helping others isn’t cheap, so when the wealthy and smoldering Justice Parish offers to fund his charity––as long as she’s put in charge of PR––he barely hesitates. What he doesn’t know about his sexy, new benefactor could save his company while endangering not only his heart but his life.

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About the Author

#1 Amazon bestselling author. 

Armed with a razor-sharp wit and a rolled-up MFA in Creative Writing, Diana Muñoz Stewart cartwheel-kicked her way into publishing with her fiery Black Ops Confidential series. Washington Independent Review of Books called the series’ award-winning debut, “original, impressive” a “rollicking good ride” and “high-octane.”

Of her writing Publishers Weekly declared, “Stewart plays adeptly with the reader’s emotions” and noted that in her series, “Stewart’s talent shines.”

Of her unflinching openness in taking on today’s relevant topics, Booklist said, “Munoz-Stewart discusses such sensitive topics as human trafficking, sexual violence, and sexism…while the diverse …Parish family and their mission to protect women everywhere give these topics…hope…” 

Kirkus Book Reviews said her romantic suspense series, along with having, “Sizzling physical encounters” also “enables an emphasis on recovery and power.”

Munoz Stewart’s work has been a BookPage Top 15 Romance of 2018, a Night Owl Top Pick, A BookPage Top Pick, and an Amazon Book of the Month. A 2014 Pages From The Heart Winner, 2015 Golden Heart® Finalist, 2016 Daphne du Maurier Finalist, and a 2016 Gateway to the Best Winner, Diana Munoz Stewart is a member of Romance Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime. 

Diana lives in an often chaotic and always welcoming home that—depending on the day—can hold husband, kids, extended family, friends, and a canine or two. A believer in the power of words to heal, connect, and distract from chores, Diana blogs regularly on topics near and dear to her heart, including spotlight pieces on strong women from around the world. When not writing, Diana can be found kayaking, doing sprints up her long driveway—harder than it sounds–attempting yoga on her deck, or hiking with the man who’s had her heart since they were teens.

Diana is represented by the wonderful Michelle Grajkowski of Three Seas Literary Agency.

Connect with the Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon 

Spotlight: Crazy to Believe by Madison Michael

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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:

www.facebook.com/madisonmichaelromance

www.instagram.com/madisonmichaelromance

www.pinterest,com/madisonmichaelromance

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/madison-michael

https://www.amazon.com/Madison-Michael/e/B01EVUGG6G

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

Spotlight: Dr. Perfect by Louise Bay

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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.

Buy on Amazon

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/