Spotlight: Not Today, Cupid by Jennifer Bonds

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Publication date: May 8th 2023
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

Notes from Triada Investment Meeting:

As compiled by Scarlett Evans—executive assistant, grad student, and reluctant admirer of CEO Nick Hart’s snacktastic abs

Well, my fellow corporate drones, it’s another less-than-exciting investor meeting with the executives (Loud Talker, Human Buzzword, Master Delegator). And at the front, CEO Nick Hart, the world’s coldest—and ok, unbelievably sexy—tech badass. The man hasn’t smiled in the history of ever, he runs a tight ship filled with miserable employees, and gosh, he just really does not love feedback. Especially from me.

Development updates, acquisition delays, and…holy hell, why does he keep looking at me? I don’t work for him. I work for his brother. Which is good, because otherwise I’d spend every meeting secretly wondering what actually lies beneath that cool, aloof demeanor. Like, is he an uptight geek in the boardroom…and a sexy-assed freak in the bedroom?

He’d better not find out I’m the one stuffing the company suggestion box. What’s so wrong with a Valentine’s Day Social, anyway? But the fact that my notes are less professional and more entertainment is one seriously dangerous game. Because if he ever found out what I really thought of him, there’d be all kinds of sweet, delicious hell to pay…

Each book in the Harts series is STANDALONE:
* Miles and Miles of You
* Not Today, Cupid

Excerpt

“I’ve gotta admit, I’m dying to know what you just signed up for.”

“That makes two of us.” I shove my burger aside. There’s no way I can eat it now. Not with the prospect of some half-baked project hanging over my head like a guillotine.

Miles smirks. “Drumroll, please.”

I give him the finger, but Beck indulges him, tapping the edge of the table.

“Anonymous says we need a—oh, this is too perfect.” Miles howls as Beck and I stare at him, waiting for the punchline. “A—” He chokes on his laughter and has to take a drink of water before continuing. “A Valentine’s social!”

He’s messing with me.

He has to be. Who would put that in the suggestion box? This is a place of business, not a fucking romper room.

Even if sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference.

“Let me see.” I reach for the laptop, shooting Beck a dark look. They’re both laughing like hyenas now. “Have you two been stuffing the suggestion box?”

“Don’t look at me,” Beck says, shaking his head. “I don’t have time for that kind of petty prank.” He chuckles. “It is pretty ironic, though. You know, since the only thing you hate more than Valentine’s Day is the suggestion box.”

Miles is laughing so hard now it’s a wonder he doesn’t bust a blood vessel.

Asshole.

Could this be his doing, some ass-backward attempt to make me appear likable?

It doesn’t matter. I’m not doing it.

“Pick something else. February fourteenth is the Epos launch. The timing is terrible and four weeks isn’t nearly enough time to put something like this together.”

“Oh, no you don’t.” Miles wags a finger at me. “You already agreed. Besides, that was the last one.”

Fucking hell. Leave it to Miles to pick the one week the damn thing isn’t overflowing.

“No way. It can’t be done.”

“Not with that attitude,” Miles says through peals of laughter. When he finally gets control of himself, he adds, “Relax. If anyone can handle it, it’s you.”

It’s true. I’ve never walked away from a challenge in my life, but what the hell do I know about planning a social? I’m the last person in the world who should plan this event.

On the other hand…

It could be the perfect opportunity to prove I’m not the controlling bastard Scarlett thinks I am.

Arrogant. Uptight. Cold.

Her words chip away at my brain with maddening persistence. I shouldn’t care what she thinks. I know it on a cerebral level, but after last year’s bad press, her ludicrous, ill-informed assessment is infuriating.

Salt on an open fucking wound.

“So?” Beck spears a piece of lettuce with his plastic fork. “Are you going to do it?”

My gaze slides from Miles to Beck and back again. It won’t be easy—I’m already spread thin with the Epos launch—but I’m no quitter. With a little time and a plan of attack, I can do this. And who better to help plan a Valentine’s social than Miles’s snarky, highly organized, whip-smart assistant?

“I’ll do it on one condition.” A slow grin curves my lips. “I want Scarlett to help.”

Buy on Amazon | Audible

About the Author

Jennifer Bonds is the USA Today bestselling author of sizzling contemporary romance with sassy heroines, sexy alphas, and a whole lot of mischief. She’s a sucker for enemies-to-lovers stories, laugh-out-loud banter, and over-the-top grand gestures. Jennifer lives in Pennsylvania, where her overactive imagination and weakness for reality TV keep life interesting. She's lucky enough to live with her own real-life hero, two adorable (and sometimes crazy) children, and one rambunctious K9. Loves Buffy, Mexican food, a solid Netflix binge, the Winchester brothers, cupcakes, and all things zombie. Sings off-key.

To connect with Jen—and get a FREE book—visit www.jenniferbonds.com!

You can also find her on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook @jbondswrites.

Connect:

https://jenniferbonds.com/

https://twitter.com/jbondswrites

https://www.instagram.com/jbondswrites/

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https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13650425.Jennifer_Bonds

Spotlight: Playing For Keeps by Julie Hammerle

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Publication date: May 8th 2023
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

USA Today bestselling author Julie Hammerle’s quirky romantic comedy about two strangers, a fake relationship, and a teeny mid-lie crisis…

Bryce Barrett has disappeared off the face of the earth. Well, technically she’s just temporarily hiding out in a teeny Midwest town, away from her ruined marriage and professional demise…at least until she can figure out her next steps. But when she bumps into her ex—dressed in what could be only described as “dumpster chic”—she does the only reasonable thing a woman can do: panics and pretends the cute security guard on the scene is her new boyfriend.

Free-spirited nomad Jake Warner knew returning to his hometown was a bad idea. It’s bad enough that his family’s pressuring him to step into his dad’s hypercompetitive shoes and settle down, but when a complete stranger (cute, though possibly unbalanced) enlists him as her fake boyfriend, Jake knows he’s making some questionable choices…especially when he inexplicably goes along with it.

Now these two mismatched misfits are temporary allies against a town filled with happy, normal, and annoyingly stable people. Fake dating keeps everyone off their back while they plot their respective escapes. But nothing botches a plan more than unexpected chemistry…

Excerpt

“Ted, hello.” Bryce offered him her hand, and he pulled her in for a quick, friendly kiss on the cheek. She stiffened up. Damn it, is that moldy cheese smell me? No. It’s Ted. It must be Ted. 

After he let her go, Ted spoke to the woman next to him, “Ree, this is my ex-wife, Bryce. Bryce, this is Rita, my girlfriend.”

We lah-dee-frickin’ da, Ted went and got himself a girlfriend. 

But I have beaver slippers. 

Bryce bit her lip to keep from laughing or crying, she wasn’t sure which. 

Rita offered her hand to Bryce. “It’s nice to meet you. Ted has told me so much about you.” 

“Yeah, nice to meet you, too.” Bryce greeted her ex’s new girlfriend with a perfunctory handshake as she took the opportunity to give Rita the once-over. She was the kind of effortless beauty Bryce, with her hair dye and multi-session workouts and (previously) gluten free, vegan diet, had only ever dreamed of being. Rita, whose luminous face apparently had no need for makeup, wore her long, dark hair in a cascade over her shoulders. Her white pants and nautical-striped shirt were right out of a J. Crew catalog. 

Bryce folded her arms across her dingy, dirty t-shirt. 

“What are you doing in town?” Ted asked.

He was definitely staring at her pants—or, well, his pants. She crossed her legs, trying to hide the big, gold “Michigan.” “I’m…I live here.”

Ted laughed. “You live in Wackernagel?” 

Bryce frowned. “Well, I have the house here.”  

“Yeah, you do, but I…I figured you’d sell it the first chance you got.” Ted laughed. “What about work?”

He hadn’t heard. Somehow news of her great professional demise had not reached Ted. 

Bryce said a quick prayer of thanksgiving for loyal friends, Ted’s aversion to social media, and the fact that their work circles didn’t overlap. His high school teachers’ crowd didn’t have much contact with Big Law beyond Bryce. 

“I’m taking some time off.” Bryce crossed her arms.

“Like, a sabbatical?” Rita asked.

Bryce nodded. Sure, let’s call it that.

“Good for you.” Tim smiled softly. “I’m glad you’re finally taking some time for yourself.” 

Yeah, that’s what I’m doing. Bryce shot him a relaxed, self-assured smile. Might as well let him keep thinking things are wonderful. No harm in that. “Things are going really well for me here, in fact. I’m fixing up the house”—or, technically, redecorating it with old chip bags, empty wine bottles, and assorted other garbage—“and I’m really finding myself”—by binge watching TV shows, eating ice cream, and sleeping all day. 

“That’s great,” Ted said. And his eyes were back on Bryce's pants.  

These stupid pants. They were blowing her cover. Her current outfit screamed everything but “I’m thriving!” Bryce chuckled, trying to make light of her oddball clothing. “I see you’ve noticed what I’m wearing.”

Ted’s eyes widened. “I have. Have you?” 

She tamped down any annoyance at his semi-snide tone. 

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

USA Today best-selling, RITA nominated author, Julie Hammerle (she/her) writes romantic comedies for adults and teens. Before settling down to write "for real," she studied opera, taught Latin, and held her real estate license for one hot minute. Currently, when not writing, she ropes people into conversations about Game of Thrones and makes excuses to avoid the gym. Her favorite YA-centric TV shows include 90210 (original spice), Felicity, and Freaks and Geeks. Her music playlist reads like a 1997 Lilith Fair set list.

She lives in Chicago with her husband and her two kids and a dog.

Connect:

https://juliehammerle.com/

https://www.instagram.com/juleswritesstuff/

https://twitter.com/juliehammerle

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https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14661470.Julie_Hammerle

Spotlight: Call Sign: King by Livia Grant

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Publication date: May 8th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

He got cocky. Let his guard down.

Now the love of his life is paying the price.

For a moment he’d forgotten there were men who wanted him dead. Men who lived their lives in the dark, who could reach out of the shadows he used to live in, and he’d been naive to think the light inside her would keep her safe.

She was too bright to hide away though, made for the spotlight, and he’d felt warmer just by being near her… then everything went cold so fast.

In a breath she was gone, in the hands of his enemies, and he’d seen first hand what happened to women who crossed paths with the Volkov Bratva. They’d touch her, hurt her. She’d be afraid, suffering.

All because of him. All in the name of vengeance.

But that was their mistake, because in the maddening darkness her absence has put him in, a beast was sleeping… and they woke him up. Now everyone will pay.

Black Sky Ops – Danger for Hire

This network of global mercenaries stay in the shadows, going on the impossible missions no one else will take. The elite soldiers of Black Sky Ops aren’t afraid to break the rules as long as it’s for the greater good — and the paycheck is high enough. But sometimes the line between right and wrong gets blurry, especially when protecting the people they love.

Note: The Black Sky Ops series is made up of full length novels with no cliffhangers and guaranteed happily-ever-afters. Each book is a standalone and the series can be read in any order.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Livia Grant lives in Chicago with her husband and furry rescue dog named Max. She is fortunate to have been able to travel extensively and as much as she loves to visit places around the globe, the Midwest and its changing seasons will always be home. Livia's readers appreciate her riveting stories filled with deep, character driven plots, often spiced with elements of BDSM.

Connect:

https://liviagrant.com/

https://twitter.com/lbgrantauthor

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https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8474605.Livia_Grant

Spotlight: I Chose You, Imperfectly Perfect Rescue Dogs and Their Humans by Carmen Leal

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For every pet parent who knows there's no such thing as 'just a dog,' this collection of uplifting glimpses into the lives of ordinary-turned-extraordinary dogs and the people who love them is a tail-wagging good read.

Thanks to the rescue dog who saved her life after a traumatic brain injury, Carmen Leal went from saying she'd never have a dog to becoming an advocate for man's best friend. Carmen volunteered at the local rescue shelter by writing bios and social media posts, applying for grants, and helping to save and re-home over 6,500 dogs from a high-kill shelter. This endearing anthology includes stories that celebrate the bond between canines and humans including:

Buddy the beagle who went from living chained under a porch to becoming the town's only therapy dog

Heavenly Joy, the frightened Chihuahua who changed the life of a grumpy old man

Bogey, an abandoned mixed-breed trained by prison inmates and adopted by his forever family

I Chose You is a collection of memorable, beautifully written stories of dogs rescued by people and, ultimately, people rescued by dogs. If you like four-legged friends and happy endings, you'll love Carmen Leal's touching collection of heart-warming stories.

Fetch a copy of I Chose You, the feel-good book that resonates with anyone who has ever loved a dog. 

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Carmen Leal is a storyteller and the author of multiple books, articles, devotionals, and human-interest stories. Carmen relocated from Hawaii to Oshkosh, yes, there is a story behind the move, and has become an awesome dog mom. Carmen and her husband have become reluctant gardeners and know a crazy amount about Wisconsin weeds. She is the mother of two sons, two incredible grandsons, and Coconut, the best imperfectly perfect rescue dog in the world. Learn more about Carmen and Coconut by visiting carmenleal.com. 

Find the author online:

http://carmenleal.com/blog

https://wagawaypublishing.com

https://wagawaypublishing.com/interviews

https://www.facebook.com/Rescuemoredogs

https://www.facebook.com/carmen.leal.794

Spotlight: The Lost Man by A.S. Kelly

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(From Connemara With Love, #6)
Publication date: May 3rd 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

I left at dawn on a rainy day.
I left as he slept, believing that he’d still find me in his arms when he woke up. I left, taking everything I’d promised him. I took it all, and neither of us would ever have it again.
I left, turning my back on everything I knew, believing I could never be part of it.
I left the man who loved me, the family who raised me. I left my home, my roots, my dreams. I left my whole life behind in search of a past that was never mine. I hurt everyone who loved me, and broke him into so many pieces that I know I’ll never deserve his forgiveness.
But I’m here, now, trying to rebuild everything I’ve destroyed. I’m trying to find what I thought I’d lost. And although he says that he’ll never be the same, though he says that there’s nothing left of him, I can’t abandon him again. I can’t say goodbye to us.
They say that you always find your way back to happiness, but I’ve found my way back to the only place I’ve ever felt at home.
I’ve found my way back to him.

Excerpt

“What are you watching?”
Noel turns his head slowly. I’m glad I thought to bring a set of keys out with me – he wouldn’t have heard me knocking, didn’t even hear me come into the room.
“You’re back.”
I walk over to him and sit beside him. “Of course I came back. Did you think I wouldn’t?”
He shakes his head a little, his eyes roaming back to the TV.
“Have you eaten?”
“I can’t remember… I think so…”
I force myself to smile, stroking his beard.
“Do you want me to make you something?”
“You don’t need to do that.”
“How about tea and biscuits? I’m going to make some for myself.”
He looks at me and flashes me a weak smile, which feels a little like hope; like the sun peeking through thick cloud.
“There are still some shortbread biscuits in the tin on the counter. I made them this morning.”
“You sure know how to make a woman happy,” I say, pressing my lips lightly against his before heading through to the kitchen to make us both some tea.
When I come back into the living room, I place the tray of tea and biscuits down on the coffee table and sink onto the sofa beside Noel. I drape the blanket over us both and squeeze him, my hand on his arm and my head on his shoulder.
You can’t abandon someone you love just because they’re not the same person you met a long time ago.
You can’t abandon someone you love just because they can’t find the way back home.
You can’t abandon someone you love just because they no longer love themselves.
“You have no idea how glad I am that you’re here,” he whispers, his voice uncertain, emotion caught up in his words, his breath.
“I’m home, Noel. With you.”
He lifts his arm and wraps it around me; I snuggle against his body and inhale his familiar scent. It reminds me that, in spite of everything, he’s still here, with me.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

A. S. Kelly writes Rom-Com, Romantic Fiction and Family Saga.
Avid reader, hopeless romantic, lover of yoga, knitting and home baking.
She was born in Italy but lives in Ireland with her husband, two children and a cat named Oscar.

Connect:
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Cover Reveal: A Guise of the Sea by Jenna Mandarino

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Publication date: August 1st 2023
Genres: Adult, Historical, Women’s Fiction

Synopsis:

Embark on a High-Stakes Adventure in "A Guise of the Sea" - A Swashbuckling Tale of Love, Betrayal, and Redemption

In a world of deception and danger, Emme Clark must unravel the mysteries of her past and navigate the treacherous waters of love, all while facing a deadly adversary with secrets of his own.

A Desperate Quest for the Truth

When Emme Clark's husband mysteriously vanishes, she must obtain proof of his death to secure her future. But with no record of his demise, she has no choice but to follow him across the ocean by joining the crew of the privateering ship, the Bluebell. Under the command of the enigmatic Highlander-turned-privateer Captain Xander Lock, Emme must disguise herself as a man to avoid attracting attention from the British Crown.

A Dangerous Alliance

As Emme bears witness to a brutal murder committed by the ruthless Commodore Cobbe, she learns that Captain Lock has been hunted by Cobbe ever since the Battle of Culloden. In a daring gamble, Emme and Lock form an uneasy alliance, posing as betrothed lovers to get close to their common enemy. But their plans take an unexpected turn when Cobbe forces them into a marriage, leaving Emme with her proof of death but a new husband in tow.

A Love Unforeseen

As Emme and Lock navigate their unexpected union, they find themselves drawn to each other in ways they never imagined. But their newfound love is tested when they uncover a sinister plot involving missing soldiers from Emme's late husband's ship and the enigmatic Oak Island. As dark secrets come to light, Emme must solve the mystery of Oak Island or risk losing the love of her life forever.

Set sail with "A Guise of the Sea" and join Emme and Lock on a thrilling journey filled with danger, intrigue, and the power of unexpected love.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Jenna Mandarino (JM) is a historical and fantasy women's fiction writer usually incorporating romance and your favorite tropes. She is a freelance content editor having formerly worked at small publishing houses. By day, she is a Teacher on Assignment and specializes in behavior interventions and is attending school for her Doctorate in Education. She lives in Southern California where she can often be found drinking champagne, cooking, speaking French, trying a new TikTok organization method, and with her husband chasing after her two sons.

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