Spotlight: Wicked Desires by Nancy Brown

(Wicked Series, #2)

Publication date: August 8th 2023

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

He’s a rock star in need of a girlfriend. She’s an attorney in need of a husband. What could possibly go wrong?

Victoria Davison has had her heart shattered. She’s has sworn off men forever, a plan that has worked stunningly well until about five minutes ago, when she found out she needs to be married before her thirty-second birthday if she wants access to the one hundred-million-dollar trust fund her grandfather set up for her.

Grayson Pierce is the devastatingly seductive, illegally gorgeous front man for Ruin. He’s the hedonistic saint of sin, wrapped in leather, whiskey, and fame… He’s living the dream until his record company tells him he needs to clean up his image or he’s done.

Their worlds collide. Electricity sizzles in the air between them. Tori tells herself she’s immune to his lethal charms when she walks away.

Love maker.

Heartbreaker

Unable to get her out of his head, Grayson makes Tori a tantalizing offer: act as his girlfriend for six months while he promotes his new album. This could be the solution she has been looking for. Tori counters with a proposal of her own.

A contract is signed.

This is for convenience only…with a time stamped expiry date.

Love is strictly out of bounds.

But when music’s crown prince of mayhem touches her, sparks fly.

Tori’s not about to trust her heart to rock’s most legendary lover. Her body, though? Maybe.

As it turns out, pretending to fall in love is incredibly sexy…

And falling in love for real, with a man she promised not to fall for?

Irresistible.

Excerpt

It’s three forty-five and the four of us down a shot, just one. Benji’s approved this, so fuck what the record company says. We do shots before every show. It’s part of our pre-show routine, and no matter what anyone says, that is not going to change…ever. I usually like to have a quick fuck before I go onstage, but unfortunately, that isn’t happening here. We are standing in the middle of Times Square with just a curtain separating us from the crowd. I’m not shy, and the guys have seen me fuck women a million times before, so it wouldn’t bother me or them, and there is no shortage of women who would be happy to accommodate me, but I promised Benji I would behave. Aside from the shot I just did, I also haven’t touched a drop of alcohol since I left the bar with Tommy yesterday afternoon, and as far as I can tell, neither has Dylan or Shawn. Tommy is on something, but he’s not going to be a problem. He always holds his own onstage and has never let us down. He’ll be okay. We just need to get through three songs and then we are out of here.

We step onto the makeshift stage that was erected only a few hours ago. There are no bells and whistles, just the bare bones we need to get the job done. Dylan is standing on one side of me, and Shawn is on the other. Tommy takes up the rear, behind his kit. Someone out front is speaking to the crowd, and then my heart rate kicks up with a familiar rush when I hear, “Ladies and gentlemen, you are in for a real treat this afternoon. Get ready for Ruin!” The crowd goes crazy. Tommy counts us down, and we start to play just as the curtain rises in front of us.

We crush the first two songs, and the crowd continues to grow. There are a shit ton of security around us, along with police on horseback, keeping the crowd under control. Things could go sideways in a heartbeat, but that’s not our concern. We are here to perform, and that’s exactly what we do—we are killing it. There’s not a lot of room up here on this tiny stage. I like to move around, but I’m limited to a few feet in any direction, so I focus on the crowd instead.

We slow things down for the third and final song. I’m singing one of our biggest hits. It’s about a dark-haired, green-eyed girl who steals hearts and never gives them back. I look out over the crowd and my heart almost fucking stops when I see her. She’s fucking gorgeous. The auburn highlights in her long dark hair shine in the sun, and she has the biggest green eyes I’ve ever seen. She’s the fucking girl in my song and I can’t take my goddamn eyes off her. She is so close, I feel like I can almost reach out and touch her, and her eyes are riveted on me. I smile and point at her. She slaps her hand over her heart, and then points right back at me as she flashes me a megawatt smile in return. I feel like I’ve been hit by a lightning bolt as electricity zings between us. I force myself to move on, to give my attention to the rest of the crowd, but I can’t seem to stop my eyes from returning to the green-eyed girl. To me, one girl is as good as the next, but fuck, there’s just something about her.

The song comes to an end, and the curtain drops as soon as the last chord dies off, blocking any chance I might have had to find out who she is. I’ve never, ever regretted the end of a song as much as I do in this moment. I don’t know what the hell it is that I’m feeling, but I can’t let it go. The need to find out who she is, is overwhelming.

I jump off the stage and pull the curtain aside. My eyes zero in on the spot where she was sitting, but she’s not there, and my heart sinks. I frantically look around, trying to find her. Where the fuck did she go? There are literally hundreds of people moving around out there. She could be anywhere in that crowd. I narrow my eyes as they skim over the crowd, I search for a couple more seconds before I give up and drop the curtain. She’s not there. I need to forget about her and move on—but my mind refuses to let it go.

Who is she?

How can I find her?

She was only on my radar for the length of a single song, but somehow, she’s managed to get under my skin. That never happens. The need to know what it is about her that is different from all the rest is overwhelming.

About the Author

Nancy Carolyn Brown is an author of contemporary romance, fond of writing love stories about hunky badass men endowed with massive hearts, and strong heroines with just the right mix of sweet and sass… flaming hot chemistry and thrilling nail biting suspense is always guaranteed!

She loves cosmos and chocolate and a swoony good book with a strong storyline.

She lives in sunny southern Alberta, Canada with her high school sweetheart husband and naughty Bengal cat. When she isn't writing, she enjoys the simple things in life like spending time with family and friends, reading and running with her favorite playlist blasting in her ears.

Connect:
https://nancybrown.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/NancyBrownAuthor/
https://www.instagram.com/nancybrownwrites/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/664523.Nancy_Brown

Cover Reveal: The Boyfriend Countdown by Tori Samuels

Publication date: November 7th 2023

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Margo Diaz has a reputation as a workaholic. Everyone knows where she eats her lunch — at her desk, and where she spends her Friday nights — at the office. But when her ex-boyfriend announces his engagement to the same woman who broke up their relationship, she finds herself tangled in a lie. Because what’s worse than working with your ex, is telling everyone you have a boyfriend when you don’t.

Forced to plan a New Year’s gala to impress a client, Margo finds herself promising everyone will meet her plus one. And with her name in the running for a promotion, she really can’t screw this up. She has to find a boyfriend, and a twelve-day online blind dating service is just the ticket she needs.

Everything is fine, Margo has a plan. That’s until she discovers her blind-date is Richard, the tall, sarcastic man she bumped into a few weeks ago. Not needing any distractions, she’s determined to keep the lie going to show everyone she can have it all — a career, a family, a (fake) boyfriend. Except, Richard isn’t what she thought and her attraction for him grows harder to ignore. Yet Margo is committed to keeping herself away.

How will Margo convince everyone she’s been dating a man she’s never met? Can she risk telling the truth or will she let her lie hurt more than her reputation? With a week left before the gala, the boyfriend countdown is on.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Tori Samuels, author of the HoliFATE series, can be found sipping peppermint mochas, snuggling with her dogs, and dreaming up the next perfect contemporary romance novel. A native resident of Bolton, Canada, Samuels uses her hometown as the backdrop for her witty and swoon worthy cast of characters. Looking for your next holiday-themed read, then grab your favorite dessert coffee and get cozy.

Connect:

https://twitter.com/TSamuels_author

https://www.instagram.com/torisamuels.writes/

https://www.tiktok.com/@torisamuels.reads

https://torisamuels.com/

Spotlight: The Worst Darcy by Robyn Gynne

Publication date: August 15th 2023

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Brodie Bishop is the worst.

Vivian Trent is desperate. Her family doesn’t approve of her life as a single mom and the small town of Austen still won’t accept her as one of their own four years later. Playing Elizabeth Bennet at the annual Jane Austen Festival is the perfect way to win over the locals and prove that she’s thriving. But when Austen’s favourite festival hero is replaced by his tattooed, metalhead brother, how is she supposed to achieve perfection with such a bad boy playing Mr. Darcy? He’s never read the book. He’s brash and unpolished. He’s… blond?!

You must allow me to tell you how ardently I dislike you.

Brodie’s used to being the town disappointment, so when Vivian turns her nose up at him, he’s not surprised. Hot librarian or not, she’s way too uptight. But once the festival gets underway, they see new sides of each other. When he finds out her dark secret, suddenly she’s much more endearing. She’s vulnerable, but strong. And the way she looks in that gown only blurs the lines between playing the part and falling for her for real.

But when her goal is within reach, can Vivian go off-book and choose Brodie, if it means risking everything she thought she wanted?

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Robyn writes spicy contemporary romances about resilient women and memorable men. Having self-published numerous short romances over the years under different pen names, she is pleased to present her first full-length novel, THE WORST DARCY. When she's not writing, you can find her catching up on her TBR pile, watching spooky movies, and woodburning crafts. She lives in the Greater Toronto Area with her husband and son.

Connect:

https://www.robyngynne.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@robyngynne

https://www.instagram.com/robyngynne

https://authorrobyngynne.ck.page/b547f7b75b

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/40510863.Robyn_Gynne

Spotlight: Love You Fiancee by Julia Kent

(Love You, Maine, #5)

Publication date: July 31st 2023

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

There once was a man named Kell,

Who fell under Rachel Hart’s spell.

In public he proposed,

Wearing dubious lemur clothes,

Never guessing he’d end up in zipper hell.

* * *

Love You Fiancée is takes place in Love You, Maine–where every day is Valentine’s Day. It comes after the books Love You Wrong, Love You Right, and Love You Again. You can read it as a standalone, but it’s better if you read the other books first.

No animals were harmed in the making of this story, but another lemur costume goes through a terribly unfair death.

Excerpt

“Oh, sweetie. I’m sorry. You’re nervous, aren’t you?”

“No.”

“It’s normal.”

“I’m not nervous. Why would I be nervous? I’ve been with Rachel for two years. Living with her for nearly a year. We get along great. Better than great. I love her more than life itself. She’s the most amazing person I’ve ever met, and I can’t wait to make her my wife. What’s there to be nervous about?”

“How about the fact that Portia, Stan, and Tim are all hiding at the Love You Forever Inn and Chapel, you’re going to perform an acoustic guitar version of “I Will Always Love You” in front of the whole town, then ask Rachel to marry you, plus there’s a flashmob, then her parents and brother are going to come here and stay in the guest cabin for three days, and–”

“Got it. Now I’m about to have a full-blown panic attack hearing it put that way. Thanks, Mom.”

“I can’t help with that, but I can unstick a zipper.”

His hands and feet turned cold. Heart started doing a reggae beat in his chest, double speed. His head felt like a calypso drum and his brain was wiped clean of all the notes to the song.

Fool.

He was a fool for thinking he could pull off such an elaborate scheme. Why hadn’t he just planned a private, quiet proposal at the hot springs?

What was he thinking with this grand gesture?

Buy on Amazon | Audible

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 2 million books, with 4 New York Times bestsellers and more than 21 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French, German, and Italian, with more titles releasing in the future.
From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men's room toilet (and he isn't a billionaire she met in a romantic comedy).

She lives in New England with her husband and three children where she is the only person in the household with the gene required to change empty toilet paper rolls. 

She loves to hear from her readers by email at julia@jkentauthor.com, on Twitter @jkentauthor, on Facebook at @jkentauthor, and on Instagram @jkentauthor. Visit her at http://jkentauthor.com

Connect:
Website: http://jkentauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jkentauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jkentauthor
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2PIBi9n
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkentauthor/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/julia-kent
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3238619.Julia_Kent
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Julia-Kent/e/B00A99V268/

Spotlight: Wicked Persuasion by Patti O’Shea

(The Paladin League, #5)

Publication date: August 8th 2023

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

A Special Forces officer has a second chance with his first love…if he can keep her alive.

Special Forces Captain Decker Nguyen doesn’t make big mistakes, but he really messed up when he made love with the woman who’d been his best friend. And then ghosted her.

Now, years later, he sees Francesca again. In Puerto Jardin. While he’s undercover as a mercenary and on a high-risk op to topple the empire of an international arms dealer.

Francesca “Frankie” Lewis believes she put Deck out of her head and heart. Until she sees him again. But she’s not falling for him a second time, not when it took so long to put the pieces back together after he disappeared.

Besides, she’s working. The Paladin League sent her to Puerto Jardin to track down the Lost Treasure of Trujillo. But her team isn’t the only one searching for it and others will kill to find it first. With her life on the line, the only person she trusts with her safety is the one man she wants to avoid.

Deck is determined to win Frankie back. He just needs to keep her alive and convince her to take another chance on him.

Wicked Persuasion is a stand-alone romance with a HEA. There are references to events that happened in earlier books, but it’s not necessary to read them to enjoy this story.

Indulge in a protector hero who’s in Special Forces, a second chance romance between former best friends, a heroine who is an archivist (not a librarian, secret agent, or superhero), action, adventure, and romance. And don’t forget the rest of the Special Forces team, some of whom will have their own stories coming up.

Excerpt

Over the years, Francesca Lewis had imagined many scenarios when they’d run into each other again. His saving her from being mugged wasn’t one of them. “Hello, Deck,” she said, managing to sound calm. “Thanks for the rescue.”

“De nada.”

She met his gaze head-on, trying to keep her expression dispassionate. Her hands were shaking. Frankie took a deep breath and clutched her fingers around her tote bag. They’d been twenty-two years old the last time she’d seen him, and he’d had a youthfulness about him then.

Deck was all man now. His chest and shoulders had broadened, and he had muscles everywhere. Impressive muscles. Frankie took another long breath.

The boy-band/rock-idol hairstyle was gone, replaced by a more conservative cut—longer on top, short over the ears and nape—but his dark hair was shaggy as if he’d skipped a few barber appointments and it appeared as if he hadn’t bothered to shave for days. Those velvet-brown eyes of his still did things to her. She looked away, not wanting him to realize how much he could affect her. He was gorgeous, even better-looking now than back then, and he’d been damn hot in college.

Deck had majored in business because his parents had decided he would join the family company. So why was he here in fatigue pants and combat boots?

“Is your firm conducting a hostile takeover in Trujillo?” She gestured toward his clothing.

Deck grinned and Frankie locked her knees to keep from swooning. Damn it, he wasn’t supposed to be able to do this to her any longer.

“I never joined my dad’s company.” He changed the subject. “You’re wearing your hair long now. I like it.”

The frisson of pleasure irritated the hell out of her. Slinging the leather straps of her tote over her shoulder, Frankie said, “Good to see you, Deck.” That was a lie. “Thanks again.” She pivoted and began to head toward the inn.

To her frustration, he caught up to her. “I’ll walk you to your hotel. Where are you staying?”

She didn’t want to tell him. She wanted to leave and pretend she’d never seen him again. “Thanks, but it’s not necessary.”

“Yes, it is. You don’t know if those gang members are waiting up ahead to finish what I interrupted.”

“Odds are they’re more interested in evening the score with you than stealing my bag.”

Deck continued to keep pace with her. “I claimed you as my woman. They could attack you to get back at me. Now which hotel are you staying at?”

Frankie recognized the stubborn expression on his face. Deck wasn’t about to surrender the battle, and she was shaking from being accosted, leaving her without the energy to argue with him indefinitely. “Palacio Monasterio,” she admitted grudgingly.

He whistled low, under his breath. “Librarians must be paid more than I thought.”

She bit her tongue. He was trying to get a rise out of her and she wasn’t giving him the satisfaction.

“Sorry.” Deck smirked, not even slightly remorseful. “I meant archivist.”

No, he didn’t. She focused on the road in front of her. “Did you really think I would fall for that?”

“You used to.”

“I’m not twenty anymore.”

“No, you’re definitely all grown up.”

Was that admiration in his voice? Frankie refused to glance over and see if she was right.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Patti O'Shea's passions are writing, airplanes and traveling. Fortunately, she's been able to enjoy all three. After receiving a degree in advertising copywriting, she took a job with a major U.S. airline and now works in 757 Engineering. Besides teaching her about the planes she loves, it's given her an opportunity to travel to places like Australia, Papua New Guinea and Canada's Yukon Territory.

Writing, though, remains her primary love. Patti created her first romance when she was in junior high school and has been hooked ever since. She should have figured out she was a writer years earlier, however, since her dolls had such involved lives, complete with goals, motivation and conflict.

Connect:

https://www.pattioshea.com/

https://www.facebook.com/patti.oshea

https://twitter.com/Patti_OShea

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/177046.Patti_O_Shea

Spotlight: Her Dangerous Journey Home by Lee Swanson

1310, Berwick-upon-Tweed, England – King Edward II knights Frederick Kohl for his bravery fighting the Scots, not realizing that the knight is actually Frederick’s sister, Christina, who has assumed her dead brother’s identity.

Still posing as Frederick, Christina travels to London, escorting Lady Cecily, a young noblewoman who is joining Queen Isabella’s court at Westminster Palace. When Cecily falls for Christina, their joy is short-lived as they realize a future together seems impossible.

Christina’s bitter enemy, Katharine Volker, goads her into voyaging from London to the Baltic waters of her birthplace. Christina journeys not to engage in trade, as one would expect of a master merchant. Instead, she sails to exact revenge on the pirates who killed her father and brother.

What will transpire in London during her absence and is there even a scant hope of lasting happiness with Cecily? Christina will need to summon up all her courage and fighting skill, as well as a secret weapon, to survive her adventure quest through pirate-infested waters.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Lee Swanson has enjoyed an interest in medieval history, living in Germany and England for over twenty-five years, first as a soldier and then as a teacher before returning to the United States.

Graduating summa cum laude from the University of North Florida with a master’s degree in European History, Lee’s thesis centered on the Hansa, a confederation of merchants from primarily northern German cities. Many of the colorful characters who populate Lee’s novels are drawn from the lives of these resolute wayfarers who traveled the waterways of Europe in search of profit and prestige.

Lee, Karine, and their dog Banjo just moved to from Maine to Virginia.

Connect: https://www.leeswansonauthor.me/