Spotlight: A Duke's Introduction to Courtship by Sophie Barnes

The Gentlemen Authors, Book 2

Historical Romance, Regency Romance

Date Published: September 26, 2023

Love caught him completely off guard and forced him to question everything…

When Brody Evans, Duke of Corwin, goes incognito at a printing press, he doesn’t anticipate meeting Mr. Michaels, a charming young man with whom he shares an instant connection. Soon he’s questioning everything he believed to be true of himself, while losing his heart in the process. Accepting the way he feels is not only hard, it’s also illegal and downright dangerous. Until he learns the truth and is forced to wonder whether or not the person he fell for is real, or just an illusion.

Dressed as a boy, Harriet Michaels acquires a job at a printing press so she can support herself and her younger sister. It seems like a good idea until she meets Mr. Evans, the new assistant editor. Her attraction toward him cannot be denied, but it must be concealed if she’s to avoid detection and the risk of losing her job. The more time she spends with him, however, the closer she comes to heartache and ruin. For as it turns out, Mr. Evans is not who he claims to be either.

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About the Author

USA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.

When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.

Connect:

Website: https://www.sophiebarnes.com/sb/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophieBarnes

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5400052.Sophie_Barnes?ref=nav_profile_l

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarnesSophie

Spotlight: Pranic by Melissa Liban

Publication date: September 26th 2023

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Wade Evans isn’t an ordinary vampire. He doesn’t drink blood. He needs life source energy to survive, but that’s not the worst of it. Everyone at school thinks he’s a serial killer. He’s allergic to everything, and the brother of the girl he likes loves to torment him.

Heather Walker believes in niceness. Unlike her brother, Jason, whom she stops from bullying Wade Evans after school. To teach her brother a lesson, their mom sets up a date for him to hang out with Wade, and Heather somehow gets dragged into it, too. It’s a good thing she finds him interesting and kind of cute.

But things go awry when hunters show up in town looking for Wade. They want to kill him, and Heather wants to protect him, while her brother doesn’t think Wade’s a vampire at all.

This might be the start of something good for Heather and Wade if he can survive the night.

Excerpt

“I don’t want your T-shirt,” Wade grumbled, going over to the sink.

“You need something to wear. Won’t something happen if you don’t?”

Wade ignored her and started to wring his jacket into the sink.

“You can’t wear a toilet-water-soaked jacket home. That’s unsanitary.”

Wade dropped his coat in the sink. “Look, if I take your damn shirt, will you leave me alone?”

“I suppose.” She handed it over to him.

Wade didn’t say anything and slipped on her Hamilton High cheerleading T-shirt.

She let out a little laugh. The sleeves landed about three-fourths the way down his arms.

“What?” Wade asked.

“It looks good on you.” She wasn’t totally lying, either. His lean muscular frame was usually hidden under all his layers but was now on display because the shirt hugged tight around his chest, showing off his pectorals, with the ropey muscles of his forearms exposed.

He furrowed his brow. “Shut up.”

“Again, sorry about everything,” she said.

“Look, you can leave now. You don’t have to be nice to me because your brother is an asshole.”

“Somebody needs to be nice to you, and it’s not just because he’s my brother.”

“Well, don’t. Go back to your cheerleading practice,” he said, practically seething.

“Fine.” She crossed her arms and huffed. Most people liked Heather. She was friendly to all, so Wade and his not-so-sunshiny reaction to her was something she didn’t encounter all that often. “I’ll meet you by your locker tomorrow morning to get my shirt back.”

“I’ll just give it to you now.” He grabbed the bottom hem and began to pull it up.

“Nope, you need it. Where’s your locker?”

He sighed. “Next to room 104.”

Heather nodded and grabbed the paper towels from the sink.

“Here, bend down a bit.” She motioned toward herself with her hand.

He snarled his lip up at her.

She pointed at his forehead. “You need some help.”

“Oh, um, no, don’t worry.” He vigorously shook his head.

“C’mon.” She squirted some soap on the towels and stood on her tiptoes. Placing a hand on his cheek, she started scrubbing his forehead. A tingle ran up her arm from where the tip of her fingers touched his face. She stopped cleaning his forehead for a minute, tipping her head to the side, looking at him.

“What?” he asked, quirking up an eyebrow.

“Nothing,” she said a bit too quickly.

He grabbed her hand, trying to take back the paper towels.

She gasped as she felt the tingle again. “The air in here must be really dry or something.”

“Yeah, okay,” he said.

“You keep shocking me.”

“What?” He scrunched up his nose, staring at her.

“Whenever we touch.” She put her hand on his cheek again, but all she felt was his warm face.

He stared at her with his big blue eyes.

“Nothing,” she whispered.

He shook his head.

She kept her hand on his face, looking into his eyes. She wanted to hug him, help get the sadness out of his eyes, his expression. She now saw that the way he held himself in general exuded melancholy. She mistook it for anger before, but now saw it was something else.

“Hey.” He peeled her hand from his face and squeezed her fingers. “I have to get going.”

“Yeah, sure.” They stood, staring at each other, a warmth filling her the longer he held on.

“But thanks,” he said softly.

She smiled. “No problem.”

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About the Author

Melissa Liban grew up in Chicago, where she attended high school at the corner of Addison and Western but now lives in Northern Virginia. She received her bachelor's degree from Columbia College Chicago, where her main focus was traditional animation, but she took some courses in fiction writing as well. Melissa also holds a master's degree in elementary education. Along with having published many books herself, she has also designed book covers for several independent publishing companies. She loves to draw and also consumes copious amounts of breakfast cereal.

Connect:

https://www.facebook.com/MissyLiban/

https://melissaliban.myportfolio.com/welcome

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5138261.Melissa_Liban

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Cover Reveal: Like It’s Christmas by Diana A. Hicks

(Like It’s Christmas, #1)

Publication date: November 26th 2023

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

Synopsis:

Like It’s Christmas (Book One) – a Steamy Grumpy Boss, Fake Dating Christmas Novel

At Winterstorm Village, a record-breaking blizzard always ends in a wedding before the season is over. This year promises to bring the mother of all snowstorms, and the residents couldn’t be more excited to see who’s next to tie the knot…

Rhett Parker hates Christmas. When the Mayor of Winterstorm has an unfortunate accident and ends up in a coma, Rhett is left hanging with the proverbial Santa Gift Bag. To make matters worse, the only one who can help him save their money-making tourist season is his office nemesis, Ms. Christmas cheer in a bottle, Parker Cruz.

Parker Cruz, the Mayor’s daughter, is determined to save Christmas now that her dad isn’t there to make it all happen. The only person standing in her way is the town’s Scrooge, the newly appointed Mayor, Rhett Parker.

She’s willing to do whatever it takes to make good on her promise to her dad. So, when a series of unlucky events strike, and the residents start talking about canceling Christmas, Parker does the unthinkable. She agrees to a fake date with her new boss.

Love is always in the air during the holidays at Winterstorm Village. So what if this year it’s all pretend? Or is it?

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About the Author

Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy romantic suspense and science-fiction romance.

When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.

Connect:
https://www.tiktok.com/@dianahicksauthor
https://amzn.to/3vY39WD
https://www.instagram.com/dianahicksauthor
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/diana-a-hicks
https://www.facebook.com/DianaHicksAuthor/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/DianaSexyReaders/
https://twitter.com/diana_hicks
https://dianaahicks.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17596254.Diana_A_Hicks

Spotlight: One Bossy Disaster by Nicole Snow

Publication date: September 20th 2023

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

A wild twist of fate throws together two total opposites in this steamy and hysterical grumpy sunshine romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow.

Trust me, I’m not falling for a human porcupine.

I don’t do older men with baggage a mile long.

Billionaires? Nope, I’m Miss Independence, thank you very much.

And when a man with the emotional intelligence of a cucumber decides to boss me around?

Hoo boy.

Shepherd Foster and I are utterly incompatible.

He still can’t get over the day we met when I questioned Mr. High and Mighty’s judgment.

He’s also holding the key—and the moolah—to my animal rescue dreams.

I’m only putting up with this torture for the cute otters, I swear.

And we’re only camping together so I can prove him deliciously wrong.

My ideas will outshine Seattle’s grumpiest egomaniac.

If only Shepherd’s scowls and barbed words weren’t attached to a body crafted for sin.

I still don’t know how it happened.

Don’t ask me why I let his cruel mouth kiss me into a smoldering wreck.

Don’t remind me that messy nights in Eden with my boss carry a brutal price.

I’m worried I’m feeling… things for a man I desperately need to keep hating.

Because there’s one way this ends if Shepherd damn Foster gets his hooks in my heart.

Disaster.

An enemies-to-lovers epic standalone! Huge heart, slow-burn steam, banter galore, plus a damaged grump who falls hilariously hard for the otter-loving brant who blows his life to kingdom come.

Excerpt

“Um, a little help? I can’t get out.” I make another half-hearted attempt to stand up in my kayak and fail comically.

Shepherd stares at me for a second before he laughs.

He laughs—a real belly laugh—and it’s a happy sound that vibrates through me.

Not cruel, either, but warm and understanding.

There goes my heart again as he strides over to where the waves meet the beach.

He grabs the front of my kayak effortlessly and hauls it out of the water.

No sweat.

No big deal.

No small favor with bigger muscle.

Damn, I’ll admit it.

Right now, I am thirsty as hell.

I’ve been ogling him all day and he still hasn’t stopped getting hotter.

“There,” he says when I’m safely on the sand. “Can you get out now?”

I try.

I really do.

But my body simply won’t cooperate.

I guess my legs forgot they’re supposed to be a flesh and bone team, and my arms feel totally disconnected from my shoulders.

“This is so embarrassing,” I say, but he just releases the end of the kayak and steps closer.

“Save it, Destiny. You worked your ass off today and there’s no point in feeling shamed. Even if I’m going to carry you.”

What?

He bends down, and before I can register what’s happening, he does it.

Picks. Me. Up.

As in, I am in his arms right now, damsel in distress style, legs hooked over one arm while his other arm lends back support.

The world spins as I weakly wrap my arms around his neck.

And oh.

Oh.

He’s almost superheated with exertion through his wet suit.

The shelter of his arms makes me aware just how massive he really is.

I’m so used to being the same height as most of the men around me—often taller—but this guy makes me feel small.

That’s a miracle in itself.

And he’s breathing harder now.

I’m pretty sure he wasn’t when he dragged my kayak up onto the shore. His arms tighten around me, drawing me closer.

I’m not sure I’m breathing.

Scratch that, definitely not.

There’s a wild look in his eyes.

My arms are locked around his neck and we’re so close, I can feel his heart beating so, so fast.

He isn’t alone. Mine strums like a guitar plucked by a rock star belting out a nasty breakup ballad.

What is even happening?

“It’s normal for first-timers,” he says softly, and I blink up at him in confusion.

Shepherd Foster is never soft.

...and first-timers?

How do I explain that although I’m way younger, I’m not inexperienced. I’ve had my fair share of male attention, though none of the boys I’ve dated have ever swept me up like a storm.

“Kayaking,” he clarifies, eyeing my blank face.

Oh, crap.

And I thought I was embarrassed before.

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About the Author

Nicole Snow is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She found her love of writing by hashing out love scenes on lunch breaks and plotting her great escape from boardrooms. Her work roared onto the indie romance scene in 2014 with her Grizzlies MC series.

Since then Snow aims for the very best in growly, heart-of-gold alpha heroes, unbelievable suspense, and swoon storms aplenty. With over a million books sold, she lives for the joy of making two people fight with every bit of their soul for a Happily Ever After.

Current fan favorites include her Enguard Protectors series, accidental love novels, plus long beloved MC romance thrillers like the Grizzlies and Deadly Pistols.

Connect:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7192004.Nicole_Snow
http://nicolesnowbooks.com/
https://twitter.com/Nicolesnowbooks
https://www.instagram.com/nicolesnowbooks/
https://www.facebook.com/nicolesnowbooks/
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nicole-snow

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Audiobook Spotlight: Southern Heat Series by Jenna Harte

Title: Drawn To Her

Genre: Small Town Billionaire Romance 

About Drawn To Her: 

Wow. What a roller coaster ride of emotions! This book will hook you and take you for a ride...I LOVED it! - Kelly's Book Blog

He doesn't trust her, but he's powerless to resist her.

Feisty and outspoken, Lexie McKenna will do anything to protect her cantankerous and ailing patient—even if it means going up against his cold and calculating, but sexy and irresistible, grandson. After all, as a nurse, her number one priority is her patient.

Drake Carmichael doesn't trust the nurse who's taking care of his grandfather—despite how adorable and compassionate she seems. He refuses to let her get her grips into their hard-earned money.

But as the two square off and begin to battle about what is best for the dying man, Lexie and Drake realize that first impressions are deceiving. Lexie discovers a warm, vulnerable man beneath cold, calculating armor, and Drake finds he's helpless against Lexie's gentle heart and beguiling smile. Once they finally give in to their desires, the battle has only just begun.

As the clash between family and fortune ignites, the love they both crave could burn to ash.

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Title: Meant to Be 

Genre: Small Town Second Chance Romance 

About Meant to Be: 

Their chemistry and passion burn as strong as ever, but will resentments and misunderstandings spoil their second chance at discovering what was... Meant to Be?

Charming and sexy, detective Mitch McKenna lets women into his bed—not into his heart. When his first love left him in a lurch, crushing his soul, Mitch swore off relationships and love. After all, any woman who chooses what her parents want over what she wants is not worth fighting for.

Or is she?

Successful New York doctor, Sydney Preston left the only man she ever loved to follow the path that her parents paved for her. When a tragic incident at the hospital threatens her life, Sydney moves to Virginia to rekindle the spark with her ex-fiancé. However, Mitch isn't interested in reigniting the flame that fizzled out long ago.

But Sydney hasn't come alone. When another incident threatens Sydney in Virginia, Mitch doesn't hesitate to protect her from the danger that follows her. In close proximity, they grow close again.

But can they work through their resentments and misunderstandings and find their love again before it's too late?

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Title: Wed to You 

Genre: Small Town Marriage of Convenience Romance

About Wed to You: 

Jagger's idea was crazy. A marriage of convenience? Who did that except in romance novels?

Irresistible playboy Jagger Talbot left his flashy life in New York to properly take care of Kaden, a little boy he vowed to raise, gaining custody when the Kaden's father died and his mother ran off with another man. Starting over in Virginia seemed like the perfect beginning. But when the boy's mother comes back, clean and sober, fighting for custody, Jagger knows he needs a miracle to prove he's what the child needs.

That miracle is Chelsea Beemer, sweet, perky kindergarten teacher. Down and out, and no stranger to tragedy, Chelsea is on the verge of losing her family home. She'd do anything to save the house—and herself—even marry the sexy playboy.

They'll both stop at nothing to protect what means the most to them, even if that means a fake marriage.

But are any of them really pretending?

Buy on Amazon | Audible

About the Author: 

Jenna Harte is a die-hard romantic writing about characters who are passionate about and committed to each other, and frequently getting into trouble. She is the author of the Valentine Mysteries, the first of which, Deadly Valentine, reached the quarter-finals in Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel Award in 2013. She entered into a three-book deal for a romance series, Southern Heat, with Penner Publishing in 2015, but recently got the rights back to those three books and self-published them.

At the urging of her agent, she penned a cozy mystery, the first of which, Death of Debtor, came out in 2019. Death of a Coupon Queen released in July 2021, and she’s finished the third book, Death of a Miser should release in 2022. The Sophie Parker Coupon Mysteries are ideal for cozy readers who like quirky characters and humor in their mysteries.

She has a bundle of stories filled with romance, mystery, and even time travel rattling around in her head, and is eager for the day when a device is invented allowing her to download what’s in her brain onto her computer.

When she’s not telling stories, she works by day as a romance ghostwriter and online entrepreneur. She lives in central Virginia with her husband and a nutty cat.

Connect with Jenna: Amazon | Email | Twitter | Facebook Fan Page | Pinterest  | Goodreads | Instagram

Spotlight: Camp Bliss by Stephanie Fournet

Genre: Contemporary RomCom

Like most twenty-somethings in a post-pandemic world, Greta Ste. Marie has a killer case of burnout.

But she also has a vision. And some capital. And with the help of her boyfriend Josh and a buddy of his she’s never met, she’s able to snatch up four hundred acres to make her dream of Camp Bliss a reality.

And whoever said God laughs when you make plans needs to be punched in the neck because nothing about that is funny.

***

Zach Rousseau knows that walking away from his six-figure salary at a Boston law firm sounds crazy. But the chance to be outside? In nature? Every day? And actually help people?

What could be better?

When his best friend Josh offers him the chance to build something new, Zach jumps at it.

He just wasn’t planning to fall so hard.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author: 

Stephanie Fournet, Amazon bestselling author of Fall Semester, Legacy, Butterfly Ginger,  Leave a Mark, You First, Drive, Shelter, Someone Like Me, Kind of Cursed, Two-Step, and Dream House (Book I), lives in Lafayette, Louisiana—not far from the Saint Streets where her novels are set. She shares her home with her husband and daughter and their three needy dogs, Mabel, Finnegan, and Bud, and the ghosts of dogs past.  When she isn’t writing romance novels, Stephanie is usually helping students get into college, camping (if it’s cold), or paddle boarding (if it’s hot). She loves hearing from readers so you can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or message her on Goodreads.

Connect with the Author: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon