Cover Reveal: Midnight Dissonance by Anya Summers

(Dungeon Singles Night, #13)

Publication date: November 28th 2023

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Seduced by the Irishman…

Lexi is over the players, the creepy lowlifes, and the narcissists. Who needs men, anyway? All she wants is her music, and freedom to be true to herself.

On a whim, she signs up for a singles event in one last-ditch attempt to resuscitate her woeful dating life, praying she’ll get matched with an understanding, loyal, caring Dom.

No such luck. To her horror, Lexi gets paired with Josh Ryan. The sexy Irishman goes through submissives like he changes underwear.

Disillusioned and defeated, she refuses to spend the evening with him, and walks away.

Josh can’t believe it. Nobody ever rejects him. Why won’t Lexi bend to his desires like a good little sub? Other women fall over themselves to spend a night in his bed.

He and Lexi are polar opposites. She’s far too young for him. But her denial ignites a sadistic need in him to see her on her knees, begging him for pleasure.

When he finally tastes her, he understands why. She was meant for him. She belongs to him.

Josh will stop at nothing to make Lexi his. But his sordid past could ruin everything…

Fall head over heels into this steamy, age gap, opposites attract, stand-alone romance between a sexy Irish attorney and a free-spirited songstress as they traverse the rocky road of love.

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About the Author

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Anya grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Anya never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.
 
Anya is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance under the name Maggie Mae Gallagher. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.

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Spotlight: Challenging the Chef by Shanna Hatfield

Publication date: October 19th 2023

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Western

Synopsis:

When an interloper arrives in his kitchen, will romance start to simmer?

Chef Owen Thorpe left behind his celebrity status when he moved to Summer Creek. The quaint town and country atmosphere allow him to seek solace in his recipes. His peace and quiet is threatened when he’s coerced into being part of a big auction package that includes the winner spending a week cooking with him in his restaurant. The last thing he wants is some chef wannabe in his way. However, the real danger he faces is losing his heart when the winner turns out to be a beautiful woman who knows her way around a kitchen.

Burdened by the weight of her demanding career as a school psychologist, Tawni Young turns to cooking and gardening to escape from the never-ending stress of her work. When her aunt gifts her an auction package that includes cooking lessons in the small town of Summer Creek, Tawni realizes the chef she’ll be working with is none other than a celebrity she had a huge crush on during her college years. From the moment the two of them meet, an undeniable attraction sizzles while wits collide.

As they embark on a tantalizing journey of culinary delights, will Tawni and Owen discover the most important ingredient is love?

In this heartwarming and deliciously wholesome tale, Challenging the Chef takes readers on a savory adventure filled with sweet romance.

Read the entire Summer Creek Series!

Catching the Cowboy

Rescuing the Rancher

Protecting the Princess

Distracting the Deputy

Guiding the Grouch

Challenging the Chef

Excerpt

He could do this. Play nice and dig deep to dredge up the charm that used to come to him so easily. He’d unearthed it anytime a food critic or reporter came to town interested in reviewing the restaurant. If he thought of the woman as someone he needed to impress, like a critic, then maybe it would be easier to get through the next few days.

What were four measly days in the grand scheme of things, anyway?

Just nearly a hundred hours of misery. Pure misery.

Nothing to worry about, he thought derisively.

Scoffing, he removed the sauce from the heat and set it aside. Owen glanced at the clock. Time was growing short before Miss Young arrived. If he hurried, he could whip up the sour cream lemon blueberry Bundt cakes he planned to offer for dessert that evening. He’d already made strawberry pudding that would be served with shortbread squares and fresh whipped cream topped with candied lime peel.

Determined to have the cakes baking before Miss Young messed up his afternoon, he rushed to mix the ingredients and was just sliding the last cake pan into the oven when he heard Mayor Mitchell Kane speaking to someone as they entered through the back door.

Owen really needed to get a keypad lock back there one of these days. Grumbles drifted under his breath as he set the timer for the cakes, quickly washed his hands, and turned with a towel in his wet hands to greet the interloper who was about to completely upset his schedule for the next four days.

Despite what Nate had mentioned about her not being too hard on the eyes, Owen wasn’t prepared for the woman who stepped into the kitchen with Mitch. His hands stilled, clenching the towel as he took in her appearance.

Dark brown hair flowed over her shoulders in thick, chunky waves. Apple cheeks tinged with pink, lips that appeared entirely too kissable, and the slightest smattering of freckles on her nose gave her a girl-next-door vibe. Pretty brown eyes sparkled like fizzy root beer but looked intelligent and interested when their gazes connected.

The mayor helped her remove her coat, and Owen’s mouth went dry at the sight of her curvaceous figure. He sucked in a breath and inhaled a delightful floral fragrance that tantalized his nose.

What was he supposed to do with this beautiful being when he’d been expecting a middle-aged foodie with money as expandable as her waistline?

This was even worse than he’d envisioned. He had no time for distractions like Tawni Young, who certainly lived up to her name. She looked young. Fresh-faced. Yet the name Tawni made him think of a jungle cat and something that held a great deal of danger.

If the attraction he felt to her was any indication, she was going to be nothing but trouble to him.

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About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes sweet romances rich with relatable characters, small town settings that feel like home, humor, and hope.

Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

When this farm girl isn’t writing or indulging in rich, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. She also experiments with recipes, snaps photos of her adorable nephew, and caters to the whims of a cranky cat named Drooley.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her website http://shannahatfield.com or find out more about her here: linktr.ee/ShannaHatfield

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Spotlight: A Hallowed Date by J.C. Valentine

(A Coffee Break Mystery, #3)

Publication date: October 18th 2023

Genres: Adult, Mystery, Romance

Synopsis:

Ava is head over heels for her brooding neighbor Ryan, but he barely knows she exists. When he finally pays attention just in time for Halloween, her favorite holiday, Ava is determined to win him over with her bubbly personality and holiday cheer.

But amidst blossoming romance, a mystery unfolds when Ava’s intricately carved pumpkins begin to vanish from her porch overnight. Enlisting Ryan’s help, Ava tries to catch the culprit behind the pumpkin disappearances and solve the spooky whodunit.

As they draw closer to unmasking the pumpkin bandit, Ava wonders if Ryan will ever see her as more than just a friend. Can All Hallow’s Eve cast a spell to turn their friendship into true love? Or will Ava’s heart be left hollow when the case is closed?

This delightfully spooky romantic comedy blends quirky mystery with the magic of the Halloween season.

Excerpt

The sound of footsteps had me glancing up to see Ryan shuffling up the walkway toward me, looking only slightly bleary-eyed. His dark hair was endearingly mussed from sleep.

“Good morning, sunshine,” I said brightly, puzzled as to why he was gracing me with his presence. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company this fine morning?” It wasn’t typical for us to converse most days, aside from a passing nod or hello. This was...unexpected.

“I think I had too much of your magic brew last night,” he said, coming to sit in the vacant seat beside me, only a small wedge of an attached table standing between us.

Ah, he was suffering a hangover. "Coffee?" I offered, feeling suddenly shy and somewhat sorry for overserving him. But at least we were talking. It was definitely a step in the right direction.

Ryan gave me a lopsided grin. "You read my mind. I saw you sitting out here and figured I’d see if you’d pity me enough to offer a cup.”

“I’m surprised you even left the house. Why didn’t you make your own pot?”

He grimaced. “Tried. Would you believe I tripped over my own feet and broke it?”

I covered a snicker with my hand. “Well, looks like your day isn’t starting off on the best foot, no pun intended. I’ll go fix you a cup. Black or with sugar?”

“Two sugars and a splash of milk. You’re an angel,” he added, blinking up at me adoringly.

I laughed outright this time and shook my head, then headed inside to retrieve his drink. Ryan’s morning might have been a monster, but mine was turning out pretty great so far.

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About the Author

J.C. Valentine is the USA Today and International bestselling author of the Night Calls and Wayward Fighters Series and the Forbidden Trilogy. Her vivid imagination and love of words and romance had her penning her own romance stories from an early age, which, despite being poorly edited and written longhand, she forced friends and family members to read. No, she isn't sorry. 

Living in the Northwest, she has three amazing children and far too many pets. Among the many hats she wears, J.C. is an entrepreneur. Having graduated with honors, she holds a Bachelor's in English and when she isn't writing, you can find her editing for fellow authors. 

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Spotlight: Forgot to Say Goodbye by S.L. Scott

Release Date: October 19

Noah Westcott should come with a warning: Too Hot to Handle!

The man is stunningly handsome with his embracing brown eyes and lips that make me want to kiss that smirk right off his face.

How could I resist?

Spoiler: I didn’t.

That was my first mistake.

I blame him for the second. It should have been easy and fun. No strings attached. No feelings. As if he commanded it like he did me in the bedroom, I did exactly what I said I wouldn’t. I fell for him.

Two years later, the same man walks into my life. Again. A lot has changed. Not his devastating good looks, or that smug grin, but for me everything.

Now that Noah’s back—in my office and hanging around after hours—I can’t get distracted. I must protect my secret—the one who calls me Mommy.

Excerpt

As soon as I walk in, I’m struck with glaring hazel eyes and pursed red lips. She sits forward in my chair, resting her elbows on my desk. “Did you really think you’d waltz into this company like nothing happened between us?”

“I didn’t waltz, sweetheart. I was recruited. Let me break that down for you. That means—”

“I know what it means.” She stands, her fingertips whitening from the pressure against the desktop. “I don’t need you to explain anything to me.” Coming around, she adds, “Here’s what’s going to happen. Tomorrow, you’re going to quit.”

“Quit?” I struggle to keep my eyes from bugging out. She won’t get the best of me . . . like she once did. I approach the desk, and volley right back, “You’ve got a lot of nerve to tell me how this is going to play out.”

“It took more than nerves to make it to where I am in this company.” She comes around and pats me on the chest. “Sweetheart.” 

I catch her hand before it slides away. She double steps back, which brings us face-to-face. “I’m not quitting to make you more comfortable. If you remember—”

“Oh, I remember.” She holds my gaze with her glare. “I remember everything despite spending two years trying to forget that night altogether.”

Forget that night? Why the fuck does she even care when she was the one who walked away? “So let me get this straight. You sneak out in the middle of the night, but somehow, I’m the bad guy? That’s rich, Olivia.” 

Her eyes dip to the bond between us before she yanks her hand away. She also makes sure to get a last dig in by poking me in the chest. “Say my name while you can, but make sure it’s on the way out the door.” Her fake smile falls as fast as her face did when she saw me in the conference room. 

How the fuck did this turn into a war in the office?

Buy on Amazon | Audible | Bookshop.org

Meet S.L. Scott:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, S.L. Scott, writes character driven, heart-racing suspense, and swoony romances that will have you reading past bedtime. With stories ranging from witty beach reads to heart wrenching and heart healing, her stories are highly regarded as emotional, relatable, and captivating. Her books are more than escapes for the voracious readers of today. They are journeys of the heart that always come with a happily ever after reward at the end.

Keep up with S.L. Scott and subscribe to her newsletter: https://geni.us/intheknow

To learn more about S.L. Scott & her books, visit here!

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Spotlight: Murder Uncorked by Maddie Day

As the manager of Vino y Vida Wine Bar in Colinas, Cecelia “Cece” Barton’s first Alexander Valley harvest is a whirlwind of activity. Her twin sister, Allie Halstead, who owns a nearby Victorian bed & breakfast, is accustomed to the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season. But Cece barely has a moment to enjoy her new home in between worrying about her estranged college-age daughter, juggling her responsibilities at the bar, and navigating the sticky politics of the local wine association. Just when it seems things can’t grow any more intense, Colinas is rocked by a murder within the wine community . . . and Cece is identified as a possible suspect!

With her reputation and her livelihood on the line—and the Sonoma County deputy sheriff breathing down her neck—Cece has no choice but to open up her own murder investigation. Tensions are already high in the valley, as a massive wildfire creeps toward Colinas, threatening homes, vineyards, and the vital tourist trade. And now, with a murderer on the loose, and Cece’s sleuthing exposing the valley’s bitterest old rivalries and secret new alliances, Colinas feels ready to pop! But with Allie’s help, Cece is determined to catch the killer and clear her name before everything she’s worked so hard for goes up in flames . . .

Excerpt

The air sizzled in Vino y Vida. The conversation between two men standing and sipping wine had turned as heated as the thermometer outside, which was on its way to pegging ninety.

Early October here in California’s Alexander Valley, one of the state’s best wine-producing regions, meant grape harvest season. And the harvest brought the start of high tourist season. The two guys in the win bar I managed weren’t my only customer at four in the afternoon, but one of the pair had become confrontational, and I didn’t like it.

I’d started this job in the spring when life was quieter, when Colinas seemed a mostly sleepy community once the winter wine tourism had ebbed. The town sat only ninety minutes north of San Franciso and was an easy drive to the several dozen renowned wineries here as well as the more famous ones in Napa Valley. Today the vibe in the wine bar was busy, boisterous, and now belligerent.

“Listen, bro.” The argumentative dude bit off his words, and his puffy face was flushed under sandy hair with a reddish tinge. He wore a maroon polo shirt emblazoned with the logo of VVA, the regional business group for vineyard owners.

“I’m not your bro,” the other man pushed back.

Angry pounded the bar with his fist. “You have no right to demand those numbers.” The color in his florid face deepened and his light eyes glared.

I glanced around the room. So far these two didn’t seem to be disturbing other customers enjoying their glass of wine.

“You know very well the board asked me to check into all aspects of the Vinyard Valley Association.” The other man stayed calm. “And you aren’t delivering the information I’ve asked for.” Silver streaked the temples of a full head of dark hair.

Hmm. I could get used to that look, along with Handsome’s soft voice and trim physique. If I was in the market for a man. Which I wasn’t. I was straight and single- or rather, widowed, and had been for ten years- but I wasn’t looking for a relationship. I cleared my throat. Neither of their glasses held more than a trace of wine.

“A second pour, gentlemen?” I held up the bottle of the Seghesio Sangiovese they’d requested for their first glass.

“I could use one, sweetheart.” Angry extended his stemmed glass. “But give me the Zin.”

I ignored the “sweetheart” and the omission of “please” and selected an open bottle of zinfandel from the same vineyard, pouring slightly less than the usual fill. “You, sir?” I raised my eyebrows and pointed to the other man’s glass.

“Not for me, thank you, Cece.” Handsome smiled, pronouncing the name he’d read off my name as “Cease,” not “Ceecee,” as I’ve always been known. “My name’s Benjamin Cohen, by the way.”

“Nice to mee you, Benjamin. I’m Cece Barton, manager and chief wine dispenser.”

“You know who I am, right Cece?” the other man asked. “The same Vincent Sardo you’ve been corresponding with about the VVA event.” He winked at me, his anger with his drinking partner disappearing for the moment.

Oh. Sardo worked for the VVA, organizing publicity events and bringing the members together, according to his job description. Whoever hired him must not have experienced his abrasive side. I had, but not in person until right now.

“But you can call me Vinnie,” he went on. “We’ve had a few back and forths, you and me, you know, over the email and phone, and you’ve been refusing to cooperate. But I didn’t realize what a babe you were.” His smile was borderline leer, but the upper lip catching on an eyetooth spoiled the look.

Eww. I might be moderately attractive at forty-two, but a babe I was not. I was reasonably fit, and at five foot eight I didn’t struggle with my weight. My nonidentical twin always said my gray-green eyes were a big asset, and having thick, honey-colored hair was one, too. But I tended to dress comfortably, and I wore flat shoes and didn’t go nuts with makeup. Definitely not “babe” material.

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About the Author

Maddie Day is the Agatha Award-winning author of the Cozy Capers Book Club Mysteries, the Country Store Mysteries, the CeCe Barton Mysteries, and the Local Foods Mysteries, as well as other series and short crime fiction written under the name Edith Maxwell. A member of Mystery Writers of America and a proud lifetime member of Sisters in Crime, she is a regular contributor at Mystery Lovers' Kitchen and belongs to the Wicked Authors, a group of bestselling authors who blog at WickedAuthors.com. Day lives with her beau and their cat Martin north of Boston, although she knows Indiana, California, and Cape Cod intimately. She is a wine enthusiast, talented amateur chef, and former farmer and can be found online at MaddieDayAuthor.com

Spotlight: Time to Write by Emily Winslow

Have you always wanted to write a novel?

Emily Winslow will help you develop the mindset and skills to get you started, keep you going, and see you through. Time to Write is a creative writing guide aimed at anyone who wants to write a novel and could use some support.

It contains 49 lessons, each easy to read and packed with insights based on experience. Emily has taken her own work to high levels with major publishers, and has learned from teaching at Cambridge University what makes students light up and what makes their work drastically, excitingly improve.

This book is full of encouragement, recognizing and affirming different work styles. It's a total handbook, teaching a broad range of specific writing skills with insight and clarity as well as covering topics around writing in-depth, such as how to give and take critique and how to evaluate publishers and agents.

It's time to write the stories inside you!

Print length: 275 pages

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About the Author

Emily Winslow is the author of a series of crime novels and a memoir. Her books have been published by Random House, HarperCollins, Allison & Busby, and Shanghai Translation Publishing House.

Her novels (The Whole World, The Start of Everything, The Red House, and Look For Her) have been called “brilliant” (The Washington Post), “vivid” (Parade magazine) and “dazzling” (Shelf Awareness). Her memoir, Jane Doe January, is “meticulously constructed and ultimately terrifying” (The New York Times), “potent” (Kirkus), and “compelling” (Bustle).

She grew up in the U.S. and now lives in Cambridge, England teaching for the University of Cambridge and for Cambridge Creative Writing Company.

Find Emily online: www.EmilyWinslow.com

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