Spotlight: The Billionaire’s Devotion by Amélie S. Duncan

(The Kept Trilogy, #3)
Publication date: November 5th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

The handsome billionaire Paul Crane can’t seem to stay away from me, nor can he stay with me.

Here I am, finally starting my amazing fashion design internship at a luxury, fashion house in Paris, my lifelong dream coming true… yet I’m still at a loss.

Apparently, escaping the USA press and their never-ending interest in the hot older billionaire and the certain young design student — hello, it’s me! — isn’t enough to give me some relief.

And it’s not just that the internship is complicated or the competition is insane. I’ve caught the attention of top designer Hayden, who sees me as a muse.

But my heart wants Paul, even though he’s still not opened his heart to me. He hasn’t returned, but he’s never really far away.

It’s almost as if he’s decided to keep rescuing me from everything, even from himself.

I don’t want to be rescued.

I don’t want a fairy tale where Prince Charming keeps saving the damsel in distress.

I want it to be real.

But can we make it real — does our love and everything it entails truly have a chance, or will this be the moment when the dream finally ends?

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About the Author

Amelie S. Duncan writes steamy, sexy stories. Her inspiration comes from many sources including her life experiences and travels. She lives on the West Coast of the United States with her husband.

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Spotlight: The River, the Town by Farah Ali

A poignant and powerful first novel following the breakup of a Pakistani family in the face of climate disaster, and their indefatigable search for stability, love, and belonging.

In the rural town in Pakistan where Baadal grows up, children are named like talismans to sustain life and ward off unhappiness. At seventeen, Baadal has come to understand why his parents gave him that name, with hopes that their Big River will one day flow wide again, and their thirst will be quenched after years of drought. But in the final year of his schooling, abundance seems impossibly far away. As his parents' marriage--full of rage, despair, and often violence--reaches a breaking point, the only comfort Baadal can afford is a budding kinship with Meena, a divorced older woman he meets on the banks of the drying river.

Meena has only just escaped her abusive husband, but her resistance to remarry soon gives way to the promise of stability and companionship that Baadal offers. Together, they leave the Town in search of greater fortunes in the City. But even strong-willed, independent Meena finds herself bowed by the strain of Badaal's punishing work schedule, her struggling beauty parlor, and the tension with Baadal's mother, Raheela, who fights for control of her son as she seeks to leave behind a life of disappointments and discover a freedom she's never known.

Told in rotating perspectives spanning from 1966 to 1998, THE RIVER, THE TOWN is an intimate portrait of a family unraveling in the throes of indigence, and a tribute to the wounded love that keeps them tethered to each other. With stark and candid prose, Farah Ali traces one family's fortunes to illuminate the relentless cycle of inequity, juxtaposing the tragic and grueling realities of poverty with the enduring struggle for compassion and humanity.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Farah Ali grew up in Karachi, Pakistan, and currently lives in London. Her work has been anthologized in the 2020 Pushcart Prize and received special mention in the 2018 Pushcart anthology. Her debut story collection PEOPLE WANT TO LIVE published with McSweeney's Books on October 26th, and includes new stories and some previously published in VQR, Shenandoah, The Arkansas International, MQR, The Southern Review, Kenyon Review, Copper Nickel, and others. Learn more about her at farah-ali.com.

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.

Buy on Amazon

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.

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