Spotlight: How it All Began by Fiona West

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Publication date: October 24th 2023

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Trust is like car keys: easy to lose and hard to get anywhere without it…

Evan only intended to strike up a casual conversation with the stunning blonde with Goldie Hawn looks–now he finds himself trying to cross paths with her on campus every chance he gets. But his water polo teammate appears to have damaged his chances with Farrah before he could even ask her out.

Farrah’s been out with players from the water polo team before–and it’s always ended in tears. The handsome medical student who wants to help her get revenge says he’s not like them…but there’s only one way to know for sure.

Will a trip to his hometown seal the deal or prove this player’s all washed up?

Excerpt

“Who is that?” Cat asked, peering out the front window as she pinned the foil in Mrs. Bergstein’s hair. “And what do I have to do to get my fingers in that hair?”

“I love his cut,” Daisy said. “Don’t you just love it? I wonder who did it.”

“Forget his cut. Look at his jaw. And those arms. I bet those could keep me warm all night.”

Farrah smiled to herself as she swept her area, but said nothing. He’d put some kind of product in it that was making it look even more tousled than she’d intended, and it was definitely working for him. She’d have to find out what he’d used. Farrah glanced at the clock: it was 3:55. She took off her apron and washed her hands in the sink; they were feeling rough. She really needed to invest in some gloves or something if she was going to be holding hands with this guy more in the near future…and it seemed like a real possibility. More nerves bubbled in her stomach as she checked herself in the mirror, fluffing her hair.

“I’m off. See you all Monday.”

“Wait,” Cat said, “is that…are you…that stud muffin is yours?” she called after her as the door swung shut. “Farrah!”

“Hi,” she greeted Evan shyly, and he grinned.

“I think your boss was trying to get your attention…”

Farrah waved a hand. “She’s fine. They’ll just hound me for details on Monday, anyway, and I’ll have more to tell them then.” She leaned forward, hesitated, then gave him a peck on the cheek, if only to stake her claim with the other stylists. Mine. And yes, I gave him a bodacious haircut. His sunglasses reflected her smile back.

“In that case, ready to go? Turns out the shop is just down the street.”

“Sure!” He held out his arm, and she took it gladly as they started off. They walked in pleasant silence for a few minutes until Evan dropped her arm and turned to her.

“Okay, I can’t take it anymore. Was it Hairway to Heaven?”

Farrah blinked. “What?”

“Your name! The better name for the salon! Was it Hairway to Heaven? Or maybe Whole Lotta Styling Going On?”

She snickered. “What? No!”

“The Braidy Bunch?”

Farrah rolled her eyes and resumed walking. “That is the worst pun I’ve ever heard.”

“Oh, I’ve got lots more. Vanity Hair? Blown Away? Ahead of Hair Time?”

“Stop,” Farrah giggled, but she grabbed his arm and pulled him close, matching his long strides. But the man just kept going.

“A Cut Above. Fringe Benefits. Thy Kingdom Comb.”

The giggles were now uncontrollable, and she felt tears of laughter at the corners of her eyes.

“Curl up ‘n Dye! Mane Attraction! A Cut Above!”

“You already did that one,” Farrah wheezed, holding her stomach, barely able to get the words out for laughing so hard.

“Well, I can’t help it! I have to know! Please, please put me out of my misery and—”

“All right, all right,” she said, wiping the tears from her face, aware that her mascara was now running. “My goodness. It’s…” She’d never told anyone her plans for the salon, not even her mom, and she told her pretty much everything. But Evan wasn’t going to judge her, she didn’t think. And hopefully, he’d be kind if he didn’t like it.

“It’s Shear Brilliance,” she said, just as they came to a stop outside a bridal shop.

Evan stared at her for a long moment, blinking slowly, then finally said, “That is genius.”

“You really like it?”

“No, I adore it. It’s perfect. Far better than what I came up with. You’ve got a flair for this, Farrah. And it’s going to look great printed on your business cards when you give Harry a stack for his friends.”

Farrah rolled her eyes as she pulled open the front door. “You never stop, do you?”

Evan grinned. “You should see me in the off-season when I don’t have water polo to tire me out. I’m like a human pinball machine.”

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About the Author

Fiona West lives in the Pacific Northwest. Writing romance is her favorite thing, followed closely by reading, knitting and drinking tea while looking out the window. When she’s not doing those things, she’s spending time with her husband and two kids. Her debut novel, The Ex-Princess, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and was named one of their Best Books of 2019. The first book in her contemporary romance series, Could Be Something Good, also received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. Find out more about Fiona at http://www.fionawest.net or sign up for her newsletter at http://www.subscribepage.com/westwind.

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Spotlight: Dark Moon, Shallow Sea by David R. Slayton

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When Phoebe, goddess of the moon, is killed by the knights of the sun god, Hyperion, all who follow her are branded heretics. With Phoebe gone, the souls of the dead are no longer ferried to the underworld, and instead linger on as shades who feast on the blood of the living.

Raef is a child of the night. He lives in the shadows, on scraps, eking out a meager existence as a thief. But when an ornate box is sequestered in the Temple of Hyperion, the chance of a big score proves too great to resist. What he finds within propels him on an odyssey across the sea and back again, altering the course of his life forever.

Seth is a knight of the sun. But unlike the others of his order, the fire of Hyperion only brings him pain. He believes he deserves this penance, exacted for his unknown origins. Tasked with recovering the contents of the box, Seth must also venture beyond the horizon if he's to learn the truth about himself.

In a dying world divided by the greed of those in power, Raef and Seth find their destinies intertwined—and learn they might have more in common than they ever imagined.

Excerpt

The smell of wilting flowers and spent candles almost masked the odor of decay. Raef pressed against a statue and fought to keep from trembling as the knight with the flaming sword paced nearer.

He didn’t have much time. The sun would soon set, and the temple doors would close. If they did not find him, he’d be trapped. If they found him, they’d burn him alive.

Golden-haired and handsome, the knight approached Raef’s hiding place, waving his sword like a torch. It should be easy. One jab to the neck would do it.

Raef drew his knife.

The Knights of Hyperion, god of the sun, had murdered Phoebe, goddess of the moon. With her had gone the tides and the path to the Underworld.

They’d razed her temples and burned her priests, the only family he’d ever known.

A decade later, the screams of the orphans still echoed in his dreams, and he shook at the sight of fire. No matter how tonight went, he’d need a long pull from the rum bottle if he wanted any sleep.

Raef gripped the blade and inhaled the crypt’s moldy air.

It wouldn’t be murder, not really.

He tensed, ready to spring, and . . . lowered his hand.

The knight deserved it. They all did, but Raef wasn’t like them. They were his enemies, and yet . . . he couldn’t do it.

Sinking back into the shadows, he waited for the chance to slip away.

New flames lit the direction of his escape. Another sword, another knight, approached the tomb where the handsome one stood guard.

“It’s almost sunset,” the second knight said. Older, he wore a beard of steely wool. “Get to your penance, Seth.”

“I can guard with you,” Seth protested.

He looked about Raef’s age but sounded eager, youthful, probably because he hadn’t spent the last decade on the streets.

The veteran sneered.

“I don’t need the likes of you. See that the dark doesn’t seduce you.”

“Yes, Zale.”

Seth marched away, shoulders shrunk with disappointment.

Despite himself, Raef felt a pang of sympathy for the young knight.

Seth had been gone a few moments when Zale called out, “I know you’re there, rat. I can smell you.”

Raef froze.

“Get out here,” the knight commanded.

Raef’s breath caught. He could run, but Zale could call for help. Lowering his hood, Raef dropped his unsheathed knife inside it and placed his hands atop his head.

His stomach tightened to a stone as he stepped into the sword’s light.

“I’m unarmed.”

“You reek like a sewer. What are you doing down here?”

“Nothing,” he tried to sound confused.

“Here to steal, I’d bet.” Zale twisted the sword, aiming its flaming point at Raef’s eye. “I should blind you, or take your hand. That’s what they do to thieves in a civilized city.”

The tremor spread through Raef as the flames danced closer.

The priests of Hyperion preached their god’s mercy, but Raef had never seen it. Where Seth had seemed earnest, this man wore a cruel sneer.

Raef slid his hands to the back of his skull. The knife was the slightest weight there.

“I only came to pray. Really.”

“Nobody prays in the dark,” Zale said.

“Except heretics.”

Zale flinched at the admission, giving Raef time enough to bat the sword aside with his right arm. He drew the knife from his hood with his left hand and punched it into the knight’s shoulder, between the leather joint in the armor’s plates.

The sword rang against the floor. Raef expected its flames to die, but they flared instead, growing brighter as Zale backhanded him with a growl.

The mailed glove felt like a hammer. Stars lit Raef’s vision. He tried to turn, to run, but Zale lashed out with his boot. Raef felt something inside him crack as he flipped. Groaning, he landed hard against the stone of the floor.

Zale bent to seize Raef by the throat.

“Who do you serve?” he demanded, lifting Raef until they were face to face. The stars began to dance.

“No one,” Raef sputtered.

“Don’t lie to me, boy.”

Zale tightened his grip.

“Phoebe.”

Buy on Amazon | Audible | Bookshop.org

About the Author

DAVID R. SLAYTON grew up in Guthrie, Oklahoma, where finding fantasy novels was pretty challenging and finding fantasy novels with diverse characters was downright impossible. Now he lives in Denver, Colorado, and writes the books he always wanted to read. In 2015, David founded Trick or Read, an annual initiative to give out books along with candy to children on Halloween as well as uplift lesser-known authors or those from marginalized backgrounds. Find him online at DavidRSlayton.com.

Spotlight: A Patch of Romance by J.C. Valentine

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(A Coffee Break Mystery, #4)

Publication date: October 25th 2023

Genres: Adult, Mystery, Romance

Synopsis:

Callie’s status as a single mom is about to end when she meets up with local dad, Scott Prince, at the pumpkin patch. Love is definitely in the air…or is that just pumpkin spice? Either way, Callie is about to embark on a seriously satisfying journey. That is, until the mystery knocker comes knocking. Is it just a Halloween prank, or is someone trying to send her a message—the deadly kind?

As Callie and Scott traverse the dating life with one another and ring in the holidays with the hope of uniting them all as one big, patchwork family, the lingering question of who keeps knocking and what they want looms in the shadows, waiting to be answered. Will Callie and Scott reveal the truth behind the eerie knocking before something it’s too late? And will they ever get their happily ever after?

Follow Callie and Scott’s journey from wary strangers to soulmates in this feel-good holiday romance. With a friends-to-lovers romance, family bonding moments, cozy Christmas traditions, and a found family trope, this wholesome love story will get you in the holiday spirit. Curl up with a mug of hot cocoa and let the magic of the season bring this unlikely pair together one knock at a time.

Excerpt

"Okay, you wild banshees, costumes are ready to go!" I called up the stairs. Instantly, I heard the pounding of little feet as Lily and Ethan raced down the stairs, with Lily predictably in the lead, eager to transform into their Halloween alter-egos.

"Beware the Headless Horseman!" Lily cried, tossing her hooded cape dramatically over her grinning face. Next to her, Ethan was assembling his white boxy Minecraft costume, complete with pixelated foam sword.

I knelt down and made the final adjustments, securing Ethan's headpiece and Lily's belt, then ushered them toward the door. "Let's hit those sidewalks before all the good candy is gone!" I declared.

It was still light outside when we stepped out onto the porch. Ghosts, superheroes, princesses, and witches were already parading up and down the street as families got the trick-or-treating underway. The crisp air twinkled with magic and excitement as neighbors called out compliments on costumes, and I inhaled the heavenly, smoky scent of burning wood that several people were using to keep warm as they passed out candy.

We weren't far into our route when I heard rapid footsteps approaching. Lily and Ethan's faces lit up as Scott and his son came into view dressed in matching blow-up dinosaur costumes. I couldn’t help laughing as I watched their giant dino heads bobble to and fro as they swished toward us.

"Hey, guys!" Scott greeted, slightly out of breath. Since our pumpkin carving hangout, we'd been planning for the kids to do Halloween night trick-or-treating together too. I was relieved he was making it easy for me to take this second opportunity with no strings attached.

"Dad, can we go show Ms. Molly our costumes?" Lily asked eagerly.

I nodded indulgently, enjoying seeing my kids having a good time. After waiting a few moments for Lily, Ethan, and Stanley to run up the walkway to show off their costumes to their principal, we began a slow, easy walk from house to house, stealing pieces of candy here and there, as the kids ran back and forth down driveways and bonded with each other more.

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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: Falling for the Roommate S.E. Rose & Sierra Hill

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Release Date: October 26

FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

This football player will be taking the field…along with his new roommate’s heart.

When my college besties both ditch me for other living arrangements, I have no other choice but to accept an offer to share a room with Killian “Killer” Palmer.

Sharing an attic space with the junior tight end for the Clearview Falls University football team is far from the ideal situation.

We are opposites in every way possible. I’m a city girl and computer programmer with a penchant for cleaning. He’s an outgoing farm boy who couldn’t keep his room clean if his life depended on it.

The more time we spend together, though, I begin to see Killian in a new light. He’s charming, easy-going, and unfailingly trustworthy. One night in a drunken babble, I accidentally share a secret with him I’ve never revealed to anyone else: I still have my V-card. 

I’m not sure what’s more surprising; the offer he makes to help rid me of that problem or the fact I actually want to take him up on his offer.

The one big issue with sleeping with my roommate is that the lines soon become blurry and before I know it, I’m falling for him. 

Killian has scored at more than just gaining my trust. He’s begun to win over my heart, something I never thought possible. But will a relationship with my roommate be the right end goal for us? Or will it only end our friendship? 

Buy on Amazon

Meet SE Rose & Sierra Hill:

USA Today & International Bestselling romance author, S.E. Rose lives near Washington D.C. with her family.

When she's not wrangling her cats or keeping up with her kids, she's plotting her next story.

She loves all things wine, coffee, and cats.

In her non-existent free time, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts, binging on her favorite shows, and reading, especially if it's a good mystery or comedy. 

Keep up with SE Rose and subscribe to her newsletter: https://bookhip.com/LSMKWL

To learn more about SE Rose & her books, visit here!

Connect with SE Rose: https://linktr.ee/seroseauthor

SIERRA HILL wrote and published her first contemporary new adult romance in 2014 and has since published over thirty novels. She is a 2020 RONE Award-Winning author of Game Changer, as well as award-winning college sports series, Courting Love, and the twice award-finalist erotic ménage serial, Reckless – The Smoky Mountain Trio.

Sierra lives in the Seattle area with her husband of twenty-five years and their rescued German Shepherd. When not writing, she enjoys baking, reading, and traveling to see her favorite alternative rock band, Pearl Jam.

Keep up with Sierra Hill and subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.sierrahillbooks.com/newsletter

To learn more about Sierra Hill & her books, visit here!

Connect with Sierra Hill: mailto:sierrahillbooks@gmail.com

Spotlight: The Vet’s Shelter Surprise by Elle Douglas

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Published by: Harlequin Special Edition

Publication date: October 24th 2023

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

Synopsis:

An unlikely volunteer…

Saving more than the shelter!

When Georgia O’Neill bursts into the Sunset County Animal Shelter, wary veterinarian Mel Carter doesn’t know what’s hit her. But soon, Georgia’s California rays of sunshine are lighting up even the darkest parts of Mel’s heart, still raw after a heart-wrenching betrayal. Still, PR pro Georgia is set only on rehabbing her image while cleaning out her beloved aunt’s cottage. Mel’s life in rural Canada can’t possibly compete with LA glamour…can it?

From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

Excerpt

Mel put her knife down on the cutting board, then wiped her hands on the dishtowel that Georgia passed her. She leaned against the counter, then plucked a cherry tomato from Georgia’s cutting board and popped it in her mouth. “Wait. So, you’re volunteering at the shelter. Somehow you’ve convinced Connie to let you help her with the fundraiser. You’ve taken on a new social media project, and you’re settling your aunt’s estate. Tell me how that equals time on your hands.”

Georgia flashed her a quick smile. “You don’t know what my schedule was like back in LA. To be honest this feels like a vacation in comparison. And I might just be a bit of a workaholic.”

“Ah,” said Mel. “Well, I can’t say I’m shocked.”

“What does that mean?”

Georgia looked up again from her cutting board to find Mel looking at her closely. “Nothing. It’s not an insult. It’s just that you’re really efficient. And tuned in. It’s impressive.”

Georgia tried to suppress the wide grin that was threatening to blow her cover. What Mel had just said was exactly what she was dying to hear, and everything she’d worked so hard to project. Talk about being tuned in. And hearing it from Mel, someone who clearly wasn’t quick to praise—well, that was just the icing on the cake.

“Relationship?” Mel asked.

“Not much of a relationship type.” Georgia looked sideways at Mel to gauge her reaction. Did that slight, sexy upturn on one side of her mouth mean she was pleased?

“Too busy?” Mel said.

“Yup. Maybe in a few years, once I’ve got my dream job. Although that might mean just a whole other level of time commitment. Who knows.” Mel’s expression returned to neutral, but her gaze was fixed intently on Georgia as she sliced a baguette for the table.

A few more sips of wine, and Georgia could picture exactly what would happen next. She’d drop her knife on the cutting board. Then, she’d hook one finger in the belt loop of Mel’s jeans and guide her against the counter. She’d slide a hand up her abdomen to her chest, where she’d pause for a moment, before trailing her fingers behind her neck, pulling Mel’s face toward hers and melting into her delicious-looking lips.

Instead, Georgia shot Mel a quick smile, hoping she didn’t notice the flush in her cheeks summoned by her quick daydream. Was it a daydream? Or was it more of a wish?

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Elle Douglas writes small-town contemporary romance for lovers of warm, feel-good stories that are on the sweeter side. Elle’s novels feature strong, relatable characters living in tight-knit communities, with a backdrop of stunning Canadian wilderness.

Elle is a lover of 90’s alternative music, a wannabe chef specializing in comfort food and a sometimes reluctant but usually dedicated gym-goer who lives in Toronto with her romance muse partner and their cat Lucy (or Lucifer, depending on the day). Between writing romance novels and working as a high school guidance counsellor, Elle works exclusively in helping others find their happily-ever-afters. 

She is a graduate of TMU's Radio and Television Arts program, OISE at U of T, and the U of T Creative Writing program, and is a member of Toronto Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America and Georgia Romance Writers.

Visit her website at elledouglas.com or find her on Instagram at @elledouglaswriter

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Spotlight: The Truth about Horses by Christy Cashman

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Fourteen-year-old Reese dreams of her family winning the Black Elk race. But their beloved horse, Trusted Treasure, falls at the last jump. Reese witnesses the family’s finances, hopes, and happiness go up in smoke. While still reeling from the loss, the family suffers a second tragedy, resulting in the sale of Trusted Treasure that irreparably damages Reese’s relationship with her father.

Heartbroken, Reese searches everywhere to find Trusted Treasure in the hopes she can bring him home and heal the rift with her father.

During an unexpected turn of events, Reese meets Wes, a Lakota Indian, whose way of training horses is unlike anything she’s ever seen. If anyone can win the Black Elk, it’s Wes, but he’s struggling with his troubled past, and having a teenage girl hanging around his barn isn’t exactly what he’d planned. Reese must prove her worth, against all odds, if she wants to heal her family, help Wes, and show them all that some dreams are worth fighting for.

Buy on Amazon | Audible | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Christy Cashman is an author, producer and actress who has appeared in several films, including American Hustle, Joy, The Descendants, Ted 2, Kettle of Fish, The Love Guide,  The Women, The Golden Boys, The Forger and many others.

Christy is the founder of YouthINK, a not-for-profit mentor-led creative program geared towards teenagers ages 13-18 with a focus on writing, storytelling, and the arts.  Its mission is to inspire confidence, imagination, and self-expression. She is also co-chair of Literary Lights for the Associates of the Boston Public Library.

Christy has also written two children’s books set in Ireland: The Not-So-Average Monkey of Kilkea Castle and Petri’s Next Things. When she’s not writing or working on philanthropy and production projects, Christy is most likely riding cross country through the countryside of New England or Ireland. Christy lives with her husband, Jay; two sons, Jay Michael and Quinn; their three dogs;; and four horses. The family divides their time between Kilkea Castle in Ireland and their homes in Boston and Chatham, Massachusetts. The Truth About Horses is Christy’s first novel.