Spotlight: Vacancy by Linda Kage

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Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

HOW DO YOU RENT A ROOM FROM A GHOST WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING IT?

This year was supposed to be different because Oaklynn had a plan.

Stop partying.
Stay away from guys.
Focus on classes.
Graduate!

All she needed to do was find a place to stay near campus, and she’d be set. But when she finds the perfect room to rent, it brings the mysterious Damien into her life.

Her friend tries to warn her that he’s dangerous. He has secrets and darkness in his eyes. But the only danger Oaklynn can tell that he poses is to her attention. He’s all she can think about. Except, he’s hiding something, and when the truth comes out that her new roommate was murdered…a decade ago…nothing will ever be the same again.

So yeah, this year will definitely be different.

Excerpt

Completely out of my depth with this guy, I picked up one of the pillows from his bed and hugged it to my chest, trying to muffle the impact he was having on me. But his smell rippled up from the fabric, and my body went into a state of hypersensitivity.

“So...” I said, drawing in a deep breath and trying to sound casual, even though every part of me was trembling with arousal.

Damien left the doorway to take a single, cautious step in my direction. “Did I pass inspection?”

I shrugged, still trying to play it cool. “For the time being.” Then, I took a step forward as well, holding my breath the entire time in anticipation.

Shaking his head, he eased closer. “I still can’t believe you’re standing in my room right now.”

Taking my turn, I shifted an inch toward him. “Why not?”

“I don’t know.” His whiskey eyes searched mine as if reading all my secret desires. “I kind of thought I may never see you again.”

I paused and tipped my head curiously. “But you’re my landlord.”

Lifting one shoulder, he narrowed the gap until there was only about two feet separating us. “I’ve had lots of tenants that I only met once and never saw again. And I didn’t want you to be one of those. I picked up my phone half a dozen times to text, but I didn’t know if it was okay to do that after...”

When he lifted his eyebrows in question, silently asking if it would’ve been okay, I merely sent him a mysterious smile. “What would you have said if you’d texted?”

His lips twitched, finding amusement. “Probably only that I wanted to see you again.”

Catching my breath, I squeezed the pillow against me tighter. “Say it now,” I commanded.

Damien’s eyes turned predatory. Moving in until only the pillow separated us, he whispered, “I want to see you again.”

“Okay,” I whispered back.

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About the Author

Linda writes romance fiction from YA to adult, contemporary to fantasy. Most Kage stories lean more toward the lighter, sillier side with a couple meaningful moments thrown in. Focuses more on entertainment value and emotional impact.
Published since 2010. Went through a 2-year writing correspondence class in children's literature from The Institute of Children's Literature. Then graduated with a Bachelors in Arts, English with an emphasis in creative fiction writing from Pittsburg State University.

Now she lives with hubby, two daughters, cat Holly, and nine cuckoo clocks in southeast Kansas, USA. Farm girl. Parents were dairy farmers. Was youngest of eight. Big family. Day job as a cataloging library assistant.

Harry Potter House Gryffindor, Patronus White Stallion, character match Hagrid. Supernatural Team Dean. Game of Thrones Team Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister. The Walking Dead Team Daryl. Outlander Team Jamie Fraser. Teen Wolf Team Stiles. Avenger Team Thor...or Hulk (can't decide). Justice League Team Flash. Arrow Team Stephen Amell. Stranger Things obsessed. Heard Laurel, not Yanny.

Started out reading with the Baby-Sitters Club. Then moved to Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, and LaVyrle Spencer in high school. Now all over the place with her romance reading tastes.

Connect:
Twitter: @lindakage - https://twitter.com/lindakage
Facebook: Linda Kage - Romance Author - https://www.facebook.com/authorlindakage
Instagram: @lindakagebks - https://www.instagram.com/lindakagebks/
Website: http://www.lindakage.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3213942.Linda_Kage
Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/APageWithLindaKage/
Email: linda@lindakage.com

Cover Reveal: The Sword and the Hounds by A.B. Finlayson

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(Arthur Crazy, #2)

Published by: Parliament House

Publication date: April 9th 2024

Genres: Adult, Comedy, Urban Fantasy

Synopsis:

Now he’s just drunk. The dead are silent, and Arthur is worried he might be living up to the family name. But after going back to where the Crazy people live and spending months sleeping off hangovers in his childhood bed, it’s finally time to return to the land of the living.

Unfortunately, the dead are not done with Arthur.

The hounds are stirring.

The guardians are moving.

The Shadowmen are watching.

And the sword in Arthur’s possession is calling them all.

They’re on their way, but you know what Britain is like—public transport is a joke. Especially at Christmas, it could take some time.

Some people have skeletons in their closet. Arthur has ghosts in his dreams and a sword under his bed… and every greedy ghoul wants it!

Evil stirs in Yorkshire.

Britain needs a hero.

Arthur needs a coffee.

On the moors, the devil rises.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

A Yorkshire lad living in the sun. I make up stories and eventually write them down. 

Connect:

https://abfinlayson.com/

https://www.facebook.com/abfinlaysonauthor/

https://www.instagram.com/a.b.finlayson/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20527780.A_B_Finlayson

Spotlight: The Ledger by Jodee Jean Daniels

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Team of Eight Book 1

Genre: Suspense Mystery with Heat

Lillianne's world is a fortress of secrets and chosen bonds. Her 'Team of Eight' isn't just a close-knit group; they're her found family, safeguarding her against shadowy global threats. Amidst this protective circle, a dark presence lingers - Azrael. This mysterious entity whispers from the depths of her mind, guiding her in a relentless fight against evil.

Lili is a beacon of hope for the innocent in this high-stakes game. Her mission? To thwart Abrams, a formidable adversary whose reign of terror over the vulnerable must end. But her path is riddled with obstacles, not least of which is the frustrating bureaucracy of the agency that constantly impedes her progress.

As Lili navigates this treacherous landscape, she faces a personal dilemma. The stirrings of a new love beckon, offering a chance to heal old wounds. But just as she opens her heart, echoes of a troubled past resurface, threatening to shatter her newfound hope.

The Ledger is at the heart of her journey, symbolizing the wrongs she aims to right. But as she crosses out each entry marked in red, Lili is forced to confront a critical question: What matters more, the mission or the people who stand with her in solidarity?

Join Lili in a gripping tale of loyalty, love, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Jodee Jean Daniels is a novelist from the Deep South. She might not be everyone's cup of tea, but she is a special group of people's double shots of whiskey, so to those, she is JUST WRITE! Join her on the journey to become a best-selling author while balancing her home life with 5 kids and 2 grandkids. It is always fun on her channel! 

Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Spotlight: Lost in Seoul by Rachel Van Dyken & Colet Abedi

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Release Date: December 11

Lost in Seoul is a standalone new adult romance set in the competitive world of K-pop from bestselling authors Rachel Van Dyken and Colet Abedi.

A meet cute is supposed to be cute.

Ours was sexy. Chaotic. Not normal.

Less than 10 minutes after we met, I realized we could never be. She was forbidden to me.

She held my hand behind his back.

I gripped hers, knowing it was wrong.

I was on the cusp of superstardom—and still I held her fingertips because it felt right.

Knowing that when it all went wrong, we would be done—the media would destroy us.

After all, not only was she was four years older than me, she was the leader of SWT's sister—my best friend—and someone who could wreck everything we'd worked for.

But I still held on.

I'm lost. So lost.

I'm the youngest in the group, the one everyone sees as the most innocent.

But they don't know the stolen moments with her.

The kisses.

The touching.

They don't know any of that.

So I keep acting as if I’m pure as the driven snow when really all it took was one chance meeting.

To make.

Me.

Sin.

Hi, I'm Sookie, Maknae of SWT, the most famous K-pop group in the world.

And I'm pretty sure I'm not just lost… nah, I'm about to fall.

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About the Authors

Rachel Van Dyken is the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over 100 books ranging from new adult romance to mafia romance to paranormal & fantasy romance. With over four million copies sold, she's been featured in Forbes, US Weekly, and USA Today. Her books have been translated in more than 15 countries. She was one of the first romance authors to have a Kindle in Motion book through Amazon publishing and continues to strive to be on the cutting edge of the reader experience. She keeps her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, adorable sons, naked cat, and two dogs.

Keep up with Rachel Van Dyken and subscribe to her newsletter: https://rachelvandykenauthor.com/newsletter

To learn more about Rachel & her books, visit here!

Connect with Rachel Van Dyken:

http://www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken or join her fan group Rachel's New Rockin Readers https://www.facebook.com/groups/RRRFanClub

Colet Abedi is an Iranian American, best-selling author, television and film producer. She was born in Virginia and currently lives in Los Angeles. When she's not writing she's either off on an adventure in a far off land or planning her next getaway. She writes contemporary romance, women's fiction, and young adult.

Connect with Colet Abedi:

https://www.facebook.com/colet.abedi

https://www.instagram.com/coletabedi/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00E9BR6U8

Spotlight: When All is Said and Done by Christy Hayes

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Publication date: December 5th 2023

Genres: Women’s Fiction

Synopsis:

A heartbreaking novel about the sacrifices we make for love.

After an unstable childhood, marriage isn’t just a promise to Dustin Carver, it’s his lifeline. He and Tegan grew up together, fell in love, and planned their perfect life. When the future they imagined gets derailed by her demanding law career, their marriage slowly slides off the rails.

Tegan can’t believe her husband took her threat of a separation seriously and walked away without a backward glance. Heartbroken and embarrassed, she covers for his absence with lies. Lies she tells herself about her career. Lies she tells her family about her marriage. And lies she’s yet to confess to her husband about a secret she kept while he was away. When Dustin finally returns, she’s running on fumes and her lies are about to be exposed.

Seven weeks in Key West licking his wounds and watching his best friend fall in love is enough to convince Dustin to come home and fight for his marriage. Saving their relationship means returning to therapy and facing a bitter truth neither wants to address. What if their childhood romance doesn’t have a happy-ever-after ending?

This emotional read told with brutal honesty begs the ultimate question for marriages far and wide. At the end of the day-at the end of our lives-what is worth fighting for, and when, if ever, should we walk away?

Excerpt

Tegan dressed for dinner as if preparing for battle. Determined not to blow her cool with her family the way she had with Dustin, she dressed for comfort in her softest linen pants and white cotton T while giving herself a lecture. After yelling at one another and then storming off in opposite directions for the rest of the day—Tegan to her office and Dustin to the garage—one thing remained clear. Forgive and forget was off the table and it was every man for himself.

Her indescribable relief at Dustin’s return home hadn’t lasted long. He’d mercilessly gone for the jugular by calling her a coward. Instead of keeping her cool and assuming the posture of humility, she’d gotten defensive and angry, spouting a litany of the same tired grievances that had sent them spiraling into therapy. But their old arguments took on a new life since she’d mucked everything up with lies.

At half-past five, with Dustin still puttering around in the garage, he’d forced her to wander outside and remind him of the time and her impending date with the guillotine. He’d passed her on his way to their bedroom wearing a layer of dirt and the added stench of gasoline on his skin. He didn’t look at her or say a word, his silence like a middle finger to her face.

She nervously loitered in the kitchen as Dustin showered upstairs, eyeing the keys to their cars hanging side by side on the key hook. Would he even agree to drive together? Did she even want to?

He entered the kitchen wearing khaki shorts and a golf shirt. Tegan bit the inside of her cheek and looked away. She recognized the look on his face, the chilling detachment she’d seen a million times when he’d interacted with his mom. His cold apathy was more potent than a tongue-lashing, and he’d proved earlier he could hold his own on that front.

“Ready?” she asked.

A noncommittal grunt was his only answer.

She followed him outside to his car, anticipating he might lock the car door after he got in and zoom off without her. But he waited for her to settle in the seat and close the door, and even adjusted the air on her side of the car. His kindness made her wonder if it wouldn’t have been better to go alone. Sitting next to him, enveloped by the cologne on his skin and where it had permeated the leather, she choked on longing and chided herself for her earlier behavior.

She cleared her throat to break the silence and muttered, “Thank you for coming with me.”

He flexed his fingers on the wheel and kept his eyes on the road. “I didn’t think it was optional.”

“You could have refused.”

“The jig is up, Tegan. No sense in playing dumb now. One of us needs to admit our issues and deal with the fallout.”

One of us. Meaning her and not him. He was the responsible one. The one who didn’t lie. The one who left her to deal with her family on her own. “I don’t know what we’re walking into, but I can guess it won’t be pretty.”

“Can’t put lipstick on a pig.” He braked, took the turn onto the interstate too fast, and sent her swaying into the door. “May as well get it over with.”

The way he spoke to her as if she didn’t mean more to him than a piece of gum on the bottom of his shoe had tears building behind her eyes. Tegan dug her fingernails into her palm and blinked them away. She deserved his bitterness, and she’d earned his distrust, but his continuous use of that dispassionate tone had her squirming in her seat beneath the too-tight seatbelt attempting to saw away at her neck. She might not need the guillotine if he kept going with his calculated attack.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Christy Hayes writes romance and romantic women's fiction. She is the proud mother of two grown children and lives outside Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and rescue dogs. 

Connect:

http://www.christyhayes.com/

https://twitter.com/SeaHayes

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/christy-hayes

https://www.instagram.com/christyhayesauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/ChristyHayesAuthor/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4984001.Christy_Hayes

Spotlight: The Girl from Wudang: A Novel about Artificial Intelligence, Martial Arts and Immortality by PJ Caldas

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From Emmy-winner, Brazilian best-seller PJ Caldas, comes a story about immortality, martial arts and AI that will make you change the way you look at life, science, and the crazy times we are living in.

My Name is Tigress and I am immortal. This is my story.

Embark on a mind-bending journey with Tigress as she navigates the confusing jumps of conscience that throw her between tender moments of her childhood practicing Tai Chi in China, the most violent cage fights in California, and a secret lab where scientists experiment with her brain. Dive into the chaotic blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology in this exhilarating and thought-provoking techno-thriller that critics are calling "a triumph of fiction writing."

Fans of the legendary cyberpunk novels and gritty sci-fi thrillers of William Gibson and Stieg Larsson will be captivated by this new techno-thriller—a fast-paced blend of action, neuroscience, spirituality and martial arts.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

About the Author

PJ CALDAS was picked by the Dictionary of Literary Biography as one of the most important Brazilian writers of the 21st century. He has published four books inspired by the mythology carried to Brazil by the African diaspora, and reached the top five bestselling titles multiple times. Caldas is also a martial artist with 40 years of experience in combat sports, including kempo, karate, wing chun, tai chi, boxing and Brazilian jiu jitsu. He currently works in New York City and lives in Connecticut.

Connect on his website: https://www.pjcaldas.com/