Spotlight: Blake Marshall Says He Needs Me by Winter Travers

Series: He Says Book 3

Genre: Small Town Romance, Romantic Comedy, Standalone

Release Date: January 28, 2024

Cover designer: Robin Harper @ Wicked By Design

Blake Marshall has everything he could need.

A roof over his head, a great job, and amazing friends. Even a sheep in his backyard.

All of that doesn't matter, though, when Shannon McGee walks back into his life.

Years ago, Blake and Shannon knew each other years ago but were ripped apart by tragedy. With Shannon back in his life, Blake needs to figure out if he can move on from the past and let fate take over or turn his back on Shannon all over again.

Either way, Blake needs to figure out just what he needs.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Winter Travers is a devoted wife, mother, and aunt turned author who was born and raised in Wisconsin. After a brief stint in South Carolina following her heart to chase the man who is now her hubby, they retreated back up North to the changing seasons, and to the place they now call home.

Winter spends her days writing happily ever afters, and her nights being a karate mom hauling her son to practices and tournaments.. She also has an addiction to anything MC related, puppies, and baking.

Connect:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wintertravers

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wintertravers

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

Website: www.wintertravers.com

Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/2HD0UAm

Mailing List: https://www.wintertravers.com

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2vAJPm1

BookBub: https://bit.ly/2HQtk7y

Spotlight: Foul Play in Franklin by Pamela McCord

(An Erin Baily in Franklin Paranormal Mystery, #1)

Publication date: December 6th 2023

Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal

Synopsis:

Erin Baily never expected her Good Samaritan act would lead to a whirlwind of secrets and otherworldly adventures. When she saved the elderly Alice from muggers years earlier, little did she know that she’d inherit Alice’s estate in picturesque Franklin, Tennessee. But when Erin steps into her new home, she’s in for a shock—both the charming house and a mysterious cat hold secrets that will change her life forever.

A near-death experience leaves Erin with an uncanny ability to converse with the enigmatic cat and opens the door to an unexpected ghostly roommate—Alice herself. Together, they embark on a supernatural mission to unearth the truth behind Alice’s murder.

With her trusty best friend, Susie, now by her side in Franklin, Erin starts digging into a web of suspects, each with their own motives and dark secrets. Sparks fly when she crosses paths with the dashing and determined homicide detective, Ryan, who’s assigned to Alice’s case. Romance begins to simmer even as danger looms.

As Erin and Susie unravel the threads of deception, they inch closer to a shocking revelation that will send shivers down your spine. But when danger rears its head, Erin finds herself in a life-or-death showdown with the cunning killer. Can she outsmart a murderer and save herself, all while helping Alice find the peace she deserves?

“Foul Play in Franklin” is a delightful mix of supernatural suspense, heartwarming friendship, humor and a touch of romance.

Join Erin Baily on a thrilling journey as she navigates the living, the dead, and the mysteries that bind them together. Will Erin unveil the truth, or will she become the next victim? Prepare for a spine-tingling, heart-pounding adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Excerpt

Elsie had brought Weeds home before she picked me up, so I wasn’t surprised to see gold eyes peering at me from around a doorframe. “Hi, Weedsie,” I said. I thought I heard a growl but ignored her as I made my way to the den and sank onto my sofa. Before I could turn on the TV, I felt her hop up beside me. I looked at her and reached out a hand to pet her, but she backed up just enough to let me know petting was currently off-limits. Such a typical cat thing to do.

She sat stone-still and stared at me, and I stared back. I had no idea what was going on in her little cat brain, but it seemed like she had something on her mind.

“Aw, did you miss me?” I baby-talked to her.

“Good grief, it took you long enough.”

I blinked my eyes several times. I couldn’t have just heard Weeds speak.

When I didn’t say anything, Weeds continued. “We kept waiting for you to notice everything, but you were oblivious. Oblivious!”

I pointed at her. “You…you didn’t just say something.”

“I most certainly did. Get with the program, missy.”

“You’re a cat. You can’t talk.” I was sure I must look white as a sheet, as I’d felt all the blood drain out of my face. What kind of drugs did the hospital have me on?

“Apparently I can.”

I backed up from her and jumped off the sofa, grabbing a fireplace poker and holding it out in front of me. “Stay back!”

“Oh my God. Get a grip. We have things to talk about.”

I waved the poker a little bit. “Cats can’t talk.”

“We’ve been over this. And put that thing down. I’m not going to hurt you.”

I squinted at her and sat back down on the sofa, as far from her as possible, but kept a firm hold on the poker.

“Well, I actually did hurt you, but it had to be done.”

“What does that mean?”

“You didn’t fall down the stairs by yourself.”

“You pushed me?”

“Don’t be silly. Cats can’t push people down stairs. But,” she held up a paw for emphasis, “we can suddenly appear under your feet and cause you to trip.”

“You tripped me on purpose?”

“It had to be done. You weren’t catching on.”

“I could have died.”

“No, you couldn’t have.”

“I had a near death experience. The doctor said I was legally dead for ten minutes.”

“You’re here, aren’t you? I knew you wouldn’t die.”

“Oh, really. And how would you know that?” I was sitting on a sofa having an actual conversation with a cat. Are pigs flying?

“Because I’m psychic.”

“I’ve heard everything now,” I said, throwing up my hands.

“Not really.” She started to lick her hind leg, which was stuck up in the air. “By the way, I much prefer Peekaboo to Weeds.”

“Well, Weeds is your name.”

“Not anymore. I won’t answer if you call me that. And I want a new collar with ‘Peekaboo’ on it.”

Maybe I should still be in the hospital. I couldn’t be talking to a cat. I picked up my phone to call Elsie to ask if she’d take me back, but Weeds hissed at me and pounced, knocking the phone out of my hand.

“We’re not done here,” Weeds said. “She needs you.” The cat turned her head, and I followed her gaze. At first, I didn’t see anything, but then I saw a shimmer, and then the shimmer morphed into…Alice?

Once again, I raised my poker and held it between me and the ghost. Then I dropped it and started to cry. Something was terribly wrong with me. Either my brains were scrambled or I had a brain tumor. Neither option sounded great.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Born in Arkansas and raised in Southern California, Pamela McCord started writing later in life when she was challenged by a friend to create a book out of his story idea. Since then, she's become an internationally published author. Pam has spent over 40 years working as a legal secretary at a law firm in Orange County, California. Aside from writing, she follows the stock market, buying, selling and trading stocks and options. In contrast to that, she loves trips to Las Vegas where she can spend many happy hours at the Pai Gow tables. She shares a condo with her very own My Cat From Hell TV star, Allie, who manages to exude just enough affection to make her scary feral ways tolerable.

Connect:
https://www.pamelamccordbooks.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pamela.mccord.9

Spotlight: Ruined Beta by Romy Lockhart

A Sweet Omegaverse Romance Book 5

Genre: Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance

Leanne Leto spent most of her life running from the truth. Now that her biggest secret is out in the open, she vows to get over her bone-deep fear of Alphas to make a fresh start in Cressidan City.

Admitting what she truly wants out of her life, she starts the career she’s always craved. The only trouble is, she’s forced to work closely with Alphas who know every detail about her past.

Falling for the men she works with isn’t part of her plan, but she’s not sure she has the strength to resist their allure. Can this pack help heal her heart, or is she doomed to forever be ruined by Alphas?

Ruined Beta is a standalone sweet omegaverse romance with adult characters, serious steam, and an HEA.

Excerpt

I get to my feet, not sure if I want to step into the Alpha-filled office or make a dash for the exit. I’ve already allowed Echo’s pretty face and sexy voice to fluster me. He’s definitely not the kind of guy I’ve ever gone for, and it makes me wonder what I’ve been missing out on.

He smells good, too, and it takes me a second to realize that’s because he’s an Omega.

It’s his perfume I’m smelling; the natural scent that attracts his mates and plays havoc with everyone else. I can’t quite identify the scent, but it’s making my mouth water and my body warm up.

Oh, wow. I had no idea Omegas could be so compelling.

And I thought Alphas were the dangerous ones.

I seriously need to be careful around this guy.

He opens the door wide for me, and I nod at him before I step into the office.

“This is E.A.,” Echo introduces, gesturing to the man behind the desk.

He gives the thinnest sliver of a smile. His skin is paler than Echo’s and his eyes and hair are so dark they look black. His cheekbones are sharp enough to cut glass. He looks like he could be a vampire, in the kind of movie where they actually kill people.

“And that shadow in the corner is Spencer.”

“Hi,” I murmur as I glance from the vampire to the other Alpha.

This guy seems more casual and less imposing, even if he’s more muscular and he can’t seem to stop frowning. From his clothes, and his stature, he could have just walked off the set of an action movie. The first scene, before his white shirt starts to get messed up by the plot. He’s blond and tanned and he probably has perfect teeth. I’m not sure I’ll get to find out about that last thing, though. He doesn’t look like he’s in the mood to smile.

“I’ll let you all get acquainted,” Echo murmurs before he backs out of the room.

He closes the door, and I swallow.

I’m alone with two Alphas.

I fight the urge to shiver as I look back at E.A. Shultz.

He has a compelling stare, and an energy I’m drawn to without understanding why.

Vampires aren’t real, Leanne.

Maybe that popcorn was bad.

Or the side effects of my pain pills are kicking in.

Something’s not right here.

I’m standing in front of two Alphas in an enclosed space, and instead of feeling nervous about what they might do, I’m thinking there are all kinds of things I’d like them to do.

It’s nerves making you feel weird, that’s all.

Pull yourself together!

Neither of these guys want to fuck you or kill you.

I’m a dull, boring Beta, and all I’m here for is a job opportunity.

The self-talk helps, but neither of them seem to want to start the interview.

E.A. stares at me for a long moment before he stands up and gestures to the chair opposite him.

“Please. Sit.”

“Don’t get too comfortable,” Spencer adds.

The tension in the room isn’t all on me, then.

For some reason, the action movie hero isn’t pleased.

I sit down, and E.A. does the same before he glances over at Spencer.

“Sit down or leave.”

He doesn’t sound like he particularly cares which option Spencer picks.

Right now, I’d prefer it if he decided to leave.

He frowns harder before he tugs the chair next to E.A.’s off to the side of the desk and sits down.

“Don’t mind my partner,” E.A. tells me. “He thinks I’m being a prick, but he doesn’t know I had no intention of being dishonest with you about this job.”

Oh my God. Does everyone in this city think I’m an asset because I was Frank Palmer’s last victim?

I sink back in the seat. “Don’t tell me. You only want to hire me because of what happened to me?”

“I told you this was messed up,” Spencer growls at his partner.

E.A. gives me a cold smile. “I’m going to make you an offer, and I think you’ll want to take it.”

“What’s the offer?” I ask, ready to get up and leave.

“Help us bring down the biggest human trafficker in the country,” he starts. “I know your sister and her friends are working to make the Omega academies safer, but until we can stop the traffickers, every Omega is at risk no matter where they are or how safe they seem.”

The blood drains from my face. He knows about Secret, and he’s using her status as an Omega to threaten me. It doesn’t matter if he’s asking me to help with something that sounds worthwhile. He’s also making it clear he knows what will hurt me if I don’t say yes.

“You’ll stay the fuck away from my sister,” I snap back at him, pushing the chair back as I get to my feet. “Or I’ll make sure you go out the same way Frank Palmer did.”

I march out of there, so angry I could hit something.

Or someone. I step out onto the street, and I see the blue-haired guy from yesterday morning coming toward me, with a baseball cap in his hand. He looks up, and I smack him in the stomach with my purse.

“That’s for tailing me! Asshole!” I storm away without looking back.

I’m so done with this fucking job hunt.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Audiobook | Paperback

About the Author

Romy Lockhart writes paranormal reverse harem and M/F contemporary romance. All of her books contain steamy scenes between consenting adults. All of her reverse harems have harem ever afters, and all of her romance novels have happy endings.  

Website * Facebook * FB GroupTwitter * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Cover Reveal: The Night Ride by Anya Summers

Publication date: June 25th 2024

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

No amount of military training can prepare you to fight for love.

Beautiful. Intoxicating. Utterly forbidden.

Years ago, when I first laid eyes on Beth, I wanted her more than I’ve ever wanted anyone. But she’s my best friend’s little sister, and there are some boundaries even I won’t cross. I forced myself to spurn her advances, even though I hated doing it.

And I never forgot her – or the hatred blazing in her beautiful eyes when she walked away from me.

I didn’t expect to see her again. Nor was I prepared for the desperate desire she’d ignite in me. I crave her. Want her. Need her.

I can’t stay away from her this time. Not when her touch mends all my broken pieces.

She doesn’t trust me to stick around but I’ll do whatever it takes to prove my devotion. After all, I thrive on adversity. And I’ll draw on every ounce of strength I possess to win her heart because now I’m convinced:

She was always meant to be mine.

Grab this steamy, forbidden, stand-alone romance where a Navy SEAL falls for his best friend’s sister, as they face an attraction they cannot deny.

Buy on Amazon

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.

Connect:
Website: www.anyasummers.com 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnyaSummersAuthor   
Twitter: @AnyaBSummers https://twitter.com/anyabsummers?lang=en 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15183606.Anya_Summers
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Anya-Summers/e/B01EGTVRKC/
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/anya-summers
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/anyasummersauthor/
Newsletter https://anyasummers.com/newsletter/

Spotlight: The Grumpy Boss Agreement by Vivian Wood

Release Date: January 26

A grumpy boss and single dad with a big project on the horizon. His sexy new assistant, who has a brilliant smile, a sunny attitude, and an oversized heart. The stolen kiss that they can’t forget, no matter how much they try…

After my fiancée left me standing at the altar, I kissed a gorgeous, sultry woman. Months later, that same sunny blonde with a dazzling smile is introduced as Savannah, my new assistant. I try not to panic, but I’ve been fantasizing about her ever-so-kissable lips during my dark, lonely nights. Savannah needs money, and I happen to need a community mouthpiece who can sweet talk the locals.

It’s a match made in heaven… or in my personal hell. From the first second I look into Savannah’s pretty green eyes, I am toast. She is bright and chipper and eager to help a grumpy boss like me succeed. I can bark orders at her all day, but she just smiles and hops to it. It’s annyong how Savannah just smiles at people and somehow ends up getting her way.

Moving back home to Cape Simon is what’s best for my son Charlie. Being a single dad to him all by myself has been tough. Here he can be surrounded by my large, close-knit family. That’s assuming my pro-athlete brother Rex doesn’t drive me insane with his endless demands first.

Lovely, sweet Savannah sticks around to lend me a hand. I’m powerless to resist her sunshine-y charm. She just loves to help anyone and everyone. And what do I do? Grab her by the shoulders, pull her against my body, and kiss her lips until she’s breathless. It’s stupid, reckless, and thoughtless… but it feels so right.

Opposites attract, but nothing can happen between us. I’m not planning on staying in town long. And she’s such a good girl that she practically screams relationship material. Been there, done that, got jilted in a tux.

There’s no way I’m going to kiss her again. No matter how gorgeous she looks, how desperately I start to want her, or how many times we get stuck together spending all afternoon in a tiny swamp shack…

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

Vivian Wood is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Top 20 bestselling author. She specializes in writing about damaged billionaires, ruined princesses, mouthy ballerinas, and anti-heroes that are oh so deliciously bad.

Vivian likes to write about troubled, deeply flawed alpha males and the fiery, kick-ass women who bring them to their knees. 

Vivian's lasting motto in romance is a quote from a favorite song: "Soulmates never die."

Get a free book and keep up with Vivian, subscribe to her newsletter: https://vivian-wood.com/get-news

To learn more about Vivian Wood & her books, visit here!

Connect with Vivian Wood: INFO@VIVIAN-WOOD.COM

Spotlight: One Icy Night by W.A. Pepper

30th Anniversary of the 1994 Delta Ice Storm Edition

Thriller

Date Published: January 26, 2024

Rook’s on the run in the most dangerous storm in decades. When a brush with the law goes from bad to worse, can she escape druggies, crazies, and killers?

Abandoned by her now-ex-boyfriend at a dive bar in the middle of nowhere, the last thing resilient Rook Kellum needs is the local sheriff confiscating her I.D. when one phone call could expose her true identity and the reason she is on the run from the law. So when she’s trapped by a deadly ice storm that destroys the Mississippi Delta, the twenty-year-old fugitive has a plan: get everyone drunk, steal back her license (and a madman’s car), and get the hell out of town.

It is only when Rook escapes to a secluded cabin does she discover she isn’t the only one in need of rescue. As she fights her way out of one disaster just to get pounded with another, will Rook live to see the light of day?

One Icy Night is Taylor Adam's No Exit meets Rachel Hawkins’s The Wife Upstairs.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

W. A. Pepper writes suspenseful thrillers. You Will Know Vengeance was his award-winning debut novel. He is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Bestselling Author for his contribution to the business anthology Habits of Success. Under different names, (and his real one of Will Pepper) he has published in multiple academic journals, interactive e-books, anthologies, and online. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his wife Taddy (plus their dog Danger), started the publishing house Hustle Valley Press, LLC. Through it, they published four e-books that have amassed over one hundred five-star reviews. Further, the husband-and-wife team donated the first six months of revenue from the sale of each of those books to charity; this resulted in thousands of dollars raised for the reader-selected charities that support racial equality, COVID-19 relief, veteran affairs, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. He has a PhD in Management Information Systems or, as he calls it, Business Computing, from The University of Mississippi. He enjoys coffee, bourbon, snow skiing, Star Wars, comic books, and reading and watching thrillers. Finally, he, his wife Taddy, and their dog Danger split their time between Mississippi and Colorado. 

Connect:

Author website: https://www.wapepperwrites.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/WAPepperWrites

IG: https://www.instagram.com/wapepperwrites

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@wapepperwrites