Series Cover Reveal – The V-Card Diaries

January 12, 2022 | Posted in Cover Reveal | By

 

Series: The V-Card Diaries Series
Author: Lili Valente
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Cover Design: Kelly Greer
Photo: Wander Aguiar
SCORED
Releasing March 1

 

Begging my brother’s best friend—aka NHL superstar, Ian Fox—to help me ditch my V Card wasn’t part of my “make it big in NYC” plans.

 

But after years of being “cute little Evie,” I’m tired of waiting for Mr. Right. I’m ready for Mr. Right Now, and Ian is everything I’ve ever wanted in a first time. He’s kind, funny, confident, and has a legendary…stick.

 

Seriously, his stick has its own page of search results, complete with gray sweatpants shots hot enough to make even a clueless virgin drool.

 

And yes, my brother will murder us if he finds out, but we’re both grownups.

 

We can keep a secret. We have to since I just landed an art therapy job working with his troubled team.

 

All we’re doing is a little practice. (Or…ehembig practice.)

 

Too bad my heart didn’t get the memo.

 

 

PRE-ORDER LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
EXCERPT

 

“No good comes from insomnia scrolling or reading articles about sugar.” I head into the kitchen, fetching the stepladder from beside the fridge.

 

“And what about withholding funny texts from one of your best friends?” Jess tosses casually over her shoulder. “Any good come from that?”
“It was nothing,” I say, collecting the small Tupperware container from under the pile of empty coffee bags we’re collecting to earn a free sock cap. “Just a goofy thing. Not worth sharing.”
She hums thoughtfully. “Right. And I wasn’t secretly hoping to be teacher’s pet and get Ian’s monster cock to sledgehammer through my V-card.”
I tumble off the stepladder in surprise, sending the cookies flying as I reach out to catch myself on the lower cabinets before I crush my tailbone on the tile.
“You okay?” Jess calls out.
“I’m fine,” I say, my heart still racing.
“And the cookies?”
I glance over to see the Tupperware container still closed though it has rolled halfway into Cam’s giant tennis shoe. “Also fine, but what are you… How did you…”
“Nothing gets past me,” Jess says. “You should know that by now. I appear to see nothing, but I see all. Like the Eye of Sauron.”

 

SCREWED
Releasing April 19

 

My best friend’s older brother excels at many things—being a bossy grump, a jerk, and…this hopeless virgin’s fake fiancé?

 

I need a guy who understands that this is all pretend, and who better than a man who can’t stand me—and vice versa? Besides, Derrick is the kind of cocky, confident, successful dude bro my gram will adore.
We’ll convince my ailing grandmother I’m not going to die alone, Derrick will honor that favor he owes me, and we’ll part ways as enemies with NO benefits.
It’s a rock-solid plan…until it isn’t.
Turns out I may have made a slight miscalculation.

 

Now Derrick is charming my family, sweeping me off my feet, and making me want crazy things.

 

Suddenly, I think I might actually want him to be my first and maybe…my only?

 

Yeah, I’m screwed.
So bleeping screwed.

 

SEDUCED
Releasing June 7

 

Last night I made out with a gorgeous, funny, quirky older woman. Today I learned she’s the new executive chef at my restaurant. AKA my new boss.

 

Yep, that’s the hot mess I’m in at the moment.
But the chemistry between Beth and me is even hotter.
The problem? She’s a single mom focused on helping her little girl adjust to life in the big city. Dating right now—especially a co-worker—is asking for trouble.

 

So, what’s my next move? Seduce the hell out of the woman, of course.

 

I may still technically be hanging onto my V Card, but I know how to drive a woman wild in bed.

 

Even more importantly, I know I’m the kind of man Beth’s looking for. I love hard, keep my promises, and I’ll put her and her daughter first.

 

And then I learn the real reason she’s been holding me at a distance…
Most men would be scared away. Me?
I’m even more determined to prove I can make this wounded woman’s dreams come true.

 

SPARKED
Releasing July 26

 

Eight years ago, Sam Baxter and I were best friends and the goofiest computer nerds to matriculate from our swanky high school.

 

We also made a pact to meet up and get busy if one or both of us were still virgins by our twenty-fourth birthdays.
I assumed that was a silly pinky swear we’d both forgotten about until Sam shows up at my twenty-fourth birthday party. He no longer needs a V-Card puncher, but he’s ready and willing to help me out.

 

Boy is he ready…

 

Gone is the lanky kid with glasses who made me snort-laugh when we played video games. In his place is a sex god with massive biceps, designer clothes, and a smolder that transforms women to quivering puddles of lust.

 

I’m out of my league with this new Sam.
But I’m also every bit as drawn to him as I used to be.

 

So, when he dares me to give him three dates to prove he can be trusted to rock my world, I agree. What do I have to lose aside from my V Card?

 

Oh, right. My heart…

 

 

AUTHOR BIO

 

Author of over forty novels, USA Today Bestseller Lili Valente writes everything from steamy suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. A die-hard romantic, she can’t resist a story where love wins big. Because love should always win. She lives in the Northeast with her two big-hearted boy children and a dog named Pippa Jane.

 

Lili also writes naughty serials as Everly Stone. Learn more at www.lilivalente.com.

 

AUTHOR LINKS

Read More...

Cover Reveal & Excerpt – It’s Complicated, Kindle Alexander

November 18, 2021 | Posted in Cover Reveal, Excerpt | By

Title: It’s Complicated
Author: Kindle Alexander
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: December 7, 2021
Cover Design: Reese Dante

 

Nightclub manager Julian Cullen runs Reservations with impeccable precision and a deep sense of pride. But repressed memories from his abduction two years ago surface, leaving him struggling emotionally. Julian vows to reclaim his previous life but doesn’t factor in the biggest distraction of all: the handsome cowboy hanging around the club intent on gaining his attention.
Entrepreneur Beckett St. Clair built an industry-leading survivalist training company through hard work and dedication. The tough as nails outdoorsman can navigate any situation or so he thinks…When a chance encounter with a guarded night club manager leaves him tumbling head over heels into uncharted territory.
One man is lost to his past, the other dreams of a future.
Both men will soon find out love is never easy…it’s complicated.

 

 

“I’m being asked if table thirty-three can incorporate thirty-four into their party.”

Julian looked over to see a crowd of men gathered around the larger high-boy table. “No, give it some time. St. Clair’s a good customer. Get some barstools from the back, and let’s see if he arrives.”

“Hey, Julian. Have we heard from thirty-four? Is he coming in tonight?” Remington, another waiter, asked from about the midway point down the bar where he loaded his tray with cocktail glasses. “One of my guests wants to know.”

“Who wants to know?” Julian looked over to Remington’s section of tables as if a large red arrow would point him out.

“The older guy at table twenty-seven.”

Julian’s gaze locked on that table. All the men looked older, sophisticated, well put together, and handsome. Damn.

“Which one?” Julian asked.

“The older one,” Remington repeated, then turned with his tray full of drinks in his hand. “Is he coming tonight?”

So, the Marlboro Man had built a fan club involving more than just the club’s waiters and bartenders. Julian’s possessive side stood on guard. “We’re holding the table for him, but he’s late.”

Julian dug into the salad with his fork, stuffing a big bite into his mouth, and reached for the untouched glass of water nearby. He chomped out his frustration that the big, tall cowboy hat wearing mystery man was building some possible hookups.

Julian had watched as Beckett sat alone for hours at his table until some of the waiters were cut from their shifts and ended up joining the guy. Beckett had become a welcome patron in the club and his table a safe place for most of the guys who worked for Reservations to gather.

No, Julian hadn’t missed all the long lingering looks Beckett tossed his way. He liked the way Beckett watched him. Those intriguing brown eyes and that appealing gaze. Beckett was all man, every single inch of him. He knew that for a fact because he’d rubbed himself against all that masculinity when they’d danced.

An unexpected sensation had Julian dropping the fork in his hand to the plate, his gaze lowering to his trouser-covered cock. Holy hell, the way it plumped painfully against his zipper had his heart thumping wildly in his chest. The damn thing did, in fact, work. How long had it been since he’d grown hard? He couldn’t remember. Tears of happiness sprung to his eyes, making him fight to swallow the lump forming in his throat. Damn, it felt good.

How much had he had to drink? Regardless of his actions over the last few days, Julian had given up alcohol. Should he have been drinking this whole time?

“Boss, you good?” Ricco tapped the edge of the bar to gain Julian’s attention.

He paid the bartender no heed, not wanting to lose this moment. Julian had only had two cocktails over the last couple of hours. That meant he was practically sober, yet his cock was working again for the first time in a long while.

Under Ricco’s intense scrutiny, Julian’s cock deflated. He closed his eyes, bringing forth images of Beckett sitting alone at his table, rarely speaking to anyone. Every single time Beckett showed up or planned to leave for the night, his gaze sought out Julian. No matter how hard Julian fought the urge to turn Beckett’s way he eventually would turn, helpless to do anything but.

Beckett would smile and touch the brim of his hat. Fuck, what a sexy move. Beckett’s strong jaw and full lips, his dark tanned skin… Julian’s dick swelled at warp speed.

Hell yeah. Julian was helpless to stop the tear that built enough steam to trickle down his cheek. This had to mean he was healing, right?

“Julian. You good?”

He opened his eyes, prepared to share with Ricco exactly why he was great right now. His hand reached to wipe away the tear when the unique scent of outdoors, sunshine, and exotic spices hit his senses. Unmistakably Beckett. He looked over to see an expansive masculine chest and broad shoulders leaning into him as Beckett busted a move to avoid a collision with one of the busboys.

Julian lifted his gaze. Of course, he held all of Beckett’s undivided attention. They locked gazes for one, maybe two long seconds, before Ricco’s hand slapped down hard on the bar top, pulling Julian’s gaze toward Ricco.

“What?” He said the word with maybe three syllables of frustration.

Ricco showed zero cares about Julian’s obvious annoyance “Are. You. Goooda?”

“Mind your business. Concentrate on the job you’re being paid to do.” Julian motioned to the line of waiters standing at the bar, waiting for their drinks. But even that only held his attention for the briefest of moments before he happily lowered his gaze again to his dick. The damn thing was rigidly hard, straining against his form-hugging pants. Holy fuck. The relief was staggering.

Julian dropped his head between his shoulder blades, thanking the universe for this blessing.

“Mr. St. Clair, we were getting worried about you,” Ricco said.

“Call me Beckett.” The rich masculine timbre held hints of a deeply cultured southern accent, drawing Julian’s gaze to Beckett once again.

“A guy at one of Remington’s tables wants to buy your drinks tonight,” Ricco said to Beckett as he started to pour again. “He asked me to see if you’re interested when you came in.”

Julian’s head dropped forward; he couldn’t help his astonished stare. He got caught up in Beckett’s new look. Julian’s gaze narrowed to Beckett, admiring how he wore the hugely popular suit with the athletic cut. Beckett looked fashionable in a style that accented every one of his masculine curves and edges. He was clean-shaven with his hair styled and pushed back off his forehead. No cowboy hat to be found anywhere.

“Which table?” Beckett asked and turned toward the grouping of tables. His body angled to look where Remington pointed to a group of three men. Julian looked down the length of Beckett’s long body. He wasn’t wearing boots tonight or a tie. Instead, his collar was unbuttoned with a small amount of fur peaking from the opening. The look suited him. Julian’s fingers twitched to run over the man’s exposed skin. He’d bet Beckett had the same dark tan all the way down that expansive chest.

Beckett was mouthwateringly gorgeous in this new look. Who would have known the man could be even more handsome than Julian remembered?

Tonight, the man held an air of confidence that he didn’t usually have. Beckett lifted a hand to the men, grinned a sultry smile, and turned back to Ricco. “Buy his next round on me and tell him thank you, I’m flattered, but I’ve got my eye on someone else tonight.”

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

Best Selling Author Kindle Alexander is an innovative writer, and a genre-crosser who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. It’s always a surprise to see what’s coming next!
I live in the suburbs of Dallas where it’s true, the only thing bigger than an over active imagination, may be women’s hair!
Usually, I try for funny. Humor is a major part of my life – I love to laugh, and it seems to be the thing I do in most situations – regardless of the situation, but jokes are a tricky deal… I don’t want to offend anyone and jokes tend to offend. So instead I’m going to tell you about Kindle
I tragically lost my sixteen year old daughter to a drunk driver. She had just been at home, it was early in the night and I heard the accident happen. I’ll never forget that moment. The sirens were immediate and something inside me just knew. I left my house, drove straight to the accident on nothing more than instinct. I got to be there when my little girl died – weirdly, I consider that a true gift from above. She didn’t have to be alone.
That time in my life was terrible. It’s everything you think it would be times about a billion. I love that kid. I loved being her mother and I loved watching her grow into this incredibly beautiful person, both inside and out. She was such a gift to me. To have it all ripped away so suddenly broke me.
Her name was Kindle. Honest to goodness – it was her name and she died a few weeks before Amazon released their brand new Kindle ereader. She had no idea it was coming out and she would have finally gotten her name on something! Try finding a ruler with the name Kindle on it.. It never happened.
Through the course of that crippling event I was lucky enough to begin to write with a dear friend in the fan fiction world of Facebook. She got me through those dark days with her unwavering support and friendship. There wasn’t a time she wasn’t there for me. Sometimes together and sometimes by myself, we built a world where Kindle lives and stands for peace, love and harmony. It’s its own kind of support group. I know without question I wouldn’t be here today without her.

Find out more by visiting www.kindlealexander.com or email me at kindle@kindlealexander.com

 

 

HOSTED BY:

Read More...

Release Blitz & Review – The Rhythm Method, Kylie Scott

November 9, 2021 | Posted in Cover Reveal | By

The Rhythm Method, an all new rock star romance novella in the bestselling Stage Dive Series from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott and 1,001 Dark Nights, is available now!

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kylie Scott comes a new story in her Stage Dive series…

It all started in Vegas…

After a wild and tumultuous beginning to their relationship, Evelyn Thomas and her rock star husband David Ferris have been happily married for years. Nothing needs to change, their life together is perfect. Which means that change in the shape of an unexpected pregnancy is bound to shake things up some. But could it be for the better?

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Grab your copy today, exclusively on Amazon! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yghvky Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/rhythmmethod

Add The Rhythm Method to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3A4gZXi

 

Sandra's Review

5 out of 5 stars

The Rhythm Method is a Stage Dive novella included in the 1001 Dark Nights collection. I have read a few books in the series and Lick sadly wasn’t one of them but I still loved this story.
David and Evelyn have been married for seven years and celebrating on a World Tour. Their life was full of touring, music, friends, and the cafe. It was everything. It was all going to plan and Ev loves her plans. Then, boom!! There was a baby in the mix throwing their world in a tailspin. They need to learn to navigate their new world. It’s not easy being a rockstar and a business owner with a new baby. One they didn’t see coming. Will this make them stronger or take a toll in on their relationship?
This is short but full of story. It’s raw, emotional, and funny at the same time. Mal cracks me up! Omg, that man. I am excited about what is up next for this crew.

About Kylie Scott Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013, 2014 & 2018, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

Connect with Kylie Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XujcZh Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2GngiQq Facebook: http://bit.ly/2OiXx3I Twitter: http://bit.ly/391pjJM Instagram: http://bit.ly/2EUrx11 Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2Imusk3 Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2S7cc32 Book+Main Bites: http://bit.ly/2ETz5RQ Stay up to date with Kylie by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/2TOOivT Website: https://kyliescott.com/

For More information about 1,001 Dark Nights, visit: Facebook: https://bit.ly/37fl0uT Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Y7uBQp Website: https://bit.ly/2AIIr3A Stay up to date on all 1,001 Dark Nights releases, join their mailing list today! https://bit.ly/2zgxaHu

Read More...

Release Blitz & Reviews – Riggs, Sawyer Bennett

October 26, 2021 | Posted in Cover Reveal | By

Riggs (Arizona Vengeance, Book #11)
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: October 26, 2021

 

Synopsis:

Known as the team loner, Riggs Nadeau gives his all on the ice, but nothing extra off it. A beautiful stranger is about to cause chaos in his very structured world.

As a professional hockey player, people think I live a charmed life. On the surface, I do. But they don’t know the horrors of my childhood, or the real reason that I have custody of my seventeen-year-old sister, Janelle. And that’s exactly the way I like it. They may think I’m a prick because I don’t like to share, but that’s fine. They don’t know me, and they don’t need to.

In an effort to help Janelle get settled in Phoenix and stay out of trouble at school, I set her up with a job at Clarke’s Corner, the local bookstore owned by the girlfriend of a teammate. It’s there that she makes friends with Veronica Woodley, the extremely annoying, arrogant, money-hungry divorcee who I don’t want anywhere near my sister. Janelle insists I’m completely wrong about Veronica, but I refuse to accept that. I have to keep reminding myself that that the gorgeous blond with legs for days is off limits.

Through a series of events, I start to see Veronica for what she really is—an amazing woman who has survived her own hell to come out even stronger. I have to admit, we’re more alike than not and the attraction between us burns hot.

Maybe I was all wrong about my ability to love and commit, but when the past comes back to haunt me, can I be the man that Veronica, and Janelle, deserve?

 

Download Riggs (Arizona Vengeance, Book #11):
Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google | Print

 

Sandra's Review

5 out of 5 stars

Riggs is the eleventh book in the Arizona Vengeance series by Sawyer Bennett. Each book can be read as standalone but I do recommend reading the series since it’s full of badass, sweet, and sexy hockey players and the kickass women who love them. I have been looking forward to this book and I loved every minute.
Riggs is one of the newest members of the Vengeance team and it hasn’t been the smoothest of transitions. Riggs does his job on the ice and nothing more. He doesn’t socialize with his teammates unless he has to and doesn’t give more than he has to in  conversation. He is busy getting his seventeen-year-old sister, Janelle settled into their new life in Arizona. It has been isolating and he has no clue what he is doing. But, his gut did tell him that Janelle would enjoy working at the bookstore for a teammate’s girlfriend. What he didn’t know was that it would change everything…
Veronica loves working at the bookstore with her best friend, the friend who pushed her to finally go back to school. And having a new employee is exactly what they needed. What she didn’t need was Janelle’s asshole but hot brother giving her shit. She developed a bond with Janelle but that man got to her. Badly. She didn’t know much about him but his first impression was the worst but something was there. And when one kiss lends to more…it’s fire and could only ever be. Nothing more. Been there, done that. True love isn’t real and not for her. Or for him, it seems.
Omg, I loved these two. The hate. The banter. The heat. Loved it all. It was more emotional than I thought it was going to be! And I loved Janelle. She is quite the teen and talented. They all made me cry, laugh, and laugh! I am soooo excited about Baden’s book. I just know it’s going to be both heartbreaking and full of healing.
Quotes:
“You’re insipid and boorish,” I retort.
He actually laughs and waves his hands in a way that mimes he finds me amusing. “Ooh, look at the fancy, rich lady using fancy, rich words.” Fancy? Rich words?
“Listen, motherfucker—”
“I wanted to walk out and walk back in… experience seeing you like that all over again.”
You should patent those words and sell them. Total panty-melters.
5 out of 5 stars

Riggs is the eleventh book in the Arizona Vengeance series by Sawyer Bennett. Riggs is an epic enemies to lovers romance! I adore this series and have been waiting to know more about Riggs. He’s grumpy and jerky and pretty much keeps to himself. He’s on a new team in a new city, but doesn’t want to get to know his teammates. He just got custody of his seventeen-year-old sister, Janelle, and he thinks he has to focus only on her. He knows she needs more so he helps her get a job at Clarke’s bookstore. She loves it and meets new friends. Veronica is one of them. Riggs knows nothing about her except she looks like a stuck-up rich woman who will not be a good influence on his sister. And boy was he wrong. Veronica can’t stand Riggs. He’s a pompous jerk with a big mouth. But when she steps in to help him with Janelle, they both realize they do hate each other, but there’s major chemistry underneath it all. It’s too much to ignore and it’s only physical so it’s the perfect set up. Riggs didn’t expect to want more from Veronica, but now he has to decide if he wants to go all in. When Riggs’ and Janelle’s past comes back for them, Veronica puts herself on the line to protect Janelle. That’s all Riggs needs to know. She’s the woman for him. I just about needed a swooning couch for his declaration! Riggs was everything I wanted him to be. Hot, sexy, strong, alpha. But also sweet, caring, loving and smart. Veronica is freaking basa**. Protective, smart, driven. They are the perfect match. I can’t wait for Baden’s book and the new series. I am here for it!

 

🎧 Audible (narrated by Connor Crais and Savannah Peachwood):

 

 

About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer:

✦ Facebook: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_FB
✦ Reader group: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_NEP
✦ Twitter: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_TW
✦ Instagram: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_IG
✦ Goodreads: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_GR
✦ BookBub: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_BB
✦ Newsletter: http://sawyerbennett.com/signup

Read More...

Release Blitz, Review, Excerpt & *Giveaway* – The Jock Script, Lane Hayes

September 30, 2021 | Posted in Cover Reveal | By

Title: The Jock Script

Series: The Script Club #3

Author: Lane Hayes

Publisher: Lane Hayes

Release Date: Sept. 24, 2021

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 250

Genre: Romance, Bisexual, Jock and Nerd, Romantic Comedy, Coming Out, Humor

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

The nerd, the coach, and the hookup…

Asher-

Swipe left, swipe left, swipe left. Sure, the idea of a quick, no-strings intimate rendezvous via hookup app sounds oddly thrilling, but it’s simply not me. Or maybe it is me, because it happened…and I liked it. Until I realized he looked familiar for a reason. A bad reason. Now I’ve made a faux pas with the sexiest man on planet Earth, and my internal karma system requires me to fix it. Help!

Blake-

I may seem like I have it together, but the truth is, I’m a hot mess. I’m so deep in the closet that I can’t remember my real name some days. That’s okay. The benefit of one-night stands is anonymity. Until Asher. Not a total surprise. I’ve always had a thing for geeks, but I’ve never met anyone like him. He’s a pint-sized dynamo on a quest for perfection who can help me come out…if I follow his script.

Hmm. I’m in.

The Jock Script is an MM bisexual, geek/jock romance starring a bowtie wearing nerd, a sexy lacrosse coach, and a shenanigan inducing script!

Excerpt

Asher closed his mouth in a tight line and sighed. “We should change the topic. Every time I’m with you, I secure my spot in Hades.”

I threw my head back and laughed. “What’s with you and the guilty conscience? I admire your commitment to honesty, Ash, but I don’t think it’s healthy to punish yourself after the fact. Not to mention, your rules seem arbitrary. They don’t make sense.”

“Sure, they do.”

“Hmph. You say sex is a part of nature, and you’re happy to discuss it until your internal sex-o-meter overloads and you decide you’ve overstepped some invisible boundary. It’s like you want to punish yourself for no good reason.”

Asher opened and closed his mouth. “I don’t do that.”

I polished off my salad, pushed my plate aside, and reached for my wineglass. “Yeah, you do. You should give yourself a break once in a while.”

“Says the devil incarnate.”

“Who me?” I flashed a roguish grin. “I’m not so bad, and you don’t have to be so good. Is this the remnants of a super religious upbringing or—”

“Oh, gosh, no. My mother is a hippie. She’s not judgmental at all.”

“Then why—”

“I’m just weird, Blake.”

His tone was firm rather than sharp and sent a strong message that he’d prefer to drop the subject. In fact, he looked suspiciously eager to greet the waiter when he returned to clear our salad dishes and set dinner plates on the table. I observed his animated hand gestures, his starched collar, and perfectly straight bow tie, wondering what he was hiding under all that armor.

Asher wasn’t weird, he was—okay, fine…he was totally weird. But I had a feeling he was compensating too. Making up for something or glossing over an unseen flaw. Sort of like a kid standing guard over a lamp he’d busted by accident. No one would notice as long as he made sure the unblemished side was never shown.

Call me crazy, but that got me. Yes, I was very attracted to him and definitely wanted to get naked and horizontal with him ASAP. But I wanted to know him too. I wanted to peel away his protective layers and study his quirks. His internal system of checks and balances fascinated me.

I twirled my fork around my pasta and smiled. “You know, I’m no devil and anyone who sucks dick like you cannot be an angel. There’s got to be a good middle ground for us.”

“Yes. As friends.”

“Right,” I agreed, shifting in my seat to adjust my cock when he hummed around a mouthful of pasta. No joke, my dick woke up at the mention of alien sex and was now stretching the seam of my zipper. I sipped my wine and willed my body to get the “friend” memo. “So, buddy…since we’re supposed to be spending time together now, I think you should come to my game next weekend.”

“Game,” he repeated, drawing out the single syllable into two. “The one you coach? Or do you play also?”

“I play with a club team, but our season ended a couple of weeks ago. We’re on a break till summer, which is fine ’cause my kids have finals and my girls’ team is in the last stretch before CIFs.”

“I don’t understand that acronym, but I’ll come to your game and maybe afterward we can do power tool…things.”

“Sounds like a date. The game is at ten at Westgate. I’ll text you the address.”

“Okay. I have questions, like…where do I sit and what should I wear? Also, what are the rules?”

I smiled. “Sit wherever you want and wear whatever you want. The idea is to have fun. Well…and to kick OC Lutheran’s ass. As for the rules…the goal is to put the ball in the net more times than our opponent. You’ll be able to follow along.”

He didn’t look convinced. “I’ll do some research. Now, what about us? Do you want me to be there and not speak or…are you going to introduce me? And if so, what will you say? I need to rehearse my lines.”

“Lines? This isn’t a play, Ash. We’re friends.”

“No, we’re not. We hardly know each other.”

I frowned. “Then we need to fix that ’cause I’m going to introduce you as my friend. It’s less complicated that way.”

“And if someone asks where we met, I’m allowed to improvise, correct?” he teased. taking a big bite of pasta.

Too big of a bite. He slurped a rogue piece of tagliatelle with wide eyes, then covered his mouth with his napkin. It was pretty freaking cute. I pointed at the sauce on his cheek.

When he swiped at the wrong side, I hooked my finger and motioned for him to lean in. I wiped his cheek with my thumb, underestimating the intimacy of the gesture. The strong current of heat and desire sizzling between us threw me off guard, rendering me speechless.

Purchase at Amazon

 

Kara's Review

5 out of 5 stars

The Jock Script is the third book in The Script Club series by Lane Hayes. I’m loving these jocks and the geeks they fall for. Asher and Blake meet on a hookup app. No names just one night of fun. Blake is bisexual and not out. He’s sick of living a lie and wants Asher’s help to come out. Asher knows this is a bad idea, but it’s in his nature to help people and once he comes up with the script, he knows he can do this. Blake has never met anyone like Asher. He’s sexy, smart, fun and he really wants to be with him. He’s going to follow the script and see where it leads them. Blake is nothing like Asher thought. He’s smart, sexy, funny and really cares about his students. I just adored this couple! I loved Asher and all his nerdy quirks and Blake and his humor. They are so much fun together! Looking forward to the next one!

Meet the Author

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, and 2018-2019 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram | BookBub

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Button 2

Read More...

Excerpt Blitz – Give Me A Reason, A.L. Jackson

August 19, 2021 | Posted in Cover Reveal | By

Give Me a Reason

A Single-Dad, Enemies-to-Lovers Romance from A.L. Jackson

Coming August 30th

“Speaking of hot guys…” She angled her head in the direction of a white Porsche Panamera that pulled into the parent pick-up line on the other side of the wrought-iron fence. “There he is.”

And I wondered if I was seeing things.

Hallucinating.

If this was some kind of cruel, sick joke or if I’d just done something really terrible in another life and this was my punishment.

Because there was no mistaking the smoldering eyes staring me down through the windshield where he came to a stop at the curb.

The way shock blanched his unbearably gorgeous face before his jaw clenched in what appeared hatred.

Or maybe glee.

With the man, I was sure they were one and the same.

My hand tightened on the child’s.

Instinctual.

A gut reaction to protect him.

Shivers raced. This unsettled feeling that something was coming. Something I didn’t understand, but something I should fear.

The man climbed from the driver’s seat of the flashy car that I wouldn’t have thought would fit him at all but somehow right then looked like the perfect accent piece.

He straightened to his full, menacing height.

“There he is! There he is!” The child started jumping up and down and waving his hand in the air. “Hi, Dad, hi! Over here!”

That seething intensity flashed through the air. My head spun and my knees knocked, my mouth going dry.

Trent Lawson strode toward the gate, all dark swagger and don’t-give-a-shit attitude, even though there were at least fifteen signs asking parents to stay in their cars and their children would be escorted out.

I got the sense the man wasn’t exactly one to follow the rules.

Because there he was, dressed a lot like he’d been last night, black jeans and a black v-neck tee and black boots that were unlaced. All that exposed, inked flesh somehow appeared obscene.

I had the urge to wrap the child up and take him into hiding. Run to the rest of the children and usher them to safety.

Emergency evacuation. 

But I just stood there.

Dumbfounded.

Finally, I mumbled, “That’s your dad?”

Gage Lawson.

Of course.

This really was some cruel, sick joke, and I was the very brunt of it.

“Yep! That’s him.” Gage was jumping and pointing. “Tell him I got an A, Miss Murphy! He’s gonna be so proud!”

Trent Lawson strode toward the gate with the clear intention of barging in.

Finally, I found my voice, calling out before he made it through the barrier. “Sir, you need to wait in your car. School isn’t over for a couple minutes, and we will bring your child to you. Parents aren’t allowed in this area without signing in at the office first.”

With his hand on the gate latch, he paused, an arrogant smirk ticking up like a threat at the corner of that plush mouth. “That so?”

I lifted my chin, still clutching his son’s hand. “Yes.”

He eyed me as if I were the enemy. “So, let me get this straight. I pay an ungodly amount of money for my son to come here, and you get to tell me when I can and cannot pick him up?”

“You’re paying for your child’s education, Sir, not for me to order you around.”

“Huh…would have been mistaken.”

My chin lifted higher. “It seems you are very, very mistaken.”

A war waged in the exchange. That same tension that had existed last night clear and present, his outright animosity unchanged. But there was something else lining it, too.

As if I’d gained some sort of power as we stared each other down.

“You’ve got to wait, Dad! I told you I got to get all the As, and you’re gonna ruin it by not followin’ the rules. Sheesh.”

Tessa giggled beside me.

One second later, the bell rang. It jarred me out of the trance the man held me under, my entire being jolted with the sound, as if time had been set to pause and it’d begun to speed to catch back up.

Children screeched their excitement and ran to grab their bags that were lined up against the wall.

“Please remain in your car tomorrow,” I called out, the words roughened shards as I reluctantly released Gage’s hand.

“I’ll see what I can do,” he returned, just as smug and cocky and infuriating as he’d been last night.

Gage went running that way, that giant backpack bouncing all over. He glanced at me, running backward for two steps, nothing but grins and belief. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back to see you tomorrow, Miss Murphy!”

When the child made it to him, Trent stretched out a hand for Gage to take.

For a flash, his entire demeanor shifted when he looked down at the child and the child smiled up at him.

Soft. Kind. Protective.

I had to be seeing things.

Then he turned to leave on those ridiculous boots, but not before he tossed out from over his shoulder, “See ya soon, Kitten.”

Anger rushed, my cheeks hot and my pulse wild and that irrational rage taking hold.

All mixed up with that feeling.

That impossibility.

They walked back to the Porsche, and I remained rooted to the spot as he helped Gage into the backseat and into a booster before he rounded the front of the car and slipped into the driver’s seat.

The man glared at me before he tossed his car back into drive and pulled from the curb.

Fingernails curled into my upper arm. “Holy shit, Eden Jasmine Murphy,” Tessa hissed. “What was that? And you better fess it up now, because I can already feel your denial coming on, and there is no denying whatever the heck that was.”

She waved a turbulent hand through the air as if she could capture that feeling.

Something unattainable but real.

“That?” I let my eyes follow the car that whipped out of the drive far too fast. “That was my new boss.”

Pre-Order on Amazon

Pre-Order on Audible

Add to Goodreads

GIVE ME A REASON SURPRISE RELEASE BOX – reserve yours or an individual signed paperback here: PRE-ORDER HERE

Can’t wait for the release? Be sure to vote for GIVE ME A REASON as one of your most anticipated August reads on Goodreads!

Vote Here

“Pure, unadulterated fire. Trent and Eden have a connection that is so rough and beautiful you can feel it bleeding off the pages! You’re not going to want to miss this one!”

— NYT Bestselling Author, Molly McAdams


Pre-Order on Amazon

Pre-Order on Audible

Add to Goodreads

Want a Signed Paperback or Give Me Release Box? PRE-ORDER HERE

 


 

GIVEAWAY

Signed Set of The Falling Stars Series Paperbacks

ENTER HERE

Pre-Order on Amazon

Pre-Order on Audible

Add to Goodreads

Want a Signed Paperback or Give Me Release Box? PRE-ORDER HERE


A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, and FALLING STARS novels. Watch out for her upcoming stand-alone, GIVE ME A REASON, releasing August 30th!

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Connect with A.L.

Newsletter: https://geni.us/ALJacksonBookClubB

Facebook: https://geni.us/ALJacksonFBB

Reader Group: https://geni.us/AmysAngelsB

Amazon: https://geni.us/ALJacksonAmznB

Bookbub: https://geni.us/ALJacksonBookBubB

Twitter: @aljacksonauthor

Instagram: @aljacksonauthor

TikTok: @aljacksonauthor

Read More...

9th Annual Mental Health Awareness Month Book Fundraiser benefiting the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

May 13, 2021 | Posted in Cover Reveal | By

Welcome the 9th Annual Mental Health Awareness Month Book Fundraiser benefiting the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Here is how you can help raise money and awareness for mental health

📘 Purchase a book from the amazing books listed below! We hope you will #1click4charity a number of these amazing books! The portion of sales is from ANY platform: digital, print, and audio.

📘 If you have read one of the wonderful stories included, gift a copy to a friend who might love it!

📘 Share the image below or any of the custom photos the participating authors share on social media to raise awareness and to show your support.

📘 In this digital age, COMMENTS are currency so as you see these images PLEASE Comment

📘 Make a tax-deductible donation directly to the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at AFSP.

Thank you in advance for your support as we work to bring mental illness out of the darkness

9th Annual Mental Health Awareness benefiting the Keith Milano Memorial Fund

Author

Book

Kindle

iBooks

Audio

Alice Archer

Everyday History

https://amzn.to/3swRj1k

https://apple.co/3dtkKNB

https://amzn.to/3akWdsi

—-

The Infinite Onion

https://amzn.to/3gjodQy

https://apple.co/3dqPfng

n/a

Alison G Bailey

Evie Interrupted

https://amzn.to/3gkdFRt

KU – Amazon only

n/a

Aly Stiles

The Hold Me Series

https://amzn.to/3gfp5pw

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/3gltwyY

—-

Night Shifts Black (#1)

https://amzn.to/3x4B27f

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/3gltwyY

—-

Tracing Holland (#2)

https://amzn.to/3svtTcC

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/3wYVXIW

—-

Viper (#3)

https://amzn.to/32qb6Fc

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/3ginTl5

—-

Limelight (#4)

https://amzn.to/3anAdgb

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/3ssZ8VX

—-

An NSB Wedding (#5)

https://amzn.to/3eb6ic9

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/3v5b1mL

—-

The Save Me Series

https://amzn.to/3x3aaEN

KU – Amazon only

n/a

—-

Rising West (#1)

https://amzn.to/3uYVIf3

KU – Amazon only

n/a

—-

Falling North (#2)

https://amzn.to/3x3EmzJ

KU – Amazon only

n/a

—-

Breaking South (#3)

https://amzn.to/32o2tLt

KU – Amazon only

n/a

—-

Crashing East (#4)

https://amzn.to/3dqGpWL

KU – Amazon only

n/a

—-

Haunted Melody: A Ghost Story

https://amzn.to/3tuuUTz

KU – Amazon only

n/a

—-

Young Love

https://amzn.to/3n9pXgZ

KU – Amazon only

n/a

Aly Stiles & Hazel James

Guarding Shadows (#5)

https://amzn.to/3svoZwv

KU – Amazon only

n/a

Amy Lane

Winter Ball Trilogy

https://amzn.to/3dtMUIs

https://apple.co/3egwHoS

https://amzn.to/3e9HO3e

—-

Winter Ball

https://amzn.to/3drVyH7

https://apple.co/3egwHoS

https://amzn.to/3e9HO3e

—-

Summer Lessons

https://amzn.to/32tgOpT

https://apple.co/3tvdTsF

https://amzn.to/2QyxsBR

Fall Through Spring

https://amzn.to/3x3iyEd

https://apple.co/3tppHwt

n/a

Brenda Rothert

Chicago Blaze series

https://amzn.to/32mZTFk

https://apple.co/2ROxSER

https://amzn.to/3tvedaR

Anton

https://amzn.to/3gmkFNp

https://apple.co/2ROxSER

https://amzn.to/3tvedaR

Luca

https://amzn.to/3egwEtc

https://apple.co/3ajGgCk

https://amzn.to/2QxmfkQ

Victor

https://amzn.to/2OXyaba

https://apple.co/3v1nh7D

https://amzn.to/3akjZVh

Knox

https://amzn.to/3dsCade

https://apple.co/3glvorG

n/a

Alexei

https://amzn.to/3anZSFH

https://apple.co/3x3g5tv

n/a

Easy

https://amzn.to/3sy9dRo

https://apple.co/2QBqhbO

n/a

Jonah

https://amzn.to/2OYigxd

https://apple.co/3x7N7bS

n/a

Kit

https://amzn.to/3mWqL8C

https://apple.co/3x4JSSt

n/a

Olivier

https://amzn.to/3ai5jFR

https://apple.co/2Q5b9Ux

n/a

Carly Phillips

Just One Night

https://amzn.to/32nsZV6

https://apple.co/3uZ4c63

https://amzn.to/2RBHqme

Cindy Tanner

When you Were Mine

https://amzn.to/3x7IChu

KU – Amazon only

n/a

Mine for Now

https://amzn.to/3x7IGxK

KU – Amazon only

n/a

—-

Say You’ll Be Mine

https://amzn.to/3dris1l

KU – Amazon only

n/a

ES Carter

Favourite Hello. Hardest Goodbye

https://amzn.to/3syIjIZ

https://apple.co/2QdyVxt

n/a

Ginger Scott

The Waiting Series

https://amzn.to/3x7IRJq

https://apple.co/3x14hrT

https://amzn.to/3mZYLBe

The Falling Series

https://amzn.to/3alDEns

https://apple.co/3gkBbNX

https://amzn.to/3glX0wA

—-

The Varsity Series

https://amzn.to/3glr0J2

KU – Amazon only

n/a

The Harper Boys Duet

https://amzn.to/2QAkumW

https://apple.co/3x8VOmf

n/a

—-

The Like Us Duet

https://amzn.to/2QgHSGa

https://apple.co/3xgmKAO

https://amzn.to/2Qy8eUa

Helena Hunting

Little Lies

https://amzn.to/32ppX2D

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/3x81tcv

J.R. Gray

Lost Love

https://amzn.to/3ehrptD

KU – Amazon only

n/a

K Bromberg

Flirting with 40

https://amzn.to/3xw5tDy

https://apple.co/3sXztVE

https://amzn.to/3dW9Ikh

Karen Booth

Grey Hair Don’t Care

https://amzn.to/3dsXaRb

https://apple.co/3v1U3Wk

https://amzn.to/3mVA8pc

Kelly Jamieson

You Had Me at Hockey

https://amzn.to/2QbYDT3

https://apple.co/3mZRJwk

n/a

Kelly Jensen

Let’s Connect

https://amzn.to/32rIuvo

KU – Amazon only

n/a

—-

Let’s Go Out

https://amzn.to/3mWoSZH

KU – Amazon only

n/a

Laurelin Paige

The Dirty Duet Bundle

https://amzn.to/32nmQs0

https://apple.co/3v3O9Um

https://amzn.to/3mVewt2

Dirty Filthy Rich Men

https://amzn.to/3sw3xY9

https://apple.co/3tuAvJV

https://amzn.to/2OZOPLf

—-

Dirty Filthy Rich Love

https://amzn.to/32ndtIZ

https://apple.co/3tvkHGJ

https://amzn.to/3mZYeil

Leylah Attar

Moti On the Water

https://amzn.to/3dv4JXi

https://apple.co/3uVcITq

https://amzn.to/3glYdE8

ME Carter

The Hart Series Box Set

https://amzn.to/3al4SdX

https://apple.co/3eeJCI2

https://amzn.to/3sujNZI

Change of Hart

https://amzn.to/3egm8SK

https://apple.co/3eeJCI2

https://amzn.to/3sujNZI

Hart to Heart

https://amzn.to/3gmnMFg

https://apple.co/3mYYUVd

https://amzn.to/32sdcEo

Matters of the Hart

https://amzn.to/3gsgbou

https://apple.co/3ecacSe

https://amzn.to/3x7jOGj

Matters to Me

https://amzn.to/3x3Cg2P

https://apple.co/3tzNV7i

n/a

Matters to You

https://amzn.to/2RLxN4H

https://apple.co/3gk6Ejq

n/a

Melanie Harlow

Unforgettable

https://amzn.to/3sAbawU

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/3so8PVC

Melanie Moreland

Vested Interest Series

https://amzn.to/3v1f2s6

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/3x7vkSk

Bentley

https://amzn.to/3x74OIv

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/3x7vkSk

—-

Aiden

https://amzn.to/3alJPbk

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/3alxxje

——

Maddox

https://amzn.to/3dt990S

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/3mZL7h6

——

Reid

https://amzn.to/3amzP1p

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/32nFcZW

——

Van

https://amzn.to/3xekY3d

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/3mWFFfb

—-

Halton

https://amzn.to/32nWQwP

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/3esnfzd

—-

Sandy

https://amzn.to/2P0gaNx

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/3glZeMs

—-

Vested Interest; ABC Corp

https://amzn.to/3su1K5U

KU – Amazon only

n/a

—-

Merry Vested Wedding

https://amzn.to/3twdcz9

KU – Amazon only

n/a

—-

My Saving Grace

https://amzn.to/3tHbJWI

KU – Amazon only

n/a

Natasha Madison

The Only One Series

https://amzn.to/2P1TQ68

https://apple.co/32mvoPY

https://amzn.to/3x60mtS

—-

Only One Kiss

https://amzn.to/3x2h7WG

https://apple.co/32mvoPY

https://amzn.to/3x60mtS

Only One Chance

https://amzn.to/3v1euCy

https://apple.co/2RC9HZW

https://amzn.to/3egvlum

—-

One One Night

https://amzn.to/3ghfzCl

https://apple.co/3v07TZ7

https://amzn.to/3dpG1aV

—-

Only One Touch

https://amzn.to/3n24XbF

https://apple.co/3sudG7I

https://amzn.to/3drqN5a

Nicole Edwards

Brantley Walker: Off the Books Series

https://amzn.to/3syyQkV

https://apple.co/3x7UpfZ

n/a

All In

https://amzn.to/2RBtU1Y

https://apple.co/3x7UpfZ

n/a

Without a Trace

https://amzn.to/3gmlqWW

https://apple.co/3swbXPf

n/a

—-

Hide & Seek

https://amzn.to/3gmlypo

https://apple.co/3drkJJV

n/a

Deadly Coincidence

—-

Alibi

Piper Rayne

Wild Steamy Hook-Up

https://amzn.to/32rbZ0k

https://apple.co/2QBSTC0

https://amzn.to/2Q5Ni7a

Rebecca Yarros

Point of Origin

https://amzn.to/3mZFnnz

KU – Amazon only

n/a

Roan Parrish

Invitation to the Blues

https://amzn.to/3eaoaUJ

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/3uYYvox

Sawyer Bennett

The Rise of Fortune and Fury

https://amzn.to/3an38kx

https://apple.co/2QcoPNm

n/a

Sierra Simone

American Queen

https://amzn.to/2RzL9Rh

KU – Amazon only

https://amzn.to/32wLJRX

Toni Aleo

Hard Hit

https://amzn.to/3x7dpew

KU – Amazon only

n/a

Keith Milano Memorial Fund

140 Adams Ave, Suite B-12
Hauppauge, NY 11788

Watch to learn more about the Milano Sprung Family’s mission

Facebook

Twitter

Direct Donation

 

Fund Information:

The Keith Milano Memorial Fund was established to help raise awareness about the devastating and deadly disease that is mental illness. Keith’s spirit and laughter are kept alive through our efforts to increase awareness about mental illness and to raise money for education and imperative research. Keith often struggled with society’s perception of mental illness. Our hope is that by having the strength to say that Keith was “Bipolar” we can strip away the stigma and help others to be more open about their disease.

Watch to learn more about the Milano Sprung Family’s mission

The Keith Milano Memorial Fund benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). At the end of the event, participating authors pay AFSP directly.

AFSP is the only national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research and education, and to reaching out to people with mood disorders and those affected by suicide. AFSP is a fully accredited 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization incorporated in the state of Delaware with primary offices in New York City. Federal tax ID # is 13-3393329.

Read More...

Cover Reveal, Excerpt & *Giveaway* – Reel, Kennedy Ryan

May 5, 2021 | Posted in Cover Reveal, Excerpt, Giveaway | By

Reel, Kennedy Ryan’s new breathtaking standalone romance set in the glamorous world of film and theater, is coming June 8th, and we have the beautiful cover and your first look!

Award-Winning Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Kennedy Ryan launches a brand new series with a Hollywood tale of wild ambition, artistic obsession, and unrelenting love.

One moment in the spotlight.

For months I stood by, an understudy waiting in the wings, preparing for my time to shine. I never imagined he would watch in the audience that night. Canon Holt. Famous film director. Fascinating. Talented. Fine. Before I could catch my breath, everything changed. I went from backstage Broadway to center stage Hollywood. From being unknown, to my name, Neevah Saint, on everyone’s lips. Canon casts me in a star-studded Harlem Renaissance biopic, catapulting me into another stratosphere.

But stars shine brightest in the dead of night. Forbidden attraction, scandal and circumstances beyond my control jeopardize my dream. Could this one shot—the role of a lifetime, the love of a lifetime—cost me everything?

Reserve your copy today! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xwekW8 Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/Reel Apple Books: https://apple.co/3dWwUyG Kobo: https://bit.ly/2QCKcHS Nook: https://bit.ly/3nsKKfr Google Play: https://bit.ly/3gHMDUc Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2RpXgAe Barnes and Noble Paperback: https://bit.ly/3nsKKfr

➜ Enter the Goodreads Giveaway! Kennedy is giving away 10 Signed Reel Paperbacks! http://bit.ly/REELGoodreadsGive

➜ Follow Hollywood Renaissance series on Instagram: @TheHollywoodRenaissanceSeries

Keep reading for the very first excerpt from Reel!

When the show reaches its climax, at the very end, the song pries the final note from my diaphragm, pulls it from my throat and suspends it—leaves it throbbing in the air. The theater goes quiet for the space of a breath held by 800 people and then explodes.  Applause. The relief is knee-weakening. I literally have to grab John, the lead actor’s arm for support. He doesn’t miss a beat, pulling me into his side and squeezing. “Bravo,” he whispers, a broad, genuine smile spread across his face. The last song made me cry, and my face, still wet from those tears, splits into a wide, disbelieving grin. I did it. I survived my first Broadway performance.  The lights drop and we rush backstage, a cacophony of laughter and chatter filling the hidden passageways. When the curtain call begins, the cast return to the stage in small waves, the applause building as the principals take their bows.  And then it’s my turn. On legs still shaky, I leave the safety of the wings, the long skirt of my costume belling out around me. I take center stage. The applause crescendos, approval vibrating through my bones and jolting my soul. Someone thrusts flowers into my arms and the sweet smell wafts around me. Every sense, every molecule of my being strains, opens, stretches to absorb this small slice of triumph. I can’t breathe deeply enough. The air comes in shallow sips, and I’m dizzy. The world spins like a top, a kaleidoscope of colors and light and sound that threatens to overwhelm me. The whirl of it makes me giddy, and I laugh. Eyes welling with tears, I laugh. These are the moments a lifetime in the making. We toil in the shadows of our dreams. In the alleys of preparation and hard work where it’s dark and nothing’s promised. For years, we cling by a thread of hope and imagination, dedicating our lives to a pursuit with no guarantees. But tonight, if only for tonight, it’s all worth it. I’m still floating when Takira bursts into the dressing room. “Neevah!” she screams, throwing her arms around me and rocking me back and forth. “You did it. You chewed that performance up and spat it out. You hear me?” I laugh and return her squeeze, new tears trailing down my cheeks.  “Thank you.” I pull back to peer into my friend’s face. “I can’t believe it.” “Well, believe it. You served notice.” She snaps her fingers and grins. “Neevah Saint is here.” “Now to do it seven more times.” I laugh and start taking pins from the wig, which is as hot as a herd of sheep on my head. “Oh, you got it, unless Elise hears how amazing you were and cuts her vacation short.” “Not happening. She was ready for a break, but she’d never missed a show.”  I strip off the costume and stand in only panties, unselfconscious. Modesty is one of the first things to go in this business. I’ve undressed hurriedly in a roomful of actors and dancers in smaller shows where there was a dressing room, so we get real communal real fast.  I tug on skinny jeans with a tight-fitting orange sweater, and layer it with a brown leather jacket, scarf, boots. I wipe away the heavy stage makeup. It feels like my skin can breathe for the first time in hours. I assume there will be some fans at the stage door, even if it’s just a few. They’ll have to get the real Neevah because I don’t want anything more than a slick of lip gloss and a bit of mascara. A brown, orange and green plaid newsboy cap covering the neat cornrows I wore under my wig is all I’m doing for hair. Slim oversized gold hoops in my ears finish the look. “Ready?” I ask Takira, hefting a slouchy bag on my shoulder. “Let’s do this. Hopefully your adoring fans won’t take all night, ’cause your girl is starving.” We’re still laughing, and I’m so preoccupied with my empty stomach, I’m completely unprepared for the crowd at the stage door. Are they here for John? For some principal player because surely they’re not all here for the understudy. “Neevah!” a young girl, maybe ten or eleven, calls. “Can you sign this?” She thrusts a pen and a Splendor playbill toward me. She glows, her smooth brown cheeks rounded with a wide grin. Her eyes shine with . . . pride? “Oh, sure,” I mumble dazedly, taking the pen and signing my name.  She’s the first in a long line of girls, all shapes and colors and ages, saying what it meant to see me onstage. Mothers whispering how impactful it was for their Black and brown daughters to be in the audience tonight. The impact is on me; what could feel like a weight or burden or responsibility feels like a warm embrace. Feels like strong arms encircling me. Supporting me. The first time I saw someone who looked like me onstage, it planted a seed inside of me. It whispered a dream. That could be you. It makes me emotional to think I might have done that for any of these girls tonight, and I spend the next twenty minutes scribbling my name on playbills through a film of tears. “Neevah!” a deep male voice calls from the back of the now-thinning crowd. I squint at the tall man, frowning until I place him. “Wright!” I take a few steps and he meets me halfway, giving me a tight hug. “Oh, my God. You were here tonight?” “Was I here?” When he pulls back, a warm smile creases his handsome face. “You blew it out of the water. I knew you were good, but damn.” Laughter spills out of me and I don’t think this night could get more perfect. I randomly met Wright Bellamy a few weeks back at a gig when he subbed for the pianist, giving the audience more than they bargained for with such a famous musician tickling the ivories that night. “Thank you.” I step away and shove my hands into the pockets of my jeans, huddling in the leather jacket against the chill of an October night. “I was nervous as hell.” “Didn’t show. Your voice is spectacular. I knew that from the gig we did, but I had no idea you were that good. Wow. Glad I saw your post on Instagram or I would’ve missed it.” I’m stone-still, shocked that he came tonight specifically to see me perform. “I’m so glad you made it. You’re still in LA, right?” “Yeah, but I’m here for some stuff. Heading back home in a few days.” Takira walks up, linking her arm through mine. “Girl, if we don’t get some food,” she whispers. “Oh, yeah. Sorry.” I turn back to Wright. “Takira, this is Wright Bellamy. Wright, my friend Takira.” “Nice to meet you,” Takira says. “You got any food on you? I’m about to eat your hat.”  As usual, Takira never meets a stranger and has us laughing right away. “We’re actually headed to Glass House Tavern,” I tell Wright. “Come if you want. It’s a group of us from the show. Just some of the cast celebrating, but you’re welcome. We can catch up.” A small frown dents between his thick brows and he glances over his shoulder. “I mean, no pressure obviously,” I rush to assure him. This is one of the biggest names in music, and here I go, inviting him to dinner with a group of strangers.  “No, it sounds cool,” he says, looking back to us. “Lemme check with my boy. Can he come?” I glance over his shoulder and spot a tall man turned away from us, his broad shoulders and back straining a wool blazer, a hoodie pulled up to cover his head and face in the cold. His hands burrow into the pockets of his blazer and he’s nodding like he’s talking to himself. “He’s on the phone,” Wright explains. “But lemme see if he wants to roll.” He steps away toward the man and Takira immediately squeezes my hand and squeals. “Neeve.” Her eyes are wide and bright. Mouth dropped open. “That’s Wright Bellamy.” “I know. He’s cool as a fan.” “You know him? How—” “We’re in,” Wright says, stepping back up beside us. “He’s finishing a call, but we’re ready. Lead the way.” It’s just a few blocks, and the three of us chat about the show and what Wright’s been doing in New York. All the while his friend’s deep voice rumbles a few paces behind. I don’t want to be rude or nosy and look back, but the rich timbre, his towering height, his face obscured by the hoodie—I’m intrigued. He hangs back on the sidewalk, still on his call, when we enter the restaurant.  Our friends already have a table and a shout goes up, congratulating me on popping my White Way cherry. My three understudy buddies came. John’s here, too, and one other principal. A few from the stage crew. Our little troupe has become a family and, as if eight shows a week isn’t enough time together, we gather and eat every chance we get.  “You’re not paying tonight,” John says, holding out the seat beside him. “And drinks are on me.” “Awwww.” I plop into the chair and drop my bag to the floor. “You’re so sweet. You don’t have to do that.” “You were fantastic,” John says, baby blue eyes sincere and smiling. “Let’s do it again tomorrow.” Takira is already sitting beside me, so Wright takes the seat next to her. “Hey,” he says to Janie across the table. “Could you hold that seat beside you for my friend? He’s wrapping up a call, but’ll be in soon.” “Sure.” Janie blushes. “I love your work, by the way. The score of Silent Midnight . . . gah.”  “Thank you. That was a special project. Lots of fun,” Wright replies with a smile. “Now tell me about the show.” Wright’s a genius, but he’s so unassuming and modest. A man as famous as he is could easily make this conversation about him, let everyone at this table give his ego a real nice hand job, but he doesn’t. He talks about our show, compliments the performance, asks John about his process. I liked him when we did that last-minute gig, and we’ve interacted some on social media since. My impression of him holds up. He’s a good guy.  Not to state the obvious, but also fine. Like fine fine. He has this Boris Kodjoe vibe. Real smooth. Kind of golden–brown. Clean-cut, close-cut. I can objectively recognize his appeal, even though he’s not my type.  Not that I have a type lately. I’m so deep in this dick drought I’m past the point of thirst.  At first I thought it was merely the grind. Auditioning constantly, taking craft classes, doing commercials and voiceover work to not just keep bills paid, but to save. This business is feast or famine. I’m eating now, but I’ve been hungry before. Not again. I’m thirty. Too old to still be living gig to gig and buying into that starving artist thing. I need health insurance and regularly scheduled meals, thank you very much. So yeah, the grind could account for my semi-disinterested libido, but I suspect it’s more.  Maybe I’m disinterested. I need a man who doesn’t think that because he has a dick and I don’t that I should defer to him—shrink my dreams down to a more manageable size. I’m cautious not only about who I share my heart and body with, but I’m also protective of my dreams; of my ambition. I won’t endanger my future for a man who can fuck. Though . . . a man who can fuck? I wouldn’t turn it down, but it will take more than that to pique my interest. “What are you getting?” Takira asks, leaning over to read my menu instead of hers. “Anything here meet your high standards?” My standards aren’t that high. I’ve just cut out red meat and stopped drinking as much alcohol. My health demands it.  “I’m thinking about the salmon, but I—” A chair scraping across the floor catches my attention. Wright’s friend has finally come inside to join us. The table shrinks immediately when he settles his imposing frame into the seat beside Janie. He peels the hood away from his head and I bite off a gasp. It’s Canon Holt. Like the Canon Holt. The director I, and probably every actress at this table and in this dining room, would sacrifice a pinky toe to work with. Canon Holt is at my table sitting across from me.  Takira’s expression doesn’t register this massive earthquake of a revelation, but she kicks me under the table and hisses from the corner of her mouth. “Did you know?” I pretend I need to reach for something on the floor so I can whisper back, “Do you think I would have kept my shit together this long if I knew?” “True. True.” Takira casually glances up from her menu and smiles in Canon’s general direction, but he’s not looking at her. He’s studying his screen. He’s apparently in an exclusive relationship with his phone, and no one at this table tempts him to stray. Which means I can look at him. Good. God. He’s not that handsome, but that’s irrelevant. Some might even call his features, examined on their own, unremarkable.  They’d be wrong. It’s a Maker’s sleight of hand. Now God knew this man did not need lashes that long and thick, a paradox against the hard, high slant of his cheekbones. Canon hasn’t looked twice at anyone here as far as I can tell, but I’ve stolen enough glances to know there’s a fathomlessness to his dark eyes that is arresting. His unsmiling mouth is wide, the lips full in the blunt elegance of his face. A five o’clock shadow licks the ridge of his jawline. There is a geometry to him—angles, lines, edges—that disregards the individual parts and illuminates the compelling sum.WANT MORE REEL? Click here for the rest >> www.thehollywoodrenaissanceseries.com/excerpt

Add Reel to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3upMOqY

Cover Designer: Lori Jackson Design Photographer: Sophia Barrett Studios Models: Jasmine Raiford and Ajayi Bodden

About Kennedy Ryan

A USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Kennedy Ryan and her writings have been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Glamour, Cosmo, TIME, O Mag and many others. A RITA® Award winner, Kennedy writes empowered women from all walks of life and centers those who have found themselves perennially on the margins of traditional storytelling.

Her Hoops Series (Long Shot, Block Shot and Hook Shot) and All the King’s Men Series (The Kingmaker, The Rebel King and Queen Move) have been optioned for television.

An autism mom, Kennedy co-founded LIFT 4 Autism, an annual charitable initiative, and has appeared on Headline News, Montel Williams, NPR and other media outlets as an advocate for autism families. She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son.

Connect with Kennedy

Text KennedyRyan to 797979 for release alerts! Subscribe to Mailing List: subscribepage.com/kennedyryan Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2GY6eyb Instagram: http://bit.ly/2TaYiAi Facebook: http://bit.ly/2GUq0uF Amazon: http://amzn.to/2Fvhqiz Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2NE0cU0 BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/kennedy-ryan Website: http://kennedyryanwrites.com

Read More...

Release & Review – Jailbait, Lani Lynn Vale

April 9, 2021 | Posted in Cover Reveal | By

Jailbait

Souls Chapel Revenants MC Book 3

Lani Lynn Vale

Release Date: April 6, 2021

About the Book

The first time I saw her was across the room at a bar. I had no idea at the time that she was only sixteen. All I knew was that she was beautiful, she was sending me do-me vibes from across the room, and I was fresh off a deployment where there’d been nobody but men for nine of the longest months of my life.

 

The second time that I saw her was at a court hearing that would decide how long I’d be sent to prison for. She was a cute little curly-haired blonde with wide, expressive eyes, a banging body, and the reason that I’d gone to prison in the first place.

 

The third time I saw her was through a glass divider of the prison visitation room as she waited for her stepfather, my lawyer, to tell me how sorry he was that he lost my case. Especially when I’d been the one to kill the man that was about to kill his daughter.

The last time, the time that I decided enough was enough, was when I saw her at my bar eight weeks after I’d been set free.

 

Unlucky for her, I’d stopped being a good guy about two seconds after those bars closed behind me twelve years ago. Now all that was left was a shell of a man that didn’t see the good in anything. Anything except for her.

 

Purchase Links

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gRSe8t 

Apple: http://apple.co/3oYGILj
Nook: http://bit.ly/3gRloEC
Kobo: http://bit.ly/3npzH63

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2IUQi2p 

Kara's Review
5 out of 5 stars

Jailbait is the third book in the Souls Chapel Revenants MC series by Lani Lynn Vale. I’m loving this series full of sexy men who all went to prison for saving someone. Trick met Swayze when she was just sixteen and he fell hard for her. He saved her and went to prison for it, but got out early to help the mayor. He didn’t expect to see Swayze waltz into his bar, but her she is. Older, more gorgeous and living across the street from him. This isn’t going to be good. He thinks he hates her, but he really doesn’t. He doesn’t blame her for his actions and he can’t seem to stay away from her. Swayze is hilarious, independent and can’t stop feeling guilty. They try to stay away from each other but it’s no use, they are just destined to be together. When danger keeps showing up, Swayze is in trouble again and Trick is going to do whatever it takes to save her again. This time he’s going to be smart about it and he has his team to help. I loved Trick and his attitude and sexiness. Swayze cracked me up and together they made me swoon and cry! Already looking forward to the next one!

About Lani Lynn Vale

Lani Lynn Vale is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple also meaning over twenty) chickens.

 

When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading.

Lani is married with three children and lives in the Great State of Texas.

 

Website: http://www.lanilynnvale.com/ 

Facebook: https://bit.ly/LLV-fb 

Instagram: https://bit.ly/LLV-IG 

Twitter: https://bit.ly/LLV-twitter 

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/LLVgoodreads 

BookBub: http://bit.ly/LLVbb 

Read More...