New Release, Review & Excerpt – The New Guy, Sarina Bowen

March 1, 2023 | Posted in Excerpt, Release Day Blitz, Review | By

 

A new male / male hockey romance from 24-time USA Today bestseller Sarina Bowen!

My name is Hudson Newgate, but my teammates call me New Guy.

That was my nickname in Chicago, too. And Vancouver. That’s what happens when you keep getting traded. Brooklyn is my last chance, especially after my poor performance last season.

But I can make this work. The new guy knows to keep his head down and shoot the puck. The new guy puts the game first.

What he doesn’t do is hook up with the other new guy—a hot athletic trainer who lives in my building. Gavin needs this job with my team. He’s a single dad with responsibilities.

We can’t be a couple. My arrogant agent–who’s also my father–will lose his mind if I’m dating a dude. And my team needs me to score goals, not whip up a media circus.

Too bad Gavin and I are terrible at resisting each other…

 

Amazon: https://geni.us/New-Guy-Amzn
Apple Books: https://geni.us/New-Guy-Appl
Kobo: https://geni.us/New-Guy-Kobo
Nook: https://geni.us/New-Guy-BandN
Audio: https://geni.us/New-Guy-Audible

All links in one place: https://shor.by/NewGuy
ADD TO GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63355404-the-new-guy

 

Kara's Review

5 out of 5 stars

The New Guy is the first book in the NEW series, Hockey Guys, by the fabulous Sarina Bowen. Did you hear that? A NEW m/m series. Holy hell, I’m so excited! It’s a spin-off of the Brooklyn series so we get to see some of our favorites and meet new ones! There are two new guys in Brooklyn. Hudson Newgate is a new player who’s been traded four times in the last five years so he knows how to be the new guy. Gavin is the new athletic trainer. There is an instant attraction between them, but Hudson isn’t out and Gavin can’t afford to lose his job, he has a daughter to take care of. Not only are they both new, they’re neighbors! They try to stay away from each other, they really do, but their chemistry is just too strong. Oh man, when they give in, it’s fire! Gavin is such a good dad and Jordyn is freaking hilarious! He’s patient with Hudson who’s struggling to decide to come out. They are supportive of each other, they have fun together and they are sexy as hell! I loved everything about this book. The push and pull, the weeks of foreplay, the banter, the sexiness and the laughs. I just couldn’t love Hudson and Gavin more if I tried! Sarina is one of my favorite authors and her m/m romances are top-notch. Him was the first m/m I listened to in audio and I never looked back.

Audio: Teddy Hamilton and J.F. Harding were freaking fantastic! They are the perfect Gavin and Hudson.

 

Excerpt

When I win the ping pong game, he laughs. “Didn’t take you too long to finish me off.”

I shrug, like it’s no big thing. But my heart is thumping and my face is flushed. And I realize that I don’t want the night to end. It’s the first time I’ve felt this way in a long time. 

“You’re a shark. I owe you five bucks.” He reaches for his wallet.

I hold up a hand. “Sorry, I don’t take cash. You’ll have to work it off in trade.” Yup, that ridiculous line just came out of my mouth. And I don’t regret it. 

His hand stills on his back pocket. “Yeah?”

“Oh yeah.” My words are full of bravado. But this is a big moment for me. I haven’t been with a guy since Eddie died.

Across the table, Hudson might be having his own internal battles. His handsome face is thoughtful. Maybe even troubled. He sets down his paddle and actually glances over his shoulder to make sure there’s nobody nearby. There isn’t, though. We’re the only ones in the ping-pong room. His gaze snaps back to mine. “I don’t do this.”

“Oh.” That could mean so many things. “You mean pickups? Or guys?”

“Well, both.”

“You’re not married,” I whisper. “Right?”

He actually laughs. “Nope. No way.” He turns his chin toward the front of the bar, and I am suddenly worried that I’ve killed the mood. But instead of begging off, he says, “My place is only a couple blocks from here. But I have to settle up with Pete. You want to meet me outside?”

Ah. Now I get it. He doesn’t want us to walk out together, and he doesn’t know how to say so. 

“Sure,” I say with forced casualness. “I’ll be outside. Don’t take too long.” I grab my jacket off the hook on the wall and stride past him, through the bar and out the door. 

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Sneak Peek – Toe the Line, Penelope Ward

February 23, 2023 | Posted in Excerpt | By

 

Title: Toe the Line
Author: Penelope Ward
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Trope: Friends-to-Lovers
Release Date: February 27, 2023
BLURB

 

 

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a friends-to-lovers story spanning more than a decade…

 

At first, I thought I’d hate spending the summer with Archie Remington—the conceited son of my parents’ friends.
What I knew about Archie: he was gorgeous, pre-law, and had always treated me like I didn’t exist when we were younger.
When our families bought a house together on an island in Maine, he and I were forced to share a bathroom.
The boy I remembered was now a full-grown man—but with the same attitude.
After a rough start, Archie and I unexpectedly started getting along one day and eventually became friends. We shared secrets and bonded during our morning jogs. I discovered that Archie had a wild spirit and that he struggled to conform to his father’s expectations.
Things were cool until I had to go and ruin it, getting drunk one night, and blurting out my fantasy—involving him.
I took it back, but it was too late. Archie had heard me loud and clear. After that, we never quite knew how to toe the line.
When that summer came to an abrupt and shocking end, I headed back to college, unsure if anything would ever be the same again.
Across the miles over the years, he and I stayed in touch as friends, but fate and timing always kept us from becoming more.
You know the saying: If two people are meant to be, they’ll find their way back to each other?
Let’s just say Archie came back into my life in a way I would’ve never expected.
And this time, my heart would really be put to the test.

 

 

 

PRE-ORDER LINKS
**No Amazon e-book preorder. 
Will go live on/around release day

 

EXCERPT

 

Copyright © 2022 Penelope Ward

 

Mixing alcohol with nostalgia, it turns out, is not always the wisest choice.
When Archie and I returned to the house that night, we didn’t know what to do with ourselves. Neither of us was tired enough to sleep. But the alcohol from the beers at the beach and the wine he’d opened once we got back home was going to my head fast. I could no longer be trusted with my words.
Archie took out the chocolate cake he’d made earlier and placed it on the counter. We both began eating it—with our bare hands. It was a mess, and I likely had chocolate all over my face. So this is how it ends, huh? I suppose it could be worse.
“I had so much fun tonight,” he said with his mouth full. “You?”
“It was awesome. Reminded me of the old days.” I licked chocolate off the corner of my mouth.
Archie’s eyes fell to my lips. “Seven years ago sometimes feels like yesterday, and other times like forever ago, doesn’t it?”
When I felt my eyes starting to well up, I knew that was my cue. I never wanted to leave Archie’s side, but I needed this weekend to be over before I lost it in front of him. “Anyway, we’d better go to bed,” I told him. “We both have early flights in the morning.”
I hopped down from my stool and rushed over to the sink to wash my hands. I hadn’t intended to make eye contact with him again because I didn’t want him to notice my eyes. Then again, he was a little drunk, too, so not sure how perceptive he would be.
Then I felt his presence nearby.
“I have so many regrets,” he said from behind me.
I turned to face him and swallowed. “Regrets about what?”
He had chocolate cake on his face, but somehow he’d never looked hotter.
“Everything,” he whispered. “With you.” He paused. “What we did and what we didn’t do. The way that summer ended. Everything.”
“Why are you bringing this up now?”
“Because I’m fucking drunk, I guess. I don’t know.” He pulled on his hair. “You look so goddamn beautiful right now.” His eyes were hazy as he murmured, “It hurts to look at you.”
My tears felt ready to fall. I couldn’t let that happen. “Keep that shit to yourself,” I muttered.
“We never talk about it, Noelle. We talk about everything else except the massive elephant in the room—the things we did that summer, what almost happened before—”
“Stop.” I sniffled. “You’re only bringing it up because you’re drunk. This is not a healthy way to discuss anything.”
“Maybe.” Archie leaned against the center island and placed his head in his hands. He went silent for a long time. “You were with Shane for like…forever. I thought you were gonna marry that guy. And I thought you were happy. I never thought you’d break up with him.” He looked down at the floor. “I kept waiting and…”

 

Waiting? He was waiting for things to end between Shane and me?

 

“I’m sorry…” He shook his head. “You’re right. I need to stop.”
Nothing good could come of two people with a ton of unspoken baggage trying to work things out while drunk. I could’ve poured out all of my feelings. I could have chosen to complicate his already-complicated life—turned it into a goddamn soap opera. But I loved him too much. I loved him. So I wouldn’t do that.
“Goodnight, Archie. Get some sleep.”
I left him standing in the kitchen next to a chocolate cake that looked like it had been ravaged by wild animals.
Then I went to my room and cried myself to sleep.

 

 

AUTHOR BIO
Penelope
Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling
author of contemporary romance.
 
She grew up
in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a
television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son,
and beautiful daughter with autism.
 
With over two
million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author
of over twenty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen
languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
AUTHOR LINKS
OTHER BOOKS BY PENELOPE WARD

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Review – Make A Wish, Helena Hunting

January 27, 2023 | Posted in Excerpt | By

With her signature charm and sense of humor, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Helena Hunting creates a novel about love, family, and second chances in Make a Wish

 

Ever have a defining life moment you wish you could do over? Harley Spark has one. The time she almost kissed the widowed father of the toddler she nannied for. It was so bad they moved across the state and she never saw them again.

 

Fast forward seven years and she’s totally over it. At least she thinks she is. Until Gavin Rhodes and his adorable now nine-year-old daughter, Peyton, reappear at a princess-themed birthday party hosted by Spark House, Harley’s family’s event hotel. Despite trying to avoid the awkwardness of the situation, she can’t help but notice how unbearably sexy he looks in a tutu.  Add to that a spontaneous hives breakout, and it’s clear she’s not even remotely over the mortification of her egregious error all those years ago.

 

Except Gavin seems oblivious to her inner turmoil. So much so that he suggests they get together for lunch. For Peyton’s sake, of course. It’s the perfect opportunity to heal old wounds. Or it could just reopen them. This is one of those times Harley wishes she could see the future…

AVAILABLE NOW!!

Ebook → http://bit.ly/3iZep24

Audio → https://bit.ly/mawsparkaud

Paperback → https://bit.ly/3R14SUL
Add it to Goodreads →  https://geni.us/MakeAWishGR

Website →  https://helenahunting.com/books/make-a-wish/

 

Kara's Review

5 out of 5 stars

Make A Wish is the third and final book in the Spark House series by Helena Hunting and it’s my favorite of the series! It’s a single dad, second chance romance full of fun, sorrow, joy, hope, lust, love, friendship and family. Seven years ago Harley was the nanny for Peyton, a toddler who lost her mom. She almost made the mistake of almost kissing Gavin, but nothing happened. Then they moved away. Now they are back and when they run into each other Gavin wants to have lunch and catch up. Harley is thrilled to spend more time with Peyton. She’s not sure what to make of the connection she and Gavin seem to have. He seems to be interested in her, but that can’t be right? Can it? Gavin never forgot about Harley, but she was barely twenty years old back then. Now she’s all woman and he can’t deny how he feels about her. But there’s Peyton to consider. The more time they spend together the more time he wants with Harley. With Peyton and all to himself. Is he ready to move on? Put the past behind him and have a future with Harley? This is such a great, emotional story! So much loss but so much hope. I thought Gavin and Harley handled things like adults. And Peyton is freaking adorable! I love her honesty and openness. I loved how Gavin talked to his best friend and got advice. How Harley and her sisters are a team. And I loved how Harley stood up for herself. She finally realized what she wanted and she asked for it. It was great to see Avery, London and their men again. I’m sad the series is over, but it ended perfectly!

 

 

Keep reading for a look inside MAKE A WISH! 

“Do you know where Gavin is taking you for dinner?”

“Nope, he just said wear something nice,” I reply.

“Did you pick up some sexy lingerie to wear under your dress?”

“I guess it depends on whose version of sexy we’re talking about.”

Avery’s version of sexy lingerie is upgrading from a sports bra to one with padding and black bikini briefs. London, on the other hand loves,[HH1]  all things lace and satin and delicate. I’m somewhere between the two.

London stops messing with my eyebrows and gives me a stern look. “Please tell me you bought new underwear for this date.”

“Who says he’s going to see my underwear at the end of the night?” I challenge.

“Oh please.” London props a fist on her hip. “Isn’t Peyton sleeping over at her grandparents’ place?”

“As far as I know, yes.”

“So he’ll be able to come back to your place and stay the night if he wants,” London says.

“Do you think I should invite him back to my place?” I glance between my sisters.

“Why wouldn’t you?” Avery rubs her belly.

“It’s our first date.”

Now it’s Avery’s turn to give me a look. “You’ve been seeing him on a weekly basis since July. It’s October[CD2] [HH3] .”

“Because of Peyton.”

“Uh, we all know that’s bullshit.” Avery makes a circle motion and points at me.

“I was in a relationship for most of the time I was spending with them,” I argue.

Avery rolls her eyes. “Chad was a nice guy, but he was a fun-for-now boyfriend, not a get-serious boyfriend. And he was way too into fantasy sports. No one should be in that many fantasy leagues. It’s not normal, and that’s coming from a self-professed sports junkie.”

“Still, don’t you think I should wait a while before jumping into bed with Gavin?” I bring my fingers to my lips then drop them to my lap so I don’t ruin my gloss or my nails.

“It’s whatever feels right,” London says. “And you want to make sure that you’re actually into Gavin on his own, rather than the Gavin-and-Peyton package.”

“How is she going to figure that out unless she gets naked with him?” Avery argues.

“Sex complicates things. You know that better than anyone,” London says pointedly. She’s referencing the way Avery and Declan nearly imploded back when they crossed the line from best friends to best friends with a lot of benefits.

“My situation with Declan is not even remotely the same as what’s going on with Harley and Gavin. Declan had major commitment issues, and I made a stupid mistake. Now we’re super happy and totally in love and having a baby.” Avery turns back to me. “I think you need to do whatever is right for you. It’s up to you whether you let him see your underpants.”

London sighs and shakes her head, then her eyes go wide, and she takes me by the shoulders. “Please tell me your underwear are not cotton.”

“There’s nothing wrong with cotton underwear. They breathe,” Avery says defensively.

“There’s nothing wrong with them in the general sense, but for a date and potentially the first underpants sighting, cotton is a no-no.”

“They’re not cotton,” I assure her.

She arches a brow and I sigh.

“They’re satin with a lace waistband and a floral print.”

“Okay. As long as they don’t have a cartoon pattern on them, we’re good,” London says with relief.

My phone buzzes on the vanity, Gavin’s name flashing across the screen. I nab the device and check the message. He’s just pulled into Spark House. “He’s here. I’m so nervous. Why am I so nervous?”

“Because you want to get naked with him,” Avery says.

“Because you like him, and you’re changing the dynamic of your relationship,” London says.

“And you want to find out if he’s got the moves between the sheets.” Avery grins. She gives me a fist bump. “Just remember, you don’t need to wait five dates before you get in the sack with this one.”

“But don’t feel like you need to rush into anything either.” London turns me around once to make sure my dress isn’t wonky in the back, and then they’re ushering me into the hall.

Add to Goodreads: https://geni.us/MakeAWishGR

 

About Helena Hunting 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from emotional contemporary romance to romantic comedies that will have you laughing until you cry.

 

Connect with Helena

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2kN5wdZ

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2mloUim
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/Zt1xm5
Facebook Fan group: http://bit.ly/2kN5yCD
Website: http://www.helenahunting.com/

Never miss an update! Subscribe to Helena’s mailing list:
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Sneak Peek – Promise Me Always, A.L. Jackson

January 26, 2023 | Posted in Excerpt | By

 

🖤 Promise Me Always Sneak Peek 🖤

 

NYT Bestselling Author A.L. Jackson has a sneak peek of her upcoming single dad, fake fiancée romance, Promise Me Always. Coming January 30th! 

“Go, go, go!” Tessa jumped up and down, rooting on Remy who’d thrown the Frisbee and was currently rounding the bases.

I scooped Scout into my arms, and he and I raced toward the Frisbee that’d rolled out the right side of the baseball field.

Scout was bouncing all over, his laughter filling the air, my little guy kicking my sides like I was a horse. “Hurry, Dad, hurry, Remy is so really fast, and we gotta catch her before she gets all the way to home base.”

I dipped down to snag the Frisbee, holding tight to Scout as I tipped him upside down, making him holler and laugh uncontrollably while Tessa was shouting, “You’re almost there, Remy! Whoop, whoop! Team Remy-T Wreckers coming in for the win. Yeah, baby!”

Scout’s eyes went wide. “Go, Dad! We gotta catch her. Rocket speed!”

I shifted him, tucking his side to mine so he could stretch out his arms like he was flying, and I was supplying the rocket propulsion as we bounded back the opposite direction, a bunch of sounds bubbling out of my mouth as I found a lightness I hadn’t felt in a long, long time.

Remy rounded third base.

Tessa jumped up and down on the pitcher’s mound, waving her hands in the air and cheering on my kid. “Go, Remy, go!”

Both their faces were red.

Joy radiated all around.

Guessed it was my joy, too.

This feeling in the air that might have been the best thing I’d ever felt.

Scout kept himself rigid, still zooming through the air. “After burners, Dad!”

I increased my speed a fraction.

Remy screamed and laughed as she ran for home, my daughter soaring free when her steps were often laden with reservation.

Her load too heavy.

I made sure that we just missed her as she stomped onto the base.

“Ahh, dang, you’re too fast.” I feigned the grumbled complaint while my little girl squealed in victory and shouted, “I did it! I did it!”

Tessa ran her way, her arms in the air. “You did it! You are a rockstar, Remington Hendricks!”

They jumped, high-fiving each other with both hands.

“Oh, man,” Scout whined. “We got a tie. How do we even know who’s the best?”

I pressed my lips to the top of his head. “Means we’re all the best, little man.”

“That’s Rocketman to you,” he told me.

A chuckle got free, and Tessa was giggling nonstop, her smile so bright, happiness this glow of warmth that surrounded her.

She poked Scout’s belly where I’d shifted him upright. “Pure awesomesauce, I tell you.”

He jumped out of my arms and into hers.

She caught him like she was completely accustomed to pint-sized shenanigans. “There’s my Rocketman! You’re off to Mars!” she sang as she swung him around.

Peals of his laughter rang in the air, and Remy moved to hold my hand, grinning in a way I hadn’t seen her do in so long that I’d almost forgotten what it looked like.

God, I wasn’t even sure how to navigate through it when I kept getting struck with an urge to capture it.

Hold it and protect it forever.

“Okay, I think that’s my favorite game.” Remy was almost shy to say it, though it was adrenaline and glee rushing all over her face.

“So fun!” Tessa agreed.

Everyone was panting with the exertion, sweat slicking our skin, and we moved back to where we had the blanket set up in the shade.

Tessa flopped down onto her back on it, Scout still held in her arms. Remy flopped right down beside her.

Tessa rolled her head in Remy’s direction so they were staring at each other where they lie on their backs. “Thank you for being on my team.”

“Best team ever.” Timidity might have filled Remy’s voice, but joy shined in her eyes.

They just sat there for a second, smiling at each other, something special moving between them.

Scout climbed off Tessa, and he crawled to the cooler and tossed open the lid. “I spy with my little eye a blue Popsicle.”

Like he hadn’t spotted it earlier when we were passing out sandwiches and fresh-cut fruit.

He reached for one.

“You’re supposed to ask first, little man,” I told him.

“Is it okay, Tessa?” He beamed at her. I was pretty sure those full lips would be enough to swindle the last dollar out of a starving man’s hand.

I blinked at him. “Excuse me? What am I, chopped liver?”

Scout shrugged. “Tessa’s got my back.”

Tessa sat up, pressing her fingertips to her mouth like she was trying to keep back her laughter.

“What are you giggling about?” I asked, voice low as I climbed down onto my knees at the edge of the oversized blanket.

“I think I found myself a couple of new besties.” Her smile softened, pure affection as she glanced between the two of them.

Remy smiled, too, and fuck, my chest tightened.

I loved to see my little girl happy.

“I’ll be your best friend because you brought me a Popsicle,” Scout supplied as he grabbed a handful of them and started to pass them out.

“One for Daddy-Doo, one for Remy-Roo, one for Tessa-Too.”

My kid, he was a poet.

“Dad, you better kiss her if you’re gonna marry her,” Scout said so nonchalant as he peeled the wrapper and stuck the blue bullet into his mouth. “Because in a minute, she’s gonna have blue lips, and that’s gross.”

I knew we were going to have to get these displays of affection right, but my nerves decided it was a fine time to short-circuit.

To go zapping and zinging in all those places she kept bringing to life.

Shaking me down and tightening my guts in a flurry of want as I looked at the woman who watched me with such a tenderness that my spirit groaned.

“You’ve got love, Dad,” Remy whispered.

Soft encouragement that cut me to the quick.

My child’s belief filling me full after I’d lost it.

Warily, I crawled forward on my knees, already towering over Tessa where she sat on the blanket.

My friend.

My friend.

Curling my hand around the back of her neck, I drew her closer.

Fire flashed.

That feeling rising that I had to keep at bay.

But those blue eyes, they were so intense and deep and filled with this trust that spread like fingers through my senses.

The girl a lure.

Her lips barely parted as we sat there with an inch of space separating us.

Hovering.

Hesitating.

Unsure.

My heart thundered too loud, and I finally drew her the rest of the way in and pressed my lips to hers.

Somewhere between firm and soft.

A second.

Then two.

Breathing her in.

Torment and bliss.

Pre-Order on Amazon

Pre-Order on Audible

Add to Goodreads

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

Can’t wait for the release? Be sure to vote for PROMISE ME ALWAYS as one of your most anticipated January reads on Goodreads!

Vote Here

 

Connect with A.L.

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, FALLING STARS, and REDEMPTION HILLS novels. Watch out for her upcoming stand-alone, PROMISE ME ALWAYS, releasing January 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 https://geni.us/ALJacksonBookClubB or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

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Excerpt Reveal – The Game, Vi Keeland

January 12, 2023 | Posted in Excerpt | By

 

Title: The Game
Author: Vi Keeland
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 16, 2023
Take a sneak peek of THE GAME. 
You know you want to…

 

I tilted my head. “Can I ask you something?”
He shrugged. “Sure.”
“Why are you here?”
“You mean at the Bruins?”
I shook my head. “No, here with me at this moment. You must have plenty of other things you could be doing right now that are more fun than listening to my drivel.”
“Maybe I like drivel.”
I snort-laughed. “No one likes drivel.”
He smiled, and his eyes dropped to my lips for a fraction of a second. “Maybe I like you.”
I shifted in my seat to face him. “Why?”
Christian shrugged again. “I don’t know. I think you’re interesting.”
My eyes narrowed. “What about me is interesting?”
“You’re a billionaire who lives in a rent-controlled apartment over a fruit stand and tried to give the team you inherited to your grandfather. What’s not interesting about you? Given your situation, most people I know would live in a penthouse by now and take car services, not walk twenty minutes to the stadium every day after getting off the train.”
I raised an eyebrow, and a grin spread across Christian’s face.
“Plus, you’re hot.”
That last part made me smile. “And technically, I’m your boss.”
His grin widened. “That makes you even hotter.”
I chuckled. “Tell me about yourself, Christian. I feel like you know so much about me, but I don’t know anything about you, other than your stats, of course.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Do you have a girlfriend?”
“You think I’m hot too, don’t you?”
I laughed. “Just answer the question, Knox. Something tells me your ego gets stroked enough.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He shook his head. “No girlfriend.”
I tapped my lip with my pointer. “What do you do in the offseason?”
“Recover. Let my body heal. Sleep. Fish. I have a cabin on a lake up in Maine. Spend time with friends. Travel. Keep up with my training.”
“That sounds so…normal.”
“The season is anything but normal when you play in the NFL. It’s tough on the body and mind. You’re on the road all the time, the media follows your ass around, women hand you underwear with their numbers written on them and sneak into your hotel room. So normal is good.”
My face wrinkled. “Women give you their underwear?”
Christian smiled. “Any other questions?”
“Am I demented if I’m curious to know whether the underwear are clean or not?”
He laughed. “Maybe. But I like the way you think.”

 

 

★★★ 

 

 

 

Excited? We are too!

 

RELEASING
JANUARY 16th!

 

 

PRE-ORDER LINKS

 

Please note: There will not be an Amazon ebook pre-order, but it will be available on Amazon on release day.

 

 
 

 

Sign up for Vi’s mailing list now and be the first one notified when it goes live!

 

 

 

Do you like texts better than email? Receive text notices of Vi’s new releases by texting the word BOOKS to 77948 You will ONLY receive a text when a new book goes live – no other messages at all!

 

AUTHOR BIO

 

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-six languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria, and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

 

AUTHOR LINKS
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Release Blitz, Excerpt, Review & *Giveaway* – The Humbug Holiday, Lane Hayes

December 12, 2022 | Posted in Excerpt, Giveaway, Release Day Blitz, Review | By

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Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
The Humbug Holiday
By Lane Hayes

HUMBUG HOLIDAY ebook-1600x2400

Two grumpy bears and a holiday season neither will forget…

Joe

So this sexy silver fox rolls into my small New England town and buys a run-down old house in need of renovation. That’s where I come in. My job is to do some basic repairs, so he can write in peace. Yep, the hotshot is a bestselling author, but that’s not why I recognize Cameron Warren.

No worries, I won’t let a one-night stand make things awkward. I could use the work, but is he seriously asking me to help him buy a Christmas tree too?

No way.

Cameron

I’m a good-natured guy all year long, but I have to admit…I hate the holidays.

There. I said it.

This season, I’m hiding away on the opposite side of the country in a picturesque village. My family isn’t excited about my decision, and the only way to assure them I’m fine is to deck the darn halls. Or hire someone else to do it.

The handyman might not be the logical choice for an elf, but his grumpy act makes me smile. Which makes me think the holidays might not be so “bah-humbug” this year after all.

The Humbug Holiday is a bisexual, age-gap romance featuring two grumpy bears who find unexpected magic and learn to embrace everyone’s favorite time of year!

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Kara's Review

5 out of 5 stars

The Humbug Holiday is Lane Hayes’ newest sexy standalone. I loved everything about this story. Two grumpy bears, an age gap, spicey sexiness, Christmas fun and laughs. I pretty much smiled the entire time except when I was fanning myself! Cameron and Joe are the perfect couple. They both hate Christmas for different reasons from their past. But Cameron is willing to decorate for his aunts. Joe is willing to help Cameron because he’s paying him, but also because he just wants to. I fell hard and fast for these two. Cameron is older (yay!), a talented writer, big and sexy. Joe is a handyman who’s sexy in flannel and jeans and really loves his hometown. It took Cameron, an outsider, for Joe to see how much he really loves it. And Joe showed Cameron there’s more to life than working all the time. I couldn’t love this story more. Ok, maybe if it was longer. Ha! Cameron and Joe are one of my favorite couples of Lane’s and hope we get to see them again!!

THH Teaser 2


Excerpt:

We sipped hot cocoa, chatting idly as we watched the flickering embers and twinkling lights from the Christmas tree. We’d talked about taking a shower and rustling up something to eat, but this was warm and cozy. And it felt nice to lean back with our legs tangled and Cam’s hand resting over mine.

I snickered at his overembellished recounting of our adventure. “The snow drift was maybe three feet tall. Not twenty.”

“Hmph. We’ll measure it next time.”

“Deal.” I bumped his shoulder playfully. “Before you got here, when was the last time you were in the snow?”

“New York City, two years ago at a book signing on Fifth Avenue. It coincided with the premiere of the Morningside series on Netflix, so even though the weather sucked, the show went on.”

“I forget you’re famous sometimes.” My tone was light, but I must have struck a nerve.

Cam sipped his cocoa quietly. “I don’t feel famous. I’m a storyteller, that’s all.”

“A very good one…so they say,” I added with a teasing wink.

“Maybe. But I get lost in the accolades. I have a message from Martin on my cell. He must have texted while we were sledding. He’s excited about a new contract. He wants me in LA to do a holiday promotion. He went on and on about how fucking excited everyone is, and he’s already working with art directors…and something about billboards and social media adverts, and—fuck, that’s not real to me. It’s noise. Being here with you…this is real.”

I rested my chin on his shoulder, then kissed his neck. “It’s real to me too.”

Cam’s lips quirked at the corners. “I even like that damn tree.”

“It’s a good one. A little plain, but good,” I agreed.

“You’re right. It’s too plain. Let’s fix that.”

“Huh?”

He sat up quickly and set his mug on the mantel. Without a word, he left the room and returned a moment later with the lone box of holiday decorations we’d left sitting in the hallway for weeks. He popped open the lid and sank to his knees to inspect the contents.

“Angels, stars, and red bulbs. I should have guessed,” he chuckled. “C’mon, my fellow Scrooge. Help me decorate this baby.”

THH Teaser 1


Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of The Humbug Holiday, Lane is giving away the Winner’s choice of an audiobook or ebook of choice from her published works!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57601/?

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About 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, 2018-2019, and 2020-2021 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.

Connect with Lane:
My Readers’ Group, Lane’s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYg
My Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3cICfaK
Blog: www.lane-hayes.com
Twitter: twitter.com/LaneHayes3
FB: facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthor
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/lanehayes
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayes
Instagram: instagram.com/Lanehayesauthor
Goodreads: goodreads.com/LaneHayes

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Release Day & Excerpt – Bastard Boss, Lisa Renee Jones

November 21, 2022 | Posted in Excerpt, Release Day Blitz | By

 

Title: Bastard Boss

Series: Tyler and Bella Duet #1

Author: Lisa Renee Jones

Release Date: November 21st, 2022

ABOUT BASTARD BOSS

A sexy, dirty talking alpha. The beautiful, sweet, and fiery Bella. Her boss. A contract that forces him to marry. An arrangement that will change them forever. Meet Tyler Hawk…

 

Tyler Hawk is a man with secrets and a dark past. A man who has known tragedy and betrayal. He wants for little, but what he wants is more power, a legacy that is his own, and not his father’s. There are obstacles in his way, one of which is the scandal his father left behind and a will with certain demands.

 

Behind the scenes he is a man on edge, and only one woman sees the truth hidden beneath his strong will and dominant rule. Bella is somehow demanding and submissive, fiery and yet sweet. She can give him everything he wants, she just doesn’t know it, not yet, but she will. If she’ll just say yes and sign on the dotted line.

 

BUY BASTARD BOSS HERE:

Amazon: http://mybook.to/TylerBella1/opt/1
Apple: https://apple.co/3tk8Qxp
Nook: https://bit.ly/3MWAVmi
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3D5D2jn
Google: https://bit.ly/3CRPzqm 

EXCERPT

“You’re going to have to share your room with me, sweetheart,” he says, and he doesn’t allow me time to object or even savor that endearment, not that objection is on my mind. I’m thinking of nothing but his mouth and hands on my body and this time, mine on his.

 

He opens the door and enters the room, maneuvering me along with him. The door slams shut behind us, and he’s already kissing me again. This time when his fingers find my hair, he gives the long strands an erotic tug and drags my gaze to his. “Control in all things, Bella. It’s who I am. It’s what I need, not a want.”

 

“And as you remember,” I say, my fingers curling on his chest, “I don’t like what I can’t control, which I guess actually means I like control, too.”

 

“And you have it with me,” he promises. “Always. All you have to say is no, and we find what feels like a yes to you. You asked if I trust you. I’m asking you now, if you trust me.”

 

I consider the complexity of the question. Do I trust him to listen when I say no? Yes. Do I trust him not to break my heart? I’m pretty sure that’s signed, sealed, and delivered, so, no. Do I trust him to make tonight all about pleasure? The kind of pleasure I’ll remember long after he is married off to his future fiancée. Yes. That’s a brutal yes because of where this is headed, which is nowhere but right here, right now, but one I can’t walk away from, either. “Yes,” I say. “I trust you.”

 

“I don’t think you do, Bella,” he murmurs, and the way he uses my name—it’s as if he wants me to know I’m not just sex to him. Or maybe I just want to believe that—even need to believe that—to be here with him, to be this intimate with him. Because I’m still me. I’m still not the “sex is sex” kind of girl, even if he aspires to change that in me. “But I want you to trust me so damn badly it’s insane,” he adds roughly, an edge of frustration in him, as if this statement somehow contradicts the control he so values.

 

It shakes me just how much I’m pleased that I’ve tormented him in some way, as if it’s selfish of me. I know this, but Lord also knows I’m tormented over this marriage agreement he’s obviously accepted. And if I think too hard about it, I will run. I will leave.

 

I don’t want to leave.

 

I press to my toes, desperate for his mouth and body, for that oblivion he’s shown me once that I crave once again.

 

His grip tightens gently round my hair, the act both arousing and brutal, as he denies me his mouth. “I’m going to make you trust me, Bella,” he declares, and then, thank you Lord, his mouth slants over my mouth, his tongue caressing my tongue. And it’s a toe-curling, deep, drugging kiss that leaves me breathless when his lips part mine. “Undress, baby,” he orders. “I want to watch.” 

THE SERIES – Tyler and Bella Duet 

Tyler & Bella Duet is available for pre-order NOW!
Amazon: http://mybook.to/TylerBella1/opt/1
Apple: https://apple.co/3tk8Qxp
Nook: https://bit.ly/3MWAVmi
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3D5D2jn  
Google: https://bit.ly/3CRPzqm 

Sweet Sinner (book two)
Amazon: http://mybook.to/TylerBella2/opt/1
Apple: https://apple.co/3woFjV8
Nook: https://bit.ly/3CPo8NK
Kobo: https://bit.ly/361cMul 

ABOUT LISA

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones writes dark, edgy fiction including the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series and the upcoming, crime thriller The Poet. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland and Bad Mom’s) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense.

 

Prior to publishing Lisa owned a multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine. She lives in Colorado with her husband, a cat that talks too much, and a Golden Retriever who is afraid of trash bags.

CONNECT WITH LISA

Newsletter ➜ http://lisareneejones.com/newsletter-sign-up/ 

Bookbub ➜ http://bookbub.com/authors/lisa-renee-jones 

Amazon ➜ https://amzn.to/2MoWosB 

Twitter ➜ https://twitter.com/LisaReneeJones 

Instagram ➜  http://instagram.com/lisareneejones 

Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/LisaReneeJones 

 

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Blog Tour, Review & Excerpt – Dirty Crazy Bad, Siobhan Davis

October 4, 2022 | Posted in Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review | By

Dirty Crazy Bad Book 1, an all-new sexy and page-turning dark reverse harem romance and first book in the Dirty Crazy Bad Duet from USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Siobhan Davis is available now!

A new dark college reverse harem romance from the USA Today & WSJ bestselling author of The Sainthood Series.

In the secret society of The Luminaries, no sin will go unpunished…

Sleeping with my boyfriend’s best friend, behind his girlfriend’s back, probably wasn’t my smartest idea.

But Jase is mine, and it’s about time Julia knew it.

Attending Lowell University was supposed to be a fresh start. A chance to end all the sneaking around and make our relationship official.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Julia is digging her claws into Jase.

My boyfriend, Chad, is getting in deeper with a local gang.

And my loathsome new stepbrother, Ares, has just moved in.

Ares despises Chad and Jase, and the feeling is mutual. As their rivalry escalates, Ares seems determined to use me as a pawn, and I’m trapped in the middle. It doesn’t help that he’s hot AF, knows exactly how to push my buttons, and my body hasn’t gotten the memo he’s off-limits.

I wish that were the least of my worries.

Pride. Wrath. Lust. Envy. Greed. Gluttony. Sloth.

My life turns upside down the moment the dark secret society of The Luminaries is revealed to me.

Everything I thought I knew was a lie.

Now, I have lost all control over my future, and a heart-breaking new reality emerges.

One where lovers become enemies, enemies become allies, and corrupting sinners to sin is my only way to survive.

Download your copy today! Read FREE in Kindle Unlimited Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Sbzv9P Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/dirtycrazybad1 Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3fhRTiB

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3GXXCnK

 

Sandra's Review

Holy. Fucking. Shit. This book!!! I love reverse harem. I love enemies-to-lovers. I crave dark romance. This book is all of that in beautifully twisted bow. I am obsessed! Siobhan’s writing is addictive and twisted and I am here for it. It always questions my sanity and I just have to own it. I have a twisted mind and I love bad boys and these boys all have different personalities and all hot in their beautiful and fucked up ways. I have fallen for all of them but I do have a favorite. I would usually get into the storyline without spoilers but I can’t even do that. I can say that it’s a wild, hot, emotional ride and it’s not for the faint at heart. Enjoy the ride!! I can’t wait for the next one. It’s one of my favorite books of the year! 🔥  P.S. My heart is still pounding.  Quotes:  “Most girls would freak if their man came home all bloody and sweaty, but you kiss me and tell me I’m your hero.” “I hate you,” she whispers.  “You hate yourself more.” “Please let me take care of you,” he adds, lowering his tone.    

Pre-order the thrilling conclusion Dirty Crazy Bad Book 2 today→ https://mybook.to/dirtycrazybad2

Excerpt

Ashley “Babe.” She snaps her fingers in my face. “Where’d you go?” “The same place you did.” I lick my lips as I reposition her so she’s plastered to my front with her legs wrapped around my waist. “I want to christen the hall first,” she says, grinding her pussy against the growing bulge in my jeans. “I love the way your mind works, Siren.” I crash my lips against hers as I spin us around and walk over to the wall just inside the open doorway. Shoving her spine against the exposed brickwork, I pivot my hips and thrust against her, already leaking precum behind my boxers. “Chad,” she moans into my mouth. “Take me here, right now, with the door open.” My brows climb to my hairline as a grin tugs up the corners of my mouth. “Taking a page out of Jase’s book now?” “He doesn’t own the monopoly on exhibitionism or public fucking,” she says, sucking my lower lip into her mouth. “I need to ride your dick, and I want it now.”

About Siobhan Siobhan Davis is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Amazon Top 10 bestselling romance author. Siobhan writes emotionally intense stories with swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and tons of unexpected plot twists and turns that will have you flipping the pages beyond bedtime! She has sold over 1.5 million books and her titles are translated into several languages. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Siobhan forged a successful corporate career in human resource management. She lives in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.

Connect with Siobhan Subscribe to romance newsletter: http://smarturl.it/KennedyBoysList Amazon Author Page: http://smarturl.it/SiobhanDavisAmazon Website: http://smarturl.it/SiobhanDavisWebsite Goodreads: http://smarturl.it/SiobhanGoodreads Facebook page :http://smarturl.it/SiobhanDavisFacebook Facebook group: https://smarturl.it/SiobhanSquad Instagram: https://smarturl.it/SiobhanInstagram TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@siobhandavisauthor BookBub: http://smarturl.it/SiobhanDavisBookbub

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Excerpt Reveal – The Rules of Dating, Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

September 15, 2022 | Posted in Excerpt | By

 

Title: The Rules of Dating
Authors: Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 19, 2022
Excited about Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland’s upcoming release, The Rules of Dating? 
Check out this SNEAK PEEK!

 

Crash!

 

Shit. Billie and I looked at each other. A devilish smirk spread across her face…and then she turned and bolted.
I looked around. The coast seemed clear, so I ran as fast as I could while pushing a heaping cart full of crap. For the last hour and a half, Billie had been picking things out and holding them up to show me. If I agreed, she chucked them over her shoulder for me to catch with the cart. I’d been zigging and zagging, trying to scoop up all the merchandise she threw as I followed her around—both of us laughing like school kids the entire time. That is, until I missed that last toss and a glass bowl shattered on the floor.
IKEA was a giant maze, and both of us kept running, turning left and then right, until we finally arrived in the warehouse portion of the store, which was right before the checkout line. Billie leaned over with her hands on her knees, huffing and puffing.
“I think we’re in the clear,” she said.
“Pretty sure I would’ve rather paid for the twelve-dollar bowl than make a run for it. This cart is so full, it almost tipped like ten times.”
She laughed. “Did we get everything we need?”
“I’m not sure. But we definitely bought a lot of shit we don’t need. Like I think we could have done without the motorized ice cream cone spinners. The tenant can lick their own ice cream.”
Billie grinned. “Those are for me and Saylor. They light up, too!”
I snorted. “Come on, let’s check out before I’m completely broke.”
While we loaded everything onto the conveyor belt, I lifted my chin toward the in-store restaurant located just after the cashier stations. “You still up for meatballs?”
“Uh…hello? It’s the only reason I came.”
I clutched my hand over my heart. “Oww, that hurts. And here I thought you came for the company.”
After we were all checked out, I wheeled the cart over to a table for two in the corner of the restaurant. “Why don’t you stay here with the stuff, and I’ll go get us some meatballs.”
“Okay. But can you get me a drink, too, please? I’m so thirsty.”
When I came back, I set two big plates of meatballs on the table.
“Did you forget the drinks?” Billie asked.
I grinned and lifted a finger. “Actually, I didn’t. I brought them.” My gym bag from earlier had been lying on the bottom shelf underneath the cart since we walked in. Taking it out, I unzipped and started to unpack. “Wine, madame?” I held a bottle of merlot over one arm, showing the label like a maître d’.
Billie cracked up. “You brought wine with you? I thought it was strange when you took your duffle bag into the store. But I figured maybe your wallet was in it and stuff.”
I shrugged. “What choice did I have? You won’t go out with me, so I have to make the best out of our undate at IKEA.” I unloaded two plastic wine glasses, white cloth napkins, and a candleholder with a red candle.
Billie picked up the candle and examined it before raising a brow. “A winter village scene?”
I shrugged. “They’re Christmas candles. I only had an hour to get out of the house with a four-year-old. Don’t judge.”
The looks we got from the people around us as we ate meatballs by candlelight were pretty comical. I was also pretty sure it was against the rules to have an open flame in IKEA, let alone an open bottle of wine, but evidently the people behind the counter hadn’t read the employee rule book to be certain. Either way, the smile on Billie’s face made it all worthwhile. After we were done eating, I blew out the candle and started to pack up.
“You know…” Billie shook her head. “I think you just snuck a date into our undate.”
I shoved the cork back into the top of the wine bottle and zippered it into my duffle. “I did not.”
She squinted at me. “I’m pretty sure you did. What’s the difference between what we just did and a date? We shared a candlelight meal with wine and cloth napkins.”
I leaned down and whispered in her ear. “The difference is, you don’t get to come at the end.”
When I pulled back, Billie’s jaw was hanging open. I freaking loved that she looked so affected. She swallowed. “Is that the way all your dates end?”
I shook my head back and forth slowly. “No, but it’s damn straight the way ours would.”

Copyright © 2022 Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

 

 

 

BLURB

 

It all started when I hosted a little party for a bunch of new friends.

 

Though “friends” might not be the right word since the invitees were all the women I’d found out my boyfriend was talking to behind my back. When the guest of honor walked in—aka my now ex—things took a turn…
Unfortunately, a stranger witnessed the whole blowout. I was in a mood that night and ended up giving this gorgeous guy an attitude, too. As if my night could get any worse, before he stormed off, he informed me he was actually my landlord.
Colby Lennon, along with three of his friends, owned the building where my tattoo shop was located. He and I were total opposites. He wore a tie, oozed confidence that came with years of women falling at his feet, and wasn’t afraid to say what he wanted, which lately—was me.
I hated that I found myself attracted to him. Especially since I was supposed to be on a self-imposed dating hiatus. Yet the two of us couldn’t seem to stay away from each other. We started hanging out, as friends. I even went as far as making rules for what he’d dubbed our “undates.”
But eventually, our explosive attraction became too much to bear, and we broke our resolve. I let my guard down and started to really fall for Colby.
Nothing could have prepared me for the ride he took me on. And I certainly wasn’t prepared for where I’d wind up when the ride was over.
All good things must come to an end, right?
Except our ending was one I didn’t see coming.

 

 

PENELOPE WARD

 

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance. 

 

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism. 
With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over thirty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

 

VI KEELAND

 

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-seven languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.
OTHER BOOKS BY PENELOPE & VI
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AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited
ALSO AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK & AUDIO
OTHER BOOKS BY PENELOPE
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
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Excerpt Reveal – Moody, Penelope Ward

August 18, 2022 | Posted in Excerpt | By

 

Title: Moody
Author: Penelope Ward
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 22, 2022
BLURB

 

 

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone novel.

 

The day I showed up to Dax Moody’s sprawling home, I had no idea what was coming.
As a traveling massage therapist, I was used to entering the houses of strangers.
But this assignment was different from any before it.
From the outside, I’d correctly assumed the owner was rich. What I didn’t realize was that he would be younger than I’d imagined, single, stunningly gorgeous, and mysterious.
Despite the fact that Dax had booked a massage, it never actually happened, since our first appointment was unexpectedly cut short by a comedy of errors.
Certain I’d never see him again after that day, I’d done nothing but think about the captivating man.
To my surprise, he called a second time. That appointment, we talked a lot, developing a stronger connection. But once again, there was no actual massage.
The man I now affectionately called “Moody” kept calling me to come back.
It took three times before I finally gave him the massage he’d ordered. Let’s just say it was challenging to keep things professional. I was extremely attracted to Dax, and by that time, I was falling hard.
Eventually, I’d find out why he’d been so aloof, the reason why he and I could never be together.
Our story was supposed to end there, but it didn’t.
Instead, I was left perpetually longing for a forbidden man.

 

 

 

 

PRE-ORDER LINKS
**No Amazon e-book preorder. 
Will go live on/around release day

 

EXCERPT

 

Copyright © 2022 Penelope Ward

 

“What do you do exactly?”
“I…stand beside you and rub my hands into your skin and work to get some of the knots out of your muscles.”
He shook his head. “No. I meant, what do you do? Is this your full-time gig?”
Is that an insult? “Yes. I went to school for massage after college, and I make a good living. Being a massage therapist is not something you do on the side. It’s a great, fulfilling career in and of itself,” I said defensively.
“I didn’t mean to imply it wasn’t.” He fidgeted with his watch, which looked like it cost more than my car.
I blew out a breath. “I do have other aspirations, but this pays the bills and allows me to put some money away, too. I’m currently saving for a trip to Europe.”
“I see.” He stared out the window, almost looking as though he wanted to escape.
What’s with this guy? “Look…I can leave if you’re not comfortable.”
“No.” He walked over to a cabinet and took out a bottle of some kind of liquor. “I just need something to take the edge off.” He poured himself a glass of amber-colored liquid.
I stared at his big, masculine hands. “Well, this is a first.”
“A first what?” he asked.
“The first time a client has ever had to relax before a relaxing massage.” When I laughed, I accidentally snorted.
His eyes narrowed. “What the hell was that?”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to snort. That happens sometimes when I’m nervous. It just comes out.”
“Why are you nervous?”
“Maybe your attitude is rubbing off on me.”
He chugged the alcohol and slammed the glass down. “I’m sorry. I don’t know how to relax. It’s my nature. Even when I’m supposed to be freaking relaxing…the thought of relaxing stresses me out.”
I nodded. “That’s actually a real thing. It’s called relaxation-induced anxiety.”
He chuckled. “Thanks for the diagnosis.”
“I used to be like you. I’d get panic attacks from the quiet when I tried to meditate.”
He licked the side of his mouth. “I suppose that defeats the purpose.”
“Exactly. And sitting still, like in the hair salon or dentist’s chair, used to make me panicky when I was younger.”
“Younger? You’re pretty young. How long have you been doing this massage thing?” he asked.
“A couple of years.”
“What made you get into it?”
“I wanted to make people feel good. And it doesn’t bore me. I never have to be in one place.”
“Does it pay well? How much of the fee do you get to keep?”
My eyes narrowed. “You ask a lot of questions.”
“Well, maybe I need to get comfortable with you before I let you put your hands all over me.”
For some reason that comment rubbed me the wrong way. Let me put my hands on him? As if it was a privilege? (As if he could read my mind and sense my attraction? Ugh.)
I raised my voice. “I thought you told the company someone recommended me. Why are you so apprehensive?”
“Okay.” He sighed, scrubbing his hand over his face. “Let’s get this over with. What do I do?”
Jesus. He’s wound tight. “Take off your shirt and lie down on the table. You can leave your pants on or take them off.”
He let out a guttural laugh. “Take my pants off?”
“Yes. That’s actually customary. But it’s always the client’s choice. I can leave the room, if you wish, while you undress. There’s a towel to cover yourself. But you can totally leave your pants on, too.”
“I will be leaving my pants on, thanks.”
“Okay. Just make sure you take the stick out of your ass one way or the other.”
He glared at me but finally cracked a slight smile. I’d take it.
I laughed. “In all seriousness, just breathe. That’s all you need to worry about.” I took a deep breath in, willing myself to take my own advice.
Dax slowly pulled his shirt over his head, once again granting me a view of his rippled muscles. There wasn’t an inch of anything soft on his body. I turned away suddenly when I caught my eyes lingering a little too long.
He then lay down stomach-first on the table and within seconds, I heard the pitter-patter of paws and the clanking of a metal collar coming from down the hall.
A large English sheepdog pushed through the door and entered the room, barking profusely at the sight of me. Then he jumped up on the table and landed on Dax’s back.
“Damn it, Winston!” Dax yelled.
I didn’t even know a dog that big could jump so high. The dog shot me the evil eye. This house is just full of welcoming people.
“Hello,” I said awkwardly.
He growled. It seemed Doggy was just as extra as his owner.
“Get off me, you fluffernutter!” Dax groaned.
The dog kept growling at me while I covered my mouth to keep from laughing. “Why is he so angry?” I asked, trying to stifle my amusement.
“He’s protective to a fault. He was napping upstairs when you arrived. I hoped he’d stay sleeping. I hadn’t planned on him coming down, although I should’ve.”
Dax sat up and somehow got the beast of a dog off him. He hopped down off the table. “I’ll be right back,” he said, guiding Winston out of the room and down the hall. The sound of the collar disappeared into the distance.
Left alone for a moment, I exhaled and wandered over to a shelf that displayed various things, including a large, white seashell that seemed completely out of place, given the room’s otherwise masculine vibe. It was beautiful. Remembering what my mother had told me when I was little, I lifted the shell and placed it against my ear in an attempt to hear “the ocean.” Met with the ambient noise that resonated from within, I closed my eyes and smiled.
“Please don’t touch that,” Dax called from behind me.
Shaken by his abrupt tone, I jerked, and the shell slipped from my fingers and crashed to the ground.
He let out a jarring shriek.
My hands shook. “I’m so sorry… I…” I bent to clean up the pieces, but he bolted to stop me.
“Don’t touch anything!” His tone was grating.
“Why? It’s my fault,” I insisted.
“Please just get up,” he commanded in an even harsher tone.
Burning with embarrassment, I stared down at the mess. That’s when I realized something had fallen out of the shell.

 

 

 

AUTHOR BIO
Penelope
Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling
author of contemporary romance.
 
She grew up
in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a
television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son,
and beautiful daughter with autism.
 
With over two
million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author
of over thirty books. Her novels have been translated into over a dozen
languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
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