Monday, November 1, 2021

Tis the Season for Romance Anthology {new release}

 

TIS THE SEASON FOR ROMANCE ANTHOLOGY is a multi author project that is perfect for the upcoming holidays!

Are you a fan of contemporary romances? You'll find that here, along with various heat levels, and a variety of tropes



Tis The Season for Romance is an abundance of heartfelt wishes, a touch of Christmas magic, and a guaranteed happy ever after, all while celebrating this most joyful time of the year.

Best Selling and Award-Winning authors fill your holiday stocking with novellas ranging from sweet to sassy, bursting with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Christmas holiday.



Available now!

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo


Add this anthology to your Goodreads TBR!



Participating Authors contributing to this set include:

Kathleen RyderSusan HorsnellJosie JohnstonDiana DawnMary MoranoJ.F. LoweA.M. OlenickAndra DillMaddison ColeArgentina RyderSusannah Kade | Jakki FrancesLouisa DuvalAva BariLorah JaiynKatherine Moore | Amy StephensB. LivingstoneAshley BrionTricia Schneider





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October A to Z update

 


It's time for my final update with the October A to Z reading challenge! Here is my progress. New additions to the list are in orange!


A: Adventurous Love by Lea Coll
B: Broken Playboy by Laura Lee
C: Change on the Fly by Maren Moore
D: Designing for a Royal by Tomi Tabb
E:
F: Fallen Heirs by Laura Lee
G: Ground Zero by April Canavan 
H: The Hacker by Anna Hackett
I
J: Affliction by JL Stray
K: An Irresistible Chance by Kim Loraine
L: Ruthless Kings by Laura Lee
M: Missing Maverick by Anna Brooks
N: The Nanny and the Hothead by Krista Sandor
O: Only One Regret by Natasha Madison
P
Q:
R: Rebel Yule by Kate Meader
S: One Eye by KL Savage
T: Turnover by Lisa Suzanne
U
V: Violent Attraction by Jocelyne Soto
W: Wicked Liars by Laura Lee
X: Taming of the Crew by Xavier Neal
Y:
Z:

Final Thoughts:
I think I did a pretty dang good job for this being a monthly challenge! There were a couple letters I thought I could fulfill (I & P), but I ran out of time. Still though I'm proud of what I accomplished and will definitely attempt this again. I'm thinking of making it a quarterly challenge in 2022. Q, U, and Z will always be the problematic letters, but you never know, eventually I'll be able to fill in those spots.

Have you ever tried an a to z reading challenge? If so, how'd you do?
Laura

Sunday, October 31, 2021

Ground Zero by April Canavan {a review}

 

Are you a fan of April Canavan's books? Did you read the Birch Police Department series? Have you been wishing for a Birch Fire Department series? Well good news, Ground Zero, the first book in the series, is NOW AVAILABLE!

If you read any of the Birch PD series, then you may remember Josh. You may also remember that he was a police officer who was leaving the force to return to firefighting. On his final night as a police officer, he was at a roller rink meeting up with friends. It was there that two things happened. The first was that he kept making eye contact with a gorgeous woman. The second was that he had to make an arrest. Shortly before his shift was over, he had to take yet another call that brought him to a hotel. It was at that hotel where he ran into the woman again. A brief encounter turned into a night together, and then she vanished. That is until six months later when they run into each other in Birch. Jump forward a couple days, and who does Josh run into at the firehouse? Nia. Turns out she's been hired as the new paramedic for the station.

Ground Zero is another fabulous book from April Canavan. I am hooked on her Birch County books. Whether it's police or fire, I'm all in. Hand them over. Even though they always lead me to having tears strolling down my cheeks. From the way Josh and Nia originally met, to their reconnection 6 months later, I loved it all. It was also interesting to hear about Nia's connection to Eddie Stryker, and that history. Let's back up a bit though. At the beginning of the book, when Josh made that arrest, what happened after that? That storyline just poofed into thin air, and left me wondering. It was a loose end that wasn't tied up, and it's bugging me. However that location did lead to Josh and Nia meeting, so that's a plus. Okay back to Josh and Nia's relationship. I loved it. These two obviously had a fantastic connection, and their relationship from coworkers to friends to lovers was seamless. It just worked, and flowed nicely. Yes Josh put his foot in his mouth a couple times, but Nia also went overboard as well. But it gave that tension, and brought the uncertainty to their relationship. It made them both vulnerable. Love their relationship. I just do. Aside from the relationship, I also enjoyed how familiar faces popped up. We were able to "see" some of the Birch PD characters make appearances, and that just brought a smile to my face. Especially when Nox was mentioned. That kid just has a place in my heart. Let's talk about the action/suspense aspect of the book. OH MY WORD! That was intense. Plus it lead to the tears flowing. Those scenes just hit me smack dab in the feelings. As for the who-dun-it portion, I was immediately thinking of the characters we had previously met, and trying to determine if they had the motive. It wasn't until right before Josh discovered who was behind it, that I thought "what about so and so", and I was right. The final "showdown" though, damn. Loved it, and it hit me in the feels again. But I was left with a question regarding the villain. I don't think I missed it, my mind is telling me one thing, but at the same time it's telling me something else. So I've got questions.

Putting those couple of questions to the side, I thoroughly enjoyed Ground Zero, and am looking forward to the other books that are coming in the series. I'm now anticipating January 18, 2022, as that is when Breach Point is supposed to be releasing.

If you like small town romances, work place romances, firefighter romances, romantic suspense, and/or the forced proximity trope, then please go read Ground Zero. I think you'll enjoy it, and quite possibly find yourself wanting to go read all of April's backlist titles.

Thank you for reading my thoughts about Ground Zero. Loved this book, the setting, and of course the characters.

Laura



Ground Zero: The center or origin of rapid, intense, or violent activity

I carried her lifeless body out of a burning building.

One that collapsed on top of us, forcing us to fight for survival.

Where she gave her life so that I could live.

That nightmare wasn’t the happy ending I thought I’d find in the flames.

Turns out, it wasn’t our ending at all.

It was the beginning of our story.

The one where I fell in love without knowing what was happening.

Or the destruction she would thrust into my path.


Grab Your Copy Here!
Add Ground Zero to your Goodreads TBR!


Meet April Canavan

I live on chaos and coffee, and you’ll find it running through every single one of my stories.  

First of all, I absolutely abhor writing anything biographical. In any form. I’m terrible at it, and I have the very firm belief that no one wants to know who I am. You’re here for books, right? But that doesn’t mean I’m off the hook.

 

I grew up sneaking over to my great grandmother’s to read her Harlequin novels. Those were delivered once a month in a ginormous box, and from the age of ten, she let me devour them in their entirety. I fell in love with romance, even the clean kind. And that, undoubtedly, led to many days and nights with my face buried in a book and the discovery that I wasn’t happy unless my hair was up, and I had a story in my hand. 

 

I never wanted to write. I wanted to read. ALL the words. Until someone pointed out to me that I’d been writing my entire life. I just needed to put the book in my hand down and pick up a pen. 

 

Once I started, I found out that I couldn’t stop. Now, I’m always writing. Or reading. Or chasing my son through the house to get the elusive hug he thinks I don’t need.

 

Oh, and I’m a Leo… which is completely on-point if you know me at all. I love being the center of attention. On my terms. When I can stay at home in my pajamas. With lots and lots of coffee on hand. And maybe a few snacks.


Connect with April Canavan
To learn more about April Canavan, visit here!


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Thank you to April Canavan, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Ground Zero.

Friday, October 29, 2021

Kingdom Come by Aleatha Romig {excerpt}

Aleatha Romig has a brand new book releasing on November 16, 2021! Kingdom Come is part of a multi-author series called the Underworld Kings.

About the series:

Step into the dark and gritty universe of the Underworld Kings.

A multi-author series of standalone books filled with mafia families waging war, danger and violence, arranged and forced marriages, angst, love, and everything in-between.

Light or dark, twisted or sweet, the Underworld Kings has something for every reader.


They say the price of freedom is learning that you have nothing left to lose.

There was a time when I had it all. Money. Power. Love. And in the blink of an eye, it was gone.

Along the road to my new life, I have a chance meeting with Cecilia Abernathy. Born to greatness, this American princess is out of my league. That doesn’t mean I don’t see her for the woman she is behind the headlines. In a rare glimpse I see not only her outward beauty but her inner determination. I’m moved by her in ways I don’t allow myself to ponder.

Time passes and I’m moving forward, persevering beyond my loss, and making a new name for myself. And then I’m given an assignment.

One job.
One quest.

If I succeed, my kingdom will be at hand.
If I fail, there will be no more chances.

Men like me aren’t saviors, and that isn’t my assignment. My mission is to find the daughter of one of the most powerful men in New York, in the country, and maybe the world. Find her and deliver her to her family’s rival.

Cecilia Abernathy has been kidnapped. All I have to do is exchange her current hell for another. And then I can walk away and claim my reward.

Has my taste of freedom made me willing to sell my soul for a kingdom?

Find out the answer in KINGDOM COME, a dangerous forced-proximity stand-alone romance by New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig. 


Pre-Order Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!


Excerpt

The ceiling was silent, telling me that Cecilia was probably in bed. I envisioned her the way she looked when she came out of the bathroom wearing nothing more than a towel, her long hair wet and tangled. At first my gaze had gone to her lower arms and lower legs. It wasn’t because I wanted to see her injuries.

I didn’t.


My attention went to those areas because in that moment and time she was allowing me to see them.

I couldn’t explain that sensation; it was as if she trusted me with her pain.


Cecilia didn’t know me. She didn’t know that I wasn’t a trustworthy man. If I had been, my life would be different. I wouldn’t be traveling the world alone as a gun-for-hire or a mercenary. I wouldn’t have the Dellinger princess sleeping in the middle of nowhere and the mob boss of San Diego most likely on my trail.


As she stood in that bathroom doorway, I quickly refocused on her.


Her.


That one word had an all-inclusive meaning.

The all of her.


I wasn’t fixated on the towel or what it hid. I was obsessed with her—the entirety. Her fucking doe-like eyes resonated into my soul, brimming with emotion, dark and deep. If I stared long enough, I’d be sucked into their gravitational force, into a black hole.


I couldn’t let that happen.


One day I’d be delivering Cecilia to one coast or the other.


That eventual decision wasn’t debatable.

Getting close to her—emotionally or in any other way—wasn’t part of the plan and would only complicate matters.



Meet Aleatha Romig
Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life!
Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha's twisted style with an increase in heat.
In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.
In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT.
Aleatha is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Get Aleatha'd Here:


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Thursday, October 28, 2021

A True King by SE Rose {a review}

 

A TRUE KING by SE Rose is now available! This is the fourth book in the Poisoned Pawns series, and if you enjoy royal romances with suspense, you NEED to read A True King.

This is typically where I would recap the book, or at least the first chapter, and fill you in on what to expect. I'm struggling though as for how to recap this story because there is just so much that happened. First things first, while A True King can be read as a standalone, I really think that you should start from the beginning with A Fierce Princess. It will give you the history that I truly think is needed to fully appreciate the storyline. Moving on. There is a secret organization called The 44 that has been wreaking havoc for the royal family. So much so that all staff had to go through additional background checks due to a recent threat. One of those people who had to be cleared was Mia Edgewater who is Prince Christian's assistant (and partner). Mia understands, and she goes to her parent's home for a mini vacation. That is until her plans change, and she disappears. Christian is a wreck, and will do anything to find her. Especially since he knows this is the woman he wants to marry, despite the archaic rules that say he has to marry another royal. But there's a secret that Mia may or may not know about her family history. With Princess Susanna's (Anna) "researching ability", Christian now knows just about everything. He just needs to find her to talk. But is her lineage the only secret being hidden, or is there more to discover? 

Oh my gosh, this story. THIS STORY! I can't. From the vary beginning I was sucked in. I could not put my kindle down, and I am not complaining one bit. I absolutely loved just about everything. From the way that Christian and Mia's relationship started, to Mia's disappearance, to the secrets being revealed, to the reunion, to all of the action that happened. Just so good. There was a point while reading, that I found myself wondering who was behind it all, and why. Then there was a scene at the castle that sent my mind in overdrive. My jaw literally dropped, and I know I had this look going:


You see things were starting to make sense, I was noticing things here and there, and at that point there was no turning back. There was no setting my kindle down. I was not going anywhere until I had my answers. I was not fully prepared for everything that happened next. Everything that happened just had me on the edge of my seat, and I was waiting to find out how it was going to conclude. And oh how the suspenseful storyline wrapped up, was good. It was what I was expecting, but none the less, it was good. What happened next though, that was a little underwhelming for me. One moment we were having a reunion, and the next we were in the epilogue. I wanted something more to happen between those scenes. Part of me wanted something with Mia's family. Part of me wanted to see the royal family come together in one location. I wanted the build up to everything that happened in the epilogue. Basically I'm greedy, and wanted a tiny bit more. I can't help it. It's how I am with a story that has me so invested.

From the setting, to the characters, to the storyline, I loved it all. I highly suggest that you read A True King. It is full of action, suspense, love, and steam. Not only that but it's a quick and easy read too. If you are a royal romance reader, then please go one click this book. Heck go one click the entire series. You won't regret it. I think you'll really fall for this royal family.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on A True King. I highly recommend this book, and hope that you'll give it a read.

Laura

A FUTURE KING.

A FORBIDDEN ROMANCE.

A CENTURY-OLD SECRET.

WHAT A ROYAL FAMILY IS ABOUT TO FIND OUT MAY DESTROY THEIR MONARCHY AND EVERYONE THAT STANDS IN THE WAY.

The royal staff are off-limits. It was a simple rule, but when Mia Edgewater walked into Prince Christian’s office to interview for a position as his assistant, that rule was all but forgotten. The two fell madly in love until the palace sent away all the staff following a security breach. Angry, but resigned to follow palace orders, Mia left.

That was two long weeks ago. Mia hasn’t responded to a single text or call. Prince Christian decides to take matters into his own hands and show up at Mia’s family home. He’s determined to talk her into giving him second chance. Only when he does, she isn’t there.

As Prince Christian starts to look for Mia, he doesn’t know he’s about to find a threat greater than any his family has faced. He’s about to unravel a mystery so dark, so insidious that he may soon question who he can trust. And at the heart of this secret, is Mia.

Can he find her before it's too late? Can he even trust her when he does? Or will a hidden enemy kill his one true love and his chance at becoming king?

Add to your Goodreads TBR!


New to the Poisoned Pawns series?
Start here! ↓



About the Author
 
USA Today & International Bestselling romance author, S.E. Rose lives near Washington D.C. with her family. When she's not wrangling her cats or keeping up with her kids, she's plotting her next story. She loves all things wine, coffee, and cats. In her non-existent free time, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts, binging on her favorite shows, and reading, especially if it's a good mystery or comedy.


Connect with S.E. Rose

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Thank you to SE Rose, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of A True King.