Cover Reveal: One Hot Italian Summer by Karina Halle

One Hot Italian Summer, coming Summer 2020 from The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author Karina Halle!

Cover Designer: Hang Le

After the death of her best friend and writing partner, Grace Harper is struggling both with grief, and with her next novel, the first one she’ll have to write alone.

Fortunately, her new powerhouse agent, the formidable Jana Lee, has a solution for her. She can stay at her villa in Tuscany for a month, soak in the sunshine, relax, and find her confidence again. After all, Jana has a lot riding on Grace’s next book, and the last thing she wants is for her reputation as a “super-agent” to be tarnished.

At first the villa is a dream come true for Grace – that is until Claudio Romano shows up one day with his ten-year old son, Vanni, in tow. Turns out, this is Claudio’s house, and Claudio happens to be her agent’s ex-husband from long ago. Thanks to their annual father and son bonding trip being cancelled, Claudio and Vanni are here to stay.

So is Grace.

With the three of them sharing the same house, Grace’s writing plans are thrown out the window. But even if she’s not pounding the keyboard, she’s still finding beauty and inspiration…in none other than Claudio. He's unlike any man Grace has met before. He’s smart, charming, and wickedly sexy, plus a great father to Vanni. He’d be the perfect summer fling – if only he wasn’t completely off-limits.

But as the hot Italian summer wears on, Grace and Claudio are destined to succumb to the heat, no matter how hard they try to resist each other. One steamy encounter with Claudio could affect Grace’s chances of starting her career over. Or he could be exactly what she needs.

Meet Karina:

Karina Halle is a former travel writer, music journalist & screenwriter, and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author of over 55 bestselling novels, ranging from horror and suspense to contemporary romance. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband, and her adopted pitbull Bruce, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books. 

Halle is represented by the Root Literary Agency and is both self-published and published by Simon & Schuster, Hachette & Montlake. Her work has been translated and published in 20 languages. Hit her up on Instagram at @authorHalle, on Twitter at @MetalBlonde and on Facebook. You can also visit www.authorkarinahalle.com and sign up for the newsletter for news, excerpts, previews, private book signing sales and more.

Connect with Karina:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkarinahalle/
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2vo9pq4
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhalle/
Join her Reader Group: https://goo.gl/wpCBSS
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http://authorkarinahalle.com

New Release Review: Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend by Lauren Blakely

  

DEAR SEXY EX-BOYFRIEND by Lauren Blakely 

Release Date: June 25th   

  Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52905489-dear-sexy-ex-boyfriend

    

Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend, an all-new sexy, fake fiancé, friends-to-lovers romantic comedy standalone by #1 New York Times Bestselling author Lauren Blakely, is AVAILABLE NOW!!!

In light of the current situation, Lauren will also be donating 10% of all sales (including pre-orders) to Feeding America!

✦ Kindle ➜https://blkly.pub/KindleDearSexy

✦Apple ➜ http://blkly.pub/AppleDearSexy

✦Kobo ➜ https://blkly.pub/KoboDearSexy

✦BN ➜ https://blkly.pub/NookDearSexy

✦Google ➜ https://blkly.pub/GoogleDearSexy

✦Audible ➜ http://blkly.pub/AudibleDearSexy

    

NOW LIVE ON AUDIO! 

Indulge in this duet narration performed deliciously by Shane East and Andi Arndt! 

✦Audible ➜ http://blkly.pub/AudibleDearSexy  

    

Blurb:

Let me just say -- none of this was supposed to happen.

I didn't expect the letter to go viral. I didn't think anyone would figure out who Dear Sexy Ex was. And I especially never thought he would find out about it.

Yeah, bit of a miscalculation there.

But see, I need the money to fund my brand new venture. And Dear Sexy Ex, well, it turns out he needs me to save his business.

By becoming his fake fiancée.

Yup, that's the pickle I find myself in -- pretending to be madly in love with the charming, brilliant, and utterly infuriating man known as Dear Sexy Ex.

Only, it's not an act. And he can never know.

My review: 5 stars!

This week I had an Audible credit burning a hole in my pocket, and I was so excited to see that Lauren Blakely's newest romantic comedy Dear Sexy Ex-Boyfriend was a dual POV done duet style by fan favorites Andi Arndt and Shane East. East's British accent makes me positively swoon so I was so excited to download the book and take off on my nightly walk. Blakely is one of my favorite one-click authors because she never fails to deliver top-notch romance with clever characters and unique storylines. Summer and Oliver witty and flirty and I adored their friendship and closeness. I love how Blakely revisits characters and settings from the previous books in the world she has created (Gin Joint!)- those little Easter eggs always make me smile. If you listen to the audiobook, make sure you listen past the end of the book- Arndt and East treat us to some bloopers and we get to sit in on a great little chat between the two pro narrators. Such a treat!

    

  

About the Author: A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that's sweet, sexy and witty. She also writes red-hot, ultra-steamy romance for her Lauren Blakely After Dark line. She'd love to give you a free book today! Check out her web site to grab your free read: https://laurenblakely.com/one-free-book 

Connect w/Lauren:

Website: laurenblakely.com

NL Signup: laurenblakely.com/newsletter    

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks/

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

Twitter: www.twitter.com/laurenblakely3

audiobook purchased by me on release day

New Release Review: Make Me Hate You by Kandi Steiner

"This is a return to the Kandi Steiner of 2016 who brought us Weightless and A Love Letter to Whiskey. Prepare for the burn." -- Author Sarah E. Green

Make Me Hate You, an angsty, emotional stand-alone romance from bestselling author Kandi Steiner is LIVE!

If he kisses me right now, I’ll drown.

Every sip of air is shallow and burning, because in the arms of my best friend’s brother, I’m the closest I’ve ever been to sin.

His eyes flick to my lips, and I remember the first time I tasted him, seven years ago before I left this town and vowed never to return. His hands grip my waist, and I remember the pain when he rejected me, when my entire world crashed down at his command. His jaw clenches, and my senses come alive with one stinging reminder.

I’m not his to kiss, and he’s not mine.

I tried to stay away from Tyler Wagner, putting an entire country between us. But when his sister’s wedding brings us back to the same town, to the same house, I can’t avoid him, no matter how hard I try.

He’s always there, his dark eyes bewitching, luring me into their depths. The memory of us pulls me under like a rip current, and when he flashes that smile, I lose my breath, along with my will, unable to escape his grip and find the surface.

Now, hours before our plus ones arrive for the wedding, I’m in his arms, begging him to make me hate him, knowing he never could.

If he kisses me right now, I’ll drown.

And I’ll take him down with me.

Make Me Hate You is a best friend's brother romance that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Download today or read free in Kindle Unlimited!

 Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XLic4v

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/MakeMeHateYouKS

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2Xo2Gg1

My review: 5 stars!

So much angst! Make Me Hate You was so intense- there was so much passion and emotion.

"It's you who brings me pain. It's you who is killing me. It's you, and us," I added, motioning between us. "It's this thing that never was, but always is, that never will be and will never not be."

Like that quote right there- emotional perfection. I felt Tyler and Jasmine's pain. The story is told only from Jasmine's POV, but it's easy to feel Tyler's anguish and heartache too. Make Me Hate You was real and raw and a story I just couldn't put down.

Excerpt:

Seven miles and an hour later, and all the anxiety I’d felt the night before was completely gone.

At least, until I rounded the foyer into the kitchen and saw I wasn’t the only one up early on Sunday morning.

Tyler sat at the kitchen island, still in his navy blue sweat pants and simple white t-shirt, with one foot planted on the ground and the other hooked casually on the lower bar of his stool. His hair was an absolute disaster, the boyish waves sticking up this way and that. He had both hands wrapped around a mug of hot tea, his eyes focused on the iPad he had propped up in front of him, and BlueTooth headphones in his ears.

At first, he didn’t notice me, and I slowed my steps, standing silently at the entry of the kitchen and watching him. I’d done everything I could last night to avoid his gaze, to not look at him, and now that I had a stolen moment to observe, I found my chest tightening again, my mouth dry and sticky.

His brown eyes were hidden beneath bent brows, expression serious as he watched whatever was on the screen. Small lines creased the edges of his eyes — lines that weren’t there when we were kids.

He’d grown into a man somehow, overnight, it seemed. Then again, it had been years.

I’d seen him on social media, watched from afar as his YouTube channel took off. I’d seen pictures of him on Instagram — traveling through Europe, hiking in Australia, swimming in hot pools in Iceland. I didn’t follow him, of course, but his profile was public, which allowed me to flip through picture after picture on the nights when I was a pathetic mess.

But, pictures and videos didn’t do justice to the actual man who sat studiously at that kitchen island.

He was something between the boy I used to love and the man I’d never know, familiar and unreachable all at once.

Tyler shook his head at something, letting out a frustrated sigh and kicking back the bar stool a little before taking a sip of his tea. His eyes flicked to me then, back to the screen, and then, he did a double take, this time fixing his gaze on me and leaving it there.

Something changed in his eyes when he looked at me, like a shadow passed over them and held him captive. I was dressed in jogger shorts and a modest tank top, but from the way he watched me, I might as well have been completely naked.

That’s what his gaze did to me, what it always had done.

It stripped me bare.

About Kandi:

Kandi Steiner is a bestselling author and whiskey connoisseur living in Tampa, FL. Best known for writing “emotional roller-coaster” stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance — in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you’re a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she’s your gal. 

An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. She started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed it to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die-hard hopeless romantic, and likes to highlight all the challenges of love as well as the triumphs. 

When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys live music, traveling, anything heavy in carbs, beach days, movie marathons, craft beer, and sweet wine — not necessarily in that order.

Connect with Kandi:

Mailing List: bit.ly/NewsletterKS

Facebook: facebook.com/kandisteiner

Facebook Reader Group: (Kandiland): https://www.facebook.com/groups/kandilandks

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kandisteiner 

Twitter: twitter.com/kandisteiner

Pinterest: pinterest.com/kandicoffman

Website: www.kandisteiner.com

Kandi Steiner may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:

 www.kandisteiner.com/events

Cover Reveal: The One For Me by Corinne Michaels

New York Times bestselling author Corinne Michaels brings a new sweet and endearing love story to life in the third STANDALONE in the Arrowood Brothers series.

The One For Me releases August 18, 2020!

Cover Design: Perfect Pear Creative 

Photographer: Brian Kaminski

Devney Maxwell has been my best friend since we were six years old, but she has no idea I’m in love with her.

Even when I’m on the road playing professional baseball, she’s my home—the only one I’ve ever known. But when I return to Sugarloaf to care for the family farm, I discover she’s trying to talk herself into a life with the wrong man … and I become desperate.

It only takes a single, perfect kiss to change everything.

I have six months to get it right with Devney—to convince her to leave this town and turn that kiss into forever.

I aim to do just that as I spend my days coaching her nephew’s baseball team, fixing up the farm, and loving her with all I have. Finally, it seems like our relationship is secure and we’ll find a way to make it work.

Then tragedy strikes ... changing her life forever. She’s needed here more than ever, but as for me—there’s no way I can stay.

I know she’s the one for me, but I might have to let her go ...

Pre-order today!

● Amazon ➜ https://geni.us/TOFMAmazon

● AppleBooks ➜ https://geni.us/TOFMApple

● Barnes & Noble ➜ https://geni.us/TOFMNook

● Kobo ➜  https://geni.us/TOFMKobo

● Google Play  ➜ https://geni.us/TOFMGP

● Goodreads  ➜ https://geni.us/TOFMGR 

About Corinne:

Corinne Michaels is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller author. She’s an emotional, witty, sarcastic, and fun-loving mom of two beautiful children. Corinne is happily married to the man of her dreams and is a former Navy wife. 

After spending months away from her husband while he was deployed, reading and writing was her escape from the loneliness. She enjoys putting her characters through intense heartbreak and finding a way to heal them through their struggles. Her stories are chock full of emotion, humor, and unrelenting love.

Connect with Corinne:

Facebook: https://bit.ly/1iwLh6y

Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Jcp29z

Instagram: https://bit.ly/2L1Vzo6

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2N1H2Gb

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NVZmhv

Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2m7MkEL

Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2yc6rss

Stay up to date with Corinne and sign up for her mailing list: https://bit.ly/2Nqiitt

To sign up for monthly text alerts: Text CMBOOKS TO 77948

*US only due to carrier restrictions*

COVER REVEAL: When the Time is Right by Aly Martinez and M. Mabie

When the Time is Right, an all-new single dad contemporary romance standalone from USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez and M. Mabie is coming July 30th, and we have the irresistible cover!

Fate doesn’t always happen overnight.

Hudson Bradley is the cockiest, most stubborn, hard-headed man I’ve ever known. And for fifteen years, he’s been my brother's best friend.

But lately, what I’m feeling for him isn’t friendship at all.

Why is my heart racing every time his blue eyes lock on mine? Why does every word he rumbles in my ear make my body come alive? And worst of all, why did I bet him that I could find a woman he and his son would both love?

If I hadn’t given up on love altogether, Hudson would have been perfect for me. After all, he was there the day my world fell apart. He’s spent the last six years piecing me back together.

There are a million reasons why we could never work, but after a single kiss, I can’t remember any of them.

Now that the time is right, I have to make him mine—before I lose him forever.

Pre-order your copy today, exclusively on Amazon!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Ya9wEH 

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/whenthetimeisright

Add WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3gYGYXu

Cover Designer: Kari March 

Photographer: Wander Aguiar

About Aly

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her husband and four young children.

Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, mystery leggings, and olives. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.

She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.

Connect with Aly

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2RvbjCA

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2DUCq1Z

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2We92eT

BookBub: http://bit.ly/2V32S4B

GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2UKGUOM

Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2DEpPAh

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

Website: https://alymartinez.com/

Stay up to date with Aly by joining her mailing list today:

http://bit.ly/2WnkxjS

About M. Mabie

M. Mabie lives in Illinois with her husband. She writes everything from steamy romantic comedies to angst-filled, pull your hair out drama. She enjoys it all. With her unconventional love stories, she tries to embody "real-life romance."

She cares about politics, but will not discuss them in public. She uses the same fork at every meal, watches Wayne's World while cleaning, and lets her dog sleep on her head. She has always been a writer. In fact, she was born with a pen in her hand, which almost never happens. Almost.

M. Mabie usually doesn't speak in third-person. She promises.

Connect with M. Mabie

Facebook: https://bit.ly/2W3M2Bu

Instagram: https://bit.ly/3de6q8K

BookBub: https://bit.ly/35wkuaT

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

Twitter: https://bit.ly/2W1cr2W

Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2xzhmyF

Website: https://www.mmabie.com

Stay up to date with M. Mabie by joining her mailing list: https://bit.ly/3dkTJcp

New Release Review: Hard Pass by Sara Ney

Hard Pass (Trophy Boyfriends #1)

by Sara Ney

Release Date: June 16, 2020

“Hard Pass.”
That’s what the last girl I slept with said when she got her first sober glimpse of me. She laughed, walked out of my penthouse—and I never saw her again. It doesn’t matter that I’m a rich, professional athlete; what mattered was my face.

Beauty might only be skin deep for some—but I know better.

“Pay Up.”
That’s what the last girl I spoke to said over the phone when I made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. Desperate to sell a set of rare baseball cards, she’s clever and entertaining. I’m instantly smitten, but nowhere ready to reveal myself. Thank god she has no idea who I am—or what I look like.

I’m a professional athlete--how hard can playing the love game be?

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UPU9Ax

Nook: https://bit.ly/354wjFf

Apple: https://apple.co/2KvOKt3

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2Y1D3Cl

My review: 5 stars!I am all in on this series and can't wait for the next Trophy Boyfriends book. What a fun meet-cute Hard Pass began with! After getting drawn in immediately while reading by the pool, I finished Hard Pass before the day was over. Can I have a Noah please? What a refreshing hero- I'll admit to finding his insecurities endearing and charming. Ney did what she does so well- created well-developed characters with oh-so-clever dialog. Miranda is one of my favorite Ney heroines- she's sassy, determined and I loved her wit. I found both Noah and Miranda to be relatable and real- so refreshing!

New Release Review: The Dare by Elle Kennedy

THE DARE

by Elle Kennedy

Release Date: June 16, 2020

Get ready for another binge-worthy romance from New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy!

College was supposed to be my chance to get over my ugly-duckling complex and spread my wings. Instead, I wound up in a sorority full of mean girls. I already have a hard time fitting in, so when my Kappa Chi sisters issue the challenge, I can’t say no.

The dare: seduce the hottest new hockey player in the junior class.

Conor Edwards is a regular at Greek Row parties…and in Greek Row sorority beds. He’s the one you fall for before you learn that guys like him don’t give girls like me a second glance. Except Mr. Popular throws me for a loop—rather than laughing in my face, he does me a solid by letting me take him upstairs to pretend we’re getting busy. 

Even crazier, now he wants to keep pretending. Turns out Conor loves games, and he thinks it’s fun to pull the wool over my frenemies’ eyes. 

But resisting his easy charm and surfer-boy hotness is darn near impossible. Though I’m realizing there’s much more to Conor’s story than his fan club can see.

And the longer this silly ruse goes on, the greater the danger of it all blowing up in my face.

The Dare purchase links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YEcoKu

Apple: https://geni.us/TDrAp

Kobo: https://geni.us/TDrKobo

Nook: https://geni.us/TDrNook

My review: 5 stars!
Holy swoon. If I could highlight the following quote 100X I would.

"I've been sitting here having filthy thoughts about you all night. Don't mistake my manners for indifference."

Conor Edwards is just about perfection. That charisma and personality- ah! I fell for him in one instant. I adore a pretend relationship story and nothing makes me giddier than watching real feelings (and a true friendship!) develop. Taylor was real and relatable and refreshing. I was so glad to see her confidence grow as the story went on. What a great ending to a fantastic series.

Other Links:

Briar U series: https://geni.us/BriarU

Elle’s Newsletter sign-up: http://geni.us/EKNL

Blogger Newsletter sign-up: http://geni.us/EKBlog 

Excerpt

“Why do you assume I’m the kind of girl a guy would pine over in the rain and sleet?”

“You kidding?” His silvery eyes sweep over me, lingering on various parts of my body before returning to meet my gaze. Everywhere he looked is now tingling like crazy. “Babe, you’ve got the kind of body that boys build in their heads under the sheets after dark.”

“Don’t do that,” I tell him, all humor draining from my voice as I start to turn away. “Don’t mock me. That’s not nice.”

“Taylor.”

I jerk when he takes my hand, keeping me in place so that we’re still facing each other. As my pulse kicks into overdrive, he presses my shaky hand against his chest. His body is warm, solid. His heart beats a quick, steady rhythm beneath my palm.

I’m touching Conor Edwards’ chest.

What the hell is happening right now? Never in my wildest dreams did I envision the Kappa Chi Spring Break Hangover party ending this way.

“I mean it.” His voice thickens. “I’ve been sitting here having filthy thoughts about you all night. Don’t mistake my manners for indifference.”

A reluctant smile pulls at the corners of my lips. “Manners, huh?” I’m not sure I believe him. Or that a porno clip in his mind starring me qualifies as a compliment. Although I guess it’s the thought that counts.

“My mother didn’t raise a scoundrel, but I can be downright improper if you’re into it.”

“And what passes for improper on the west coast?” I ask, noting the way his top lip twitches when he’s being cheeky.

“Well…” His entire demeanor shifts. Eyes narrow. Breathing slows. Conor licks his lips. “If I weren’t a gentleman, I might try something like pushing your hair behind your ear.” He skims his fingertips through my hair. Then down the column of my neck. Just a gentle whisper of skin-to-skin.

My neck erupts in excited little bumps and my breath catches in my throat.

“And dragging my finger across your shoulder.”

He does so, quickening my pulse. An ache builds inside me.

“And skimming along until—” He reaches my bra strap. I hadn’t realized it was exposed with my V-neck sweater hanging off my shoulder.

“Alright. Down, boy.” Regaining my wits, I remove his hand and adjust my sleeve. Jeez, this guy should come with a warning label. “I think I get it now.”

“You’re ridiculously attractive, Taylor.” This time when he speaks, I don’t doubt his sincerity, if perhaps his sanity. I suppose someone like him doesn’t get around so much by being picky. “Don’t spend any more time believing otherwise.”