Risk of a Lifetime Claudia Shelton Publication date: February 7th 2023 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
JB hadn’t been an angel the past few years. And he sure hadn’t counted on being his ex-wife’s protector.
From the moment FBI agent JB Bradley returns to his hometown, he’s tossed into one life-threatening situation after another. All aimed at his ex-wife Marcy. Further complicating matters, their attraction is just as strong as ever.
Marcy’s scared. Her career in marriage counseling has had some dangerous moments, but never anything like robberies, bombs or being shot. She’s even more afraid that JB will discover the truth about their marriage and the divorce papers.
JB can’t wait for another attack on Marcy. He’s made the two of them an escape plan. One where he controls the time and the trail through the woods he grew up hiking. Marcy won’t like the setting, but together they’ll make the cold winter run. Hopefully, the villain will take the bait.
Heroes and stories to love! Making moments to remember for a lifetime!
Words to LIVE by– “Life is a great big canvas, throw all the paint you can at it.”…Danny Kaye
Words to LOVE by– “A man’s kiss is his signature.”…Mae West
Award winning author Claudia Shelton fills her romantic suspense with sexy heroes, strong women and plot twists all the way to the fast-paced endings. Her contemporary romances are (once again) filled with sexy heroes and strong women, but, usually, she adds a bit of heartwarming along the way. To stay on top of all her writing shenanigans, giveaways, release info, etc. join her newsletter: http://claudiasheltonauthor.com/
On a personal note, Claudia considers herself a storyteller and music lover, a traveler and water person. She loves a cool drink while listening to the splash of waves, but is just as happy with a mug of hot cocoa in the falling snow. Her main priority is spending time with family, friends and her two sweet, conniving rescue dogs. And making moments to remember are my life goals!
Grumpy Beignet Boss Melissa Chambers (Broussard Brothers, #1) Publication date: February 7th 2023 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
He’s betrayed her before, but she won’t fall into his trap again…
After the seventh loan denial, Peyton Boudreaux knows she’ll never get the money to start her own healthy junk food restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She’s left with no other choice than to trudge back home to New Orleans to claim her trust fund with her tail between her legs. But before the money is hers, she’s got to complete the required hours, cleaning grease traps and mopping floors at Boudreaux’s: Home of the Chocolate Hazelnut Beignet. On top of that, she must face the CEO of the dual family business – former love of her life, Braxton Broussard, Traitor. He shot her down both romantically and professionally years ago, and now he’s the one whose butt she’s got to kiss.
Not even the ten years Braxton has spent apart from Peyton have been enough to shake the brown-eyed girl from his fantasies. As much as he loves to see her dressed as a fairy, sitting in his office on Mardi Gras day, he was really hoping he could get the money back into her faux trust fund before she came home to claim it. He can’t let her know her deceased father gambled her cash away. He’s got to find another way to get her the money she’s owed. But more importantly, he’s got to work his way back into her heart, because now that she’s home, he never wants her to leave again.
Melissa Chambers writes contemporary novels for young, new, and actual adults. A Nashville native, she spends her days working in the music industry and her nights tapping away at her keyboard. While she’s slightly obsessed with alt rock, she leaves the guitar playing to her husband and kid. She never misses a chance to play a tennis match, listen to an audiobook, or eat a bowl of ice cream. (Rocky road, please!) She has served as president for the Music City Romance Writers and is the author of the Love Along Hwy 30A series, the Before Forever series (YA), and Courting Carlyn (YA).
The Italian Holiday Nicole Sharp Publication date: February 7th 2023 Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
Struggling writer Keats McCall is Italy bound by Valentine’s Day – but it’s certainly not for amore. She needs to escape her mindless barista job, the four walls of the rented room closing in on her, and the memories of last year’s disastrous break-up. Thank the Roman gods she can pack a bag and passport and run to her sister in Florence, Italy, in the hopes of getting her life back on track.
Keats expected to spend her days meandering through the rain-soaked cobblestone streets of Florence. What she didn’t expect was Lorenzo, who smells of espresso, Italian history and self-assurance, to propel her on an unimaginable journey.
From Florence to Venice, Keats basks in a luscious exploration of Italy and Lorenzo while she tries to figure out if the escapist mindset of an Italian Holiday can duct tape her life back together.
Legend has it that Nicole Sharp was born to hippies during an ice storm in Stone Mountain, Georgia. While confirmation of said events cannot be agreed upon, one fact is for certain, it was a Tuesday.
By age twelve, Nicole was sure of two things: 1) She wanted to be a writer and 2) She wanted to travel. She begged her parents to allow her to voyage alone to exotic lands. They permitted her to go from California to Boise, Idaho to visit a great-grandmother.
After muddling through the college years, Nicole graduated with a Bachelors in History (think Greeks and Romans). Why didn’t she major in English if she wanted to be a writer? There were better stories in history class.
Nicole is Italian. According to Ancestry.com it’s a rather low percentage, but she feels that she is at least 51% Italian. When she returned to the homeland, she fell in love with the Italian cappuccino, so much so that she studied the language until she was fluent; thus she could order the magical elixir herself: Posso avere un cappuccino, per favore!
Nicole’s first concert was to see the bluegrass group The Seldom Scene when she was a fifteen-year-old, thanks to her parent’s bluegrass phase. However, she never admits it, and instead tells everyone that They Might Be Giants, whom she saw in college, was her real first concert.
Her first car was a yellow Chevy Celebrity and her favorite job was working as a docent in a museum in an old mining town in Colorado. She has written extensively about both.
Visit NicoleSharpWrites.com for more entertainment.
Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you’re continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.
And the book I am waiting for is…
From the blurb:
From the bestselling author of My Lovely Wife comes a reckless, delicious thriller about a young couple that gives a whole new meaning to the dangers of modern dating.
Wes and Ivy are madly in love. They’ve never felt anything like it. It’s the kind of romance people write stories about.
But what kind of story?
Because when it’s good, it’s great. Flowers. Grand gestures. Deep meaningful conversations where the whole world disappears.
But their vicious cycle of catastrophic breakups and head-over-heels reconnections needs to end fast. Because suddenly, Wes and Ivy have a common enemy–and she’s a detective.
There’s something Wes and Ivy never talk about–in good times or bad. The night of their worst breakup, when one of them took things too far, and someone ended up dead.
If they can stick together, they can survive anything–even the tightening net of a police investigation.
**************
Expected Publication Date: July 18, 2023
Publisher: Berkley
Fiction / Thrillers / Psychological
ISBN 9780593101001, 0593101006
**************
About the author:
Samantha Downing is the author of the bestselling My Lovely Wife, nominated for the Edgar, ITW, Macavity awards in the US, the CWA award in the UK, and the winner of the Prix des Lectrices award in France.
Her latest novel, For Your Own Good, was released on July 20, 2021 and was an instant USA Today bestseller.
A Twisted Love Story is her fourth novel and will be released on July 18, 2023.
Suitors & Sweethearts: An African Romance Box Set Publication date: February 7th 2023 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
BOUND TO FATE by Kiru Taye All Ike wants to do is to keep out of trouble and get through the one-year internship required for his degree program. But trouble finds him, in the form of the intelligent and brave Lara who turns his world upside down. Falling in love is forbidden. So why does it feel so right? Love like theirs cannot be denied. But catastrophe lies in wait and one-night changes their lives forever.
VEGAS NIGHTS by Unoma Nwankwor A woman scared of being hurt again is bent on playing it safe. A man determined to stay focused and never experience poverty again. One night on the wild side that changes everything.
LOVE AND HIPLIFE by Nana Prah Blaise is on the verge of taking African Francophone countries by storm with his new style of music. Learning how to sing in French without butchering the beautiful language is harder than he thought. Multi-linguist, Lamisi is the key to his success. When his presence in her life puts her in danger, will he end the budding relationship in order to keep her safe?
MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR by Empi Baryeh When Lord—his given name, not a title—sets his sights on Chantelle, he has more than work on his mind. Yet, even the infamous playboy couldn’t have predicted the magnetic attraction from the moment they met, nor the evening ending with more than just an interview. But now he has to convince Chantelle that their one-night stand wasn’t a mistake… and that not all bachelors are heartbreakers.
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY by Zee Monodee Eldest sister of the Hemant sibling trio, Lara, returns to Mauritius as a divorcee and she comes across Eric, the man she loved as a teenager and gave up because their interracial relationship would not stand a chance on this island. But here comes a second chance: Eric wants her back in his life, and he will stop at nothing to win her back. Will Lara be her own worst enemy and thus end up unhappy ever after?
BITTERSWEET BEGINNING by Nkem Akin “Efe Sagay grew up and went to school in Nigeria. While attending school she met the love of her life, her soul mate, the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with…Kevwe Mukoro. And the feelings were duplicated by Kevwe. As soon as Efe graduated, they would be married. This was the dream and this was the plan. But real life doesn’t always see things the way we do. The perfect future can always be destroyed by unforeseen circumstances.” ~ Martha A. Cheves, Author.
Happy Publication Day to Not Your Ex’s Hexes by April Asher!
From the blurb:
In April Asher’s new Supernatural Singles novel, a witch, freed from her constricting responsibilities, tries to find her place in the world—which might just be with a broody half-demon.
Rose Maxwell spent her whole life preparing to be the next Prima on the Supernatural Council. But now that she’s stepped down, it’s time for this witch to figure out who she is and start fresh. Rose is trying to focus on herself, and not think about her impulsive one-night stand with Damian Adams, a half-Demon Veterinarian who she can’t get out of her head. Neither of them is looking for a relationship. When a misunderstanding requires Rose to complete community service hours at Damian’s animal sanctuary it becomes impossible for them to ignore their attraction to each other. A friends-with-benefits, no feelings, no strings arrangement works perfectly for them both.
After Rose stumbles her way into a supernatural bounty hunting situation, Damian finds himself back on the periphery of a world he thought he left behind. Damian doesn’t approve of Rose becoming a Hunter, but if there’s one thing he’s learned about the stubborn witch, it was telling her not to do something was one sure-fire way to make sure she did it. There was only one other option—training her himself and hoping she changed her mind. But seeing Rose succeed awakens feelings Damian never knew he had…and shouldn’t have. Because thanks to his ex’s hex, he is unable to fall in love. If he does, he’ll not only lose his heart—but his humanity.
As good as the first one! If you haven’t read Not the Witch You Wed and would like to start the series from the second book, it can be read as a standalone. We get enough backstory of what happened to Violet falling in love with her gorgeous Alpha Lincoln and all the events that led to Rose stepping down from her postion of Prima Apparent, so don’t worry you won’t feel overwhelmed or lost, but if you have choice, start from the first book- Maxwell sisters and their Gran are a joy to behold and April Asher knows a thing or two about writing a super-charged hot and spicy scene.
Back to Rose…I loved the relationship the three sisters had in Not The Witch You Wed and it was clear that whatever Rose decides to do with her life now, her triplet sisters are going to back her in every way possible..and this is exactly how the Magic Triad find themselves on the wrong side of the law. Rose tried to rescue two sick mares only to be caught red-handed and sentenced to community service in an animal shelter. She has a super strong affinity to animals (Could this be her purpose in life?), but the job involves dealing with a certain half-demon/veterinarian she had a one night stand with.
Mature, responsible, and wise adults as we are, we do know that running into or even worse working with your one-night-let’s-have fun-and-go-our-merry-way is a recipe for awkwardness and nothing else, but our little romantic hearts keep believing that no mattter how and where you meet your soulmate, you’ll find your way to being with each other. With or without grand gestures.
I was a big fan of Violet who needed to let it go and trust her powers and I’m an even bigger fan of Rose who is trying to figure out her place in life, without sugarcoating things or lying to herself. She is strong, capable, and focused on others (people and animals). Sometimes a serious relationship or even an engagement doesn’t work out and it’s only natural to feel lost until you find your feet again. Pretty realistic and this is what kept me hooked on the story. Plus, Damian is super-hot with his existential broodiness and dedication. These two have some serious chemistry going on… Only a devoted fan of the romcom genre could come up with this level of hotness!
If curling up with a paranormal romcom is your idea of happiness, don’t miss this sweet and spicy witchy series. Can’t wait to read Olive’s story, she may be the youngest of the three Maxwell sister, but she sure sounds intriguing!
Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for the review copy provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
About the author:
APRIL ASHER was hooked on romantic stories from the time she first snuck a bodice-ripper from her mom’s bedside table. By day, April dons dark blue nursing scrubs and drinks way too much caffeine. By night, she still consumes too much caffeine, but she does it with a laptop in hand. She pens romantic comedies with a paranormal twist, but also writes high-octane romantic suspense as April Hunt. She lives out her own happily-ever-after with her college-sweetheart husband and their two children.
Happy Publication Day to Wildblood by Lauren Blackwood!
From the blurb:
Eighteen-year-old Victoria is a Wildblood. Kidnapped at the age of six and manipulated by the Exotic Lands Touring Company, she’s worked as a tour guide ever since with a team of fellow Wildbloods who take turns using their magic to protect travelers in a Jamaican jungle teeming with ghostly monsters.
When the boss denies Victoria an earned promotion to team leader in favor of Dean, her backstabbing ex, she’s determined to prove herself. Her magic may be the most powerful on the team, but she’s not the image the boss wants to send their new client, Thorn, a renowned goldminer determined to reach an untouched gold supply deep in the jungle.
Thorn is everything Victoria isn’t – confident, impossibly kind, and so handsome he leaves her speechless. And when he entrusts the mission to her, kindness turns to mutual respect, turns to affection, turns to love. But the jungle is treacherous, and between hypnotic river spirits, soul-devouring women that shed their skin like snakes, and her ex out for revenge, Victoria has to decide – is promotion at a corrupt company really what she wants?
A fierce, lush fantasy by New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blackwood, Wildblood tells the story of a girl who must find the strength to defeat the demons of the jungle as well as her own to find where she truly belongs.
LAUREN BLACKWOOD is a Jamaican American living in Virginia who writes Romance-heavy Fantasy for most ages. When not writing, she’s a musician and a tiramisu connoisseur. She’s the New York Times Bestselling author of Within These Wicked Walls and Wildblood.
It’s Monday! What are you Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn from Book Date, a place to share and discuss what we’ve read in the past week and what we’re in the middle of or are planning to read this week.
What I read / listened to last week:
Not the Witch You Wed by April Asher
What I am reading/listening to now:
Not your Ex’s Hexes by April Asher
The IT Girl by Ruth Ware
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik- a re-read before reading the last book in the series, Golden Enclaves. Still enjoying it….
What I’m reading /listening to next:
Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
The Forest of Stolen Girls by Jane Hur
How did your last week go and what are you reading this week?
The Story of Keilah Joann Keder Publication date: February 6th 2023 Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary
Keilah moved to Sandy Salts, Iowa in search of a fresh start. Little did she know, acclimating to the quirky town in the middle of nowhere would be more complicated than she anticipated.
Her elderly landlord, Dee, has a dark secret that has followed her since childhood. Dee’s younger brother was kidnapped decades ago and never found. While the spunky woman tries not to talk about the painful ordeal, the mystery of his disappearance constantly haunts her.
Digging into the cold case residents have all but forgotten, Keilah unwittingly discovers shocking secrets from her own past. The explosive truth she uncovers could change the town of Sandy Salts and Keilah, forever.
USA TODAY bestselling author, Joann Keder spent most of her years in the Midwest, growing up and raising a family on the Great Plains of Nebraska. She worked for sixteen years as a piano teacher before returning to school to receive a master’s degree in creative writing. A mid-life move to the Pacific Northwest led her to re-examine her priorities. She now creates stories about life and relationships in small towns while her ever-patient husband encourages her on.
At Last Whitney Dineen (Seven Brides for Seven Mothers, #8) Publication date: February 1st 2023 Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance
Queen Charlotte of Malquar has been hard at work setting up all her children, but so far, she’s been unable to find someone for Sophie.
Princess Sophie was supposed to be the second royal sibling to marry, but she broke her engagement when she found out her fiancé was cheating on her.
Sophie has all but given up hope of finding her own fairytale ending. That is, until a mystery bouquet of roses shows up at the palace. The note says they’re from Arlo Hammond. After years of pining for the man she thought was her everlasting love, Sophie finally released all thoughts of Arlo, only to have him show up again thirteen years later. Why?
Will Arlo’s explanation win Sophie’s forgiveness? Will she give him another chance and find her own happy ending at last? Or will the heartache of the past be too much to forgive?
Find out in the final installment of Dineen’s bestselling and deliciously romantic Seven Brides for Seven Mothers series!
Curling up on my living room sofa, I snuggle under my favorite cashmere throw before picking up the telephone. After punching in the number, I smile when I hear the voice of my dearest friend from university days. “Sophie!” Avery sounds both surprised and delighted. “It’s been ages. How are you?”
“I’m confused,” I tell her bluntly.
“The farthest fork out is for the fish course,” she teases.
“Ha ha ha.” I love how easily we fall into old banter. It’s always been like this between us. But of course, I didn’t call to chit chat. “Do you remember Arlo Hammond?”
I hear her choke on what I’m guessing is her morning coffee. Having grown up in the States, Aves never was one for tea. “Of course I remember. But I thought he was old news.”
“He’s been sending me flowers once a month for the last seven months.”
“And you’re just telling me now?”
“I figured I’d wait to see if he said anything interesting.”
“And?”
I hear a sharp knock, which I’m hoping is someone from the kitchen with the decadent sweet breads I’ve ordered. Even though my waistline doesn’t need the indulgence, I’m still going to enjoy them. “Hold on, Aves,” I tell her before getting up to retrieve my breakfast.
Padding across my living room rug in bare feet, I pull the door open. My enthusiasm vanishes when I see that my visitor is not from the kitchen. It’s my mother. “What are you doing here?” I greet none too politely.
“Good morning to you, too.” She pushes her way through the door.
“I’m on an important call, Mum. I can’t chat right now.” If I tell her who I’m talking to, she’ll simply demand to get on the phone and have her own conversation with Avery.
Stopping in her tracks next to the trestle table against the wall in my foyer, she says, “I see you received the flowers that arrived yesterday.”
“I did.” When she doesn’t immediately respond, I add, “Is there any way we can talk later? I really need to get back to my call. It’s rather important.” Let her assume I’m planning the next big charity event, and child literacy itself is at stake. Participating in charitable events is nearly all I do as a working royal, and while I know it’s an important contribution, it sometimes bores me to the bone.
“I’ll be in the parlor between ten and eleven,” she tells me before backtracking toward the door. Before she walks through it, she adds, “I’ll expect you at ten.”
“I’ll do what I can, Mum.” I’m about to shut the door when I spot the serving girl from the kitchen walking down the hall with my breakfast. I indicate that I’m leaving the door open for her before hurrying back to the couch.
As soon as I pick up the phone, I hear Avery yelling at someone, “Not there! I asked you to put them in the linen closet.”
“Who are you lording it over?” I ask with a laugh.
“My husband, of course. We’re only now getting down to the business of unpacking all the bedding.”
“But you’ve been married and in the house for over six months,” I tell her.
“You know me, Soph, I’m not that fussy. I’m okay with washing the old sheets and then returning them to the bed. However, my mother-in-law feels that kind of bohemian nonsense isn’t good enough for her Tony. She made me register for six sets of linens and now I have to store them all. I should dump them off at her house.”
“I don’t even have that many extra sheets,” I tell her.
“I venture you don’t have any idea how many sheets there are in that castle you call home. But you didn’t call me to talk about bedding. You called about Arlo.”
As the server pushes the trolley over the threshold, I motion for her to leave it there before mouthing a quick thank you. When she shuts the door behind her, I ask my friend, “What is he doing getting in touch after all these years?”
“You can’t guess?”
“Avery, what happened between us was over thirteen years ago. It barely even started before it was over.”
“You talked about him constantly for two years,” she reminds me.
It’s true, I did. Arlo Hammond made a huge impact on my life in a very short amount of time, but there was no way there could ever have been anything between us. “I did what I was supposed to do, and I forgot him.”
“Why were you supposed to forget him again?”
“Avery Flemming, you know perfectly well.”
“What I know is that your parents are much more open-minded than you give them credit for.”
I don’t give her the satisfaction of agreeing with her. I simply say, “Maybe …”
Author Bio:
Whitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries — not always in that order.
Whitney is a multi-award-winning author of romcoms, non-fiction humor, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.
She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.
Gold Medal winner at the International Readers’ Favorite Awards, 2017.
Silver medal winner at the International Readers’ Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016.
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