REVIEW: The Almost Romantic by Lauren Blakely

5 SMOOCHES!

* * * * * * * * * *

SYNOPSIS:

Fake engagement. Real marriage. Both have an expiration date…

“Marry me.”

They were the last words I expected to say to my fake fiancé, but I’m the kind of guy who doesn’t back down from a challenge.

Pretend I’m engaged to my gorgeous and talented business partner to secure a business deal?

No problem.

Agree to a no-touch rule even though she’s been driving me wild since I met her?

Challenge accepted.

Resist grinning like a damn fool every time that same big-hearted, sunshine-y woman laughs with my little daughter?

Done.

So, yeah, when my fake fiancé’s vindictive business rival threatens to expose our make-believe romance, I can handle that too.

I’ll prove our engagement isn’t fake – by marrying her for real.

A marriage with an expiration date at the end of the year.

But that’s when I run smack dab into the biggest challenge ever – not falling madly in love with my wife.

* * * * * * * * * *

REVIEW:

A heartwarming, heart-racing contemporary romance, The Almost Romantic by Lauren Blakely is a dual single-parent, fake relationship love story between two new business partners who are wildly attracted to each other. In this marriage of convenience romance, Blakely expertly tells the story of two single parents navigating the complexities of a romantic relationship and parental responsibilities while running their own businesses and joining together on an exciting new venture. I listened to the audiobook, narrated in duet by Vanessa Edwin and Teddy Hamilton, two of my favorites. They did a spectacular job and turned in fabulously entertaining performances.

The witty banter and electric chemistry between the big-hearted, possessive bar-owner single father, Gage, and Elodie, a confident, outgoing chocolatier who’s raising her little sister, was palpable. I was pulled right into the story by the sizzling tension and heartwarming moments. These kinds of stories are totally Lauren Blakely’s sweet spot, and The Almost Romantic was the perfect platform to showcase her dynamic, descriptive style of storytelling.

Blakely skillfully peels back Gage and Elodie’s layers as she explores the various complexities they face between launching a new business, being single parents and navigating a romantic relationship between two new business partners. Those challenges were tested mightily by their intense physical attraction. Swoony, steamy and so sweet, The Almost Romantic was charming and completely addictive. Five smooches from me for The Almost Romantic by Lauren Blakely!

~Danielle Palumbo

 


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BLOG REVIEW TOUR WITH EXCERPT: Small Town Swoon by Melanie Harlow

SMALL TOWN SWOON, a steamy new Hollywood heartthrob falls for the small-town girl romance from USA Today Bestselling Author, Melanie Harlow, is available now!

Scroll down for an excerpt!

 

 

Only in the movies does the Hollywood heartthrob fall for the small town diner waitress…

 

 

Only in the movies does the Hollywood heartthrob fall for the small town diner waitress.

So when Dashiel Buckley returns to Cherry Tree Harbor for a wedding, I’m determined not to let my massive crush on my best friend’s older brother hijack my good sense.

(It happened once before. Do not recommend.)

But when my hand is injured, it’s Dash who steps in at the diner. The moment he realizes I can’t afford to fix my car, he takes care of it. And when he hears about the way my toxic ex treated me, he refuses to let it go.

Now it’s not just his blue eyes and sexy smile that have me swooning, it’s the way he wants to help me. Encourage me. Protect me.

I can’t resist.

Our text messages heat up. Our phone calls melt all my defenses. “Just friends” turns into “just once,” and “just once” becomes a distant memory. Night after night, he warms my bed, my body, and my heart.

But it can’t last.

Our dreams have us on two different paths–Dash wants the lights, camera, action of Hollywood, and I’ll always be a small town girl.

If only I could be his.

 

 

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“A heart-warming, heat-filled and humorous romance…” ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

Check out Danielle’s 5 SMOOCHES review!

 

 

EXCERPT:

 

Of all the nights I’d imagined us driving off somewhere together, never once was it the emergency room.

“How’s the pain?” he asked, speeding away from Buckley’s Pub.

“Not too bad,” I lied.

“I’m sorry, Ari. It’s my fault.”

I stared at him. “I cut my finger slicing lemons. Why would it be your fault?”

“I was making jokes and distracting you while you were trying to work.” He actually sounded sincere.

“It was an accident, Dash. I wasn’t being careful enough.”

He pressed his lips together, saying nothing. His profile was chiseled perfection, making my heart throb as hard as my finger.

When we arrived at the closest hospital, Dash dropped me off at the emergency room doors and told me he’d meet me inside after parking the car.

“You don’t have to stay,” I told him.

“I’ll be right in.”

I was sitting in the waiting room, listening for my name to be called, when he appeared in the doorway. My heart skittered at the sight of him scanning the room, looking for me with that concerned expression on his face. He’d ditched the ball cap, and his hair was slightly disheveled, as if he’d just run his fingers through it.

When he spotted me, he came over and sat down in the chair next to mine.

“You don’t have to stay,” I told him again.

“Are you going to keep saying that, hoping I leave?”

“Maybe.”

He leaned back, crossing an ankle over one knee, arms folded over his chest. “Well, I’m not leaving. Do you want me to call someone? Your parents?”

I shook my head. “They’re out of town for ten days. Anniversary cruise.”

“Boyfriend?”

“No boyfriend,” I said, staring at my sneakers.

“Good.”

I risked eye contact.

He shrugged, his mouth curving up on one side in a sexy crooked grin. “Might have been awkward to call him, since you saw me naked today.”

I looked at my feet again.

“So have you recovered from the trauma of that experience?”

“I’m pretending it didn’t happen.”

“Oh. Cool. We’re good at that.”

“Good at what?”

“Pretending things didn’t happen.”

I sniffed. Raised my chin. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”

He laughed softly. “Oh, is that the game we’re playing?”

“You were the one who said we should forget it ever happened.” I lifted my shoulders. “And I have.”

“So the frosty treatment over the last eight years is because of something else?”

I finally looked at him. “I haven’t been frosty to you. I’ve barely seen you.”

“You’ve barely looked at me,” he corrected. “We’ve been in the same room plenty of times since then, and I’ve never been able to get you to talk to me. The last words I heard out of your mouth were ‘I hate you.’”

I dropped my eyes to my towel-wrapped hand. “I don’t hate you. I was just embarrassed.”

“Still? After eight years?”

“You rejected me, Dash. Maybe you don’t remember what it’s like to be sixteen, but I do. Feelings are big. I know it’s not your fault that you didn’t feel the same way, but I can’t help it that I wasn’t okay for a while after you turned me down.”

His voice grew softer. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings, but I didn’t think it would be right to . . . do that.” He nudged my foot with his. “So can we be friends now?”

“Friends?” I feigned shock. “A big Hollywood celebrity like you wants a nobody friend like me?”

“You’re somebody to me, Ari. You always will be.”

A warm feeling engulfed me, flooding my limbs, pooling in my belly. Attention from him always did this to me. “Then I guess we can be friends. But you have to promise never to bring up that night again.”

“Deal.”

“Ariana DeLuca?” called a nurse.

I rose to my feet, and Dash stood too. “Do you want me to come back with you?” he asked.

It was on the tip of my tongue to say no, but then I thought about needles again. “Would you?”

“Of course.” He put his hand on my lower back and walked me toward the nurse. “I was coming no matter what you said.”

 

 

 


About Melanie Harlow:

USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melanie Harlow writes sweet, sexy, feel-good romance. She likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. If she’s not writing or reading, she’s probably at Orangetheory or watching Schitt’s Creek again. She lifts her glass to readers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.

Connect with Melanie:

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RELEASE BLITZ WITH EXCERPT: Blitz by Devney Perry

BLITZ, a forbidden, age-gap, small-town sports romance from Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author, Devney Perry, is available now!

Scroll down for an excerpt!

 

 

The rules were concrete. We broke them anyway…

 

 

A forbidden, small town, sports romance from Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Devney Perry.

A coach. A student. The rules were concrete. We broke them anyway.

The night I met Toren Greely was the night I learned how to lie. He was a Treasure State football coach. I was the star of the volleyball team. Coaches and students were forbidden. My future was on the line, so I told myself it was only one night.

That was the first lie. They got easier to tell after that. The lines blurred. The boundaries shifted. Our relationship became a game of its own.

A chaste smile. A knowing glance. A veiled touch or a hushed kiss. We hid in plain sight. We were invincible. Or so we thought. Neither of us saw the blitz coming until it was too late.

Game over. The night I left Toren Greely was the night I learned how to lose.

 

 

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY OR READ FOR FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED!

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“I hung on for dear life through the emotional hills and valleys of Toren and Jennsyn’s romance.” ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

Check out Danielle’s 5 SMOOCHES review!

 

 

EXCERPT:

 

The house went quiet as the front door closed shut. I breathed in the silence. Never again. This was the last Fourth of July party. On a sigh, I did a quick sweep of the living room, picking up a few stray bottles and cans. Then I made my way to the yard, stepping into the cool night.

I froze the moment my shoes hit the deck.

The blond woman was in the yard. She was walking around, picking up trash.

My heart stuttered, not the dead stop from earlier, but it skipped enough that there was a twinge of pain.

She dropped the trash in her hands into the overflowing garbage can. When she turned and spotted me on the deck, the corner of her mouth turned up.

She’d stayed. Guess she’d liked what she’d seen earlier too. Hell yes.

I walked down the steps and met her in the grass. “Hi.”

“Hey.” She pulled her lower lip between her teeth like she was trying to bite back a bigger smile.

Damn, I wanted to be the one to bite that lip.

Who was this woman?

She was tall, nearly six feet. I still stood taller, but I didn’t have to crane my neck to keep those eyes.

Blue. Of course, they’d be blue. She had the most stunning ice-blue eyes. Bright, despite the dim lights from the deck.

I was a fucking goner already.

“Want to come inside?” I asked.

She arched an eyebrow.

“There’s more to clean up in there,” I teased.

She stared at me for a long moment, then she tipped her head to the stars and laughed. It was free and sweet with a hint of disbelief, like this was as wild for her as it was for me.

That laugh was the most beautiful thing I’d heard in my life.

It ended too soon as she shook her head, still smiling, and leveled me with those sparkling eyes.

Sparks crackled between us, like the fireworks show wasn’t really over. It was the most electric, instant attraction I’d ever felt with a woman.

“Who are you?” I asked.

“Jennsyn Bell.”

Jennsyn. A unique name for an unforgettable woman.

“Nice to meet you, Jennsyn. I’m Toren Greely.”

“Toren.” She spoke my name like she was sampling it on her tongue. I guess she liked its taste because she slipped past me, lifting on those bare toes.

And walked inside my house.

 

 


About Devney Perry:

Devney Perry is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of over forty romance novels. After working in the technology industry for a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to pursue her passion for writing. She was born and raised in Montana and now lives in Washington with her husband and two sons.

Connect with Devney: 

Website  |  Facebook  |  Readers Group  |  Instagram  |  TikTok  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Amazon  |  BookBub  |  Goodreads

Sign up for Devney’s newsletter!

 

REVIEW: Blitz by Devney Perry

5 SMOOCHES!

   

* * * * * * * * * *

SYNOPSIS:

A forbidden, small town, sports romance from Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Devney Perry.

A coach. A student. The rules were concrete. We broke them anyway.

The night I met Toren Greely was the night I learned how to lie. He was a Treasure State football coach. I was the star of the volleyball team. Coaches and students were forbidden. My future was on the line, so I told myself it was only one night.

That was the first lie. They got easier to tell after that. The lines blurred. The boundaries shifted. Our relationship became a game of its own.

A chaste smile. A knowing glance. A veiled touch or a hushed kiss. We hid in plain sight. We were invincible. Or so we thought. Neither of us saw the blitz coming until it was too late.

Game over. The night I left Toren Greely was the night I learned how to lose.

* * * * * * * * * *

REVIEW:

Blitz by Devney Perry is the second book in her Treasure State Wildcats series. Perry takes readers on a tumultuous, taboo ride in this gripping, emotionally charged forbidden romance. Devney’s storytelling is always so engaging, and it shines brightly here. Delving into a risky relationship between an older college football coach and a younger female star volleyball athlete, Devney brings it all together through exquisite prose, nuanced character development and an engrossing storyline.

The intense chemistry and undeniable attraction between the hero and heroine immediately drew me in and the emotional depth of their romance kept me glued to my Kindle. A firestorm of conflicting emotions convey the complicated nature of their forbidden romance as Devney masterfully navigates the risks, challenges and consequences of this off-limits love story.

Perry skillfully explored the risks, challenges and consequences of pursuing a love deemed off-limits by societal norms in Blitz. From the forbidden thrill of their secret encounters to the profound emotional connection they share, every aspect of the Toren and Jennsyn’s journey is portrayed with authenticity and affection. I hung on for dear life through the emotional hills and valleys of Toren and Jennsyn’s romance. A rollercoaster of passion and pining, and I loved every bump and bruise. Devney Perry’s Blitz gets 5 smooches from me!

~Danielle Palumbo

 

 


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RELEASE BLITZ WITH EXCERPT: If You Hate Me by Helena Hunting

IF YOU HATE ME, a brand new best friend’s sister, roommates-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers hockey romance from New York Times Bestselling Author, Helena Hunting, is available now!

Scroll down for an excerpt!

 

 

This was a last resort.  I just need to survive long enough to find a new job and get a new place…

 

 

A brand new standalone hate-to-love, brother’s best friend hockey romance.

My new roommates are two pro hockey players.

First, my manwhore older brother, and second, his seriously hot best friend (who I seriously hate).

This was a last resort.

No one should be sleeping on a futon that smells like Cheetos and ball sweat.

But here I am, trying to get my life together.

Tristan Stiles is the bane of my existence.

He never wears a shirt.

We can’t seem to stop fighting.

He’s an arrogant playboy with a filthy reputation.

Sure, I had a crush on him when I was fourteen, but that was a long time ago.

I know better than to trust him.

I just need to survive long enough to find a new job and get a new place.

And not accidentally let Tristan rail me into next week.

 

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

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Add to Goodreads

 

 

“…addictive, authentic and full of wit and charm.” ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

Check out Danielle’s 5 SMOOCHES review!

 

 

EXCERPT:

CHAPTER ONE

RIX

It smells like Cheetos, beer, possibly ball sweat, and a hint of men’s deodorant in here. My stomach gurgles ominously as I lie on the futon in the loft of my older brother’s condo. If I can’t sleep, I might as well call my best friend and fill her in. 

“I have fifteen minutes between clients. What the heck is going on?” Essie asks when she answers. 

It’s noisy from the big event she’s working. Her makeup brushes click and clink as they’re cleaned and slotted away while she waits for the next person to fill her chair.

“I imploded my life,” I tell her, succinct and accurate.

“This sounds bad. What happened?”

“I rage-quit my job and moved out of my apartment.” 

It sounds even worse when I say it aloud. I’m so disappointed in myself. Asking my brother if I could stay at his place feels like the ultimate failure—he’s a professional hockey player, and I’m now unemployed and un-homed. I’m lucky I even caught him between ice time and going out.

“Did your roommates invite you to join their sex party again?” she asks.

“They did.”

“Why the hell can’t they take no for an answer? That’s harassment!” 

I smile. I appreciate her indignation on my behalf. “Look, I respect anyone doing whatever gets their rocks off, but listen when I say no thank you. And then my boss dropped four boxes of receipts on my desk at the end of the day and said they needed to be sorted by nine tomorrow, so I lost my shit and quit.” 

And when I got home, Eugenia was tied to a pillar in the living room. Naked. That was the last straw and the reason I’ve ended up here. On this futon.

“Seriously?” I can practically see Essie shaking her head. “That’s the fourth time that’s happened! You lasted two and a half months longer than I would have.”

“I really wanted it to work out, you know? It was my first real job at a firm. I had benefits and a steady paycheck, and now I have nothing.” How could I be so stupid and reactive?

“You are highly employable, Rix. You graduated at the top of your class. Come to Vancouver. Where are you staying now? Please don’t say a Motel Heaven.”

“Almost as bad, I’m at my brother’s.” I love Flip. He’s a great brother, and he’s helped me out financially in the past, but this clearly indicates that I’ve failed at taking care of myself. I hate that I’ve messed up my life so completely after being so careful.

“Oh my God. Rix.”

“It gets worse.” Because not only did I lose my job and my apartment, so I get to sleep on a futon in his loft with no doors or privacy, but I also did the unthinkable.

“Worse how?” Essie asks.

“I went to the Pink Taco. And I always overdo it.” Especially when I’m mid-tragedy. I love those freaking tacos. 

“Tell me you didn’t have the refried beans.”

“I had the refried beans. And several margaritas.” So stupid. And expensive.

“Rix, you know better.”

“I know. My stomach sounds like a beast lives in there. A bean-fueled beast. I also might have left Rob an emotional, half-drunk voicemail.” 

When Rob moved across the country, from Toronto to the east coast, to pursue his master’s, I wanted to try long distance. He was pragmatic and did not. We were together for more than a year, so I’m still sore about it. I’d thought we were heading toward moving in together, toward stability and next steps, so being over sucked, even if it was the right thing to do. 

“Dude, you broke up months ago. Noooo.” Essie groans.

“Yeah.”

“What kind of message?”

“Not one I want to repeat. Maybe he won’t listen to it.” He’ll listen to it. 

“Babe, seriously, come to Vancouver. There are accounting jobs here.”

“It’s enticing.” But also impractical, irresponsible, and expensive. I’ve capped out on all three tonight alone.

The sound of someone trying to get into the condo downstairs has me rushing to get off the phone. “I think my bro’s home. I’ll message later.”

“’Kay. Love you more than chocolate ice cream.”

“Same.” I end the call and press my phone to my chest. Emotions clog my throat. 

I don’t want to explain this to my brother. I’m horrified by the whole thing.

The front door opens, and I take a deep breath, preparing for the inevitable embarrassing conversation. The kitchen lights flicker on. 

“Ah, fuck. Shit. Too bright!” A deep voice echoes off the high ceilings.

My stomach gurgles as I tense. Stupid refried beans. It’s not my brother, Phillip—Flip. That started when I was a kid and couldn’t pronounce his name. Now it’s an ongoing joke because he’s a next-level fuckboy, as in “Flip me over and do me from behind.”  

Unfortunately, it seems that my brother’s teammate and roommate, Tristan, is home. He sounds different, though. Which makes sense since he was eighteen when I last saw him in three dimensions, and he’s in his mid-twenties now. His voice is deeper, grittier. 

It’s hitting home exactly what I’ve signed up for by asking to stay here. My brother I can deal with. His best friend is a whole different story—and the condo actually belongs to Tristan. When Flip was traded to the Terror, Toronto’s pro team, he was so excited about getting to play with his childhood best friend that he moved in with him, too. 

“Lights off!” Tristan slurs. 

The condo goes dark. There’s some shuffling and then an oof and a grunt. “Motherhumping shitbag. Baffrum leg on!” More stumbling around in the dark. More swearing. Something hits the floor with a loud bang. “Bathroom light on.” He enunciates each word slowly, with less slurring. 

I stay in my coffin-style pose on the futon upstairs. He can’t see me from here. I’d prefer to defer my first interaction with Tristan in nearly a decade since he’s clearly shitfaced, and I’ve had a shit day. 

I lie as still as possible and work on breathing quietly. 

The fridge opens. “Fuck. I need t’order gro’ries.” The door falls closed. More rustling. More swearing. “Stupid shots. Ah, shit.”

I give in to curiosity and roll onto my stomach, peeking over the arm of the couch. Tristan’s standing at the island, half a jug of orange juice spilled across the counter, the puddle making its way to the edge. He yanks his shirt over his head and drops it on the spreading liquid, but instead of containing the mess, it drips onto his feet. He stumbles backward into the fridge. 

I’m unable to appreciate his shirtless-ness before he grumbles more profanities and disappears. Not that I want to appreciate all those rippling muscles earned by countless hours on the ice. Because I don’t. Mostly. 

The sound of water running filters up to the loft, along with Tristan’s colorful commentary about stupid orange juice, followed by something about glitter and too much perfume.

The water turns off, then turns on again a moment later. I roll off the couch to the floor, grimacing as my palms land in dirt, or crumbs, or who the hell knows what. This loft needs a serious bleaching. I stay low and crawl on my hands and knees to the railing. From here, I have an excellent view of most of the condo, including the bathroom. The door is wide open. The faucet isn’t running. Tristan is peeing. He lists to the right and grabs the edge of the vanity to keep from falling over and completely misses the toilet.

I hope there’s more than one bathroom in this place. Maybe my brother has his own. Crossing my fingers on that since he’s not known for his exceptional cleaning skills. Tristan swears and pulls an excessively long ream of toilet paper free to mop up the mess he made.

My phone buzzes from the couch. I scamper back into hiding and check it. Shit. Rob is texting. A second later, the phone buzzes with a call. I send it to voicemail and quickly set my phone to airplane mode.

When the sound of water hitting water ends, I expect Tristan to stumble-weave to his bedroom. But that doesn’t happen. Instead, a low groan filters up to the loft. The vaulted ceilings amplify the sound. I frown and close my eyes as I try to place the noises coming from the first floor. 

“Ah fuck, yeah. So hard.”

My lids flip open. He can’t be… Can he?

I leave the protective cover of a gaming chair and peek through the bars of the railing again. 

Oh, he totally is. 

My breath catches and my heart stutters and then gallops. 

Tristan is masturbating. 

Vigorously. 

Enthusiastically.

 

WANT MORE? Click HERE to finish reading Chapter 1!

 

 

 


About Helena Hunting: 

HelenaHunting

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

Connect with Helena:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Reader Group  |  Instagram  |  TikTok  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  BookBub  |  Amazon

Never miss an update! Subscribe to Helena’s mailing list!

 

REVIEW: If You Hate Me by Helena Hunting

5 SMOOCHES!

* * * * * * * * * *

SYNOPSIS:

A brand new standalone hate-to-love, brother’s best friend hockey romance.

My new roommates are two pro hockey players.

First, my manwhore older brother, and second, his seriously hot best friend (who I seriously hate).

This was a last resort.

No one should be sleeping on a futon that smells like Cheetos and ball sweat.

But here I am, trying to get my life together.

Tristan Stiles is the bane of my existence.

He never wears a shirt.

We can’t seem to stop fighting.

He’s an arrogant playboy with a filthy reputation.

Sure, I had a crush on him when I was fourteen, but that was a long time ago.

I know better than to trust him.

I just need to survive long enough to find a new job and get a new place.

And not accidentally let Tristan rail me into next week.

* * * * * * * * * *

REVIEW:

Helena Hunting’s If You Hate Me is a standalone forbidden romance that kicks off her new hockey series. Hockey is Hunting’s sweet spot, and hers are the gold standard of the genre. Of course it doesn’t hurt that her storytelling style is naturally suited to the rough and rugged world of professional hockey. I listened to the audiobook which was narrated in duet by CJ Bloom and Connor Crais. This pair gave a truly captivating performance, bringing Tristan and Rix to life in my ears with their natural chemistry. I hung on their every word as I burned through two sets of Air Pods devouring this story in a day.

Hunting expertly navigates the forbidden attraction between the cocky pro hockey player playboy, Tristan, and Rix, the down-on-her-luck little sister of his best friend and roommate who has suddenly moved in with them. The dynamic between the hero and heroine positively crackled with chemistry, and their communication style seemed to be set to witty banter. Hunting masterfully balanced all the humor with a whirlwind of conflicting feels and the emotional depth of a poignant storyline—along with enough steam to melt the ice in a Canadian hockey arena. I love a good brother’s best friend romance, and Hunting took that story and spun it on its head with a few dashes of the unrequited love, hate-turns-to-love, forced proximity, bad boy/good girl and roommates-to-lovers tropes with wild success.

Delving into the trials and tribulations of an off-limits relationship, Hunting took readers along for the ride as Rix and Tristan navigated the challenges and consequences of their forbidden relationship. From the fiery exchanges between the hero and heroine to their undeniable sexual tension, the build-up of this relationship was addictive, authentic and full of wit and charm. Five smooches from me for If You Hate Me by Helena Hunting!

~Danielle Palumbo

 


BUY IT NOW!

Kindle  |  Audio  |  Paperback

REVIEW: Small-Town Swoon by Melanie Harlow

5 SMOOCHES!

* * * * * * * * * *

SYNOPSIS:

Only in the movies does the Hollywood heartthrob fall for the small town diner waitress.

So when Dashiel Buckley returns to Cherry Tree Harbor for a wedding, I’m determined not to let my massive crush on my best friend’s older brother hijack my good sense.

(It happened once before. Do not recommend.)

But when my hand is injured, it’s Dash who steps in at the diner. The moment he realizes I can’t afford to fix my car, he takes care of it. And when he hears about the way my toxic ex treated me, he refuses to let it go.

Now it’s not just his blue eyes and sexy smile that have me swooning, it’s the way he wants to help me. Encourage me. Protect me.

I can’t resist.

Our text messages heat up. Our phone calls melt all my defenses. “Just friends” turns into “just once,” and “just once” becomes a distant memory. Night after night, he warms my bed, my body, and my heart.

But it can’t last.

Our dreams have us on two different paths–Dash wants the lights, camera, action of Hollywood, and I’ll always be a small town girl.

If only I could be his.

* * * * * * * * * *

REVIEW:

Small Town Swoon is the fourth book in Melanie Harlow’s Cherry Harbor series, and it was a captivating read cover-to-cover. Harlow expertly captured the characters’ emotions as she took readers through the intricacies of a brother’s best friend/second-chance romance between Ari, the small-town girl, and Dash, the Hollywood heartthrob. The chemistry between Ari and Dash blazed, and their friends-with-benefits dynamic stoked the fire burning between them and kept me furiously tapping my Kindle.

Melanie’s impeccable storytelling skills brought the backdrop of this small town to life, infusing the setting with charm, warmth, and a nostalgic energy. Dash was a naturally protective hero, and the blossoming romance between him and Ari was heartwarming yet heady, swoony but sweet, and the authentic way this relationship evolved evoked a whirlwind of emotions in me. I laughed, I swooned, my heart soared and it raced as I rooted for Ari and Dash’s love to conquer all. A heart-warming, heat-filled and humorous romance, Small Town Swoon perfectly showcased Harlow’s innate talent for creating endearing characters and crafting their heartfelt love stories. Five smooches from me for Small Town Swoon by Melanie Harlow!

~Danielle Palumbo

 


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RELEASE BLITZ: Small Town Swoon by Melanie Harlow

SMALL TOWN SWOON, a steamy new best friend’s brother, small-town romance from USA Today Bestselling Author, Melanie Harlow, is available now!

 

 

Only in the movies does the Hollywood heartthrob fall for the small town diner waitress…

 

 

Only in the movies does the Hollywood heartthrob fall for the small town diner waitress.

So when Dashiel Buckley returns to Cherry Tree Harbor for a wedding, I’m determined not to let my massive crush on my best friend’s older brother hijack my good sense.

(It happened once before. Do not recommend.)

But when my hand is injured, it’s Dash who steps in at the diner. The moment he realizes I can’t afford to fix my car, he takes care of it. And when he hears about the way my toxic ex treated me, he refuses to let it go.

Now it’s not just his blue eyes and sexy smile that have me swooning, it’s the way he wants to help me. Encourage me. Protect me.

I can’t resist.

Our text messages heat up. Our phone calls melt all my defenses. “Just friends” turns into “just once,” and “just once” becomes a distant memory. Night after night, he warms my bed, my body, and my heart.

But it can’t last.

Our dreams have us on two different paths–Dash wants the lights, camera, action of Hollywood, and I’ll always be a small town girl.

If only I could be his.

 

 

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About Melanie Harlow:

USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melanie Harlow writes sweet, sexy, feel-good romance. She likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. If she’s not writing or reading, she’s probably at Orangetheory or watching Schitt’s Creek again. She lifts her glass to readers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.

Connect with Melanie:

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BLOG TOUR WITH EXCERPT: The Surrogate by Penelope Ward

THE SURROGATE, a forbidden, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers age-gap romance from New York Times Bestselling Author, Penelope Ward, is available now!

Scroll down for an excerpt!

 

 

I’m falling for the father of the baby I’m carrying.

The problem is it’s not my baby…

 

 

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a new, STANDALONE novel…

ABBY:

I’m falling for the father of the baby I’m carrying.

The problem is: it’s not my baby.

And the broody widower is not looking for a long-term partner.

As a surrogate, the deal was that I’d only be in England long enough to give birth.

At first, the man seemed as pretentious as his name: Sigmund Benedictus.

He and I butted heads.

Sig challenged my intentions, accused me of just wanting to do this for the money.

Gradually, he learned to trust me.

He even became protective.

Over time, our heated animosity turned into fiery chemistry.

I was falling in love with him.

But my time here had a limit.

I needed to protect my heart from the devastatingly gorgeous older man who’d end up breaking it.

SIG:

When my in-laws told me they wanted to use my dead wife’s eggs to conceive a grandchild, I wasn’t immediately on board.

They swore that on her deathbed Britney told them it was what she wanted—but only if I fathered the baby. Her parents insisted they would be the ones to raise it.

Against my better judgment, I agreed.

I vowed to keep my heart out of it, though.

I’d continue to pretend it wasn’t happening and live the empty, single life I’d become accustomed to the past five years since Britney died.

And despite the fact that a certain younger American named Abby Knickerbocker had awakened things inside me that I thought were long dead…

I most certainly wouldn’t fall in love with the surrogate.

 

 

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“…my new favorite from Penelope Ward.” ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

Check out Danielle’s 5 SMOOCHES review!

 

 

EXCERPT:

 

My phone rang, and I looked down to find it was Lourdes, a woman I’d hung out with over a year ago. She’d been texting me lately to get together, and I’d been ignoring her messages. I silenced the ringer.

“Who was that?” Abby asked.

“Someone named—none of your business.”

“A woman? Is that why you’re in such a rush to get back to London?”

“Trust me, I haven’t met anyone worth rushing anywhere for.”

“Well, excuse me, Mr. Picky.”

I rolled over a bit to face her, resting my chin on my hand. “You think it’s odd to be selective?”

“I don’t think you’re being selective. I think you’re closed off to everyone. There’s a difference.”

“You seem to have me pegged, but what about you? Why are you single?”

“I had a bad experience, as I think I’ve mentioned, and haven’t felt like having my heart toyed with again.”

“How long ago was that? The guy who broke up with you…”

“Nearly three years now.”

“But you’ve dated since that breakup.”

“Yeah. There’ve been a few brief…”

“Hookups?” I arched a brow.

“I guess I can admit that now that you’re not actively assessing my character.”

“Why would I judge you for that? Sex is natural—necessary for survival, if you ask me.”

“You just don’t want to have anything to do with the women after.”

Unable to deny it, I shrugged. “There haven’t been that many women since Britney. At least nothing compared to when I was younger. Most of the time, I meet someone and decide not to go through with anything. But of the encounters I have had, yeah, it’s never mattered whether I saw them again.”

“What was different about Britney? I mean, when you met her? How did you know she was the one?”

My chest constricted. “I’d love to be able to give you a less cliché answer—because I hate clichés—but I just knew. After about an hour together, I never wanted to be apart from her.”

“Fair enough. They say that’s what happens sometimes. You just know.”

“You’ve never experienced that?”

“Nope.” Abby shook her head. “Still waiting for it to happen to me.” She smiled. “Anyway, for the record, I don’t just hook up with people randomly, like some people.” She elbowed me. “I have to know them first.”

“Knowing you, Abby, I can’t imagine you not asking someone a million questions before you sleep with them.”

“Well, yeah. I need to know who I’m dealing with. I’m not going to waste my time with anyone who’s not a good person—even if I’m wildly attracted to them.”

“Sometimes less is more,” I mumbled.

“This from the man who interrogated me the first time he met me.”

“Well, I need to know a bit more about someone who’s going to be carrying my child than I would someone I’m merely going to…”

“F*ck?” She finished my sentence.

The word on her tongue gave me an unwanted thrill. I wouldn’t have minded hearing her say it a few more times, which probably meant I needed my head checked.

“You wanna go?” she asked.

Somehow I’d forgotten my urgency to leave. I’d become pretty comfortable in this spot on the hay. It wasn’t about the hay at all, though, was it?

“Well, now you’ve made me lazy. You’re a bad influence, Knickerbocker.”

She leaned her head on her hand. “Why don’t you just sleep at the inn tonight? Lavinia loves your company.”

“She’ll be conked out by the time we get back there, but I suppose you have a point. At this hour, I might as well just drive into London with you in the morning.”

“You keep work clothes at The Bainbridge, right?”

“Yes. I have everything I need in my room.” I looked out through the barn door. It was now completely nightfall. “Now that it’s dark, you need to be careful driving back.”

“You’ll be behind me anyway, in case I run into trouble, right?”

“Well, you won’t find me driving in front of you ever again,” I teased.

“Good one.” She laughed as she stood and brushed off her dress. “Can you turn around for a minute?”

I narrowed my eyes but did as she asked. “Okay…why am I doing this?”
A few seconds passed. “All good now.”

“What was that all about?” I asked.

“You promise not to make fun of me?”

“No. But tell me anyway.”

“I had a piece of hay stuck in my underwear.” She flashed a goofy smile.

And then…I laughed for what felt like the first time in years.

Copyright © 2023
By Penelope Ward

 

 

 


About 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.

Find Penelope here:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Reader Group  | Twitter  |  Instagram  |  TikTok  |  Goodreads  |  BookBub  |  Amazon

Stay up-to-date with Penelope by signing up for her mailing list!

 

RELEASE BLITZ: Killing Booth by Lani Lynn Vale

KILLING BOOTH, a humorous and suspenseful new romance from USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Lani Lynn Vale, is out now!

 

 

Every single thing you want is going to require you to be uncomfortable…

 

 

Every single thing you want is going to require you to be uncomfortable.

Those words had been shared with her by the one man she didn’t think she could take a chance on. She just didn’t know that he was right, or that he was going to be the one making her uncomfortable.

Nash Wilder Christopherson was the world’s golden boy.

For fifteen years, she watched Nash race from the safety of her phone. Every single race, PR event, ESPN interview—she was there for it. He was the one thing that kept her sane while having to live the life her father forced her to.

That was all he’d ever be to her, though. A face on the other side of the screen.

Until he showed up at her apartment complex, carried her sister down hundreds and hundreds of stairs during a fire, and changed her opinion of him.

Nash Christopherson was Mean. With a capital M. And he couldn’t stand her.

***

He thought he had everything under control. Then he met her.

Nash knew from the moment he saw Zip waiting in her apartment, looking panicked, that she was going to damage him. She was going to pull him in, chew him up, and spit him out.

What he didn’t know was just how much damage he could take.

Nearly a year passed as he tried and failed to stay away.

A full year of her smiles, her playful jabs, her teasing, her eyes on him.

Then he got news that changed his life, and she finally took matters into her own hands, forcing herself into his life and pretty much giving him everything he ever wanted.

Everything was great, until it wasn’t. Life smacked him hard, and when the dust settled, she was gone. The only sign that she was ever there was the cracked and bleeding heart, half beating inside his chest, that yearned to hold her one more time.

 

 

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About Lani Lynn Vale:

Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown, in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.

Connect with Lani:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Reader Group  |  Instagram  |  TikTok  |  Twitter  |  Amazon  |  BookBub  |  Goodreads

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