COVER REVEAL: A Lick and a Promise by Kristen Ashley

AVENGING ANGELS: A LICK AND A PROMISE, a swoon-worthy new action-packed and suspenseful romantic comedy from New York Times Bestselling Author, Kristen Ashley, is coming June 19th!

Check out this cover!

 

 

They both knew this was it. Together forever…

 

 

Luna Nelson and Knox Chambers fell together fast, and they did it hard. It was so big, so special, they wanted it just for themselves and kept it a secret from their found family: the Avenging Angels and the Hottie Squad.

They both knew this was it. Together forever.

What Luna didn’t know was that Knox had secrets.

Secrets that tore them apart.

But when Knox asked for them to continue being friends—for the sake of their crew, and so he wouldn’t lose her—Luna loved him enough to say yes. Yes to the torture of being in the life of a man who was the love of hers, but he let her go.

Then, Knox gets shot. He gets shot not because he’s got a dangerous job (which he does), but because his family is an absolute mess.

With the man who means everything to her recuperating, Luna can’t keep away.

While Luna tries to keep the Angels safe from interfering in Knox’s family’s criminal enterprises, she and Knox circle each other, drawing a different kind of blood.

Will Knox continue to keep his secrets?

And will both of them be safe in the Chambers Family Feud?

 

 

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

Amazon  |  Apple Books  |  Kobo  |  Nook

 

Add to Goodreads

 

 

 


About Kristen Ashley:

Kristen Ashley is the New York Times bestselling author of over eighty romance novels. She’s a hybrid author, publishing titles both independently and traditionally, her books have been translated in fourteen languages and she’s sold millions of books.

Kristen, born in Gary and raised in Brownsburg, Indiana and was a fourth-generation graduate of Purdue University. Since, she has lived in Denver, the West Country of England, and she now resides in Phoenix. She worked as a charity executive for eighteen years prior to beginning her independent publishing career. She now writes full-time.

Although romance is her genre, the prevailing themes running through all of Kristen’s novels are friendship, family and a strong sisterhood. To this end, and as a way to thank her readers for their support, Kristen has created the Rock Chick Nation, a series of programs that are designed to give back to her readers and promote a strong female community. You can learn more about Kristen and the Rock Chick Nation on her website.

Connect with Kristen:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  TikTok  |  Twitter  |  Bluesky  |  Amazon  |  Bookbub  |  Goodreads

Sign up for Kristen’s newsletter!

RELEASE BLITZ WITH EXCERPT: It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely

IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA, an all new mistaken identity, one-night-stand who got away, forced proximity, forbidden small town romantic comedy from #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Lauren Blakely, is available now!

Scroll down for an excerpt!

 

 

There’s no way we can be more than a summer romance…

 

 

I really don’t need a bodyguard―I run a small-town lavender farm, for bee’s sake! But I’m getting one anyway since my identical twin sister just booked the movie role of a lifetime and it’s being shot in my hometown. And guess who my new broody, tattooed protector is? None other than the guy I had a one-night stand with last month.

Correction: he’s the guy with the wicked mouth and heated eyes who ran out on me before the bang without so much as goodbye. And of course he arrives in my tiny hometown where the film is shooting right in the nick of time to save me from the paparazzi at the market. The coffee shop. The dress shop too. I’m trying hard to stay mad after the third time the sexy jerk rescues me.

To top it all off, he’s staying in the cottage at my farm. With me. And there’s only one bed.

Maybe just one night would relieve all this tension? But one night turns into another, and then into sharing hearts and secrets that are best locked up. Especially since he’s leaving and I’m staying, and there’s no way we can be more than a summer romance that ends far too soon.

 

 

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

Kindle  |  Audible  |  Paperback

Narrated in duet by Erin Mallon & JF Harding

 

Add to Goodreads  |  Add to BookBub

 

 

“…an utterly charming, flirty and hilarious small-town romantic comedy…” ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

Check out Danielle’s 5 SMOOCHES review!

 

 

EXCERPT:

 

“What about your dreams?”

She blinks, surprised. “What do you mean?”

“Well, what are yours? Is it this farm?”

She smiles. “It’s home. I love it. I want it to be the best it can be. I want families to come here and have picnics, to play in the lavender maze, or couples to go on dates here since I finally set up fairy lights at night.”

“That sounds very romantic.”

“It is. I just want others to enjoy it too. To fill their homes with flowers, to open a bottle of lotion, or oil, or soap, and inhale it and feel…calm and happy.”

“You’re doing that, Ripley,” I say.

“Some more attention from the film would be nice. More tourists, more business—you know what I mean?”

I nod. “I do.”

“That’s why I said it—we should keep this on the down-low.”

I reach for her, press a kiss to her nose. “I like secrets. You’re the best kind of secret there is.”

She sighs happily, flips to her side, then closes her eyes.

I don’t fall asleep as fast as she does.

My mind is racing forward, thinking about tomorrow, and the next day, and the next week.

When this ends.

 

 

 


About Lauren Blakely:

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 sexy, feel-good and witty. Her books have been featured in US Weekly and People. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.

Connect with Lauren:

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

Sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date with Lauren!

 

REVIEW: It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely

 

5 SMOOCHES!

   

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

SYNOPSIS:

 

I really don’t need a bodyguard―I run a small-town lavender farm, for bee’s sake! But I’m getting one anyway since my identical twin sister just booked the movie role of a lifetime and it’s being shot in my hometown. And guess who my new broody, tattooed protector is? None other than the guy I had a one-night stand with last month.

Correction: he’s the guy with the wicked mouth and heated eyes who ran out on me before the bang without so much as goodbye. And of course he arrives in my tiny hometown where the film is shooting right in the nick of time to save me from the paparazzi at the market. The coffee shop. The dress shop too. I’m trying hard to stay mad after the third time the sexy jerk rescues me.

To top it all off, he’s staying in the cottage at my farm. With me. And there’s only one bed.

Maybe just one night would relieve all this tension? But one night turns into another, and then into sharing hearts and secrets that are best locked up. Especially since he’s leaving and I’m staying, and there’s no way we can be more than a summer romance that ends far too soon.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

REVIEW:

 

The first book in her new Darling Springs small-town romance series, Lauren Blakely’s It Seemed Like a Good Idea was an utterly charming, flirty and hilarious small-town romantic comedy that proved even the best-laid plans can lead to unexpected love. I listened to the audiobook, narrated in duet by J.F. Harding and Erin Mallon. They were wonderful together and turned in an authentic performance that echoed the kind of natural chemistry of the lead couple.

When Ripley, a down-to-earth lavender farmer who’s constantly mistaken for her famous actress twin sister, found herself saddled with Banks, the broody temporary bodyguard assigned to protect her while her farm hosted her sister’s movie shoot, their forced proximity sparked a battle of wills that quickly ignited into sizzling chemistry. Blakely expertly mined the grumpy/sunshine dynamic for maximum comedic effect which filled every interaction with razor-sharp banter, simmering tension, and laugh-out-loud moments as the stoic protector finds himself utterly undone by the off-limits woman he was hired to guard.

Told with Blakely’s signature wit, warmth and engaging storytelling, this lighthearted and fun romcom was a feel-good escape that I listened to in a single day. Five smooches from me for It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely!

~Danielle Palumbo

 

 


BUY IT NOW!

Kindle  |  Audible  |  Paperback

 

BLOG REVIEW TOUR WITH EXCERPT: Taylor’s Father by Penelope Ward

TAYLOR’S FATHER, a new single dad, forbidden, age-gap romance from New York Times Bestselling Author, Penelope Ward, is out now!

Scroll down for an excerpt!

 

 

My dream man Tate? Was Taylor’s father.

 

 

When my best friend Taylor gifted me a vacation at a resort owned by his grandparents, the last thing I expected was to bond with a man seventeen years older.

Tate was also vacationing alone.

He’d come to Midnight Key to clear his head and reevaluate his life.

I’d come to get over my high school sweetheart who’d dumped me.

I’d spotted the brawny, tattooed Adonis in the lobby on the first day and thought he had to be someone’s hot dad.

But then we matched on an app that paired single men and women by proximity.

The problem was? At nineteen—almost twenty—I’d lied and said I was twenty-nine.

Tate outed me on our first date, and I fessed up to my real age.

But we continued to run into each other.

And eventually we found our connection was too magnetic to deny.

While we agreed to only use first names and to part ways at the end of the trip, I’d really fallen for Tate.

I never forgot him and knew he was the one who got away.

Remember that guy friend who gifted me the trip?

Well, four years later, Taylor got married.

He’d been estranged from his dad for years, though recently they’d reconnected.

What I didn’t know was that the man I’d had that torrid affair with at the resort would be standing next to Taylor in the receiving line.

My dream man Tate? Was Taylor’s father.

 

 

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

Amazon US  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA  |  Amazon UK  |  Special Edition Paperback  | Audiobook

 

Add to Goodreads  |  Add to BookBub

 

 

“An unforgettable journey about love that defied expectations, timing being everything and fate…” ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

Check out Danielle’s 5 SMOOCHES review!

 

 

EXCERPT:

Copyright © 2025

By Penelope Ward

 

The next morning, I woke up happier than I’d been in a long time.

The prospect of seeing Tate again filled me with anticipation. It was a wonder I’d gotten any sleep.

His words from last night still replayed in my head over and over.

“A responsible person wouldn’t be struggling with whether to protect you or eat you.”

God, I hoped he ultimately chose the latter.

We hadn’t even exchanged phone numbers, so I was pleased to see a message come through the dating app from him.

Tate: I’m heading down to breakfast in a few. Care to join me?

Blair: Only if you order me four different kinds of beverages to choose from. BTW, it’s never too early for an espresso martini.

Tate: You’re about two years too early.

I laughed as I typed.

Blair: Very funny.

Tate: See you in a few?

Blair: Maybe…

Tate: Brat.

Blair: You like that about me.

Tate: You’re not wrong.

My mouth hurt from smiling.

When I got downstairs, I saw Tate before he saw me. He sat at a table with a huge pile of food spread before him. How did this man look even more hot today? He wore his baseball hat backward, which was absolutely my weakness. The way pieces of his hair poked out the sides? Scrumptious. Every look he’d rocked was sexier than the last.

I walked over to where he was sitting. “Hey, you.”

He gave me a once-over, and his eyes filled with something that seemed a hell of a lot like desire as he appraised the floral sundress I wore, the top of which was held up by two skimpy strings. My current look wasn’t as dramatic as last night’s, though. Today I had gone for fresh-faced and sassy.

“Well, hello.” He smiled. “How did you sleep?”

“Like a baby…”

“No comment.”

“You’d better not.” I took the seat across from him. “How did you sleep?”

“Best sleep I’ve had in a while, actually.”

“Must have been the company you kept the night before.”

“I did have an amazing time with you last night.” Tate smiled.

He seemed genuine, and I felt myself blush. “Likewise.” I gestured to the food. “Hungry much?”

There were eggs, bacon, a huge stack of pancakes, home fries, and fruit.

“All of this is for both of us. Have you seen that buffet line? I waited for like twenty minutes. Didn’t want you to have to do the same.”

“Well, I guess I win for being fashionably late. Thank you.” I grinned. “Between the variety of drinks the first time we met and this private buffet, I’m starting to think this is your thing—hoarding food.”

He gestured to the plates. “Eat up.”

How I wish I could.

For some reason, I wasn’t all that hungry—at least for food. But it was amusing to watch this big, strong man devour his breakfast.

“What are your plans today?” I asked as he munched.

“Depends on whether a certain girl wants to hang out with me.”

“I wasn’t gonna be presumptuous. You’re the one who’s been resistant.”

“Only to certain things and for your own good,” he clarified. “I’m not resistant to your company in the least. I quite like it.”

“So what’s another safe activity we can do so you don’t have to feel like a creeper?”

Tate stopped chewing for a moment. “I was thinking maybe we could go kayaking, if you’re up for it.”

My mouth curved into a smile. “I would love that, actually.”

In truth, I could take or leave kayaking. But any activity where I’d be in close proximity to Tate today was fine by me.

“Cool. I already booked it.”

“Now you’re the one being presumptuous.”

“Maybe, yeah.” He winked before stuffing a big piece of pancake into his mouth.

Never thought I could be jealous of a pancake, but here we were.

I reached my fork across the table and began eating off his plate. As I leaned forward, I accidentally rested my foot on top of his at one point. To my surprise, he didn’t move it away. The contact sent a rush of desire through me.

I popped a piece of pineapple into my mouth. “Do anything interesting when you got back to your room last night?”

“Not particularly.” He chewed.

“After what you said about contemplating eating me, I think you might be lying.”

He stopped mid-bite and shook his head. “Even if I did do what you’re implying, I wouldn’t admit it.”

“I’m pretty sure you just did.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Your face is red. You’re fidgeting. The signs are all there.”

I strategically selected a banana, holding it firmly in my hand as I slowly peeled it and took a big bite. Tate’s eyes remained fixed on me the entire time. “It was the only way I could sleep,” I added.

He nearly choked on his coffee.

“What you said riled me up,” I told him.

“Some things can remain private.” He glared. “You know?”

“So, you don’t want to know about my soothing Epsom salt foot soak?”

Tate reached across the table, grabbed my banana, and took a frustrated bite.

 

 

 


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: Taylor’s Father by Penelope Ward

TAYLOR’S FATHER, a new single dad, forbidden, age-gap romance from New York Times Bestselling Author, Penelope Ward, is out now!

 

 

My dream man Tate? Was Taylor’s father.

 

 

When my best friend Taylor gifted me a vacation at a resort owned by his grandparents, the last thing I expected was to bond with a man seventeen years older.

Tate was also vacationing alone.

He’d come to Midnight Key to clear his head and reevaluate his life.

I’d come to get over my high school sweetheart who’d dumped me.

I’d spotted the brawny, tattooed Adonis in the lobby on the first day and thought he had to be someone’s hot dad.

But then we matched on an app that paired single men and women by proximity.

The problem was? At nineteen—almost twenty—I’d lied and said I was twenty-nine.

Tate outed me on our first date, and I fessed up to my real age.

But we continued to run into each other.

And eventually we found our connection was too magnetic to deny.

While we agreed to only use first names and to part ways at the end of the trip, I’d really fallen for Tate.

I never forgot him and knew he was the one who got away.

Remember that guy friend who gifted me the trip?

Well, four years later, Taylor got married.

He’d been estranged from his dad for years, though recently they’d reconnected.

What I didn’t know was that the man I’d had that torrid affair with at the resort would be standing next to Taylor in the receiving line.

My dream man Tate? Was Taylor’s father.

 

 

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

Amazon US  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA  |  Amazon UK  |  Special Edition Paperback  | Audiobook

 

Add to Goodreads  |  Add to BookBub

 

 

 


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!

 

REVIEW: Taylor’s Father by Penelope Ward

 

5 SMOOCHES!

   

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

SYNOPSIS:

 

When my best friend Taylor gifted me a vacation at a resort owned by his grandparents, the last thing I expected was to bond with a man seventeen years older.

Tate was also vacationing alone.

He’d come to Midnight Key to clear his head and reevaluate his life.

I’d come to get over my high school sweetheart who’d dumped me.

I’d spotted the brawny, tattooed Adonis in the lobby on the first day and thought he had to be someone’s hot dad.

But then we matched on an app that paired single men and women by proximity.

The problem was? At nineteen—almost twenty—I’d lied and said I was twenty-nine.

Tate outed me on our first date, and I fessed up to my real age.

But we continued to run into each other.

And eventually we found our connection was too magnetic to deny.

While we agreed to only use first names and to part ways at the end of the trip, I’d really fallen for Tate.

I never forgot him and knew he was the one who got away.

Remember that guy friend who gifted me the trip?

Well, four years later, Taylor got married.

He’d been estranged from his dad for years, though recently they’d reconnected.

What I didn’t know was that the man I’d had that torrid affair with at the resort would be standing next to Taylor in the receiving line.

My dream man Tate? Was Taylor’s father.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

REVIEW:

 

In Taylor’s Father, an emotionally charged forbidden romance, Penelope Ward navigated the treacherous waters of age-gap love with heart-wrenching tenderness. When Blair, a wise and wounded nineteen-year-old seeking solace from heartbreak, met Tate, the strikingly handsome thirty-six-year-old grandson of the resort owners where they were both vacationing, their immediate connection transcended their vast age-gap in the most achingly beautiful way.

Ward expertly built their slow-burn romance against a sun-drenched backdrop and allowed their bond to deepen organically with stolen moments and vulnerable confessions. Ward took Blair and Tate by surprise five years down the line with a life-altering twist that redefined everything and added stunning layers of emotional complexity. As usual, Penelope captivated with her signature blend of sharp wit, simmering tension and profound emotional depth in this addictive forbidden romance.

An unforgettable journey about love that defied expectations, timing being everything and fate, Taylor’s Father was a powerful and moving romance that I devoured in a day. I listened to the audiobook, narrated in duet by two of my favorites, Jason Clarke and Andi Arndt. Their natural chemistry lent itself perfectly to these characters and formed the basis for the fantastic performances delivered by both of these narrators. Five smooches from me for Taylor’s Father by Penelope Ward!

~Danielle Palumbo

 


BUY IT NOW!

Amazon US  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA  |  Amazon UK  |  Special Edition Paperback  |  Audiobook

 

 

EXCERPT REVEAL: Taylor’s Father by Penelope Ward

TAYLOR’S FATHER, an all-new age-gap, single dad, forbidden contemporary romance from New York Times Bestselling Author, Penelope Ward, releases on February 22nd!

Scroll down for an excerpt!

 

 

Our connection was too magnetic to deny…

 

 

When my best friend Taylor gifted me a vacation at a resort owned by his grandparents, the last thing I expected was to bond with a man seventeen years older.

Tate was also vacationing alone.

He’d come to Midnight Key to clear his head and reevaluate his life.

I’d come to get over my high school sweetheart who’d dumped me.

I’d spotted the brawny, tattooed Adonis in the lobby on the first day and thought he had to be someone’s hot dad.

But then we matched on an app that paired single men and women by proximity.

The problem was? At nineteen—almost twenty—I’d lied and said I was twenty-nine.

Tate outed me on our first date, and I fessed up to my real age.

But we continued to run into each other.

And eventually we found our connection was too magnetic to deny.

While we agreed to only use first names and to part ways at the end of the trip, I’d really fallen for Tate.

I never forgot him and knew he was the one who got away.

Remember that guy friend who gifted me the trip?

Well, four years later, Taylor got married.

He’d been estranged from his dad for years, though recently they’d reconnected.

What I didn’t know was that the man I’d had that torrid affair with at the resort would be standing next to Taylor in the receiving line.

My dream man Tate? Was Taylor’s father.

 

 

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

Amazon US  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA  |  Amazon UK  |  Special Edition Paperback  | Audiobook

 

Add to Goodreads  |  Add to BookBub

 

 

EXCERPT:

 

Copyright © 2025

By Penelope Ward

 

The next morning, I woke up happier than I’d been in a long time.

The prospect of seeing Tate again filled me with anticipation. It was a wonder I’d gotten any sleep.

His words from last night still replayed in my head over and over.

“A responsible person wouldn’t be struggling with whether to protect you or eat you.”

God, I hoped he ultimately chose the latter.

We hadn’t even exchanged phone numbers, so I was pleased to see a message come through the dating app from him.

Tate: I’m heading down to breakfast in a few. Care to join me?

Blair: Only if you order me four different kinds of beverages to choose from. BTW, it’s never too early for an espresso martini.

Tate: You’re about two years too early.

I laughed as I typed.

Blair: Very funny.

Tate: See you in a few?

Blair: Maybe…

Tate: Brat.

Blair: You like that about me.

Tate: You’re not wrong.

My mouth hurt from smiling.

When I got downstairs, I saw Tate before he saw me. He sat at a table with a huge pile of food spread before him. How did this man look even more hot today? He wore his baseball hat backward, which was absolutely my weakness. The way pieces of his hair poked out the sides? Scrumptious. Every look he’d rocked was sexier than the last.

I walked over to where he was sitting. “Hey, you.”

He gave me a once-over, and his eyes filled with something that seemed a hell of a lot like desire as he appraised the floral sundress I wore, the top of which was held up by two skimpy strings. My current look wasn’t as dramatic as last night’s, though. Today I had gone for fresh-faced and sassy.

“Well, hello.” He smiled. “How did you sleep?”

“Like a baby…”

“No comment.”

“You’d better not.” I took the seat across from him. “How did you sleep?”

“Best sleep I’ve had in a while, actually.”

“Must have been the company you kept the night before.”

“I did have an amazing time with you last night.” Tate smiled.

He seemed genuine, and I felt myself blush. “Likewise.” I gestured to the food. “Hungry much?”

There were eggs, bacon, a huge stack of pancakes, home fries, and fruit.

“All of this is for both of us. Have you seen that buffet line? I waited for like twenty minutes. Didn’t want you to have to do the same.”

“Well, I guess I win for being fashionably late. Thank you.” I grinned. “Between the variety of drinks the first time we met and this private buffet, I’m starting to think this is your thing—hoarding food.”

He gestured to the plates. “Eat up.”

How I wish I could.

For some reason, I wasn’t all that hungry—at least for food. But it was amusing to watch this big, strong man devour his breakfast.

“What are your plans today?” I asked as he munched.

“Depends on whether a certain girl wants to hang out with me.”

“I wasn’t gonna be presumptuous. You’re the one who’s been resistant.”

“Only to certain things and for your own good,” he clarified. “I’m not resistant to your company in the least. I quite like it.”

“So what’s another safe activity we can do so you don’t have to feel like a creeper?”

Tate stopped chewing for a moment. “I was thinking maybe we could go kayaking, if you’re up for it.”

My mouth curved into a smile. “I would love that, actually.”

In truth, I could take or leave kayaking. But any activity where I’d be in close proximity to Tate today was fine by me.

“Cool. I already booked it.”

“Now you’re the one being presumptuous.”

“Maybe, yeah.” He winked before stuffing a big piece of pancake into his mouth.

Never thought I could be jealous of a pancake, but here we were.

I reached my fork across the table and began eating off his plate. As I leaned forward, I accidentally rested my foot on top of his at one point. To my surprise, he didn’t move it away. The contact sent a rush of desire through me.

I popped a piece of pineapple into my mouth. “Do anything interesting when you got back to your room last night?”

“Not particularly.” He chewed.

“After what you said about contemplating eating me, I think you might be lying.”

He stopped mid-bite and shook his head. “Even if I did do what you’re implying, I wouldn’t admit it.”

“I’m pretty sure you just did.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Your face is red. You’re fidgeting. The signs are all there.”

I strategically selected a banana, holding it firmly in my hand as I slowly peeled it and took a big bite. Tate’s eyes remained fixed on me the entire time. “It was the only way I could sleep,” I added.

He nearly choked on his coffee.

“What you said riled me up,” I told him.

“Some things can remain private.” He glared. “You know?”

“So, you don’t want to know about my soothing Epsom salt foot soak?”

Tate reached across the table, grabbed my banana, and took a frustrated bite.

 

 

 


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 WITH EXCERPT: Perfect in Every Way by Kristen Ashley

PERFECT IN EVERY WAY, a compelling new forced proximity, romantic mystery in the Manors and Mysteries series from New York Times Bestselling Author, Kristen Ashley, is available now!

Scroll down for an excerpt!

 

 

The Duke is arrogant, gorgeous and loyal…and maybe Perfect In Every Way.

 

 

Historical fiction writer, Vivienne Dupree, is hoping to unravel the mystery of her WWII soldier, great-grandfather’s doomed love affair with the lovely Lady Harmony. A woman he met convalescing at the sweeping English country estate, The Downs.

Vivienne jumps at the invitation to spend time at this magnificent property, doing so with unfettered access to family papers.

What she doesn’t expect is to come face-to-face—and immediately go head-to-head—with Battle Talyn, the ludicrously handsome, imposing, ridiculously arrogant Duke of Burleigh.

From the start, Vivi and Battle match wits, but it doesn’t take long for Vivi to realize something is amiss at The Downs. She dives into her research to figure it out, at the same time Battle launches a campaign that Vivi doesn’t quite understand.

The game is on, and a mystery is afoot.

What kept the doomed lovers apart all those years ago? What’s happening in the ballroom? Is there a curse on The Downs?

And what does all of this have to do with Battle and Vivi?

 

 

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“…a captivating tale where the past and present collide…” ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

Check out Danielle’s 5 SMOOCHES review!

 

 

EXCERPT:

 

Chapter One

The Downs

I idled outside the ornate, twenty-foot-high gates, not thinking about the grand adventure that, for months, I’d been so excited to embark on, I could barely stand myself.

Instead, I was concentrating on the sudden bizarre feeling I had, which I’d never felt before.

A feeling that assaulted me (and that violent of a word was an apropos descriptor) the second I saw those gates.

It was a feeling so strong, I was idling in the road in front of the gates of a drive I was supposed to be turning into, a drive on a fortunately not very busy road, and yet for some reason, I was unable to turn in.

I didn’t understand what I was feeling. It was, in my cadre of as yet experienced emotions, undefined.

I was exhilarated, yet alarmed.

Excited, yet terrified.

It was kind of like the sensation you get before you go into a haunted house.

You know it’s going to be fun, but even so, you’re facing the unexpected.

What you further know is, what’s about to happen will be completely out of your control.

But in order to face that unexpected—though what you could expect was that you were going to have the pants frightened off you—you had to let go, put one foot in front of the other, trust, and know things are going to scare you, but in the end, you’ll be laughing.

It took some effort to pocket this strange emotion so I could peer down the lane beyond the gates.

The lane was shaded with beautiful old trees and carpeted with vibrant green lawns.

It was then, out of nowhere, although this time predictably, I felt a strong pang of melancholy.

I did this even though I’d never met him. He was gone before I was alive.

Even so, I knew my great-grandfather had seen these gates.

He’d been driven through them.

He’d stayed in the massive house that lay beyond the intricate wrought iron and parkland. In that house, he’d convalesced.

In that house, he’d fallen in love.

In the end, he’d left this extraordinary estate with a broken heart.

And I was there to tell his story.

On that thought, taking a bracing breath, I turned into the lane, stopped beside the security speaker and noted it had a camera.

I hit the button to roll down my window and was about to reach out and hit the one that would call to the house, but the speaker squawked at me before I could even raise my hand.

“Ms. Dupree?”

“Yes,” I answered.

“Can you please hold your passport or some other official photo identification to the camera?” the speaker requested.

Unsurprised by this request, for I knew what lay beyond those gates, and thus I knew they wouldn’t let anyone through them who shouldn’t be going through them, I turned to my bag, pulled out my passport, opened it to the picture page and held it to the camera.

“One moment please,” the speaker said. Although I wasn’t surprised they had security, and it was not just a couple of Ring cameras, I wondered what they could do with my passport information that would take a moment.

Could they check it?

And if they could, how did they get access to that kind of data?

As far as I knew, only government and law enforcement agencies could do something like that.

I mean, if they could, that would take this security to a new level.

I pocketed that emotion too as I slid my passport back into my tote and waited.

I waited some more.

And longer.

I was just about to say something when I heard a mechanism start churning, the gates started opening and the speaker squawked again.

“Thank you for waiting, Ms. Dupree. Please drive through.”

“You’re welcome. And thank you,” I replied.

As the gates slowly opened, I took my foot off the brake.

I was a writer, but I’d been a researcher first.

Therefore, I didn’t come here blind. I knew all about The Downs and the family that had lived there for more generations than my country had even been a country.

But as I drove through the opened gates, taking in the vast manicured lawns under the sprawling canopies of mature trees, I was blown away.

Everything was better in real life than in pictures.

However, this was something else, and “better” didn’t cover it.

And when the trees gave way and I started to see the house…

“Holy crap,” I whispered as more, and more, and more of it was unveiled.

I’d seen pictures of this too.

But…

Good God.

 

WANT MORE? Click HERE to read the first 3 chapters!

 

 

 


About Kristen Ashley:

Kristen Ashley is the New York Times bestselling author of over eighty romance novels. She’s a hybrid author, publishing titles both independently and traditionally, her books have been translated in fourteen languages and she’s sold millions of books.

Kristen, born in Gary and raised in Brownsburg, Indiana and was a fourth-generation graduate of Purdue University. Since, she has lived in Denver, the West Country of England, and she now resides in Phoenix. She worked as a charity executive for eighteen years prior to beginning her independent publishing career. She now writes full-time.

Although romance is her genre, the prevailing themes running through all of Kristen’s novels are friendship, family and a strong sisterhood. To this end, and as a way to thank her readers for their support, Kristen has created the Rock Chick Nation, a series of programs that are designed to give back to her readers and promote a strong female community. You can learn more about Kristen and the Rock Chick Nation on her website.

Connect with Kristen:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  TikTok  |  Twitter  |  Bluesky  |  Amazon  |  Bookbub  |  Goodreads

Sign up for Kristen’s newsletter!

 

REVIEW: Perfect in Every Way by Kristen Ashley

 

5 SMOOCHES!

 

* * * * * * * * * *

SYNOPSIS:

 

Historical fiction writer, Vivienne Dupree, is hoping to unravel the mystery of her WWII soldier, great-grandfather’s doomed love affair with the lovely Lady Harmony. A woman he met convalescing at the sweeping English country estate, The Downs.

Vivienne jumps at the invitation to spend time at this magnificent property, doing so with unfettered access to family papers.

What she doesn’t expect is to come face-to-face—and immediately go head-to-head—with Battle Talyn, the ludicrously handsome, imposing, ridiculously arrogant Duke of Burleigh.

From the start, Vivi and Battle match wits, but it doesn’t take long for Vivi to realize something is amiss at The Downs. She dives into her research to figure it out, at the same time Battle launches a campaign that Vivi doesn’t quite understand.

The game is on, and a mystery is afoot.

What kept the doomed lovers apart all those years ago? What’s happening in the ballroom? Is there a curse on The Downs?

And what does all of this have to do with Battle and Vivi?

 

* * * * * * * * * *

REVIEW:

 

Kristen Ashley’s sweeping, atmospheric romance, Perfect in Every Way, was a sizzling contemporary love story intertwined with a haunting historical mystery. Vivienne, a thoughtful historical fiction author, traveled to the majestic British countryside estate of her friend, Prue Talyn, to research her great-grandfather’s WWII romance with Prue’s great-aunt. Prue’s alpha older brother, Battle, the audaciously arrogant and devastatingly handsome Duke of Burleigh, was on Vivi’s case from the moment she arrives.

Ashley expertly used the forced proximity of the sprawling ancestral home to amplify the intense chemistry and razor-sharp wit that crackled between Vivi and Battle, which made their modern-day antagonism the perfect echo of the doomed lovers from the past. As they reluctantly worked together to uncover long-buried secrets, the slow-burn build-up of both their romance and the mystery created a rich, layered narrative that kept me tapping my Kindle furiously. Ashley delivered a captivating tale where the past and present collide and commanding heroes and resilient heroines are caught up in grand romances and a suspenseful plot. Kristen Ashley’s Perfect in Every Way gets five smooches from me!

~Danielle Palumbo

 

 


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RELEASE BLITZ: The Grump Next Door by Kendall Ryan

THE GRUMP NEXT DOOR, a new enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine romance from New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author, Kendall Ryan, is available now!

 

 

Opposites attract. Then they combust.

 

 

One guest house. One week. One slow-burn disaster waiting to happen.

Dean Whitaker has zero interest in weddings, fairy lights, or the perky woman currently turning his guest house into a scented-candle crime scene.

He’s a divorce attorney. He thrives on prenups, logic, and not getting glitter on his suits.

Poppy Monroe is a wedding planner with a checklist for everything—except how to survive living next door to a hot, brooding, tightly wound lawyer—aka the groom’s brother.

They’re opposites in every way—except for the undeniable chemistry neither of them wants to talk about.

Their mission: survive one week of wedding chaos.

Her vibe: sunshine and glitter pens.
His vibe: whiskey and restraint.

Opposites attract. Then they combust.

 

 

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“…filled with laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt vulnerability and undeniable attraction.” ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

Check out Danielle’s 4.5 SMOOCHES review!

 

 

 


About Kendall Ryan:

New York TimesWall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than three dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold millions of books and they have been translated into several languages in countries around the world.

Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than 100 times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA TodayNewsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.

Connect with Kendall:

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon Author Page  |  BookBub

Visit Kendall’s website for all of her latest book news and fun extras!