When The Time Is Right by Aly Martinez and M. Mabie Blog Tour with Excerpt

WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT, a funny, sweet and emotional standalone from USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez and M. Mabie is available now!

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I will always be here for you. There isn’t a world that exists where I’m not gonna be around for you.

 

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Fate doesn’t always happen overnight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Amazon US  |  Amazon Worldwide

 

Add WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT to Goodreads

 

 

” …another absolutely addictive love story about a couple who positively lit the pages…” ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

Check out Danielle’s 5 SMOOCHES review!

 

EXCERPT:

I did everything I could to not make eye contact.

Actually, my MO for the past week had been no contact period, but that was a little hard to do when the guy you’re dodging knows things about you. Specifically, the lock code on your front door.

“You can go home, Hudson. I’m fine.” Out of my periphery, I watched him perch his hands on his hips.

“No,” he argued. “Not until we figure this out.”

So he had noticed my ghosting. I hoped he wasn’t as good at calling my bluff.

“There is no this.”

“What about what you said at the—”

“Yeah, I must have had a cold or something. Whatever it was, I’m over it.”

Lies. Lies. Lies. Hopefully, I’d start believing them.

“Over it?”

“Yep. Hey, how was your date?” My topic-swapping skills were on point. When he stopped, only an arm’s length away, I finally seized what scrap of pride I had and looked up into his blue eyes. “Are you seeing her again?”

He huffed. “Well, that’s kind of up to you.”

“Me?” I dropped the spoon into the sink and put the ice cream down so I could cross my arms over my chest. “What do I have to do with it?”

His lids fell shut, and he tipped his head at the ceiling, stretched his neck from side to side, and then brought his gaze back to mine. “Kate seems to think that, maybe, I have a thing…for you.”

My face flushed hot, and I wondered if maybe I’d fallen down trying to get out of my leather skirt earlier and I was dreaming, passed out on my bedroom floor. The issue with that theory was I could smell him, feel the warmth from his body in front of me, and see his heartbeat thumping in the vein in his neck.

This was real, but I still wasn’t sure I could handle it.

“Well, that’s just, uh, dumb,” I contended weakly. Shaking my head to rattle myself back to sanity, I asked, “W-why did she say that?” I tried to laugh, but it was as fake as my gusto.

“Because, apparently, I talked about you the whole night.”

Okay, I was wrong. I’d thought riding in a car with him and seeing him shirtless and watching him play with Jack and seeing how much he loved my family and having him touch me and avoiding him all week had been torture.

This moment was a whole new level of torment.

“So?” I said childishly.

It didn’t matter how I felt or what I wanted. I couldn’t just leap into his arms and expect everything to turn out the way it was supposed to. That’s not how my life worked.

“So I need to find out if this, whatever’s been building between us, is something.”

Wouldn’t that be nice? Up until that very second, it had all been one-sided. I’d racked my brain all week to understand why I’d felt the crazy things I did about him.

“How you gonna do that?”

“We’re going to kiss,” he stated very matter-of-factly, and then he closed the distance between our bodies.“We are?” I whispered. My voice had all but left the building.

“Unless you stop me right now.”

I wanted to.

I didn’t want to.

I was scared.

I was excited.

But mostly, I wasn’t stopping him.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

About Aly Martinez:

aly martinez profile pic

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

Connect with Aly:

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

Sign up for Aly’s newsletter!

 

 

About M. Mabie:

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

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

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

 

Connect with M. Mabie:

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

Sign up to receive M. Mabie’s newsletter!

 

When The Time Is Right by Aly Martinez and M. Mabie Review

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5 SMOOCHES!

    

* * * * * * * * * *

SYNOPSIS:

Fate doesn’t always happen overnight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

* * * * * * * * * *

REVIEW:

When The Time Is Right was another fantastic collaboration between Aly Martinez and M. Mabie. Hudson and Lex have a long history and a deep friendship between them when fate steps in and they both realize they have feelings for the other.

I loved Hudson and Lex’s friendship. They’ve been through so much together, and looking back, the attraction and growing feelings between them were always there, just waiting to be recognized. Hudson, a single dad, is Lex’s brother’s best friend, and hers too. In her darkest days, Hudson was the person who was there by her side through all of it. What starts off as a little bet turns into an eye-opener for the two of them, and I loved everything about how they came together.

Aly and Mo gave their readers another absolutely addictive love story about a couple who positively lit the pages on fire when their friendship caught fire. Wonderfully endearing characters shifting from an easy, comfortable long-time friendship to a passionate, all-consuming romance combine, and this was just the kind of unputdownable story I was hoping for from these two authors. Five smooches from me for When The Time Is Right by Aly Martinez and M. Mabie!

~Danielle Palumbo

 

 


BUY IT NOW!

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Amazon US  |  Amazon Worldwide

 

 

Thanks For Last Night by Lauren Blakely Cover Reveal

THANKS FOR LAST NIGHT, an all-new sexy friends to lovers romance from #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Lauren Blakely, is coming in audio on September 15th and eBook on September 18th! I’m excited to share the gorgeous cover with you today!

 

THANKS FOR LAST NIGHT

Series:  THE GUYS WHO GOT AWAY (#3)

by LAUREN BLAKELY

Release Date:  SEPTEMBER 18th

Genre:  CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Cover Designer:  HELEN WILLIAMS

 

A sexy new friends-to-lovers standalone!

Let me list the reasons why dating a sexy, charming, pro hockey star is a bad idea:

1. He’s one of my closest friends

2. All our friends are friends

3. The wounds I’ve got from past relationships go deep. And so do his.

We’re both devoutly single — it’s just safer for the heart that way. But there’s no reason not to bid on the gorgeous, clever athlete at the charity auction this weekend. If I win, it’ll be a friendsdate.

And I do win.

I win him big.

And hard.

And all night long.

The trouble is . . . what happens in the morning?

 

 

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

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Sign up for an audio alert when live! 

 

Add to Goodreads

 

 

 


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 sweet, sexy and witty. She also writes red-hot, ultra-steamy romance for her Lauren Blakely After Dark line. She’d love to give you a free book today!

Check out her web site to grab your free read: https://laurenblakely.com/one-free-book

Connect with Lauren:

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

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

 

 

 

Can’t Fight It by Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black Release Blitz

CAN’T FIGHT IT, an emotional new contemporary romance from Lacey Black and New York Times Bestselling Author, Kaylee Ryan, is available now!

Title:  CAN’T FIGHT IT
Series:  FAIR LAKES (#3)
Author:  KAYLEE RYAN & LACEY BLACK
Genre:  CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Release Date:  JULY 30, 2020

 

Colton

From the moment she showed up on my doorstep, I knew our lives would never be the same. I felt it deep in my soul that she was going to change us forever. I didn’t know how, but I knew she was important. I tried to maintain the distance between us, but it was too strong to fight.

With each passing day, I saw a future I never planned flash before my eyes—one with a fairytale ending. The only problem is that someone wanted to take that away from me, away from us. I just found her, and no way am I letting her go that easily.  Hollis is family, my family, and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her.

Hollis

Colton Callahan wasn’t what I expected. I was in desperate need of a fresh start, ready for something new, but all it took was one look at those intoxicating blue eyes for me to reevaluate everything. I tried to stay detached, but something about him just called to me.

It took no time at all for me to fall. Not only for the man I share a living space with, but also his son, Milo. The problem is my past is not too far behind, trailing behind me and slowly catching up. When it finally does, I have a choice to make—run away, leaving them behind, or stay and fight, potentially putting them in danger. Either way, I could lose it all.

 

—————————————————————————————————————————-

 

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

Amazon US  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA  |  Amazon UK

 

Add to Goodreads

 

 

“Sweet, sexy and emotional with a bit of a suspenseful edge…” ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

Check out Danielle’s 5 SMOOCHES review!

 

 

 


ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Kaylee Ryan:

Kaylee Ryan is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.  When she’s not spinning tales of happily ever after, she’s reading or spending time with family.  Born and raised an Ohio girl, Kaylee resides in Cincinnati with her husband and their son.

 

 

Connect with Kaylee:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads

Sign up for Kaylee’s newsletter!

Lacey Black:

Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading and writing. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and a chocolate lab. Lacey loves shooting guns and should only consume one mixed drink because she’s a lightweight.

 

Connect with Lacey:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  

Sign up for Lacey’s newsletter!  
Email: laceyblackwrites@gmail.com

Can’t Fight It by Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black Review

5 SMOOCHES!

    

* * * * * * * * * *

SYNOPSIS:

Colton

From the moment she showed up on my doorstep, I knew our lives would never be the same. I felt it deep in my soul that she was going to change us forever. I didn’t know how, but I knew she was important. I tried to maintain the distance between us, but it was too strong to fight.

With each passing day, I saw a future I never planned flash before my eyes—one with a fairytale ending. The only problem is that someone wanted to take that away from me, away from us. I just found her, and no way am I letting her go that easily.  Hollis is family, my family, and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her.

Hollis

Colton Callahan wasn’t what I expected. I was in desperate need of a fresh start, ready for something new, but all it took was one look at those intoxicating blue eyes for me to reevaluate everything. I tried to stay detached, but something about him just called to me.

It took no time at all for me to fall. Not only for the man I share a living space with, but also his son, Milo. The problem is my past is not too far behind, trailing behind me and slowly catching up. When it finally does, I have a choice to make—run away, leaving them behind, or stay and fight, potentially putting them in danger. Either way, I could lose it all.

* * * * * * * * * *

REVIEW:

I’ve really enjoyed this series, and as a long-time reader of Lacey Black’s, these collaborations with Kaylee Ryan have been fantastic. These characters are relatable and endearing, and I’ve gotten lost in each of these books. While each book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order.

Colton’s story kicks off in the previous book in the series, Just Getting Started when he returns home from the military to learn that he’s a single father. Fast-forward a few months, he’s building a life for himself and his son, Milo, when he decides to rent out the in-law suite of his home. Hollis took Colton by surprise in a lot of ways. Hollis guards her past fiercely, and she’s in Fair Lakes, her grandmother’s hometown, for a fresh start. The sparks were flying between them, but Colton and Hollis took it slow, and their sweet friendship finally caught fire.

I love single dad romances, and Can’t Fight It was a really great one. Sweet, sexy and emotional with a bit of a suspenseful edge, Lacey and Kaylee did a phenomenal blending their styles into an unputdownable story. Five smooches from me for Can’t Fight It by Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black!

~Danielle Palumbo

 

 


BUY IT NOW!

Amazon US  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA  |  Amazon UK

 

That Swoony Feeling by Meghan Quinn Preorder Blitz

 

THAT SWOONY FEELING (Getting Lucky #4) by Meghan Quinn
Release Date: August 6th

 

USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn brings more humor and heart with the fourth novel of her Getting Lucky series: a story about breaking curses and finally finding that swoony feeling.

I’m single . . . so single it’s painful.

Yup, ladies, Brig Knightly–that’s me–is still a lonely bachelor, stumbling through the streets of Port Snow, looking for the girl he’s supposed to end up with.

That is until my brother, Rogan, presents me with the opportunity of a lifetime. The Summer of Love, a secret pen pal program in Port Snow is looking for applicants and I’m the perfect fit.

I couldn’t sign up fast enough.

I found myself quickly falling in love with a pair of red lips at the bottom of a letter. Just like in the movies . . .

Life could not have been better, that was until I started hanging out with Ruth Barber. Starting a new business right next to my shop, I found myself gravitating toward her. Her smile, her humor . . . her tea sandwiches.

My attraction for Ruth came in full force, leaving me dazed, confused, and *ahem* excited.

As new feelings for two women come to a screeching halt, I have to figure out who to choose. But when I discover my pen pal is Ruth, it might be too late.

All I want in life is to experience that swoony feeling . . . but I think I might have just missed my chance.

 

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PREORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!
Amazon US  |  Amazon UK  |  Amazon CA  |  Amazon AU 

 

Add to Goodreads

 

 

 


About Meghan Quinn:

USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

 

Connect with Meghan:

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

Sign up for her mailing list to stay up-to-date with Meghan!

 

 

 

 

When The Time Is Right by Aly Martinez and M. Mabie Release Blitz

WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT, a new standalone single-dad contemporary romance from Author M. Mabie and USA Today Bestselling Author, Aly Martinez, is available now!

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I will always be here for you. There isn’t a world that exists where I’m not gonna be around for you.

 

wttir cover

Fate doesn’t always happen overnight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

——————————————————————————————————————

 

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

Amazon US  |  Amazon Worldwide

 

Add WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT to Goodreads

 

wttir an

 

 


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

About Aly Martinez:

aly martinez profile pic

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

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

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

 

 

 

Connect with Aly:

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

Sign up for Aly’s newsletter!

 

About M. Mabie:

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

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

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

 

Connect with M. Mabie:

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

Sign up to receive M. Mabie’s newsletter!

 

 

Miss Apprehended and Miss Understood by Miranda Elaine and Amie Knight Cover Reveals

MISS APPREHENDED and MISS UNDERSTOOD, two laugh-out-loud romantic comedies from Amie Knight and Miranda Elaine are coming soon, and I have the irresistible covers!

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Double the laughs, double the fun!

 

MISS A

MISS APPREHENDED – Coming August 27th

I’ve got ninety-nine problems and all of them begin and end with the Coletrain twins.

Especially Millie Coletrain.

I don’t know whether to kiss her or spank her.

Either way, she’s mine.

Warning: This is an erotic novella with laugh-out-loud ridiculousness, insta-love, a smart-mouthed heroine, and an over-the-top alpha bail bondsman.

 

Add MISS APPREHENDED to Goodreads 

 

MISS U

MISS UNDERSTOOD – Coming September 10th

I’ve waited my whole life to catch her. They call her a criminal. A con-woman. A thief and too wild for her own good. But me? I just call her mine. -Officer Nathan Trent.

He’s one of the good guys. Honorable. Reliable. I’ve loved him since we were kids. But there’s no way I’ll let my wild ways tarnish his squeaky clean reputation. No matter how badly I wish he was mine. -Tillie Coletrain

 

Add MISS UNDERSTOOD to Goodreads 

 

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** Miss Apprehended and Miss Understood were previously published under the titles Jail House Rock and Wild Thing by Liberty Laine, but have been updated for re-release **

 

 


MEET THE AUTHORS

About Miranda Elaine:

MirandaElaineMiranda is a loving wife and barely surviving mother of three occasionally good kids. Her hobbies include lying to herself about the calories in donuts and banana pudding, as well as running out of excuses when procrastinating. She’s been an avid reader since she was a young girl. Whether she’s by the pool, curled up in bed, or hiding in the closet, as long as she has a book in her hands she’s happy.

 

 

 

 

 

Connect with Miranda:

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

Stay up to date with Miranda by joining her mailing list HERE

 

 

About Amie Knight:

AmieKnight

Amie Knight has been a reader for as long as she could remember and a romance lover since she could get her hands on her momma’s books. A dedicated wife and mother with a love of music and makeup, she won’t ever be seen leaving the house without her eyebrows and eyelashes done just right. When she isn’t reading and writing, you can catch her jamming out in the car with her two kids to ’90s R&B, country, and showtunes. Amie draws inspiration from her childhood in Columbia, South Carolina, and can’t imagine living anywhere other than the South.

 

 

 

Connect with Amie:

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

Stay up to date with Amie by joining her mailing list!  

Engagement and Espionage by Penny Reid Blog Tour with Excerpt

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ENGAGEMENT AND ESPIONAGE, an all-new quirky and swoon-worthy romantic comedy featuring fan favorites Jenn and Cletus Winston from New York Times bestselling author, Penny Reid, is available now!

 

Engagement_and_espionage_cover_04-1_ebook_color2-1_2560x1707

Jennifer Sylvester made her deal with the devil . . . and now they’re engaged!

But all is not well in Green Valley. A chicken choker is on the loose, 61 dead birds most “fowl” need plucking, and no time remains for Jennifer and her devilish fiancé. Desperate to find a spare moment together, Jenn and Cletus’s attempts to reconnect are thwarted by one seemingly coincidental disaster after another. It’s not long before Cletus and Jenn see a pattern emerge and the truth becomes clear.

Sabotage!

Will an undercover mission unmask the culprit? Or are these love-birds totally plucked?

‘Engagement and Espionage’ is the first book in the Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries series, is a full-length cozy mystery, and is a spin-off of Penny Reid’s Winston Brothers series. This novel is best read after ‘Beard Science,’ Winston Brothers #3.

 

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DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY TODAY!

Amazon US  |  Amazon Worldwide  |  Apple Books  |  Google Play  |  Kobo  |  Nook

 

Add to Goodreads

 

EXCERPT:

“Don’t stop.” She reached for my belt again, this time completely undoing it, the button of my pants, and my zipper at world-record speed.

Her phone buzzed. Then it chimed. Then it buzzed and chimed two more times. Then it rang again. Reba.

Cursing, Jenn pulled the phone from her pocket, once again her face illuminated, murderous rage in her eyes. Her finger moved to the power off button. She blinked, hesitating. Her eyes widened, her body stiffened, and she gasped.

“Cletus!”

Something about her tone, like she was horrified, and maybe a little afraid, cut through the heavy haze of lust inertia, and my hands stilled. Shaking myself, it took me a few moments to realize she was showing me the phone screen, and another few to bring the content of the text messages into focus.

Momma: Jennifer Anne Sylvester, pick up your phone. If you’re with Cletus, I need his help. Please.

Momma: ALL THE CHICKENS AND ROOSTERS ARE DEAD! PICK UP YOUR DAMN PHONE!

Momma: I’m calling you in a second, pick up the phone. Mr. Badcock’s chickens are dead. All of them. I got here and he’s running around, deranged, yelling about his dead chickens! I called the police and they’re on their way. Please, please, please pick up the phone!

At some point, I must’ve taken the phone from Jenn and stepped away, because I glanced up upon reading the messages for the third time, finding the phone in my hand and Jenn fixing her skirt.

“This is nuts.” Her big eyes searched mine imploringly. “Who could have done this?”

I shook my head, having not yet managed to fully shift head gears—you know, from that head to the one on my neck—and my gaze dropped to the wet patch on the front of her dress just visible in the swath of light. My erection throbbed.

So we’re . . . not having sex?

“Why? Why would they do it? And WHO?” She snatched her phone back, her tone bewildered, distracted, and distraught. She was distraught because of the dead chickens, like any normal person would be.

I was distraught also, but my distress had nothing to do with farm animals.

“We have to go.” Jenn grabbed my hand and began walking toward the direction of the hall. Meanwhile, it took me until her hand found the door handle to realize my zipper and belt were still undone.

“This is crazy.” She paused as I zipped up, her tone halting and distracted. “Poor Mr. Badcock. And those poor chickens.” A sound of distress escaped her throat. “This is terrible.”

It was terrible.

And I was going to hell.

Because all I could think was, Talk about a cock block.

 

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About Penny Reid

PennyReidPenny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

 

Connect with Penny:

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

Sign up for her mailing list to stay up-to-date with Penny! 

 

Hate the Player by Max Monroe Blog Tour with Excerpt

HATE THE PLAYER, a slow burn and hilarious romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Max Monroe is available now!

HTP - BT banner

 

I hate him.

I want him.

He’s a jerk.

A player.

Addicting.

Trouble.

 

Hate the Player (official 9x6)

“Roses are red, violets are blue, stay away from Andrew Watson’s *ahem* because no other women ever do.”

That’s quite the way to start a conversation at a casual lunch, huh? Grilled chicken, French fries, and pelvic-fatigue, oh my!

And that’s not even the worst of it.

My friend Raquel didn’t pull any punches when she warned me about my brand-new co-star and his notoriously player-esque ways. Apparently, my most important mission on my first role in a feature film is to stay immune to his charms.

Are you kidding me? Production costs on this movie are in the hundreds of thousands a day, and staying away from a panty-whispering, vajayjay-charmer is supposed to be at the top of my list? Pfft. Puh-lease.

It doesn’t matter that he’s annoyingly attractive, uber rich, crazy famous, and lusted after by ninety percent of the female population; Andrew Watson is trouble with a capital T—especially for a woman like me.

As a preventative measure, I’ve decided to go ahead and hate him.

Don’t worry, you guys, I’m completely in control. There’s absolutely no way I’m going to do something stupid like fall in love with him.

I can hate the player but still secretly love his addictive game.

I’m sure of it.

 

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HTP - AN

 

“I just couldn’t get enough of Birdie and Andrew. The more they fought, the harder they fell…” ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

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HTP - Teaser 3

EXCERPT:

Birdie

True to my name, I’m about to take fucking flight. At least, I would if I could.

In this moment, it really would have been helpful if my trainer hadn’t successfully eliminated all the extra flappy meat on my upper arms. Surely, if I got them going fast enough, the wind beneath those bat wings could have carried me up and through the ceiling of this place.

C’mon, you big baby, I coach myself. You can do this.

One cavernous breath into my lungs and then another and another, and eventually, just before my vision turns tunneled, I will my feet to move away from the door.

Gleaming marble floors, golden statues, and a freaking fountain in the center, the lobby of Capo Brothers Studios is everything I should have expected and more.

If everything is bigger in Texas, then everything is most certainly richer in LA.

I check in with security quickly, my voice only a little croaky thanks to the frog in my throat, and head for the elevator bank at the far side of the lobby.

I’m to head to the fifteenth floor, I’m told, and then go straight down the hall to the glass doors on the left at the end. There, I’ll find William Capo’s office—the head honcho and only surviving brother of Capo Brothers.

My cowgirl boots are noisy on the marble floors when I do as instructed. The sound you make when you walk is such a small detail—one I don’t normally think about—but the echo of their clack today makes my heart feel like it’s knocking into my rib cage and each step across the ornate floor is merely a sound effect.

Fifteen floors eclipse quickly—clearly, they’ve spared no expense on their elevator—and the hallway that leads to William’s office seems strangely one-directional. Like once I go down it—once I take this step—there will be no going back. Which is probably why, after forcing myself to go the distance to the end, I pause at the open door, the points of my booted toes just shy of crossing the line.

“Good morning.” A pretty assistant dressed in a white power suit greets me before I’ve even cleared the threshold of the door, and all thoughts of escape are dashed. Like it or not, I’ve just been shoved over the line. I will my feet to do the same as she continues to speak. “Can I help you?”

“I’m Birdie Harris,” I answer and have to swallow hard against the dryness threatening to close my throat. “I have an audition.”

My nerves are so obvious, the assistant offers a sympathetic smile.

If she were from my childhood hometown in West Virginia, she’d most likely be thinking Bless her heart.

She taps something across the keyboard of her iMac and places her hand to the Bluetooth at her ear. “Mr. Capo, I have Birdie Harris here.” Immediately, she looks away from the computer and meets my eyes. “They’ll be ready for you shortly. You can take a seat over there.” She points behind me, back through the door and across the hall to what I’m assuming is a fancy-schmancy waiting room of some sort. I haven’t encountered a place in the building that doesn’t have some sort of gilded or marble inlay, so I highly doubt I’m going to step through that door and into a room styled by the set designer for Saw. Though, I can’t say some sort of torture device wouldn’t be completely misplaced right now. I’m already doing a pretty good job of mentally waterboarding myself with worry.

I offer a little nod, keeping my twisted, sicko thoughts to myself. I doubt they’re interested in hiring a woman on the brink of a hysterical episode.

The secretary quirks a brow, and I realize, though I’ve nodded my affirmation of understanding, I’ve yet to move.

Good God, Birdie! Go sit down.

Annoyed with myself, I turn on my boots and march across the hall so violently, it’s like there’s an invisible person helping me along with a heavy hand at the nape of my neck.

When I cross into the room, a man is sitting on a swanky leather sofa with his booted feet up on the coffee table. He glances up briefly before returning his eyes to the phone in his lap. Embarrassed, I smooth my clomps instantly.

You’re a gazelle, Birdie, not a herd of buffalo, I coach. Move like it.

With his attention occupied, I survey him more closely as I move to take a seat across from him. He’s wearing jeans and a plain white T-shirt, and his jawline would make steel beams look weak. Seriously. Confronted with an earthquake, I would seek shelter right under the eave of his jaw.

I’d love to get another peek at his eyes just to study the color, but fearing the eye contact that would require, I’m careful not to make any overt noises that might draw his attention again.

When he smirks, a devilish proposition-like smile at the screen of his phone, I don’t have to wonder anymore.

Oh no. I know exactly who this man is.

Andrew Watson.

The very man Rocky warned me about and I subsequently Instagram stalked. A laundry list of different women dotted through his timeline, it confirmed everything Rocky told me and then some.

All relaxed and cool, he sits on the white leather sofa with one arm outstretched across the back. Confidence and charm ooze from every freaking cell in his body. No doubt, Andrew Watson is more than capable of commanding the attention of everyone in the room, no matter the situation.

No wonder he’s one of Hollywood’s most famous actors.

The only time I have that kind of quiet confidence is when I’m onstage, singing my songs, lost in the music I created.

Just play it cool, Birdie.

On a deep breath, I force the uncertainty and unease out of my shoulders and settle my ass into the sofa across from him. He shifts again, crossing one ankle over the other and casually adjusting the denim at his crotch.

My eyes are immediately drawn to his bulge, and thanks to Rocky’s colorful descriptions of his favorite appendage, a little penis-shaped soldier is burned in my brain. After a few seconds of imagining the shape of his helmet and intensity of his salute, I jerk my gaze away in a panic.

Jesus. As if this audition wasn’t screwing with my head enough! Now I have Saving Ryan’s Privates, a military-themed porno my head just made up starring Staff Sergeant Dick Richardson, complicating things even more!

I must make a noise I don’t realize—the sound of my saliva gurgling in my throat while I choke on it, perhaps—because Andrew looks at me with curious eyes. I try like hell to keep my calm and act like I haven’t just gone to mental war with the soldier in his pants, but there’s only so much hysteria containment my mind is capable of.

“Uh…hi,” I say, trying so dang hard not to glance back down at his crotch that I start spewing diarrhea of the mouth about goddamn military-themed movies. “I never saw A Few Good Men, but I hear Tom Cruise was good in it.” When I realize what I’ve just said makes absolutely no sense to him—punctuated perfectly by his eyebrows drawing together noticeably—the gurgling saliva turns into a full-blown choke, and suddenly, the only way to breathe is through a hacking cough.

Holy shit, I’m too anxious to be around other humans right now! Also, I’m going to kill Rocky for putting this crap in my head about this guy’s penis.

“Are you okay?” he asks, and I hold up my hand in some kind of gesture. I’m not sure of its technical name, but its meaning is clear—please forget I exist right now.

He asks me once more, but I nod, and once the embarrassing coughing fit passes, I meet his piercingly gray-blue eyes—seeing their color is strikingly unavoidable now—and I offer a halfhearted smile.

“Sorry,” I apologize. I didn’t mean to drag him into an impromptu SNL sketch where I choke on spit and say ridiculously inappropriate, off-the-wall things. “I guess you could say I’m a little nervous.”

His responding smile gleams so bright, I have to wonder if he has an endorsement deal with Crest toothpaste. His mouth would make a dental hygienist get on their hands and knees and thank the Lord above.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. There’s no need to be nervous around me,” he responds, punctuating his words with a wink.

If my mind were a screenplay, the nerves would be exiting stage left.

Did he seriously just wink at me after assuming that I’m nervous to be in his presence?

Surely, I’m hearing this wrong. No one is that obsessed with themselves…right?

“Excuse me?” I ask, and his megawatt smile is still ever-present.

“If you’d like me to sign an autograph or take a selfie with you,” he enunciates slowly, as if my being able to understand him clearly was the problem. “I can probably sneak that in before I have to head in there.”

His autograph? You have got to be kidding me. He sure is a cocky bastard—and for the first time today, I’m not even talking about his dick.

Like the tip of a match being swiped across the edge of a matchbook, aggravation bursts into my veins.

“I’m here for an audition,” I assert.

Unfazed, he quirks a brow as if to say, my invitation for an autograph still stands.

Attractive or not, this guy is one of the biggest asses I’ve ever been around.

“I’m Birdie Harris. I’m auditioning for the role of Arizona Lee.”

And I’ll be damned if I’m not gonna land this acting gig just to spite this prick.

 

HTP - Teaser 5

 

 


About Max Monroe:

A duo of romance authors team up under the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling pseudonym Max Monroe to bring you sexy, laugh-out-loud reads.

Max Monroe is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of more than ten contemporary romance titles. Favorite writing partners and long time friends, Max and Monroe strive to live and write all the fun, sexy swoon so often missing from their Facebook newsfeed. Sarcastic by nature, their two writing souls feel like they’ve found their other half. This is their most favorite adventure thus far.

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