CREAMED by Linda G. Hill – Featured New Release

CREAMED

A Once a Week at Woody’s Novella

by

Linda G. Hill

BLURB

The Christmas market is open and the competition is sexy.

Tom’s the new guy in town, looking to start over. Getting a job as a stripper at Woody O’Flanagan’s Pub is easy, but deep down, Tom is a pastry chef. His booth at the Christmas market comes with the biggest challenge of all …

Mary, the pastry chef at the Christmas market, is about to get a handsome new neighbor. Except his creamy chocolate muffins attract everyone but Mary, with her aversion due to the “chocolate incident.” All she needs to do is ignore him and work that much harder to keep her customers. If only he wasn’t irresistibly charming.

Creamed is a delicious, sexy standalone story in Linda G. Hill’s romcom series, Once a Week at Woody’s. Read them in any order!

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This story, in its condensed version, was previously published in the anthology “Mistletoe and Markets” by Romance Cafe Publishing.

Grab it now!

Buy links:

Universal Link: books2read.com/Creamed

Apple: books.apple.com/book/creamed-a-christmas-romcom

Kindle: amazon.com/dp/B0DPGP7F69
Kobo: kobo.com/en/ebook/creamed

Nook: barnesandnoble,com/creamed

ABOUT LINDA

Award-winning author Linda G. Hill was born and raised an only child in Southern Ontario, Canada. She credits the time she spent alone when she was growing up, reading books and building worlds and characters of her own to keep her company, as the reason she became a writer.

A stay-at-home mom of three beautiful boys, Linda is a graduate of the Writing Program at St. Lawrence College in Brockville, Ontario. Aside from caring for her family, she enjoys traveling the world, eating trout cooked on the barbecue, and, of course, reading.

Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads
BookBub Pinterest Instagram Newsletter

UNDER THE WISHING TREE by June Gray – Featured New Release

UNDER THE WISHING TREE

June Gray

BLURB

Welcome to Oakwood Hollow, where the coffee is good and the townsfolk are delightfully offbeat.

Graham Moore never intended to go to this quaint little town. But one wrong train lands him in Oakwood Hollow just as it gears up for its annual festival, celebrating a tree that is said to grant wishes. Intrigued by the legend and the beautiful-but-slightly-grumpy cafe owner, he decides to stick around for a little while longer.

Eden Mendoza has lived in Oakwood Hollow most of her life, but she might be the only person in town who doesn’t believe in the tree lore. She instead focuses on the tangible—her found family, her thriving knitting business, and, now, this charming soldier who unexpectedly comes into her cafe.

They spend only one day together, but in those few short hours, they form a connection neither can deny. But when Graham inevitably leaves, Eden is left wondering if she’ll ever see him again, or if their brief time together will become nothing but a memory.

Told through dual timelines and point-of-views, Under the Wishing Tree is a story about the magic of second chances, and the unexpected paths that lead us to where we’re meant to be. Perfect for fans of the Gilmore Girls, Lucy Score, and Sarah Addison Allen.

Buy Link: Amazon

ABOUT JUNE

June Gray is a daydreamer who, at the age of ten, penned a short story inspired by a Judy Blume novel and has been unable to stop writing since. She loves to tell stories that titillate and enrage, that break the reader’s heart and put it back together again.

Her fairy-tale life has been lived on four different continents—most notably, in a two-hundred-forty-year-old castle in rural Germany owned by a Graf. She was born in the Philippines, raised in Australia, and now calls the United States home, and she can currently be found dodging tornadoes in Oklahoma with her husband and two daughters.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.authorjunegray.com/

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorjunegray

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@authorjunegray

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJuneGray/

CARINA GASKELL – Featured Author

CARINA GASKELL

Romance Author

ABOUT CARINA

Carina Gaskell has been writing stories since she could hold a pen, and dreaming them up even before that.

Raised in the province in a house full of love and books, it’s no surprise that the Manila-based author would go on to carve out her own space in the romance genre writing cozy, feel-good novels.

Her stories feature sweet and swoon-worthy heroes, strong (and artistic!) heroines, and a lovable cast of side characters. She loves indulgent wish-fulfillment romances, Happy Ever Afters, and the concept of soulmates—both romantic and platonic.

Her favorite love story is that of hers and her partner’s.

CONNECT WITH CARINA:

Website: carinagaskell.com
Email: contact@carinagaskell.com
Instagram: instagram.com/carinagaskellwrites
Threads: threads.net/@carinagaskellwrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/Carina_Gaskell
Amazon: .amazon.com/Carina-Gaskell/author
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@carinagaskellwrites
Facebook: facebook.com/carinagaskellwrites

CARINA’S BOOKS

Second Chance Books

When Nell’s brother-in-law walks out on her pregnant sister, it falls on Nell’s shoulders to cover their mountain of bills. To do so, she must convince the owner of a secondhand bookstore to sell his property so she can earn a commission.

But when she visits the store, two unexpected things happen: the owner offers her a job sorting the shelves—extra income!—and her childhood crush, Thomas Whelan, turns out to be the only other employee there. Only a fool would turn that opportunity down.

When Thomas reveals he needs help with his love life, it seems all too perfect: get an in with Tom by helping him prepare for his dates, recruit him towards her cause of convincing their boss to sell, get paid, and live happily ever after.

Except the more time she spends with Tom, the more she gets attached: to him, to the bookstore that soon might not even exist, and its customers.

Set in a small town in the throes of gentrification, Second Chance Books is a novel that explores the power of love, literature, and community when it comes to changing and saving lives.

Second Chance Books is free to borrow with Kindle Unlimited subscription. Also available in paperback. books2read.com/secondchancebooks

True North

After Sophie’s long-term boyfriend decides he doesn’t want to marry her, she flies back home to her native Philippines with her tail tucked between her legs. Forget romance. With the help of Ninang, her wealthy grand-aunt on her mother’s side, she picks her pieces back up and throws herself headfirst into her dream project: opening a coffee shop on the famous beach resort island of Dalisay.

But there’s a catch. Ninang agrees to help fund the cost of starting a new business, if and only if Sophie hosts her younger sister, Narra, and their cousin, Layla for the summer. Fresh out of college, Narra and Layla have come to Dalisay for three months of fun and romance, and they refuse to leave Sophie out of it.

Enter Archie Hastings. A smooth-talking, motorcycle-riding Brit, he moved to the island to work at a non-profit and nurse a heartbreak of his own. When Narra indulges in a little too much fun and romance, he’s there to help Sophie save the day, only to find himself pulled into a scheme to get Sophie—and by extension, himself—laid.

Sophie just wants to be left alone. But love has a funny way of sneaking up on you, and this summer, on the beautiful sunny island of Dalisay, where the white sand is soft like powder and the blue sea impossibly clear, it might just catch her off-guard.

True North releases on August 4, 2024. Preorder now! books2read.com/truenorthis1

SWEET SPOT by Cat Santos – Featured New Release

SWEET SPOT

Cat Santos

BLURB

Cassie’s open to a summer fling.

Dev’s fallen first, and right into the deep end.

Can this single mom look past their age gap to finally get the steamy love she deserves?

Cassie feels like she’s already lived two full lives before she turned forty. She’s spent half her adult life being a young mom, and the other half building an art career she discovered later in life.

Finally feeling like she’s out of hustle mode, she’s ready for some me-time. That’s when she meets Dev, a young, hot florist only in town for the season. Sounds like the perfect summer treat. But after their first date, instead of finding a fling, she’s practically fallen in love with him. Could he possibly feel the same way?

Dev can’t seem to step in front of a woman without putting his foot in his mouth. Busily toiling away in a college lab for the last six years, instead of on the dating scene, he’s more in his head than not. Deciding to take an easy summer job at a small florist before his career starts, can he get out of his own way and let love in?

Welcome to the small town of Jacaranda Bay, where the doors are always open, cinnamon rolls are spicy, and everyone gets their happily-ever-after in the end.

More series set in this small town are Firefighters of Jacaranda Bay Series and The Unbuttoned Alpha Male Series.

Kindle and KU

Sweet Spot: Small Town Steamy Cinnamon Rolls

amazon.com/dp/B0CH1NZ4K6

ABOUT CAT

I write romance novels and spicy short stories to entertain and inspire.

Hi! I’m a reader-turned-writer whose monthly book expenses rival my therapy bills. I’m a mom, a small business owner, and based on a popular definition of collecting over 1,000 books, am a library as well. My ENFJ mind thrived in my past career of event and wedding planning, and I’m happy to use all of my behind-the-scenes event shenanigans as laugh-out-loud moments for my delightfully unhinged characters doing their best while searching for their happily ever afters.

Expect open doors (lots of them), swoony scenes, and happily ever afters. The roller coaster of a ride is packed into a 90-minute steamy book you can read before bed, and again when you wake up in the morning.

catsantosbooks.com/books

instagram.com/catsantosbooks

MOONSTRUCK AT MARDI GRAS by Aurora Paige – Featured New Release

MOONSTRUCK AT MARDI GRAS

Holidates Series Book 16

Aurora Paige

BLURB

Juliana

Who knew a dating app would match me up with my long-time crush–my big brother’s best friend?

After my best friend bailed on me for my birthday trip to Mardi Gras, I was stuck with two options–go alone or find someone to accompany me using the Holidates app. Lo and behold, I find myself on vacation with the man who’s been the star of more than one of my naughty fantasies–Easton Hawthorne.

That sinful smile, those soulful brown eyes, that delicious dark scruff. For as long as I can remember, Easton has been completely off-limits.

But not anymore. Not after we’ve shared more than just the most epic kiss and an unforgettable night in the same bed.

But when life brings us both back to reality–with our pasts hellbent on keeping us apart–will Easton and I be strong enough to be more than just a holiday fling?

Easton

Who knew Juliana Delarosa, my best friend’s little sister, was the one I’ve been searching for?

She’s been under my nose this whole time. Hell, she even sold me Girl Scout cookies when we were kids!

Gone is the chubby-cheeked little girl with pigtails and braces. In her place is a curvy, classy, and compassionate woman who knows exactly what she’s looking for. Don’t even get me started on what those dimples do to me!

We made a deal–take a fun trip as nothing but friends. No kissing, no touching, and definitely no sharing a bed.

But when we broke that promise, all hell would break loose, too.

Who knew I’d be moonstruck at Mardi Gras?

Buy Now! Amazon

ABOUT AURORA

Aurora Paige is a healthcare professional by day and a Filipina-American writer of steamy contemporary romance with sassy heroines and sexy heroes at night. Each Aurora Paige story delivers a variety of Curvy Heroines, Multicultural relationships, Alpha Heroes, Steamy Heat, and a Guaranteed Happily Ever After.

Website: www.aurorapaige.com

Newsletter: www.aurorapaige.com/newsletter-sign-up

Facebook: www.facebook.com/xoaurorapaige

Smitten Squad FB group: https://www.Facebook.com/groups/thesmittensquad/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/xoaurorapaige

Twitter: www.twitter.com/xoaurorapaige

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@xoaurorapaige

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/20700755.Aurora_Paige

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/aurora-paige

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Aurora-Paige/e/B08M91XPXB

DOUBLE HAPPINESS by Jen Trinh — Featured New Release

DOUBLE HAPPINESS

Jen Trinh

BLURB

A pickle-loving industrial designer sets out to prove that the only man worthy of her younger sister is their cute-AF childhood best friend. Forced proximity/one-bed/friends-to-lovers awesomeness ensues in this romantic comedy novella.

Winnie’s sister Nancy is engaged to The Wrong Person. Anyone who isn’t Steven Yi is The Wrong Person. He’s a cute, silly doctor with a crisp, yummy voice, and the two of them were born in the same hospital on the same day. How much clearer could the Universe be?

A recovering divorcee, Winnie knows all too well what it means to marry badly. She’ll do anything to prove that Steven is The Only Person for Nancy, even if she has to throw them together over and over again herself. But her plotting pulls her closer to Steven, close enough where she begins to suspect that The Only Wrong Person is her. She could be happy, so much happier than she is now … but is it worth risking a life-long friendship and utter heartbreak?

Hint: Yes, yes it is. HEA guaranteed!

Buy Links:

Universal Amazon Apple

ABOUT JEN

A PhD in Physics, Jen left the tech world to write funny, heartfelt contemporary romances with diverse Asian American characters. Her debut novel, Crushing on You, was a finalist in two categories of the 2020 NJRW Golden Leaf contest.

She lives in a pile of blankets near a pretty nice Wawa, with her husband and multiple tropical plants.

Website: jentrinhwrites.com
Instagram: instagram.com/jentrinhwrites
TikTok: tiktok.com/@jentrinhwrites
Twitter: twitter.com/jentrinhwrites

REVIEW

An utterly delightful novella by a new-to-me author, Double Happiness lives up to its title by delivering a funny and low-conflict friends-to-lovers story that’s filled with witty banter between lovable characters. A true rom-com.

As an older sister, I related so much to Winnie and her “I know best” attitude. She wasn’t overbearing at all. Everything she did came from a place of caring. I love her and Nancy’s relationship. It reminds me of the same closeness between my younger sister and me.

I was charmed by Steven. He was adorable. Jen wrote him so well. Despite not knowing his POV, the reader can tell his feelings through the dialogue.

Jen incorporated Chinese wedding traditions so seamlessly into the story. The groom’s challenges in the wedding door games were highly creative and really hilarious.

I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read and will now catch up on Jen Trinh’s book catalog.

FANCY by Linda Broday — Book Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

FANCY

Love Train Multi-Author Series, #10

LINDA BRODAY

Western Romance /Sweet Romance/ American Historical Romance
Pages: 190 pages
Publication Date: August 15, 2022

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE GIVEAWAY!

A stolen baby

An orphan child

A bargain struck

Told her baby died in childbirth, Fancy Dalton grieves for her son. But in the midst of a raging storm, a shadowy figure appears and tells her that he’s alive and well! He was stolen! Now she has an address and a name. From despair comes hope.

One thought drives her—finding and getting him back. Selling everything she owns, Fancy buys a one-way train ticket to Denver. Nothing and no one will stop her. In a mad dash to board the train, she collides with Jack Coltrain. As fate would have it, the rugged cowboy, on a mission of his own, sits next to her. Experience has taught her to be wary of men. But when her bag is stolen, he gets it back and earns a small piece of her trust.

As the iron wheels roll, taking her closer to her two-year-old son, Fancy and Jack discover an orphan girl who needs their help and open their arms to her. Ten hours from their goal, Fancy and Jack strike a deal—her help for his. Desperate times for both call for creative solutions…but marriage, even in name only? However, nothing is off the table. She’ll do whatever she must to save the orphan and get her child back. Still, giving Jack her heart…that’s not part of the bargain.

Click to purchase!

| Website | Amazon |

PRAISE FOR FANCY:

“I have loved every Linda Broday book I have read, but I must say this one touched my heart.” Cricket (Goodreads)

“Linda Broday waved her magic wand when her turn came and gave us one of her most profound heroines she’s ever written. Fancy wrapped her tragic story around my heart and transported me into the late 1800s.” Tonya (Goodreads)

“Linda Broday has always been able to weave her characters together like a mix-match patch quilt, but the end results are amazing.” Rose Ann (Goodreads)

“…Her ability to convey the goodness of their souls will leave the reader wanting more.” Sally (Goodreads)

From its heart-wrenching start to its sigh-worthy ending, Linda Broday’s Fancy takes the reader on a highly evocative ride.

The devastating prologue had me in tears, ensuring my emotional connection with Fancy Dalton right away. Her will to make a fresh start after her mother’s death and her determination to find her stolen son even with her meager resources also earned my admiration. With Fancy, Ms. Broday created a title character who is easy to root for and wish for only good things to happen to her.

One of those good things is Jack Coltrain. The epitome of a Broday hero, Jack is bold, valiant, and kindhearted yet prepared to act with violence if necessary to defend those he promised to protect and care for. The speed of their getting together through a marriage of convenience is totally understandable, even necessary, considering the fraught circumstances they found themselves in. Their happy-ever-after is inevitable and well-deserved.

Fancy, life is a journey. Not one trip, but hundreds. We have to keep going and proceed with courage each and every day as long as we have breath.”

One of the signatures of Ms. Broday’s stories is found family and that theme is central in this story through Fancy and Jack’s care for Piper, an orphan girl whose sad plight stroke a familiar chord within Fancy’s heart. This little girl is another character who made me cry with her exceptional pluck and maturity beyond her years.

Fast-paced and eventful, Fancy is a fantastic read for those who are looking for something quick but with depth, has sympathetic characters, is well-written, and sweetly romantic.

Thanks to Lone Star Lit for including me in this blog tour and to Ms. Broday for the early digital copy of the book to review.

I’m a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty historical western romance novels and short stories. I reside in the Texas Panhandle on land the American Indian and early cowboys once roamed, and at times if the breeze is just right, I can hear their voices whispering in the wind. Texas’s rich history is one reason I set all my stories here where cowboys still remain caretakers of the land. I’m inspired every day by their immense dedication and love for the wide-open spaces. I combine those men with the love of family in all my stories and hope to continue to give readers books that entertain and fulfill.

| Website | Facebook | Twitter |

| Goodreads | Pinterest | BookBub |

Giveaway! Giveaway! Giveaway!

FOUR WINNERS!

One winner:

$25 Amazon gift card plus Kindle copy of Fancy

Three winners:

Kindle copies of Fancy

(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 8/19/2022.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CLICK TO VISIT THE LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE TOUR PAGE

FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH POST ON THIS TOUR, UPDATED DAILY,

or visit the blogs directly:

8/9/22	Excerpt	Forgotten Winds
8/9/22	BONUS Promo	Hall Ways
8/10/22	Review	Librariel Book Adventures
8/10/22	BONUS Promo	LSBBT Blog
8/11/22	Character Spotlight	Chapter Break Book Blog
8/12/22	Review	StoreyBook Reviews
8/13/22	Notable Quotables	Shelf Life Blog
8/14/22	Character Interview	All the Ups and Downs
8/15/22	Review	Carpe Diem Chronicles
8/16/22	Sneak Peek	Stories Under Starlight
8/17/22	Review	Boys’ Mom Reads
8/18/22	Review	Writing and Music

blog tour services provided by

VALENTINUS INTERRUPTUS by Guinevere Jordan – Happy Book Birthday!

VALENTINUS INTERRUPTUS

Guinevere Jordan

SYNOPSIS

Roxanne hadn’t anticipated the instant attraction she felt for Dean when she dropped off some flyers at his sister’s store. Now she’s dying to get into his pants but they get interrupted every time things get heated.

Dean has given up on dating but when he meets Roxanne, his interest is definitely piqued. She’s so enchanting and upfront about wanting him, he can’t help but go with it, willingly…

What’s a girl to do to get her man? Are all the interruptions a sign from the universe that Roxanne should give up on the straight-laced man she can’t get out of her head, or will a Valentine Day’s wedding be the key to their happily ever after?

Buy Links:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098SSV26W

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B098SSV26W

Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B098SSV26W

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B098SSV26W

EXCERPT

“I was starting to think you were never gonna show.”

Roxanne’s voice refocused his attention on his surroundings. They were the only two people in the room and Roxanne was standing in front of him, a smile on her kissable lips.

“I… um… I’m, uh, sorry,” Dean floundered, banishing the out-of-his-ordinary porn reel from his thoughts.

“Don’t worry about it. You’re here now.”

ABOUT GUINEVERE

Guinevere Jordan is a New Zealand author of French origins who writes (and reads) steamy contemporary romance. She lives in a small coastal town with her wife, their children and three cats.

When she’s not putting her characters through their paces (or maybe it’s the other way round!) she enjoys reading, watching rugby, decorating birthday cakes for her loved ones, and making pretty things with glass beads.

Her stories feature men and women, usually over 30, with normal jobs but grand romantic aspirations.

Social Media Links:

https://linktr.ee/gjordanromance

JOY OF THE SEASON by Heather Scarlett – Featured New Release

JOY OF THE SEASON

by

Heather Scarlett

If this Grinch in a cowboy hat thinks he can steal Joy’s Christmas spirit, he’s got another thing coming.

No one believes in the magic of Christmas more than Joy Williams. She owns a Christmas-themed store in Wildwood Falls, Montana, and loves nothing more than sharing the happiness of the holidays with her customers. But then a sexy cowboy saunters into town, with his fancy boots, shiny belt buckle, and lazy smile—and an eviction notice. Turns out, he’s her new landlord, and his plans for the building don’t include her shop.

Luke Hudson is a down-on-his-luck ex-rodeo star. After a devastating injury caused him to miss out on the rodeo circuit for a full season, he needs an infusion of cash—fast. When he unexpectedly inherits an historic building, the solution is clear. Evict the tenants and sell the building. But after meeting the charming owner of the Christmas shop, that’s easier said than done.

It’ll take more than Christmas magic to save Joy’s store and teach Luke the importance of community. They’ll both have to lay their hearts on the line.

Buy Links:

Universal Amazon Apple Barnes & Noble Google Play Kobo

To follow

Heather Scarlett lives on the East Coast, though her heart is in Montana where she lived for six wonderful years. She loves big sky, wide open spaces, and cowboys. Heather writes smart and sexy romance that is equal parts sweet and emotionally satisfying. Her heroines are strong and sassy and her heroes are rugged and capable. Heather’s stories are family focused and relationship driven.

Social Media Links:

Facebook
Instagram
Bookbub
Goodreads
Amazon

WRAPPED UP WITH YOU by Claire Marti – Featured New Release

WRAPPED UP WITH YOU

by

Claire Marti

When cocky financial genius Rafael Cruz is forced to partner with his snarky office rival Phoebe Hollingsworth to land a prestigious new client, nothing goes as planned. At work, they ignore each other, but at the Jingle Ball their unexpected chemistry changes the game. Will their secret holiday hook-up ruin the deal or is it the start of a deeper connection?

** A shorter version of this steamy enemies-to-lovers romance originally appeared in the Jingle Balls anthology. It has been revised and expanded into a novella. **

Buy Links:

Amazon: amazon/wrappedupwithyou
B&N: barnesandnoble.com/wrappedupwithyou

He flashed a grin. “Look at us, agreeing and everything. This truce isn’t too tough.”

Her lips curved upward in the first genuine smile she’d ever bestowed on him. “We’re regular besties now. And who knows, maybe we can even extend it to work on Monday.”

He held up his hands and laughed. “Don’t get all wild and crazy on me now. One evening at a time.”

She rolled her eyes, but grinned back. “Anyways, should we head downstairs?”

Claire Marti started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to pick up pencil and paper. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in English Literature, Claire was sidetracked by other careers, including practicing law, selling software for legal publishers, and managing a non-profit animal rescue for a Hollywood actress.