Tuesday, December 31, 2019

#Review: FOREVER AND A DUKE by Olivia Drake


3.5 of 5 stars
 
Hadrian Ames, the Duke of Clayton, needs a wife and he's set on courting his younger cousin, 18 year old Lady Ellen. His carefully laid plans are upended when he meets American Natalie Fanshawe and her charge 6 year old Leo. Natalie is traveling to the same estate as Hadrian to bring Leo to his English relatives after his parents are murdered and he offers her a ride. Natalie has no qualms about speaking her mind and her distain for English aristocracy as they share his coach. Hadrian is at first put off by her directness, but soon realizes she may be just what he needs to open his heart to love.

While this story was well-written, I didn't feel much of a connection between Hadrian and Natalie. I got tired of reading about how much she despises the wealthy and privileged. No matter what was happening in the book, Natalie refuses to relent and open her mind to the possibility that her opinions may just be a echo of her late father's feelings. By the time she realizes that she could be wrong, Leo is in grave danger and she must rely once again on Hadrian to save the day.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.


#Review: MUCH ADO ABOUT A WIDOW by Jenna Jaxon



3.5 of 5 stars
  
Robin Kerr, Marquess of St. Just, sails into Portsmouth for supplies for his mining company. Little does he know his life is about to upended by Lady Georgina Kirkpatrick who literally runs into him and claims she has escaped kidnappers and needs safe haven. Without any resources in Portsmouth to help her, Robin does the only thing available to him--he brings Georgina, her maid and her dog Lulu onto his ship and sails back to Cornwall.

I have read the other books in this series and I was hoping that this book would be a page-turner. While the beginning was captivating and had me eagerly turning the pages, my interest started to wane about half way through the book. The romance between Georgina and Robin seemed rushed. After only a few days in each other's company, love blossoms. Georgina's tyrannical father's behavior becomes quite unbelievable in how far he would go to make Georgina marry his choice of husband for her. He seems quite mad and very one dimensional. A bright spot in the book was Rob's mother, Lady St. Just. She added much to the book and I enjoyed her scenes.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical and contemporary romance. She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage.

She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can't stop.

Links:



Instagram: passionistimeless

Book Links:




a Rafflecopter giveaway





Monday, December 30, 2019

#Excerpt: RETALIATION by Haley Cavanagh


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.


Sakota saved Astraeus and her friends from certain death, but in doing so, she gained the attention of the Oreck, who will stop at nothing to destroy everything in their path. With their ship severely damaged, Sakota and her crew land on a nearby planet and seek sanctuary while they make repairs to return home.
But nothing on this perfect planet is as it appears, and Sakota soon learns they've traded one danger for another. Hunted and targeted, will Sakota be able to carry out her mission, or will everyone she cares about be destroyed?

 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082MB9VPV/
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/retaliation-haley-cavanagh/1135488266
iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/retaliation/id1491106031
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/retaliation-20


Excerpt:

“No .”

Sakota bolted up in bed in the middle of the night.

Her dreams of blood and fear were monopolized with pointed teeth, cartilaginous faces, long, double-jointed arms and legs, and cruel, black alien eyes. The Oreck. They haunted her, perpetual alien God-ghosts with their eerie, electromagnetic glow beneath papery, gray skin.

Beside her, Astraeus slept, his arm flopped over the groove in the bed where she’d lain as he held her. He stirred, frowning. Was he having a nightmare too? She reached her hand out and searched with her emotions, as she’d learned to do.

He tossed, fitful, in the clutches of a nightmare to do with Upsilon’s destruction. She couldn’t remember what her nightmare had been about, but it had ended violently. Peace, she sent silently. Tranquility . Calm . Rest .

Astraeus sighed in his sleep, relaxed, and rolled over. She feathered hair out of his face. His existence had blown her away, and it still did. Astraeus’s genetic code far outstripped her own. He had defense mechanisms in place to protect him from climate extremities that she could never even dream of having. But more so, for the first time in her life, she’d fallen in love. It went against her pragmatic nature, but his comforting presence anchored her amid the wreckage.

She scrubbed her face with her hand in the darkness and swung her legs over the side of the levitating bed, careful of the bed’s height when she stood.

Humans were either a lot shorter than most of the visiting interplanetary delegates, or for some strange reason, they liked their beds high.

Her limbs ached, fatigue from the action of the last several days. She suspected healing from microgravity had something to do with it too, but she’d been through the wringer. The way she walked, the weight of her lips when she spoke, her arm and leg muscles seemed heavier and more visceral, like someone had injected them with a heavy drug. Ridiculous, of course. She was in the best shape of her life.

In the center of the room, she stretched and did some yoga until the tightness lessened. She rotated her neck. In a day or two, the slight dizziness and disoriented inertia would subside. As a physician, she knew the symptoms. She’d be fine. But telling a patient about them versus experiencing them were two different things.

She padded barefoot out onto the balcony, drew a silver cup from the shelves, and dipped it into the fountain. Distant light illuminated the Chuleron buildings along the skyline in the distance. She brought the brim of the cup to her lips and drank. Cool and refreshing, much cleaner than the sterilized water she’d had back on Earth. Tastier too. Earth water had to be purified at least five times before it could be considered healthy enough for consumption. Bacterial pathogens ran rampant in food and the polluted streams and springs back home, so sterilizing was essential. The delightful coolness soothed her throat.

She twisted her hair and pulled it over her right shoulder, taking in the strange, tantalizing city. Did her suspicions about this place come from her subconscious, because of the death and violence she’d experienced? Or was Hisoka right and something seemed off?

About the Author:

Haley Cavanagh is a military veteran, wife, and mother. She is an alumna of Columbia College, a musical theater nut, and she loves to dive into any book that crosses her path. Haley resides with her family in the United States and enjoys spending time with her husband and children when she’s not writing. She loves to hear from her readers, and encourages you to contact her via her website and social media.

Website: http://www.haleycavanaghbooks.com
Newsletter: https://haleycavanaghbooks.com/vip-readers-group/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/1769243778
Twitter: https://twitter.com/haley_cavanagh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haleycavanaghbooks/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ambitioushales/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42207961-astraeus


a Rafflecopter giveaway

The author is also running a separate giveaway to celebrate the release of the book Enter here for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card and Autographed Paperback/Swag Bundle (ends January 15):

a Rafflecopter giveaway






Saturday, December 28, 2019

#Review: THE EARL AND THE ENCHANTRESS by Paullett Golden



  4 of 5 stars
 
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Golden and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sebastian Lancaster, Earl of Roddam, is a man full of dark secrets and loathing for himself. He carries childhood scars and guilt into his adult life and has pretty much become a recluse. It is only when he meets Ms. Lizbeth Trethow at his cousin's wedding that he begins to feel a glimmer of hope that his life could be different. Lizbeth is captivated by Sebastian especially with when she gets a glimpse of his witty banter. The two are flirty in London, but then Sebastian once again retreats to his remote castle. Lizbeth is devastated, but when Sebastian begins to write to her, she believes she finally can convince him he's worthy of love.

This story was a unique take on romance although I thought Sebastian constantly berating himself that he didn't deserve Lizbeth's love got a little old. The author does a good job of teasing out the horrific details of Sebastian's childhood and there is a good twist at the end. I love when I find a new author and I'm off to read the next book in the series and find out Charlotte and Drake are getting on with each other.

I voluntarily read a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.


Friday, December 27, 2019

#Review: THE DUKE'S DESIRE by Erica Ridley


  5 of 5 stars

Lucien Le Duc has worked in the smithy for 18 years toiling away until the day he can return to France with his brother and sister. The French Revolution has his parents killed and he vowed to protect his siblings any way he could. That meant relocating to England, specifically Cressmouth. The day has finally come to go back to France and reclaim his family's land, but his siblings have made love matches in Cressmouth and will not returning with him. While he waits for the day his ship will sail, he meets Meg Church, the local spinster who is witty, outrageous and intriguing. When Meg offers to tutor Lucien in English, he has no idea his life is about to upended once again.


The witty banter that comes out of Meg's mouth is outrageous, unexpected and so very entertaining. It catches Lucien off guard and yet draws him to Meg like a moth to the flame. The last Le Duc is resisting falling in love, but sometimes what the heart wants wins out against all odds. This was another delightful story in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series. I can't wait to read the next one.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.





#Excerpt: DRAGON'S BURN by Brooke Warren


Dragon’s Burn
Brooke Warren
(Legion’s Fallen Motorcycle Club #1)
Publication date: December 27th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Reverse Harem, Romance

High school is over which means summer vacation has officially begun. I just spent the last four years busting my butt making sure I secured a one way ticket out of hicksville and the suffocating small-town life.
To celebrate my impending freedom I attend an end of year party with the same people I can’t wait to escape from. Except this party is different from the rest, there’s someone new.
What starts as a summer fling quickly turns into more. My carefully guarded heart is split wide open. Meeting him sends my life on a detour and threatens to destroy all my future life plans.
He’s not supposed to happen, he’s not part of my plan. He spins my world out of control, like a drug addiction I can’t seem to kick.
Can he escape his obligations with Legion’s Fallen MC or will our love destroy everything I’ve worked so hard to achieve?
This is a medium-burn contemporary reverse harem romance. The build of harem is slow and will be complete by end of series. Anticipated 3-4 books in series.
***This book is intended for those 18+ due to adult content and language.***

EXCERPT:
I sneak up on her, catching the feminine scent of her perfume mixed with a hint of berries, and lean close to her ear. “Looking for me?”
She squeaks and whips around to face me. “Holy shit, you scared me.”
Her hand goes to her chest and she takes a few deep breaths. I take a sip of my drink, which is disgusting at this point, but I need to keep my mouth occupied—drown out the need to taste her.
“You seemed interested in what I was doing.”
“I was not,” she scoffs, taking a step back. The move presses her against the staircase.
Lie.
I follow her, like a string is attached to both of us, pulling us together. The string is thin, something I could break easily to sever this connection, but I don’t. Instead, I take it one step further and rest my forearm near her head and bend down, putting myself at eye level.
“So, then you weren’t watching that other girl grind against me, rubbing her hand over my dick, while imagining it was you instead?”
Her pupils enlarge, eating up the mesmerizing color of her irises. Whether she did it consciously or not, I track the movement of her tongue flicking out to wet her lips. It’d be so easy for me to take that pretty mouth, give her a taste of what her body is craving, even though she’s fighting it. For a brief second, I see the thought cross her face as she wonders if I’m going to kiss her. And in that second, I almost do. I glance up in time to see her friend make her way up the stairs.
I look back at Poppy, who crosses her arms under her breasts, which pushes them higher. I do my best not to stare at them but fail, I can’t help it. They’re practically in my face, taunting me with their perfection. What color are her nipples? How hard could I get them if I sucked on them?
She clears her throat and gives me a pointed look. Oh well. No point in saying sorry, because I’m not.
“I wasn’t staring at you,” she says with husky breathiness.
Lie.
No point in calling her out on it. Indecision is written all over her face. She’s trying hard to convince herself her own lie is real. It heightens my curiosity, which is the exact opposite of what I want to happen. I lick my lips, not meaning to, but she’s fucking sexy, and seriously, that wrinkle between her eyes only adds to it.
“Fine.” I move back a step, creating a hole between us that looked better filled. “You weren’t staring at me like you wanted to fuck me.”
She glances down at the spot I was just inhabiting almost like she wishes I didn’t leave it either, but when she lifts her head back up, I’m met with a fixed determination. “Your narcissism knows no bounds, that’s for sure.”

Author Bio:
Brooke Warren is a new Indie author who lives in Florida with her husband and three dogs. When she is not writing, you can find her reading, playing online video games (World of Warcraft and Fallout are her favs), or getting lost for hours on You Tube and Netflix. Her love for books and over active imagination has inspired her to share the stories stuck in her head.
Thank you so much to all the readers and supporters. Without you, none of this would be possible.


GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway







Thursday, December 26, 2019

SALE .99 LOVE AND KISSES CHRISTMAS COLLECTION by Debra Elizabeth



3 clean and sweet Christmas stories that will make you believe in love.

Christmas Wedding Wishes
After being left at the altar, Callie Spencer needed a fresh start. She accepted a position as the Children's Librarian in a small Vermont town. Single dad Tom Sullivan was too busy raising his 4-year-old daughter to look for love, but all that changed when he meets Callie. Can these two fragile souls find love and heal their broken hearts?

Second Chance Christmas
Megan Duffy needed to get away after a broken engagement and a few days at her family's cabin could be just what she needed. She was looking forward to the peace and quiet, that is, until she meets hunky store owner Ryker McCabe. Can Ryker put the light back in her eyes and heal her broken heart?

Mistletoe Kisses
Petite Ellie Davison had the worst luck when it came to dating. Not wanting to endure any more bad first dates, she swore off dating, that is, until she met the impossibly handsome Jared at her friend's wedding.

Corporate lawyer Jared Castian was not pleased when his Washington firm transferred him to Boston to oversee a complicated merger. He was on the fast-track to making partner and had no time to date. When a chance meeting at his friend's wedding paired him with bridesmaid Ellie Davison, he found himself captivated by the pretty brunette. Was Ellie the one that would open his heart to love?

Buy link:

 
Reviewer Comments:

This is a perfect book for anyone who Christmas and believes in love at first sight.”

An absolutely wonderful selection of love stories at Christmas. A delightful way to celebrate the holiday season, grab a cup of coffee, find a comfy chair and enjoy.”

“These stories are clean and good to read for that reason. I hope all readers wanting clean stories and language will consider this book. I highly recommend it.”


Wednesday, December 25, 2019

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2019

Wishing all those who celebrate a very Merry Christmas.




May you find joy and happiness with your loved ones. 


Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Merry Christmas EVE 2019

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

 

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.  


 
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

 

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;





He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!"
 


Monday, December 23, 2019

#Excerpt: CAN'T BUY ME LOVE by Janet Elizabeth Henderson


Can’t Buy Me Love
Janet Elizabeth Henderson
(Sinclair Sisters Trilogy, #3)
Publication date: December 25th 2019
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Three awesome series meet in one explosive book!
It turned out hell was a small town in the Scottish Highlands. Oh, sure, the locals called it Invertary, but Agnes Sinclair knew better—the town even had an old woman everyone called Satan. If that wasn’t a sign she was in hell, she didn’t know what was. All Agnes had ever wanted was to get out of Scotland, and now she was stuck there with no escape. And all because of one teeny, tiny incident (he totally deserved it!) that got her blacklisted in the hotel industry.
Now, her only career option is managing a hotel owned by a guy who looks like Disco Santa, in a town where everyone marched to their own damn beat. And, as if being trapped in hell wasn’t bad enough, a spate of thefts at the hotel makes the owner call in a member of Benson Security to help her get to the bottom of them. Agnes doesn’t need help. She especially doesn’t need it from a sexy single father whose every breath tempts her to reevaluate what she wants out of life. A man who makes her wonder if Invertary is where she truly belongs.
***This is a full length, standalone romance with an HEA***
**It includes characters from the Invertary (Scottish Highlands) series and the Benson Security Series**
*You don’t need to have read any other books in any series to enjoy this one!*

EXCERPT:
This is the start of the book, where we find out the heroine is in a job she doesn’t want and the hotel she works in has been suffering a spate of thefts since she started. No clues for guessing who’s suspect number one! So, the hotel owner calls in a member of the local security team to look into things. And Logan and Agnes do NOT hit it off!
It turned out the Catholics were right—purgatory was real. And it was a small town in the Scottish Highlands. Oh, sure, the locals called it Invertary, but Agnes Sinclair knew better. She wasn’t fooled by the picturesque loch or the rows of crooked white houses. Invertary was where souls came to have the hope sucked out of them—or whatever it was that happened in purgatory. Not being Catholic, Agnes wasn’t sure what went on there, but with a name like purgatory, it couldn’t be good. All she knew for sure was that she’d only been in town for three weeks, and already she’d lost the will to live.
“You called a security firm to investigate me?” She glared at her new boss, Dougal Jamieson, the owner of Invertary’s only hotel, and he didn’t even squirm.
He tugged down his red tartan waistcoat, which he’d teamed with a pink button-down shirt, and glared back. “I called them in to investigate the thefts. The ones you informed me were happening. Was I supposed to ignore them?”
“You were supposed to let me do my job and investigate them myself. That’s why you employed a hotel manager. To free you up to take care of the pub and build your new conference center.” The conference center that was still in the planning stage because the land Dougal needed to build it was being held hostage by an old woman the town called Satan. Which seemed appropriate, because if this was truly purgatory, Satan should live in it. Right? She really needed to find a Catholic and have them explain this stuff to her.
“You might be the day-to-day manager, but this is still my business,” Dougal snapped.
It was clear to Agnes, after only three weeks in the job, that Dougal didn’t actually want to let go of the responsibility of managing his hotel. So he’d taken to managing her instead.
In detail.
Every.
Single.
Day.
His micromanagement was beginning to make her skin crawl, and the urge to gag him and lock him in a closet grew stronger by the minute.
Dougal’s white brows furrowed as he huffed a breath that made his matching mustache and beard flutter. Her boss was Santa dressed as Elton John, with a booming voice and a deep Highland burr. Talking to him was like having a bad acid trip.
It was on the tip of her tongue to demand to know why he’d hired her when he seemed so set on doing the job himself. But Agnes already knew the answer—her sister’s husband had talked him into it. Yep, that’s how pathetic she’d become. Even though she’d spent ten years studying part time to get a degree in hotel management and had countless hours of practical experience under her belt, she needed her sister to find her a job.
There were days, like this one, when she second-guessed the decision that’d landed her in her current predicament. She’d been offered a job managing a large hotel that was part of a famous chain, and all she’d had to do to secure the position was have sex with the owner. Agnes had politely declined, kicking his nuts into next week as she did so. Less than twenty-four hours later, she’d been blacklisted throughout the entire UK hotel network. Which had led her to this moment—a face-off with disco Santa.
She should have had sex with the creepy hotel owner.
Taking a fortifying breath, she reached deep for what little patience ran in her genes. “I know this is your hotel, and I understand that I work for you. But I just want the opportunity to do my job before you decide you need someone else to do it for me.”
“This isn’t a judgment of your abilities.” Dougal’s voice reverberated off the walls. “It’s an attempt to give you some help. Benson Security can investigate the thefts while you manage the hotel.”
What was left hanging in the air between them was the fact the bulk of the thefts had only started when she’d arrived in Invertary. She looked her boss straight in the eye. “I’m not the one stealing from you.”
He smacked a beefy hand on her desk. “Did I say that?” He turned to the man leaning in the doorway. The man Agnes had been steadily ignoring since he’d arrived with her boss ten minutes earlier. “Did I, at any point, suggest my manager was stealing from me?”
Agnes tossed her long, straight blonde hair over her shoulder, folded her arms over her gray suit jacket, and tapped her toe. Yes, what exactly did the almighty ‘security specialist’ think of this situation?
The corner of the man’s mouth quirked as he uncrossed his arms and ankles and stepped into the room. At about five foot eight or nine, he wasn’t massively tall, but he would still tower over her. He wore a black long-sleeved tee with the sleeves pushed up, a pair of dark blue jeans, and brown suede boots. His thick, mahogany hair, shorter at the sides, was pulled back in a rough right parting. He reminded her of a younger Tom Cruise. Only with a nose that’d been broken at some point and set crooked. They shared the same lean, muscled physique, and the same amused sparkle in their eyes.
“What I think,” he said, “is that we all need to take a step back and calm down.”
And that was all she needed to hear to know he was an ex-cop—it was in his tone. The same tone she’d heard many times over the years. Perfect. This was just what she needed.


Author Bio:
Janet is a Scot who moved to New Zealand fifteen years ago. Among other things, she’s been an artist, a teacher, a security guard at a castle, a magazine editor, and a cleaner in a drop in center for drug addicts (NOT the best job!). She now writes full-time and is working on her 19th book.
Her books have won several awards, including the Daphne du Maurier award for excellence in mystery and suspense. When she isn’t living in her head, she raises two kids, one husband, and several random animals. She survives on chocolate and caffeine.


GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway







Friday, December 20, 2019

$.99 SALE New Romance Release: SECOND CHANCES: An Over 40 Romance by Debra Elizabeth



Blurb:
Caroline Fleming had a perfect life--a loving husband, 2 great kids, a beautiful mansion to live in--or so she thought. When her husband of 20-plus years announces he wants a divorce, Caroline's perfect world crumbles in an instant. She retreats to the beach house to clear her head. She swears off men, that is, until she meets a sexy stranger running on the beach.

Matt Sylvan was left at the altar 5 years ago and has no intention to marry. He's satisfied with his life as a photographer and saves all his love and attention for his two dogs, Jake and Cooper. While running on the beach one evening, Jake jumps on a beautiful woman and Matt begins to rethink his aversion to dating.

Can these two souls find a second chance at love and heal their broken hearts?

Amazon buy link:


Excerpt:
“Umm…would you care for a glass of wine before you head home,” she asked tentatively. “Of course, if you’re busy, I totally understand. We can do it another time.”
Matt gave her an appreciative stare. “Actually, I’m not busy,” he said, offering up a dazzling smile. “I’d love a glass of wine.”
Caroline hesitated a moment, doubting her own actions. Her inner dialogue was running rampant.
Really?
What are you doing asking a total stranger into your home? Of course, he does love dogs so he can’t be all bad, can he?
“Great. I live just up the beach.”
Matt put Jake down and the little dog started running down the beach. “I guess we’re running to your house,” he said, over his shoulder chasing after him.
“I guess we are,” Caroline said with a chuckle, and started running after them. It didn’t take long to reach her house. “It’s the white one with blue shutters up ahead!” she shouted.
Matt caught up to Jake and scooped the little dog up in his arms. “Come on you little rascal. Enough running for one night.”
He waited for Caroline to catch up, before walking up the stairs to the expansive deck. She closed the gate at the top of the stairs. “He won’t try to get off the deck, will he?” she asked?
“No. He’ll stay with Cooper now. They’ve had a good run.”
Cooper lay down at Matt’s command. He put Jake down and the little dog curled up next to Cooper. “Stay,” he said.
“Do they need some water?”
“Yeah, that would be great,” he said, following her into the kitchen.
Caroline ambled over to the counter and got a bowl and two wine glasses out of the cabinet.
“Here, you give the dogs water and I’ll pour us some wine. Is white okay?” she asked.
“White is fine. Be right back.” Matt filled the bowl at the sink and took it outside to the dogs. “Here you go, guys. Quiet time now.” He gave each dog a pat on the head before heading back inside.
“It’s now or never,” Caroline mumbled to herself while pouring the wine.
I’ve got to jump back into the dating game sometime. Might as well be tonight.
She handed Matt a glass of wine. “Here you go.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you asked me back to your house. It saved me the trouble of trying to accidently run into you another day,” he said with a boyish smile.
Caroline narrowed her eyes. “Really? You wanted to run into me again?”
“Yeah, anyone who likes my dogs are okay by me,” he said, reaching for her hand.
His touch sent another shiver coursing through her. She absently tucked her hair behind her ear. It was one of her nervous habits. “Um…would you like to go sit on the couch? I could put some music on.”
“Sure.”
Caroline walked into the living room and turned on the Bose radio. She turned the dial until soft strains of romantic music filled the air. She turned around to find Matt standing right behind her. 
“Dance with me,” he whispered into her ear.
She inhaled sharply. “Oh my.”
“Is that a bad oh my or a good one?” he asked.
He took the wine glass from her hand and put it down on the end table. Without missing a beat, he pulled her into his arms and started to slowly sway to the rhythm of the music. His hot breath caressed her neck and a delightful shiver traveled down her arm. “I’m hoping that was a good oh my,” he said.
“It was definitely a good one.” She could feel the heat rising from his body and enveloping her in his warmth. She let herself become lost in the moment and relaxed in his arms.
“You’re beautiful,” he said.
“Thank you, but…” Caroline started.
Matt put his finger against her lips. “No buts tonight. Just enjoy yourself. “ He lifted her chin until their lips were a hair’s breath apart.
Caroline was tempted to step out of his embrace, but Elena’s words echoed in her mind.
Just breathe. Let it happen, be spontaneous.
She closed her eyes, anticipation sweet and torturous at the same time. Would he kiss her or was he a tease? Was she ready to kiss someone else? She’d only kissed the same man for twenty years. Was she even good at kissing? Before her mind could race in all directions, their lips met and his kisses were feather light as he explored the contours of her lips.
Matt held her close, their bodies touching and melding together as they danced to the music. Song after song played as he held her tight and continued to kiss her. When he stopped, she felt adrift. “This is nice, isn’t it?” he asked.
She enjoyed being in Matt’s strong embrace more than she’d ever thought possible and didn’t want their dance to end. For the first time in a long time, she felt a fire starting low in her belly. She hadn’t felt it in so long she almost didn’t recognize the spark of desire. She leaned in closer and felt Matt’s rock hard abs. The longer they danced, the more she wanted him, but should she give into her feelings? It scared her and thrilled her at the same time. She was out of her element.
“Matt…”
He gazed into her eyes and ran his finger along her jaw before caressing her cheek. “Yes.”
“I’m not sure exactly what we’re doing, but...”
Matt kissed her again. “We’re dancing and kissing, that’s what we’re doing. Shall I kiss you again so you understand this time?”
Caroline chuckled. Matt was not only sexy, but also witty and had a great sense of humor. Every fiber of her being wanted him to make love to her, but she had a hard time overcoming her practical nature. She couldn’t let herself say the words. Not yet, anyway.
“Hmm…kissing is good.” She closed her eyes and breathed in his manly scent. Thoughts of the divorce, hurt feelings and everything else that had been bothering her an hour ago, ceased to exist. She was dancing with a handsome and sexy man and it felt wonderful. 
“Such sweet lips,” he whispered.
“I’ve never done this before,” Caroline said, her breath catching in her throat.
“What? Danced?
She smiled. “No, not dancing. Inviting a perfect stranger into my home and kissing him is what I meant.”
“Can I say that you do it very well then, especially if this is your first time,” Matt said, with a twinkle in his eye.
That made her laugh out loud, and she kissed him again, relishing the feel of his lips. “Thank you. You’ve made me realize a few things tonight.” 




#Excerpt: KINGDOM OF DARKNESS & LIGHT by Various Authors


Kingdom of Crowns and Glory
(Kingdom of Darkness and Light, #1)
Publication date: December 18th 2019
Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, New Adult

Fairytale heroes, but not as you remember them…
The age old tale of Good versus Evil comes to life in this epic boxset featuring only the heroes from your favorite fairytales.
Will light triumph over dark? Will the heroes beat the villains?
Be part of the battle and explore your favourite fairytales from different perspectives, in this one of a kind split fairytale anthology retelling collection.
This set by USA Today and Amazon Best Selling authors is like nothing you have never read before.

Paired up with The Kingdom of Villains and Vengeance boxset, you can now read the story from the perspective of both the heroes and villains. Come on a magical journey to see if good does always triumph over evil.
Stories included are:
The Little Mermaid Vs The Sea Witch
Snow White Vs The Evil Queen
Sleeping Beauty Vs Witch
Robin Hood Vs Sheriff
Alice Vs Queen of Hearts
Princess Vs Rumpelstiltskin
Peter Pan Vs Hook
Little Red Vs Wolf

Kingdom of Villains and Vengeance
(Kingdom of Darkness and Light, #2)
Publication date: December 18th 2019
Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, New Adult
Fairytale villains, but not as you remember them…
The age old tale of Good versus Evil comes to life in this epic boxset featuring only the evil doers from your favorite fairytales.
Will light triumph over dark? Will the heroes beat the villains?
Be part of the battle and explore your favourite fairytales from different perspectives, in this one of a kind split fairytale anthology retelling collection.
This set by USA Today and Amazon Best Selling authors is like nothing you have never read before.

Paired up with The Kingdom of Crowns and Glory boxset, you can now read the story from the perspective of both the heroes and villains. Come on a magical journey to see if good does always triumph over evil.
Stories included are:
The Sea Witch Vs The Little Mermaid
The Evil Queen VsSnow White
Witch Vs Sleeping Beauty
Sheriff Vs Robin Hood
Queen of Hearts Vs Alice
Rumpelstiltskin Vs Princess
Hook V’s Peter Pan
Wolf Vs Little Red


GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway