#Review: A SPINSTER BY THE SEA by Grace Burrowes

 

4 of 5 stars

Augustus, Duke of Tindale, never expected nor wanted to be the duke. He was happy being a solicitor and he was very good at it. Feeling like a fish out of water in London Society, he accepts an invitation to attend a house party in Brighton where he discovers Miss Anne Baxter is also there. Augustus was the best man to the man who left Anne standing at the altar. Anne is in Brighton licking her wounds after being jilted for a second time. When she sees Augustus, she finds herself a friend in the stoic duke. Can these two wounded souls find happiness together?

This was a sweet slow-burn romance between Augustus and Anne. I loved how honorable Augustus was while he tried to help repair Anne's reputation. Their banter was sweet especially as they built sandcastles on the beach. With some twists and turns that were cleverly done, Augustus and Anne finally find their happily forever after. I'm sorry to see this quartet end as I've enjoyed all the stories by Ms. Burrowes and Ms. Ridley.

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

#Review: A RELENTLESS RAKE by Anna Harrington

 

  4 of 5 stars

Alexander Sinclair, Earl of St James, has been tasked with investigating mathematician Henry Everett to uncover his involvement with the revolutionary group Scepter. Alex loses track of Henry and so decides to follow his sister, Olivia, the prim and proper headmistress of a girls school. Olivia lives her life as a proper young lady while hiding a terrible secret that could cause her school to lose their patrons forcing the school to close. When Alex confronts her about Henry's activities, Olivia doesn't believe her brother could be be involved in such a nefarious group. Now Scepter is targeting Olivia and Alex must do everything in his power to keep her safe and protect his own heart as well.

This was another intriguing book in the Lords of the Armory series. I really liked Olivia. She was the brilliant mind behind Henry's math projects, but because women can't be recognized in that way, she has to settle for Henry taking all the credit. Facing the accusation Alex makes against Henry, Olivia finds herself drawn to the handsome rake. Alex was an intriguing character as well. I loved the banter between him and Olivia especially when he was the "masked man." That certainly raised the sexual chemistry between these two. The cast of secondary characters were well done and I can't wait to see what happens when Alex's half brother Captain Reed pursues another lead in their quest to bring down Scepter.

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

#Review: HOW TO BE A WALLFLOWER by Eloisa James

 

3 of 5 stars

American Jacob Astor Addison is in London to buy the premier theatre costumier Quimbys to enhance the string of theatres he owns. However, he soon meets Cleo Lewis, an heiress in her own right, who quickly outbids him for the company. Jacob is not one who is used to being thwarted so he sets out to convince the seamtress owner and Miss Lewis that his is the better offer. Cleo Lewis is used to men who throw their weight around, but she won't let Jacob buy Quimbys and move the operation to America. Jacob and Cleo make a deal that if Jacob can convince her, his offer is better, then Cleo will relent. What these two don't realize is how easily a friendly foe can become so much more.

I'm on the fence with this book. I started it a few weeks ago and couldn't get into to it so I set it aside for a bit. I thought the beginning was slow and while tidbits about the theatre were interesting, I thought the story got bogged down with too many details. I liked Cleo--she was a strong and independent business woman who had no plans to marry and let a husband rule her life. I thought the way Jacob went about wooing Cleo was quite clever, but I didn't feel any sizzling chemistry between the two. For me there was too much of Cleo's inner voice trying not to be like her mother. When I picked the book back up again, I was glad to finish it and see how things were resolved, but I'm not sure if I'll be reading any more in this series.

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

WIN a bundle of Fantasy & SciFi books!

 Today, I have a fun surprise to share with you...

 

I’ve teamed up with 30+ fantastic authors to give away a huge collection of Sci-Fi & Fantasy books to 2 lucky winners!

 

Oh, and did I mention the Grand Prize winner gets a BRAND NEW eReader?😁

 

You can win my novel THE SILVER CROSS, plus books from authors like JC Andrijeski and Robyn Peterman.

 

Enter the giveaway by clicking here 👉https://www.booksweeps.com/giveaway/march-2022/bb-scifi-fantasy/

 

Good luck and enjoy!

 

#New Release: ZEALOT by C. Vonzale Lewis

Zealot
C. Vonzale Lewis
(Blood and Sacrifice Chronicles, #2)
Published by: Parliament House
Publication date: March 22nd 2022
Genres: Adult, Fantasy

Nicole Fontane thought her demons were buried deep enough. She was wrong.

After barely escaping the blood bath of the Harvest ritual, Nicole and her vigilante compatriots learn that there are others practicing blood magick on Tulare Island.

Hired to rid the island of the remaining blood magick users, Nicole and her allies come face to face with The Better Day Church and the mysterious Young Family, whose nefarious behavior is well known on the island. The murky organization stirs old memories of a cult buried deep in the Louisiana bayou—flickers of Nicole’s traumatic past and the altar she barely escaped.

But when Nicole receives an invitation to the Young family’s private residence to attend a secret meeting with The Daughters of the Vine—an elusive sect of women led by Gavina Young—she knows there is no escaping her fraught history with cults.

The invite is clearly a trap, but it’s also an opportunity to take down the church. Nicole soon learns that the sickness lurking behind the walls of the Young family’s manor runs far deeper than the banal allure of blood magick. The church’s matriarch harbors a predatory interest in Nicole’s power—barely disguising her desire to harness it.

Nicole must unravel the mysteries of her newfound abilities, or her first job may be her last. Worst of all, she may end up on the altar again.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

PRAISE FOR ZEALOT:

“For those who read Lineage, be prepared for Zealot’s wild ride…The twists were great, the writing fabulous…It’s a sequel not to be missed!”
– Candace Robinson, Best Selling Author of the Faeries from Oz series.

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“Ms. Lewis kept us on a fast track with everything that was happening.”

–Rita Smith, Goodreads Reviewer

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“Could. NOT. Put. It. DOWN!!!”
–Kelli Lea, Goodreads Reviewer

–

“This story is full of exciting twists, turns and mystery sure to suck in many avid readers.”
–Elizabeth Chapson, Goodreads reviewer

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“A definite must read.”
–Thomas Lake, Goodreads reviewer

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“I love this series.”
–Shell Moore, Goodreads reviewer

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“Lacing magic and demons, the author takes us on a freefall ride of terror and violence as Nicole and her friends take on the monsters that hide and feed on the innocent.”
– Dave Wickenden, Author of Homegrown

—

MEET SOME OF THE CHARACTERS!

Author Bio:

My name is Carla Vonzale Lewis and I like my martinis shaken… never stirred.

Carla was born in Georgia, but please don’t mistake her for a Georgia peach. She’s more like a prickly pear. Speaking of being born, someone asked her recently if she remembered her birth. And she had to say, “Yes, I do remember that handsy doctor pulling me out into the cold. Right Bastard!!!”

Despite being born in the South, she grew up in California. Every once in a great while she gets to experience all four seasons. But mostly, it’s just heat.

When not writing, Carla enjoys reading, binge watching shows on Netflix, and trying to convince her husband that getting a dog is a wonderful idea.

And one day, she will discover how many licks it actually takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop.

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#Review: RITUAL MAGIC by Thea Atkinson

 

5 of 5 stars

Hold onto your hats for this one because there's no time to even take a breath! Brie is once again embroiled in things she has no control over and when a newly hired shop girl turns up dead, Brie realizes that she's in for the fight of her life. She's convinced the Black Coven killed the girl, but Layne isn't on board and neither is the ME Parrish. However, this latest murder isn't the only thing on Brie's mind. She's dealing with her feelings for Layne--should she trust him or not? One minute he's so cold and the next is giving her smoldering looks that melt her insides. What's a girl to do?

I have to admit that my favorite character in this story is Parrish. She's a wise-cracking medical examiner, but she's also become Brie's best friend although Parrish would never admit to such a thing. Heaven forbid Parrish show any sentimental crap like that!

In any case, be prepared for the whiplash effect because there are plenty of twists and turns and surprises at every turn. Be sure to carve out enough time to read this one as you won't want to put it down. Oh boy, I can't wait to see what's in store for our girl Brie as she just tries to stay alive, something that's not quite so easy these days.

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

Interview with Alyssa Roat, MORDIZAN

 

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?

My most recent book is Mordizan, book two of The Wraithwood Trilogy. It’s a contemporary YA fantasy featuring Arthurian legend, shadow magic, grand libraries, dark dungeons, secret passageways, and espionage.

 

Do you have a favorite character?

My favorite character in this book is the protagonist, Brinnie, a quiet bookworm who is thrust into a world of magic, court intrigue, battle, and ominous new depths to her own power. I think a lot of fellow readers can relate to her and wonder how we would handle going from reading about legends to suddenly being in one.

 

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?

I’ve gone the traditional publishing route. I signed with an agent, who negotiated my contracts with my four most recent publishers, although I’m currently unagented after she retired. Not looking forward to the query trenches again, haha.

 

How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract? Was it for your first novel?

I went to college for a degree in Professional Writing. At the beginning of my junior year, I was interning for a literary agency and one of the agents fell in love with the first book in the Wraithwood trilogy and offered to represent me. It took about a year to land a contract, and it wasn’t for the original book. However, Wraithwood did end up being contracted a while later. Today, about three and a half years after first being signed with an agent, I have ten books published or under contract.

 

What factors influenced your decision to go with a particular agent or publisher?

For agents, what connections do they have? Who have they sold to? For publishers, what is their distribution? Do they have a track record of integrity? Do they release quality books? I’ve turned down some contracts from publishers I didn’t feel comfortable with. I’d rather wait and/or not publish a book at all than release something I don’t feel proud of.

 

Are you currently under a traditional publishing contract for future books or do you have manuscripts that you will self-publish? Are you doing both?

For now, I’m sticking with the traditional route. I have two more books after Mordizan contracted for 2022, as well as two re-releases this fall that were acquired by a new publisher. After that, I have three more releases in 2023, one of which is the third and final book in The Wraithwood Trilogy. After that, we’re back to the query trenches looking for a new agent!

 

Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?

This is kind of a funny answer. I do have a critique group, but a lot of my books have been published before they have a chance to read them. There just isn’t time! My deadlines come up too fast. (Don’t worry though, the publishers put everything through plenty of edits and proofreads.) I love them and have improved because of their feedback, and they’re always there to encourage me.

 

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?

I always listen to music, and I have specific playlists or genres I associate with certain books. Since I work full time, I write whenever I get the chance, usually in short spurts here and there.

 

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?

Definitely! You can find my books pretty much anywhere books are sold—Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Target, Walmart, Waterstones, Books-a-Million…and usually if you ask your local indie store or your library, they can order it for you.

 

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?

I love reading, of course. Does my crazy cat Kookoo count as a passion? I also love nerding out about pop culture, hanging out with equally nerdy friends, and playing TTRPGs like Dungeons & Dragons.

 

Mordizan
Alyssa Roat
(The Wraithwood Trilogy, #2)
Publication date: March 15th 2022
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

The bane of Mordred, the son of Mordizan, and a millennia-old prophecy—together they may provide what Brinnie needs to defeat the world of magic’s greatest threat.

More than a year has passed since Brinnie left Wraithwood, never expecting to see it again. But when Mordred captures her sister, she is thrust back into the world of magic. She flees to Wraithwood, where she learns of a prophecy located in the dark wizard capital of Mordizan that reveals the identity of “Mordred’s bane,” something that could destroy Mordred for good.

Brinnie agrees to a rendezvous with Mordred to exchange herself for her sister, going undercover at Mordizan as a spy to find the prophecy and Mordred’s bane. There, she weaves a complicated web of secrets, lies, and tenuous friendships. She makes an unexpected ally in Marcus Vorath, son of the Master of Mordizan, who fears the implications of Mordred’s growing power. But in Mordizan, friends and foes may be one and the same.

In the midst of court intrigue, battle, ominous new depths to her power, and searching for Mordred’s bane, Brinnie struggles to draw the lines. How far is she willing to go to destroy Mordred? And how much of herself is she willing to give up along the way?

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:

Alyssa Roat grew up in Tucson, Arizona, but her heart is in Great Britain. She has worked in a wide variety of roles within the publishing industry as an agent, editor, writer, and publicist. With 250+ bylines and 9+ books under contract in genres ranging from YA chat fiction to fantasy to sweet adult romance, you could say she dabbles in a bit of everything. Her name is a pun, which means you can learn more about her at www.alyssawrote.com or on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook as @alyssawrote.

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#Review: LOVE LETTERS BY THE SEA by Erica Ridley

 

 

4 of 5 stars

Mr. Patrick Gretham, is the man of business for the powerful and wealthy Earl of Edgewick. Whatever the Earl wants, it's Patrick's job to get it for him. When the Earl sets his sights on Siren's Retreat in Brighton as an ideal place for a new gambling hell, Patrick sets out to secure the property. He's also excited to finally meet the secret pen pal he's been corresponding with and hopes they have as much in common as their letters suggest. Deborah Cartwright is the brains behind the success of Siren's Retreat. She makes sure all her guests have the best romantic experience while there and many guests find true love enhancing the reputation of the inn. Can these two find love or are they on a collision course that will destroy them both?

I thoroughly enjoyed this last novella in the quartet. A secret pen pal was such a clever way for both Patrick and Deborah to have a relationship before they met. While their growing attraction to each other becomes obvious, their devotion to the secret pen pals continues to shine through. This was a slow-burn romance with only a few kisses, but I loved that Patrick and Deborah appreciated all of their other qualities as well. I'm sad to see the series end and would have happily read many more stories about Siren's Retreat.

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

 

#Review: AN AFFAIR BY THE SEA by Erica Ridley

 

  4 of 5 stars

Orphaned and talented pianist, Miss Allegra Brown, has been counting down the days when she'll finally inherit her trust and be out from under her tyrannical uncle's control. For as long as she could remember, her uncle has used her as an unpaid servant/governess/companion for her two cousins and to escape the drudgery, she has made up and embellished stories about a fake suitor, the pirate Captain L’Amour. Unbeknownst to him, solicitor John Sharp, who has traveled to Brighton to scout out a tea shop and fulfill his dream of becoming a chef, bears an uncanny resemblance to the make-believe captain. A comedy of errors soon plays out as Allegra and John embark on a fake courtship, but what happens when their feelings no longer feel fake?

This was a most enjoyable novella by Mr. Ridley. I loved the sweet banter between John and Allegra as each has something to teach the other about taking the ups and downs of life and turning them into something wonderful. Allegra's cousins added some light comedy to the story as they want John and Allegra to find their own happily ever after. I did think Allegra's uncle got away with his cruelty without any comeuppance though. That would have made me happy if he was made to pay in some way.

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

#Review: A TRYST BY THE SEA by Grace Burrowes

 

  4 of 5 stars

Vergilius, Viscount Summerton, has spent the last 9 years waiting for his wife Penelope to give him a clue, any clue, that she wishes his company once more. Since a tragedy early in their marriage, the two have spent their time in polite co-habitation, but Vergilius wants more. Penelope believes her husband doesn't want her anymore and she's determined to set them both free from this misery, but her plans go awry when Vergilius does something totally unexpected. Can they come to terms with the past and forge a new life together?

This novella was quite a sad story of loss, miscommunication and family interference. Throughout the story, both Gil and Penelope finally tell each other the truth about their feelings of abandonment. The author does a good job of pulling you into the book from the opening page. There's no fancy entertainments in this story, just the outpouring of two wounded hearts. I wish there had been an epilogue showing them happy in the future. That would have made for a more satisfying ending for me.

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

#Excerpt: THUNDERSTRUCK by Wren Michaels

Thunderstruck
Wren Michaels
(The Thunderbird Brotherhood, #1)
Publication date: March 10th 2022
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Reseda Juarez is dead. Though she functions as a human, inside she’s an emotionless weapon, trapped between the living and the undead. Cold and unrelenting, she’s used as a super-soldier by the government in a special task force to hunt preternatural beings to the brink of extinction.

One night, five years ago, Kane killed an innocent and his brother lost the love of his life. The aftermath forces Kane to become the alpha of the legendary Thunderbirds. He now must protect what’s left of his family from the tribe of wolf shifters who ripped them apart.

When Reseda’s mother is bitten by a wolf, she and Kane are forced to work together to find the Mayan Pul Yah stone to heal her—the same stone that gifted Reseda to the life she now lives. But the journey is riddled with more than wolves, also searching for the stone. Something strange happens to their powers when they’re together, and they struggle to fight the intense attraction between them. The deeper they go, the more secrets unravel, until love is the only thing that can defeat an enemy no one saw coming.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Kane turned, thrusting his hands in the air. “I don’t even know who this Reseda is. How am I supposed to find her?”

“I’m sure I have a picture of her around here somewhere. But it’s quite old. She must be in her twenties by now.” Maquinna pressed the last of the herbs into the open wounds along Glenda’s arm and a phone slipped out of her apron pocket, crashing to the floor. The screen flashed with Reseda’s name.

“So, I’m just supposed to shout her name into the woods or something? I’ve got nothing to go on.” Kane stilled. Hair along his arms danced on an electric wave humming in the air around him. Closing his eyes, he inhaled a slow breath.

Adrenaline? No.

Sweat? No.

A scent he’d never encountered before, crisp and pure. Not fear, not heat, nor blood. Yet something distinctly feminine, clouded by wolf.

Kane shot out of the house in a blur. Following the scent, he kicked up speed as he dodged the enormous redwood trunks. The smell of rage and blood lust covered the faint scent of the female. The wolves had closed in on whoever it was. Triumphant howls rang out from the forest floor, and Kane zeroed in on the sounds.

Hair, long and dark as midnight, shone beneath the shimmer of moonlight as he caught sight of her. The same four wolves that he rescued Glenda from now chased this female, Castos out in front. She glanced over her shoulder, and for a moment Kane swore he caught a smile on her face before terror flickered in her eyes and she turned back around, increasing her sprint.

The thought disturbed and distracted him. He didn’t have time to transform into the Thunderbird as he caught up to one of the wolves. Continuing his chase, he stiffened his forearms and the edges of his tattoos lit up. A streak of lightning flashed from the ink, splitting the wolves’ path down the middle, singing the paws of two as they flipped over, rolling down the rim floor.

Castos glanced behind him. His yellow eyes pulsed blood-red as he released an ear-splitting howl catching sight of Kane. The wolf launched himself into the air, toppling the female to the ground. Kane leaped headfirst for the other wolf, barreling him to the Earth in a plume of dirt and pine needles. He gripped the creature by the head and twisted it in his hands, snapping its neck.

Castos walked around the female face down in the dirt, glaring at Kane from a distance. “You’ve now made yourself a true enemy, Kane. This was not your business.”

“What happens on my land is my business, Castos. Let the girl go.”

Castos howled with laughter. “You sound an awful lot like your father. Those same words got him killed.”

Rage boiled beneath Kane’s skin. Curling his fingers into his palm, the edges of his tattoos once again lit, brighter than before as he channeled everything into his powers. Something blurred to his right, and Kane snapped his focus to find the source of it. Castos released a whimpering growl as he flew through the air, soaring over Kane’s head, landing in a puff of dirt behind him on his back.

Kane whipped his head back to the girl. She stood facing him, bathed in moonlight, arms thrust forward ready to attack. The most intense and haunting blue eyes he’d ever seen flickered between the rays of light and darkness shadowing her face. Kane scrambled up from the ground to a stance, glancing back to where Castos landed, only to find him gone.

He turned back to the girl. “Are you hurt?”

“Are you?” She cocked her head, slanting a hip to the side.

He couldn’t tell if she was confused or teasing. “What kind of question is that?” Why would she ask if he was okay? He was the one saving her. Did she completely miss where he took out three of the four wolves?

“A valid one. I don’t know what happened to the other two, but I saw you tussling with Gage. He’s no easy match. That was Castos’ number one. So, again, are you hurt?” she asked.

“You’re on a first name basis with the wolves?” He sniffed the air around her, stepping closer. “You don’t smell like a wolf.”

“Chanel. It hides everything.” She circled in turn with his steps around her. “But no, of course I’m not a wolf. Thanks for the insult.”

He stifled a laugh. “Many pardons, ma’am.”

“Ma’am? Do I look that old?” Her lips fell into a pout. “It’s the moonlight, isn’t it? And the fact that I forgot to moisturize this morning.”

Kane cocked a brow. Who the hell was this girl making jokes moments after being savagely attacked by not only wolves, but the Alpha? She looked far from old. Dark hair that could rival the finest silk draped her shoulders, almost as long as his own. Olive skin that shone flawless under the light of the full moon was only put to shame by those stunning eyes.

Kane stepped back. “No. That’s not what I meant.”

“You hesitated. I do. I look old.” Her shoulders slumped as she folded her arms. “I’m too young to use night cream.”

Kane shook his head. “What the hell are you talking about? You just got jumped by a pack of wolves and you’re worried about wrinkles?”

Author Bio:

Wren hails from the frozen tundra of Wisconsin where beer and cheese are their own food groups. But a cowboy swept her off her feet and carried her to Texas, where she promptly lost all tolerance for cold and snow. Fueled by coffee, dreams, and men in kilts, Wren promises to bring you laughter, heart-fluttering romance, and action that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

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#Review: THE RIGID DUKE by Darcy Burke

 

  4 of 5 stars

Mrs. Juno Langton has a difficult task ahead of her trying to help a young woman become more socially adept, but her charge wants nothing to do with preparing for a Season. When they are invited to a house party, Juno thinks it's the perfect venue to hone the young woman's skills. The Duke of Warrington "Dare" hates house parties, but he knows it's time to search for a wife. When he finds he's being matched to a young woman who seemingly despises him, he tries to win her over, but he's conflicted because he really wants to win over her companion, the vivacious Mrs. Langton. Can Juno encourage them both to give their best efforts to a match or will she find herself pining for the duke?

I'm a fan of Ms. Burke and this story does not disappoint. It was a quick read without a lot of fluff. The plot moved along nicely and Ms. Burke does a good job of letting the reader into the character's mindset. The biggest obstacle in the book is both Juno and Dare not voicing their growing attraction for each other. After a few bumps along the way, they finally find their HEA. This was a good start to a new series and I look forward to reading more in the series.

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

 

#Review: I WANT YOU TO WANT ME by Shana Galen

 

  5 of 5 stars

Nicholas St. Clare, youngest son of the Marquess of Averstow, came home from the war a broken man. When his war horse fell on him, his legs were crushed. The doctors told him he would never walk again, but Nicholas was determined and now he can walk albeit slowly and with a walking stick. His body is not the only thing that is damaged though. He feels like half a man and believes no woman would ever want him, that is, until he met Amelia Blackstock. Amelia couldn't get over how beautiful Nick's eyes were and though she knew his legs were damaged they never bothered her in the least. When they are found in a compromising position, Nicholas weds her, but believes they will have a platonic marriage. However, Amelia has other ideas and it's up to her to convince him he's everything that she wants and needs.

This is the last book in the Survivor series and I absolutely loved it. It's my favorite of the whole series. The slow burn romance is very relatable and it's Nick's mind that needs to accept what happened to him and decide to live life to its fullest. I loved Amelia. She was such a warm and generous character and knew full well that it was up to her to convince Nick he was a desirable man. The reunion with all the other Survivors was a great way to remember each one of them. The house party was quite enjoyable. There are some spicy sex scenes in the story, but they are very well done and vital to the story. I will be sorry to see the series end, but am looking forward to what Ms. Galen has planned for her next series.

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

#Excerpt: AGAINST THE BOARDS by Danica Flynn

Against The Boards
Danica Flynn
(Philadelphia Bulldogs, #3)
Publication date: March 1st 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

ROXANNE
When I applied for a job with the Philadelphia Bulldogs, I never thought they would offer it to me on the spot. Luckily for me, my twin was letting me stay at his place while he played hockey overseas.

Then he dropped the bomb that Benny was his new roommate. You know, the only guy on the team I can’t stand. I don’t know how we’re gonna survive being roommates. Because honestly? Some days I wasn’t sure if I wanted to kiss him or punch him.

BENNY
When TJ told me his sister was moving to Philly and needed a place to stay, I knew I should have high-tailed it out of town for the offseason.

But I didn’t. Because I’m all sorts of foolish when it comes to that feisty woman. Every time our paths cross, I open my mouth and make her mad. Usually with good reason, too.

The two of us being roommates was bad news. We’re either going to kill each other or I’m gonna give her the best kiss of her life. I’m not sure which is worse.

The Philadelphia Bulldogs hockey team are back, in this all new-standalone novel. Books can be enjoyed in any order. If you love a steamy enemies to lovers romance, this one is for you.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

—

EXCERPT:

“So, when can you start?”

I stared at the blonde woman in front of me in disbelief. I thought the interview was going well but not that well.

“Whenever you need me,” I said with a smile.

When I saw the posting for the sales manager position with the Philadelphia Bulldogs, I applied on a whim. I never thought they would call me back or offer it to me on the spot. I needed to get out of St. Catharines and would have taken any job. Literally any job if it meant working for an NHL team. Even if it meant leaving Canada.

Quinn smiled at me. “I’m gonna be honest: I need the position filled ASAP. Can you start tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow?” I choked out.

“Do you need to give notice to your current employer?”

I shook my head.

After my messy break-up, I had been so gutted that I ended up quitting my job. Not the best plan when your ex-girlfriend kicked you out after you caught her cheating on you. Jobless and technically homeless, I had nothing holding me back from moving to a different country.

Quinn flipped through the paperwork on her desk. “Shit, you’re Canadian, right?”

“Oh, I don’t have to wait for a visa. I have dual citizenship.”

“Oh, perfect, because I’d rather not wait. We’re not in the playoffs again this year, but there’s a lot of prep work for next season.”

I stared at the Bulldogs’ calendar on the wall behind Quinn, and dread spread through me. This month’s photo depicted right-winger Tristan “TJ” Desjardins lobbing the puck into the back of the net. Kinda weird to be staring into the face of your twin brother during a job interview. Although, it might have explained why I applied for the job to begin with.

“There’s something I should tell you first,” I admitted, and I pointed to the calendar behind her. “That’s my brother.”

She stared at the photo of my brother on her wall and then looked at me curiously for a second. “Huh. Now that you mention it, I can see the resemblance.”

“We’re twins. Is that gonna be a conflict of interest?”

She tipped back her head and laughed.

I raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“Sorry. The GM’s my husband, so it’s funny you asked that. As long as we keep things professional, I don’t foresee it being an issue.”

A lot of NHL teams had fraternization policies, so it was interesting that the Bulldogs didn’t have one. The OHL team I worked for back home in Canada had a strict policy. Not that it ever mattered to me. I hadn’t been single. Or into douchey hockey players who reminded me too much of my brother.

“Can you start tomorrow?” she asked again.

“Absolutely.”

“Perfect!”

She went over the information I needed for tomorrow and then walked me out of the office. She shook my hand in the hall. “I can’t wait for you to get started.”

“You don’t even have to wait a full twenty-four hours,” I said with a grin.

She waved goodbye to me, and then I walked outside. Once there, I finally took a breath.

Holy shit. I got a job with an actual NHL team!

Author Bio:

Danica Flynn is a marketer by day, and a writer by nights and weekends. AKA she doesn’t sleep! She is a rabid hockey fan of both The Philadelphia Flyers and the Metropolitan Riveters. When not writing, she can be found hanging with her partner, playing video games, and reading a ton of books.

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