SAND, SALT, AND SPIRITS by Author Kathryn Hills **BOOK BIRTHDAY**

 

Today we’re celebrating the Book Birthday of Author Kathryn Hills new book, Sand, Salt, and Spirits, the fourth book in the Last Chance Beach Romance series.

About the Book

Can a weekend visit to Last Chance Beach undo decades of brokenhearted memories? Conjuring up some island magic might just be their trick. Or treat!

Kyle Worthington hasn’t returned to Last Chance Beach in years. He’s worked hard to prove himself to his overbearing father and the rest of the world. Now it’s October, and the vacation island paradise is celebrating the season with an island-wide Fall Festival. Family obligation demands he participate. Everyone will be there, including the ghost that haunts his grandparents’ B&B.

The running joke that Kyle never sticks with anything—not a career or a woman—will continue to plague him. Unless he brings a knockout of a date to the weekend-long event. Cassandra Corwin fits the bill perfectly. Kyle’s had his eye on his brilliant, beautiful coworker since day one. But Cassie is an enigma, a loner. There’s no room in her life for anyone except Odin, her goofball of a Great Dane.

Will this woman of mystery agree to Kyle’s scheme to impress his family? Can two near strangers from opposite worlds survive family gatherings and back-to-back Halloween events while pretending to be a couple? Kyle’s father seems hell-bent on derailing everything before they even shout “Boo!”

Or will the island’s magic prove too powerful for them to resist?

Get your copy of Sand, Salt, and Spirits at Your Favorite eBook Retailer

Enjoy an Excerpt

Kyle held his breath, as he pushed through the back door and went around to meet her by her car. Game on, buddy. Pull yourself together.

Yet a shockwave rippled through him at the sight of her. Black hair piled on her head in a messy, windblown bun. Short, sexy, red sundress. Her legs were bare. Pale yet gorgeous and toned. On her feet? High-top red sneakers with white laces.

Cassie dropped big, round sunglasses into place on her nose, and she grinned at him. “I made it.”

The huge dog—about the size of a pony—glanced his way but didn’t move. As if to say, “I am unimpressed by your appearance, human.”

“Yes, you made it.” He forced a pleasant smile though inside he was in full, freak out mode.

“This is Odin,” Cassie explained, still smiling. “Odin…say hello to Kyle.”

The Great Dane bared big white teeth on command in a ridiculous smile-esque maneuver. Yet still he didn’t budge from his seat.

“That’s his only trick,” Cassie offered with a chuckle. “We don’t ask much of each other.”

Kyle’s brain screamed, okay…time to fess up. “Cassie…before we go any further, there’s something I must confess. Please don’t get mad.”

Her smile evaporated. “Oh, that’s never good.”

“Hang on…it’s not good, but it’s not terrible, either.”

“Yet to be determined.” She crossed her arms and leveled a hard stare on him. “Spill it.”

“I may have…Okay, I definitely said…you’re my girlfriend.” Kyle cringed in anticipation of her reaction.

“You said what?” Her voice spiked.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”

“A death wish?” she accused with a scowl. “Who did you say this to?”

“Not many. Just my sister, Kat.” He swallowed hard and took a step back. “She told my grandmother.”

“No?” Her tone went dangerously low.

“…who then told my mother when she called to say she wasn’t sure if she was coming. Who, in turn, told Kendall, my younger sister. Who really isn’t coming, by the way. So, that part’s good.”

“Is it now, Kyle? Really?” Cassie demanded with an infuriated huff.

“Yeah…except Kat told her boyfriend, Ben. Now I’m done. I think. Maybe not. News travels fast on Last Chance Beach.”

Her dark eyes pinned him in place. “So…basically…you’re telling me everyone in your family and on this island thinks we’re a couple?”

Kyle gave her a small, shrugging wince. “Yeah…pretty much.”

Cassie glared at him. Lips pinched together. The tiny muscle alongside one eye quivering. “I cannot believe this.” She started pacing alongside her car. “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve had a vacation? A little time off? A day, even, just for me? This was a gift to me. A chance to unwind after all the work I’ve been drowning in.”

“I’m sorry. Again. I didn’t mean to screw up your vacation. I don’t know what came over me. It just happened. Kat was bragging about all the great things in her life. She literally walked in with an engagement ring the size of a bus on her finger. Gran was gushing. Ben had just proposed. She got a promotion. Ben is expanding his business, yada, yada…My brain blew a gasket.”

“So? Who cares, Kyle? It’s family. Not like you’re competing with anyone.”

Kyle dropped his head in shame. “You don’t know my family,” he admitted.

Meet the Author

The rich history and many mysteries of New England are the perfect backdrop for many of KATHRYN’s books. Winding roads lined by old stone walls, forgotten cemeteries, grand homes with shadowy pasts...all sparks for her imagination. Whether it’s a quaint seaside town or the vibrant city of Boston, it’s easy for this “hauntingly romantic” author to envision the past mingling with the present. No surprise, some of Kathryn’s favorite stories include ghosts! Sprinkle in some magic, and you’re off on a great adventure.

When not writing, this best-selling author is reading, researching, gardening, or cooking up something special in her chaotic kitchen. She shares her colonial home in the north woods with those she loves most – her wonderful husband, daughter, and three crazy dogs.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Amazon Author Page * BookBub

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As always, it's been my pleasure welcome Kathryn to Notes From a Romantic's Heart. Please come back again soon.

Nancy

RELUCTANT GROOM ANTHOLOGY: NOT SO SHAM WEDDING by Author Megan Slayer *BookBlast* *Giveaway*

Today we welcome back author Megan Slayer and feature her book, Not So Sham Wedding, part of the Reluctant Groom anthology from Evernight Publishing. You can find all the stops on Megan’s tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Be sure the check out the Rafflecopter entry form at the end of this post.

GENRE: Contemporary LGBTQ Erotic Romance

About the Anthology

He’s older, wiser, and always gets what he wants. This wedding is happening ... whether the groom likes it or not.

Our seven hand-picked stories feature young reluctant grooms and the older men determined to claim them. These forced marriages may start out frigid, but our authors will prove that love can conquer all.

Evernight's Reluctant Groom anthology stories are sure to deliver passion that is off the charts, scorching hot sex, and sigh-worthy happy ever afters.

Worth the Risk by Allyson Young

Sins of the Father Hannah Morse

Room With a View by James Cox

Making It Real by Marie Medina

Protecting Chauncey by Cooper McKenzie

October Surprise L.J. Longo

Not So Sham Wedding by Megan Slayer

Get the anthology at Amazon ~ B&N (Nook) ~ Kobo ~ Smashwords ~ Evernight Publishing

Enjoy an Excerpt from Not So Sham Wedding

©MeganSlayer, All Rights Reserved

“What do you want me to do? Stall her?” Lucas crossed his ankles and folded his arms again. “What do you think?”

He stared at Lucas. He’d known Lucas Cole for ten years and worked beside him for six of them. He was a sweet man, sexy, too, and the kind of guy he wanted to settle down with—the man he trusted. He’d been attracted to him since the first day they met. The idea of mixing work and play bothered him, but if anyone could help him out, it was Lucas. Besides, it’d give him a reason to see Lucas without the trappings of the job. He’d always liked Lucas and wanted to take things to the next step—trying to figure out if they could be together. Now, he had the chance and he refused to squander it.

“Well? She’s in the elevator.” Lucas unfolded himself and stood. “What do you want me to do?”

“Marry me.” If he had to be a reluctant groom, then he wanted his best friend and confidante beside him.

“What?”

“It’ll put them off if I’m already engaged.” Hudson removed his prized diamond ring his father had given to him years before. He offered the jewelry to Lucas. “Marry me.” He dropped to one knee.

“Lucas?” Not quite the way he’d wanted to propose, but he’d do it over later.

“Me? They think you’re going to marry a woman.”

“I’m gay, and I’m not changing who I am for money.” He held up the ring. “Lucas?” If there was anyone in the world he loved outside of his family, it was Lucas.

“You should marry someone more suitable.” Lucas shook his head. “You need me as your assistant.” A lock of his blond hair slipped over his brow. He tightened his jaw and pressed his lips together. He could’ve been a model instead of an assistant, and he’d be the best one out there because he embodied sexy boy-next-door. He might be younger than Hudson, but Hudson didn’t care. He’d fallen for Lucas a long time ago.

Meet the Author

Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library.

Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

Amazon Author Page ~ BookBub ~ Goodreads ~ Newsletter

Enter the Giveaway

Megan Slayer will be awarding a prize pack with a necklace made by the author to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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As always, it’s been my pleasure hosting Megan here at Notes From a Romantic's Heart. Please come back again on Monday when we celebrate a Book Birthday, and the fourth book in the Last Chance Beach romance series.
Nancy

KYLE & COREY AND THE GAME-STORE MYSTERY by Author Joe Stephens **REVIEW** **GIVEAWAY**

Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome author Joe Stephens to the blog today to talk about his new book, Kyle and Corey and the Game-Store Mystery, Book 1 in the Kyle and Corey Mystery Series. You can find all the stops on this tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win a $25 gift card. The entry form is at the bottom of this post.

GENRE: Juvenile (or Y/A) fiction

About the Book

Kyle & Corey Holley (15 and 12) live in Fairly Springs, a small southern beach town. Kyle is a budding engineer; Corey is impetuous, funny and sports-crazy. Like most brothers, they fight often, but they also solve crimes—like the rash of recent robberies around town. When Kyle and Corey investigate, they learn that in each robbery, the thieves stole a high-end desktop computer. Why? What are they looking for? And how soon till they find it? Other complications include Corey's wheelchair-bound math tutor, Kyle’s after-school job in a local game store and a revolutionary new video game launching soon.

Kyle and Corey: Brothers. Best Friends. Detectives. They don't go looking for trouble; it has them on speed dial!

You can find Kyle & Corey hiding out at Amazon & B&N (Nook)

Add to your Goodreads TBR file

Enjoy an Excerpt

“Wanna have a catch outside?” Corey said after a minute. “Before it gets too 
dark?”

“I guess,” Kyle said without enthusiasm.

“Homework, Corey?”

“It’s Friday night, Mom. Can’t you chill out? Besides, I did it in school.”

“You always say you do it in school—then I get your report cards and they say 
you haven’t turned it in.”

“They must be losing it, then. I’m doing it.”

Mrs. Holley shook her head. She knew Corey and knew that nagging him about it was hopeless. “Clear the table before you go.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Corey cleared the plates, glasses and silverware, put the napkins and salt and pepper shakers in the kitchen, and covered the leftover food. Without being prompted, Kyle wiped down the table, the counter and the stove, and swept the floor.

Mrs. Holley watched through the sliding glass door as they hurried outside. As always, any sport absorbed Corey, but baseball was his favorite. He pitched for the local rec department team for most of the year, and hoped they’d eventually add a travel league. For his sake, she hoped so, too.

Outside, Corey and Kyle pulled on their baseball gloves and lobbed the ball back and forth across the wide backyard. “So what’s our next case?” Corey asked. “It’s been a long time since summer.”

Kyle snorted. “That was a one-off, dude. It won’t happen again. They do have a police force here, you know.”

“But we were great together! Bet we could make something happen again.”

“If we do, the cops’ll be after our butts, for sure. They didn’t like it when we made them look bad by catching those bank-fraud guys.”

“If we’re catching crooks, who cares if it’s us or them?”

“They care. They’re the ones paid to do it.”

My Review

4-Stars

A thoroughly enjoyable read, for young and old alike. I was impressed with the boys’ intelligence, their commitment, and their overall attitudes as teens and pre-teens. While they could be a bit stubborn when the situation called for it, over all they were respectful.

The adventure itself was predictable, but still well worth the read, especially for the middle school reader. My pre-teen grandson loved it and gave it two thumbs up as well.

This promises to be an excellent series with the ability to engage readers who might not always be inclined to pick up a book. Definitely reminiscent of the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys of my youth.

Meet the Author

JOE STEPHENS has been a fan of boys’ adventure books all his life, and in this, his first series book, he’s created two boys as memorable as Frank and Joe Hardy. He has a background in education and has also visited more than thirty countries while pursuing his passion for scuba diving. He lives in Georgetown with his growing family and three thoroughly spoiled cats.

Enter the Giveaway

Joe Stephens will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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It has been my pleasure hosting today’s guest. Please come back again tomorrow for another author, book, and giveaway. Then, again on Monday to help us celebrate a Book Birthday!

Nancy

BACKUP OFFER by Author Liz Crowe **REVIEW** **GIVEAWAY**

Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome author Liz Crowe back to the blog. Today, we’re featuring her latest book, Backup Offer, Book 9 of the Stewart Realty series. You can all the stops on Liz’s tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win a $20 gift card.

GENRE: Contemporary Romance

About the Book

An ex-boyfriend, his massive dog, her small apartment and no hotel rooms in sight. What could go wrong?

When Blair ended things for good with her long-time boyfriend, she knew she’d have to get away--and stay away--from him. Which meant leaving family, friends, and the only life she knew in Michigan in her rear view mirror and opening a farm-to-table restaurant in a new city. Being owner/head chef keeps her plenty busy, especially since “Blair’s Kitchen” has become the talk of the restaurant scene thanks to its fresh approach to food, drinks, and paying her staff a living wage. She’s managed to avoid traveling home for almost a decade, but when her best friend needs her help, she drops everything and heads back, figuring she’s had enough time away to resist Brandis’ pull.

After years spent fighting addiction and the fall-out from personal tragedy, including losing Blair thanks to his own bad behavior, Brandis has spent the last ten putting his life in order. As the third generation president of his family’s successful construction company, he’s added several new services, including a program that hires at-risk teens and pays them to learn construction skills. He’s also reconstructed his relationships with his family, and is his older sister’s go-to kid wrangler. He’s even adopted a dog, thanks to some donated renovation time spent at the local animal shelter. He’s got everything he needs—except a girlfriend.

When the contractor she’d already paid to build her restaurant’s expansion takes her check and vanishes , leaving her with a giant mess and little money, Blair only hesitates a moment before calling Brandis. She’d managed fine when she’d seen him in Michigan, after all. What could go wrong? Famous last words, she figures, when she realizes that the weekend he comes to evaluate her crisis is so busy there isn’t a hotel room to be found in a ten mile radius. So they settle in to a routine—her, her one-time boyfriend, and his giant, slobbering dog in her small house. It doesn’t take long for the temptation of close proximity to give way, and while Blair is determined to make it nothing more than physical, Brandis has other ideas.

The end of the Stewart Realty series saga brings the second generation full-circle in ways many never expected, but no one regrets.

Get Backup Offer at your Favorite Retailer

Read an Excerpt

“Let’s not dirty any more dishes,” he said. “And I hope you get Disney because I’m in a retro Star Wars mood.”

“Of course I do,” she said.

They passed the carton back and forth, keeping some distance between them on the couch while the dog chewed her bone, then stretched out on the rug and cut a loud fart. “Wow,” Blair said, waving a hand in front of her face.”

“Oh, that’s nothing,” Brandis said. “It’s one of the reasons I don’t give her processed dog food. Her digestion is…delicate.”

“I don’t know if delicate would be the word I’d use.”

He shrugged and ate the last bite, then took their spoons and the empty container back to the kitchen. When he returned, he sat, and pulled her feet onto his lap. She tensed, but he started rubbing her feet, which made her forget pretty much anything else. She must have dozed a little because she opened her eyes, the dog was on her eye level, looking at her curiously. “You snore,” Brandis said. “Freaked her out a little.”

“Ugh,” she said, rolling onto her side. Brandis kept his hand on her leg, resting it on her hip while the movie ended. The next thing she knew, she was being carried, tucked into bed, a finger tracing her cheek and lips. Half asleep, she opened one eye. “This is weird, and I’m sorry I’m being so…”

“Horny? I’m not sorry.” He brushed her hair off her face, his touch gentle.

“So needy,” she said. “But also…unavailable at the same time.”

He shrugged, leaned over and whispered in her ear. “I know how you feel. And I’m okay with this, for now.” He pressed his lips to her neck, just below her ear. She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him close a few seconds, then let go and rolled away from him, exhausted, sore, happy, and sad all at once.

My Review

5 Gloriously Entertaining Stars

Okay, first off, I’m a sucker for romances with big, slobbery dogs. They’re my weakness. However, I’m also a lover of good stories and that’s just what Backup Offer is.

While this book is part of a series, it easily stands on its own as a hilarious, sexy romance. It will also make you want to go back and read the other eight books in the series.

Liz Crowe gives us plenty to chuckle about, as well as scenes to swoon over. Who doesn’t love a second-chance at a happily-ever-after?

If you enjoy your contemporary romance with some laughs, some emotion, and lots of steam, you’ll love Backup Offer.

Meet the Author

Liz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville living in Central Illinois. She's spent her time as a three-continent expat trailing spouse, mom of three, real estate agent, brewery owner and bar manager, and is currently a social media consultant and humane society development director, in addition to being an award-winning author. With stories set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch, inside fictional television stations and successful real estate offices, and even in exotic locales like Istanbul, Turkey, her books are compelling and told with a fresh voice. The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight, at times frustrate, and always linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.

Follow along with Liz online:

Liz's Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Newsletter Sign Up 

Amazon Author Page ~ BookBub ~ Goodreads

Enter the Giveaway

Liz Crowe will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~ ~ ~

Thank you so much for stopping by today. Please come back all week for more authors, books, and giveaways.

Nancy

IN DAYLIGHT AND DARKNESS by Author Dana Ardis **REVIEW** **GIVEAWAY**

Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome author Dana Ardis to the blog. We’re featuring her new release, In Daylight and Darkness. Book 1 in the new Worldwalkers series. You can find all the stops on Dana’s tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Remember to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win a gift card. The entry form is at the bottom of this post.

GENRE: Romantic Fantasy

About the Book

Lots of kids have imaginary friends, but Kate had an entire imaginary world to visit when she was a girl. When she keeps insisting that her friends are real, she ends up in an institution, where she is forced to put that part of her life behind her. Shortly after Kate turns eighteen and leaves Bayshore Psychiatric to start a normal life, her old friend Cor returns, transformed from the boy she loved into a handsome but guarded stranger. His world is darker than the fun and games she remembers from childhood and he warns her that the monsters there can hunt her now that she lives on her own. If she’ll come back to his world long enough to learn the magic she needs to defend herself, he’ll agree to stay out of her life. He’s only imaginary, but it gets harder and harder for Kate to think of saying goodbye.

Get your copy of In Daylight and Darkness on Kindle Unlimited.

Enjoy an Excerpt

The sun set without any trouble. For the second night in a row, I didn’t see anything I wasn’t supposed to. I pushed the cold cup of coffee away, relieved.

Then Cor walked through the door of the diner.

After everything I’d gone through, part of me still wanted to rationalize why no one stared as he walked to my table despite his tangerine hair and his long, black coat. Maybe he stood out less in my sketchy neighborhood. Maybe people assumed his impossibly bright hair came out of a bottle.

No. No one else could see Cor because he didn’t exist. I couldn’t make excuses for him anymore. By now, I knew better than to think imaginary friends were harmless.

I didn’t want to see him, but I couldn’t quite ignore him, either. He stopped just outside the range of comfortable conversation, his golden eyes not quite meeting mine.

If I’d meant to ignore him, I should have stayed in my apartment, taken my sleeping pill like usual, and been out like a light before the sun had slipped beneath the horizon.

“Cor,” I said, his name familiar on my tongue, though I’d sworn I’d never say it again. His narrow shoulders relaxed just a bit at the fact I didn’t say his full name, as a stranger might have.

“Kate.” He spoke so softly, the name almost sank beneath the level of diner chatter. Or the sound of the blood pounding in my ears. He slid in to the opposite side of the booth.

He’d never been shy like this as a child.

The last time I’d seen him, five years ago, he’d been hardly more than a kid, spindly with sudden growth, stricken by my disbelief. It unsettled me to see him recast as this nervous stranger. His face was long and lean, his features angular and stark, handsome but subtly inhuman. His alien eyes, yellow-hazel with a vertical pupil like a cat’s, had changed the most. I didn’t recognize the hardness in them at all.

I was not prepared to have him sitting here, real as real, toying with the salt shaker.

My Review

4.5-Stars

Imagine growing up in an environment where everyone who matters to you thinks you’re mentally ill, even when you’re not. After enough time, you begin to question your own reality. Kate, the heroine in In Daylight and Darkness, is finally easing her way back to a life with some semblance of order.

Unfortunately, that order is interrupted by the very person/situation that cost her nearly everything in the first place. Cor is there to protect her. Or, more precisely, to teach her to protect herself from the dangers of his world.

The author did a wonderful job of dealing with the delicate issue of mental illness. As well, Cor’s world was beautifully written to the point that I had no trouble visualizing it.

My only drawback with the ‘strings’ at the end. While I appreciated the happy-for-now ending, I felt there were some issues unresolved. However, with any luck, we’ll get a Book 2 featuring some of the interesting characters from this story, which will tie everything up in nice neat bow.

Meet the Author

Dana Ardis grew up surrounded by books and decided she likes it that way, pursuing a career in public libraries. Now she writes her own books, creating the rich worlds and vibrant characters that tugged at her imagination as a child.

In addition to writing, she loves art, board games, travel, and anything to do with dogs.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

Enter the Giveaway

Dana Ardis will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thank you so much for joining me today. Please come all week for more authors, books, and giveaways.

Nancy

STARTING OVER IN CEDARWOOD by Author Megan Slayer *BOOK BLAST* *GIVEAWAY*

 

Notes FromNotes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome back author Megan Slayer with her new release, Starting Over in Cedarwood. You can follow all the stops on Megan’s tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter drawing. You can find the entry at the bottom of this post.

GENRE: Contemporary LGBTQ Erotic Romance

About the Book

Starting over might just bring them the love they deserve.

Shaun Fallows came to Cedarwood to start over. He wants to be done with dating, but the moment he sees Kevin, the sparks are off the charts. He can't get the sexy man off his mind. So much for not wanting to get involved. Kevin is the man of his dreams. Can he convince Kevin to give him a try or will the romance end before it gets the chance to begin?

Besides, there's the small issue of Kevin's cat...

Kevin Keiser did the dating thing and ended up burned. One of the few bright spots in his life is his cat, Leo. The animal might be a bit prickly, but he's been a good meter for who Kevin should date and who he should avoid. He wants a boyfriend who isn't put off by his pet. Shaun sure seems to fit the bill. Is he just another man or the love Kevin's been waiting for?

Get Starting Over in Cedarwood at Your Favorite Retailer

Enjoy an Excerpt

©2021 MeganSlayer All Rights Reserved

“Excuse me. Do you have soggy buns, too?”

Shaun froze, then looked at Cara, who’d gone pale. She hadn’t been the one to ask the question and the speaker didn’t sound like Warrick. Shaun turned his attention to the one who had spoken. Kevin. Shaun’s breath lodged in his throat. The man was even more handsome up close. Shaun noted the sprinkling of hairs on Kevin’s cheeks and the lines crinkling at the corners of his eyes. Were those flecks of silver at his temples, too?

Kevin cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. The other table is complaining about the buns being subpar. Are your dining choices up to your standards?”

“Uh…” Shaun had to sound intelligent, not silly, but he couldn’t manage to form a normal sentence.

“They’re great,” Cara said. “Thank you.”

“Are you sure? We’re here to provide a fine dining experience,” Kevin said. “At decent prices.”

“You sound like you’re a walking advertisement,” Shaun managed. He balled his hand on his thigh under the table and drew in a deep breath to center himself. He’d never had problems talking to guys before now. “I don’t think our buns are soggy.” He smiled and met Kevin’s gaze. “But I would like to ask you a question.” Christ. Confidence, don’t fail me now.

“Do you need more ketchup? Some of the bottles are low.” Kevin shook his head, then reached across the table to retrieve the bottle. “I let Buzz handle it and he only filled about half of them.”

“No.” Shaun touched Kevin’s forearm, stopping him. The move also sent tingles along Shaun’s nerve endings. His synapses stood at full alert. “I… Would you like to grab a beer sometime?”

“Oh.” Kevin froze and confusion clouded his eyes. “You want to go out with me?”

“I do.” Shaun mustered his confidence. “I know it’s a strange time to ask you that, but I wasn’t sure if I’d get to see you again. It’s just beers or coffee, but I’d like to go out sometime with you.” Christ. He’d managed to stumble over everything he’d just said.

“Uh, sure.” Kevin stood at his full height and clasped his hands together. “But you’re sure you’re happy with the food?”

“Very.” Shaun scrawled his number on a piece of paper. “Call me when you’re free. I’d like to buy you that beer or coffee.”

Kevin tipped his head and a slight smile curled on his lips. A crooked smile. “I will.”

When Kevin walked away, Shaun considered what he’d done. “I asked him out.”

Meet the Author

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been nominated at the LRC for Best Author, Best Contemporary, Best Ménage, Best BDSM and Best Anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library.

Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

Amazon Author Page ~ BookBub ~ Goodreads ~ Newsletter

Enter the Giveaway

Megan Slayer will be awarding a prize pack featuring a necklace made by the author to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~ ~ ~

Thank you for joining us today. Please come back all next week for more authors, books, and giveaways.
Nancy

HAWK by Author Amber Malloy **REVIEW** **GIVEAWAY**

Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome author Amber Malloy to the blog to discuss her new her release, Hawk, Book 3 of the Perfect Stats sports romance series. You can find all the stops on Amber’s tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter drawing for a chance to win an Amazon or B&N gift card. The entry form is at the bottom of this post.

GENRE: Contemporary Sports Erotic Romance

About the Book

Hawk thought he had everything he wanted until Lexington Waters showed up. That’s when he discovered he needed so much more.

Tech Guru Lexi Waters needs to snatch her company out of the grasp of her greedy ex-husband. The only problem is the restraining order that keeps her away from the business she built from the ground up. With no money left to her name, Lexi is forced to go back to Chicago and face the first man to ever let her down—blues legend Sugarfoot Moe Waters, her father. While she’s stuck fixing up his crappy bar, the last thing she needs to deal with is a pushy, arrogant professional hockey player—Hawthorne Maze, aka Hawk. Hopefully the gorgeous distraction won’t derail everything she has worked so hard for.

From the outside looking in, Hawk’s life seems perfect. Professionally, he’s at the top of his field, and personally, he has his pick of any groupie. Orphaned by teenage parents, he only knows is that his mom is white and his dad black. Other than that, there are only two people he considers family—his childhood friend Gavin Knox and geriatric bar owner Moe. He thinks he knows everything about the famous blues artist, but the sudden appearance of his hot-ass daughter is not only unexpected but also unwanted. Contemplating retirement, Hawk needs to figure out what to do next, but fate keeps throwing the sexy egghead Lexi in his path.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Who’s on a first-name basis with their parents?”

Lexi’s head jerked up to find problem number two in her crosshairs. Hawk leaned against the doorway, shooting her a lazy smirk she’d fought hard to ignore the entire day.

“That sounds like a question for Moe.” She trained her face into a blank slate, devoid of emotion. Lexi wished she could say the tech world had taught her that trick, but unfortunately that particular talent was a holdover from her shitty marriage.

“It’s just curious I’ve worked here for a few years and haven’t seen you, not once?”

As Hawk graced her with a lopsided smile, bright specks of brown and green twinkled in his hazel eyes. Similar to a bad kid, mischief was written all over his pretty mug. Maybe in another life she would have played with him, but unfortunately Josh had stomped out any sort of good humor. “That is another question for Moe. So far you’re batting a thousand.”

“Well, let me hit you with one that you can answer.” He pushed off the door and brought a picture frame from behind him. “Why did you hide all this awesomeness in the stockroom?” Standing smack in the middle of sexiest people she’d ever laid eyes on, the big guy held up a trophy.

“Ah, what sport is that?” she asked, completely in the dark.

“Hockey.”

Imagining the man spinning a graceful figure eight, she coughed into her hand, hiding her chuckle. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but Moe’s is a blues bar, right?”

“Got it. I’m no Louis Armstrong, but I’m a championship winner—and Chicago loves their winners.” Arrogant much? She bit her lower lip to stop all the smart remarks from flying out of her mouth. “Blues and hockey aren’t exactly peanut butter and jelly.”

“Point,” he sighed, evidently done with dispensing the charm.

“They don’t mix.” Lexi leaned back in her seat. “Honestly, these people probably think you’re just a really big bartender.”

My Review

4 Stars

A well-done sports romance, the author brings a bit of intrigue and a lot of steam to the complex story of Hawk and Lexi. I enjoyed their interaction out of the bedroom as well and would have loved to have seen more of it.

Hawk showed a vulnerable side in his love for blues music, old movies, and Lexi. However, from time-to-time he seemed a bit needy or moody.

I love a good complex plot to go with my steam and this one qualifies what with the heroine’s tussle with her ex over her business.

If you’re a fan of sports romance books, you will enjoy this book

Meet the Author

Amber Malloy dreamed of being a double agent but couldn't pass the psyche evaluation. Crushed by despair that she couldn't legally shoot things, Amber pursued her second career choice as pastry chef. When she's not writing or whipping up a mean Snickers Cheesecake, she occasionally spies on her sommelier. Amber is convinced he's faking his French accent.

Amazon Author Page ~ Gooodreads ~ Twitter

Enter the Giveaway

Amber Malloy will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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It has been my pleasure welcoming Amber to the blog today. Please come back again on Friday and then all next week for more authors, books, and giveaways.

Nancy

A FAIRYGODMOTHER'S REDEMPTION by Author Maya Tyler **REVIEW** **GIVEAWAY**

Notes From a Romantic’s Heart is pleased to welcome author Maya Tyler to the blog today to share her new release, A Fairy Godmother’s Redemption. You can find all the stop on the tour at Goddess Fish Promotions. Don’t forget to check out the giveaway for a $25 gift card. The entry form is at the end of this post.

GENRE: Paranormal Romance

About the Book

If only your dreams could come true with a Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo…

Becoming the legal guardian for his half-sisters puts a wrench in Drew's college plans. Photo-shopped nudes of Seraphina threaten her promising singing career.

Sounds like a job for a Fairy Godmother.

Purchase A Fairy Godmother’s Redemption

Enjoy an Excerpt

PR is straightforward, but love is complicated…

Sera stood to the side of the wide ribbon, wearing a white blouse and multicolored silk scarf, holding a ridiculously large pair of scissors.

He winced at the size of the scissors. “You’ve got to be kidding.”

“No. And these things weigh a ton too.”

Drew raised his eyebrow in challenge.

“You lift them.” She handed him the scissors.

“Damn. What are they made of? Osmium?”

Sera shot him a quizzical look. “What’s that?”

“It’s a metal that’s twice as dense as lead. A heavy metal, you could say.”

Sera laughed. “For that corny joke; you can cut the ribbon yourself.”

“I’m not the person all these people—” He gestured to the growing crowd. “—came to see.”

“I was having an off-day.”

“What?”

“The day in the café. I’m not usually such a diva.” She blushed. “The whole photo release thing has been so embarrassing.”

“Look. You don’t have to explain.”

“I wanted to tell you.”

Krista bellowed for Sera.

Sera wrinkled her nose. “Duty calls.”

“Go.”

Sera took a few steps, then turned back to get the scissors. “Oops. I might need these.”

Madison elbowed Drew in the ribs. “She’s pretty. I think she likes you.”

Madison’s words startled him. He’d completely forgotten about the girls. He glanced around until he got eyes on Mackenzie. They deserved better. Someone who knew how to take care of them.

“…and she’s a princess.”

“What are you talking about, half-pint?”

Madison directed a very serious look at Drew. “Cinderella met and fell in love with a prince… so it makes perfect sense that you met a princess.” She looked very pleased with herself. “Now, you need to fall in love.”

Drew smiled ruefully. “It’s a little more complicated than that, half-pint.”

“How come?”

It was a good question. And one that Drew couldn’t answer.

My Review

3 ½ Stars

The Fairy Godmother’s Redemption was a cute and fun to read YA story. The characters were very likeable and shared the spotlight well without overshadowing the main characters.

I felt this was more fantasy than paranormal as there were really no scary/paranormal elements to it. And, the romance didn’t really work for me in terms of timing.

That said, it is a really fun story with some laugh-out-loud situations and dialog. If you enjoy your YA on the lighter, funnier side, you should enjoy this book.

Meet the Author

Maya Tyler is a multi-published author of paranormal romance novels and blogger at Maya’s Musings. An avid reader, Maya writes the books she loves to read—romances! Her paranormal romances come with complex plot twists and happily-ever-afters.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, listening to music (alternative rock, especially from the 1990s), practicing yoga, and watching movies and TV.

Maya loves to hear from fellow authors and readers! Please connect with her through social media.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

Enter the Giveaway

Maya Tyler will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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It's been my pleasure hosting Maya today. Please come back all week for more great authors, books, and giveaways.

Nancy