#Book Blitz #Jewel of the Alien Bandit by Sky Robert(Treasures of Trillume, 1) @Xpresso Book Tours31/1/2023
Jewel of the Alien Bandit
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GIVEAWAY! Today is my stop on the blog tour for the second book in Christine DePetrillo's lovely Maple Leaf series. It's a sweet and entertaining romance set in a small Vermont town and it is out now, so if you are a fan of the genre make sure you check it out! About the book: "I don't usually trust my heart, but I know it's not lying to me about you." Sage Stannard is grumpy. Having just attended her cousin’s wedding in California, she’s at her limit for watching happy couples stare dreamily at one another. She’s never had anything but quick romps back home in Vermont that always turn out to be mistakes. Big ones. Maybe moving out of her mother’s house and taking a stab at online dating will add a little excitement to this caterer’s stale life. Maybe it’ll bring more disappointment. Who knows? Chainsaw artist Orion Finley is on a mission to get his daughter, Myah, back from his ruthless ex-wife. Only trouble is his ex-wife is a crafty lawyer with connections—ones that give her the upper hand. She even managed to get custody of his dog, Ranger, just to drive the stake deeper into his heart. His father always told him women were poison, especially the pretty ones. Why hadn’t he listened? Well, he was listening now. When Sage and Orion meet over a bloody couch, the gates are opened to a path neither of them is quite ready to travel on. Will they stumble? Will it be all uphill? Or will the end of the path be just the new beginning they need? Buy Links: Get Your Copy Today! Catching Up with the Series: More Than Pancakes More Than Cookies More Than Rum More Than Pizza More Than Cocoa More Than Peaches More Than Candy Corn My thoughts: If you've read More than Pancakes, the first book in Christine DePetrillo's Maple Leaf series, chances are you are already in love with her sweet, but strong and caring characters Lily and Rick, and I bet you couldn't wait to read the next story. You will also be delighted to find out Rick and Lily also make appearance in this new book, although this time it is about Sage Stannard, Rick's cousin. The story begins with Lily and Rick's wedding and happy as they are for their cousin's future marital bliss, Sage and Hope can't help longing for meeting someone who'd love and cherish them as much. Unfortunately for Sage, she hasn't had much luck with relationships that turn out to be short-lived. Sage would love to move out of her mother's home, but then she gets a shock of her life by finding a shot man in the living room of her recently found dream house. A brief conversation in the hospital where Sage took Orion Finley and Sage knows this quiet man has been hurt and is going through tough times fighting his ex-wife, but he is also a strong and loyal man, a man after her own heart. Christina DePetrillo knows how to draw you in into the story and make you root for the characters. It is easy to sympathise with Sage and her desire for something more meaningful after numerous disappointments. Orion's bitter divorce has left him unable to trust all women in general. He is a tender father and would do anything for his daughter. Apart from these realistic moments and swoonworthy romance there's also mystery, suspense, and intrigue to keep you turning pages into the small hours. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fast-paced stories with brooding single dads, slow-burn romance with caretaking and drama with a hateful ex. Rest assured, the ending won't disappoint! Can't wait to read the next book in the series! Author Bio: Christine DePetrillo can often be found hugging trees, conversing with dragonflies, and walking barefoot through sun-warmed soil. She finds joy in listening to the wind, bathing in moonlight, and breathing in the fragrances of things that bloom. If she had her way, the sky would be the only roof over her head. Her love of nature seeps into every story she tells. As does her obsession with bearded mountain men who build, often smell like sawdust, and know how to cherish the women they love. Today she writes tales meant to make you laugh, maybe make you sweat, and definitely make you believe in the power of love. She lives in Vermont with her husband and many woodland creatures who defend her fiercely from all evils. Author Links: Website | Newsletter | Bookbub | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tiktok #Sales Blitz #More Than Cookies by Christine DePetrillo #Maple Leaf Series #Romance @InkSlingerPR26/1/2023
We’re so excited to be sharing More Than Cookies, a small town romance from Christine DePetrillo that’s out now!Title: More Than CookiesAuthor: Christine DePetrilloGenre: Small Town RomanceAbout More Than Cookies:"I don't usually trust my heart, but I know it's not lying to me about you." Sage Stannard is grumpy. Having just attended her cousin’s wedding in California, she’s at her limit for watching happy couples stare dreamily at one another. She’s never had anything but quick romps back home in Vermont that always turn out to be mistakes. Big ones. Maybe moving out of her mother’s house and taking a stab at online dating will add a little excitement to this caterer’s stale life. Maybe it’ll bring more disappointment. Who knows? Chainsaw artist Orion Finley is on a mission to get his daughter, Myah, back from his ruthless ex-wife. Only trouble is his ex-wife is a crafty lawyer with connections—ones that give her the upper hand. She even managed to get custody of his dog, Ranger, just to drive the stake deeper into his heart. His father always told him women were poison, especially the pretty ones. Why hadn’t he listened? Well, he was listening now. When Sage and Orion meet over a bloody couch, the gates are opened to a path neither of them is quite ready to travel on. Will they stumble? Will it be all uphill? Or will the end of the path be just the new beginning they need? The Maple Leaf Series, contemporary romance "Fears, pride, love, passion ~ beautifully woven together with substance and depth." Other Series by Christine DePetrillo The One Kind Deed Series, contemporary romance "The town, the people, the love story... a perfect romance." The Warrior Wolves Series, paranormal romance "Full of memorable characters with a solid plot and plenty of passion."Get Your Copy Today!Catching Up with the Series:More Than PancakesMore Than CookiesMore Than RumMore Than PizzaMore Than CocoaMore Than PeachesMore Than Candy CornAbout the Author:Christine DePetrillo can often be found hugging trees, conversing with dragonflies, and walking barefoot through sun-warmed soil. She finds joy in listening to the wind, bathing in moonlight, and breathing in the fragrances of things that bloom. If she had her way, the sky would be the only roof over her head. Her love of nature seeps into every story she tells. As does her obsession with bearded mountain men who build, often smell like sawdust, and know how to cherish the women they love. Today she writes tales meant to make you laugh, maybe make you sweat, and definitely make you believe in the power of love. She lives in Vermont with her husband and many woodland creatures who defend her fiercely from all evils.Connect with the Author:Website | Newsletter | Bookbub | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TiktokSea of Snakes
-- EXCERPT: “It’s a protection job,” says the clipped voice. “We need you to hold her for us. She’s collateral for a debt.” “What does that entail, exactly?” “Like I said, we need you to hold her for us.” The voices pauses. “You can do whatever you like with her while she’s with you.” “Oh, really?” Now he has my interest. “How long do we need to keep her for?” I wonder what the other guys are going to think of this. “No more than ten days,” says the voice. “That’s how long our associate has to repay his debt.” “How is this associate connected with this girl?” Skyler’s been teaching me to ask more questions rather than just accepting information at face value. I’m trying. “You ask too many questions. But it’s her father.” “How old is she? An adult, I am assuming? We’re not babysitters.” “Yes, an adult. Not that it’s any of your business, but he crossed a contact back on the mainland and is here on what he believes to be a business trip. His debt has been on-sold to us, and he’s evidently having a little trouble accessing funds, as his primary asset source has been frozen.” “I see.” I need to know more. There must be an end game to this. Tane wouldn’t ask us to help if he didn’t have a grand plan, or if he simply intends on disposing of her after the time is up. “And if he doesn’t repay it? What happens then?” “She’ll be auctioned off to the highest bidder. And I have a feeling she’ll attract a high price. Maybe higher than the value of the debt. Even if the debt is repaid, we might reassess our next steps.” His tone is clinical. Jesus, these guys are ruthless. We make sure to do just enough to stay on their good side, but we try to avoid getting involved with the human trafficking and hard drugs that they also control across the island chain. “Oh, so she’s attractive?” He’s really piquing my interest here. Numerous buyers bidding on a woman. I wonder how someone determines the price to purchase a human. This isn’t something we’ve done before, harboring a captive, and it’s definitely on the cusp of what we’re prepared to do. I wonder what Zeke will have to say. Skyler is slightly more mellow than him, but they both tend to be overly cautious. Whereas I’m usually up for anything. And, well, Rake is up for anything involving a woman. “You’ll see.” The voice on the other end lets out an icy chuckle, causing a shiver to creep up my back. I have no doubt that Tane’s men are evil, just like him. I’m no angel myself, but my soul is just dark, whereas his simply doesn’t exist. “Do you expect anyone to come looking for her?” I glance at my free hand again and crack my knuckles. I wouldn’t mind an excuse to use my fists, maybe curry a little favor with our captive to give her reason to be grateful to me. Nothing like a damsel in distress who owes you their life. “That’s for you to worry about,” says the voice. “But again, she’s yours to do with as you please while she’s with you. Just don’t do anything that will… lower her market value too much, if you catch my drift.” “That leaves a lot of options.” I can’t help but grin. The person at the other end of the phone directs me to stay tuned for further instructions, and then they click off the call. It’s been a while since I’ve been around a woman. I tend to avoid them. Sure, I’ll have a little casual fun with a random woman every now and then. No strings attached, a one-time event where nobody catches feelings. But that’s where I leave things. Because ultimately women are dangerous, and from my experience, they inflict nothing but pain. GIVEAWAY! Rescue Me
-- EXCERPT: When I reached the mill, my heart sank. Only one car remained in the parking lot. What were the odds the car belonged to one of the two people that could help me out? I had to try. Parking alongside the red Subaru, I swung myself out of my truck and made my way inside the building. It was quiet. All production had ceased for the weekend. The silence gave the large, cold space an unsettling, almost eerie feel, like the set of a horror movie where the saws would buzz to life, and the clueless guest would disappear forever. I didn’t know where I was going, but eventually I found a door marked ‘R&C Stevenson.’ I took that as a good omen that I’d found the offices of Rich and Carl. After several calming breaths, I raised my hand. Once, twice, I knocked, and on the third try, the door flung open and revealed the most gorgeous woman I’d ever seen. All thoughts left me as I stared at her. Her long chestnut hair was gathered high on her head. The flyaway strands framed her beautiful, heart-shaped face. Her eyes were hazel, and in the early evening light, the gold flecks in her irises appeared on fire. Though she was wearing a dirty pair of gray overalls, I imagined she had a killer figure with the way the material flowed over rounded hips. I realized far too late that I’d been gawking at her. The flush of embarrassment heated my cheeks. “Um, sorry, I … I was hoping to, um,” I coughed and sputtered. She ran her eyes from my work boots to the cowlick on the top of my head. Her perusal was thorough and somewhat unsettling in a good way. “What were you hoping for, Mr. Cooper?” “I’m looking for … Wait, how do you know who I am?” Surely, I couldn’t have met her before. I would have remembered those eyes. They were half meadow and half sky with a sprinkling of sunshine throughout. Her mouth quirked up in amusement. “I try to know what all of my clients look like, even if we haven’t met face to face.” “I’m sorry. Who are you? I need to speak to Rich or Carl Stevenson.” She laughed, and it was a ridiculously beautiful sound. “That would be me.” She pointed to herself. “Carl, not Rich. Well, Carla.” She offered her hand for a shake. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Owen.
GIVEAWAY! Fallen Raven
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play / Special Edition Paperback / Special Edition Hardback -- EXCERPT: “You’ve never been kissed before, have you?” Technically, I’d never been touched before. I’d never had anyone look at me like this before, let alone kiss me. “What’s it to you?” He furrowed his brows and dropped his hands to his sides. He watched me with curiosity as I brought my arms around my belly. Tears stung my eyes because I knew he’d say something cruel again. I knew I was going to have to deal with the fallout come Monday morning. I made to leave, but he blocked me, caging me in again. “Let me show you how.” What? As in, teach me? “Why?” “Because I want to.” He wanted to kiss me? Or teach me? “Why?” “Tell me to go to hell.” He unraveled my arms from around my body and brought my palm to his face. “Say the words. Enzo. Go. To. Hell.” He enunciated every word. The raspy quality of his voice was so sexy and hypnotizing; I wasn’t going anywhere. “What happens if I do?” I moved my fingers ever so slightly. I was afraid if I did more, he’d shut me out again like before. “Then you’re free to go.”
GIVEAWAY! From the blurb: The next delightful novel in Anna Bennett's Rogues to Lovers series! A FISHERMAN’S DAUGHTER Miss Poppy Summers is determined to keep her family’s fishing business afloat. Her poor widowed father has fallen ill, and her foolhardy brother has moved to London, leaving her precious little time to pursue her own dreams. The very last thing Poppy needs to find tangled in her nets is a dangerously attractive man with a head wound—who claims he’s a duke. AND A DUKE OUT OF WATER Andrew Keane is the Duke of Hawking, but he’s having the devil of a time convincing his fiery-haired rescuer of that fact. The truth is, someone in Bellehaven Bay wants to kill him, and he intends to find out who—if he can persuade Poppy to help him. She’s wary of Keane’s scheme but can’t refuse the generous sum he offers in exchange for food and shelter while he recovers. It’s a business arrangement, she reasons…nothing more. ARE ABOUT TO MAKE WAVES As Keane and Poppy work together to solve the puzzle of his attacker, unexpected feelings blossom between them. But Poppy’s past gives her every reason to mistrust someone like Keane, and when all the facts come to light, she must decide where her loyalties lie. Torn between the world she’s always known and the one she’s always dreamed of, she’ll need to trust Keane for a chance at her fairytale ending. Publisher: St.Martin's Press Publication Date: January 24, 2023 Purchase Link My thoughts: A gorgeous romance with a strong, passionate heroine, thoughtful and caring hero, lots of adventures and a mystery to solve- what more can a reader ask? There are also a few hot, swoonworthy, steamy scenes, just to warn you in case you decide to listen to the audiobook version in a public place. Poppy Summers is a fisherman's daughter, hard-working and loyal to her ailing father, her brother who has been drinking and gambling too much, and of course, her friends- Hazel and Kitty. Imagine her surprise when she finds an unconsious man tangled in one of her fishing nets! Poppy tries to help the poor soul by bandaging his head wound and moving him further away from the sea, all the time ignoring his attempts to pass for a duke. She does make a few discrete inquiries later and it turns out Keane was telling the truth- he is the Duke of Hawking! All Keane knows someone tried to murder him and throw his unconscous body in the sea, so he comes up with a brilliant plan to hide away on Poppy's beach for a few days and do a bit of sleuthing in the meantime to find the attacker. Poppy could do with the money the duke offers for staying in her humble beach shack, but more importantly Keane offers an opportunity for an adventure. I was amazed how well Poppy took to her new role of an amateur sleuth and how good she was! Keane and Poppy make up a wonderful couple- they complement each other, listen and learn from each other which is a perfect recipe for a happy relationship. There's a lot more to Poppy's life story and it isn't particularly easy for an aristocrat to gain her trust. Needless to say, this is exactly what makes their story even sweeter and more swoonworthy. Recommended to anyone who likes fun, entertaining historical romance with low-angst and a bit of spice. Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for the review copy provided in exchange for an honest opinion. About the author:
Anna Bennett is the award-winning author of the Debutante Diaries and Wayward Wallflowers series. Her dream of writing romance began during a semester in London, where she fell in love with the city, its history, and its pubs. Now Anna's living happily-ever-after in Maryland with her family, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen. Description Alex Jenkins, an ambitious ex-motorcyclist and heir to billions, fakes his engagement to Evie Cooper to claim his inheritance. But with a single kiss, everything changes. Alex Jenkins has a reputation: he's Atlanta's most eligible bachelor, a former competitive motorcycle racer, and a man who isn't afraid of a bit of a challenge. But when the off-limits marketing intern Evie Cooper catches his attention, self-control has a whole new meaning. Both Alex and Evie attempt professionalism but their undeniable passion pushes them further to the edge. Between in-office outfit adjustments and late-night secretarial work, their close proximity is pure torture. The suspense builds as Evie is reluctantly drawn into an engagement-for-show so Alex can secure his place as the company’s successor. His reputation as a bad boy is not exactly on brand and a serious commitment could prove to his family that he is mature enough to take over. With the engagement comes family drama and the ever-present eye of the matriarch, Alex's steely and strong grandmother, Eleanor Dorothy Jenkins. As Evie becomes immersed in the Jerkins clan, her humble origins come into stark contrast with the snobbery of the billionaire lifestyle. Awash in new-found lust and overwhelmed by a world of luxury, Evie struggles to decipher between what is a ruse and what is real. Can Alex exchange his love for the chase for real love? Can Evie’s spunk and personality win over Alex’s family? Can their raw passion transform their fauxmance into a meaningful relationship? Publisher: Wattpad Books Publication Date: January 24, 2023 Purchase Also available for purchase from Barnes & Noble, Indigo, Books-A-Million, Kobo, Apple, your favorite US indie bookseller, or your favorite Canadian indie bookseller. My thoughts:
I didn't realise that this is the second book in the Pretenders series (the first one dealt with Alex's sister Savannah's love story). You can read Crash as a standalone, but if you want to read Drive, do it first, as there will be multiple spoilers in the second book. If you love the fake dating trope, you know it's all about the motivation, the tension, the suspense -will they get discovered? if they do, what will happen next? will they admit their feelings are anything but fake? Evie Cooper has a very good reason to consider her charming boss's proposal. For the last two years Evie has been raising her teenage sister Sabrina after a tragic death of their parents in a car accident. If only marketing internships paid more. When due to a mix-up with a temporary assistant, Evie's existence is brought to his attention, Alex can't help thinking Evie might be the solution to his immediate problem of proving to his grandmother he has changed his lothario ways and is ready to settle down with a nice, steady girl... It helps that Grandma Eleanor already likes Evie and suspects Alex and Evie are an item. Eleanor is about to choose her successor and the CEO of the company. The only two contenders are Alex and his slimy cousin Beau who has already caused Alex a lot of heartbreak. On the other hand, Evie is desperate for a bit of break, but bills keep piling up and Sabrina is still too young to help her out. Plus, kind-hearted Evie is definitely on team Alex as far as his rivalry with Beau is concerned. But will their ruse succeed once they are surrounded by Alex's family? and will they manage to separate their fake courtship from very real feelings that are beginning to emerge and grow? I have to admit life has dealt Evie a tough hand...Still, the money exchange fake dating is probably one of my least favourite scenarios in this trope. Also, while I could totally understand how a twenty two year old can feel crushed by poverty, I still think Alex could have helped Evie without any stipulations or conditions. He did behave in a very entitled way, coming from the world of privilege. Dual POV narration worked really well in this book, adding to our understanding of the protagonists and how their feelings (which were quite complex and ambiguous even at the beginning of their 'business project') change and develop. The story is entertaining and very easy to get into which is partly due to the writing style full of interesting, memorable detail. I would definitely like to read more books by Tamara Lush. Recomended to anyone who likes the fake dating trope, poverty Vs privilege, family drama and opposites attract-and, of course, anyone who loves a good HEA at the end of their romance book. Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad Books for the review copy provided in exchang efor an honest opinion. Hello Spain, Goodbye Heart
-- EXCERPT: Romance was the last thing Dayna trolled for, but if it rolled in her direction, she wouldn’t rule out a casual fling. But not with a married guy. Mariko elbowed Dayna. “I’ve heard a lot of hot older guys hang out on this side of the Atlantic,” she murmured, eyeing another tall, juicy morsel passing by on his way out the restaurant door. Dayna wrinkled her nose. “Alex is married, in case you haven’t noticed.” “Oh, I noticed. No law against enjoying eye candy.” Mariko grinned. “You should write a sidebar for your magazine article, ‘How To Meet Cute Guys on a Beach.’ Tessa would love it.” “Ha, that’d spice up my travel piece.” Dayna’s editor would love it. “Sprinkling a handsome guy with dead rose petals would be a fresh angle,” reasoned Mariko. “You think?” “You’ve had a sniper dot on Alex the whole time. You may as well write about him.” Alex strolled toward them, and Dayna fantasized a slow-motion movie scene: Arms swinging, he moves toward me, wind teasing his hair, with an I-Want-You-So-Bad expression on his face. His arms scoop me up and he plants a hot, moist kiss on my quivering lips, dissolving me-- The seating hostess snapped Dayna back to reality. “This way, please.” “Oh!” In her haste to follow, Dayna’s foot caught a chair leg and she tripped. After a sloppy recovery, she limped after the hostess with heated cheeks, to a table for three. Mariko jerked her head toward Dayna, smiling sweetly at the hostess. “Don’t mind her. Her name’s Grace.”
GIVEAWAY! #Release Blitz #In the Shadow of a Hoax by Maci Aurora #Fantasy #Romance @Xpresso Book Tours24/1/2023
In the Shadow of a Hoax
-- EXCERPT: “Are you just going to stand there?” Tarley asked from near the fire. She hadn’t looked at him and continued shoving more wood into the fire as if she were trying to make a giant bonfire which was glowing bright as the sun went down, casting the place in long, blue shadows. He started toward her, irritated by her tone. “Do you need all that wood?” Her gaze found him, and her eyebrows arched over her eyes. “You’re welcome to do it.” “I don’t need to anymore. You’ve done it, excessively just as you do everything.” “You’re welcome to do more, your highness.” Lachlan tripped and righted himself. “What’s that supposed to mean?” She stared at him and looked away. “Nothing.” She stomped toward him and snagged the fish from his hand, then stormed across to the wooden plank to prepare them. “What are you doing?” Lachlan advanced on her. “Everything. Excessively,” she said with a caustic bite and slapped the fish on the board and unhooked the first one. “Why didn’t you clean them?” Lachlan rounded the board and with his body, nudged her out of the way. “I can do it.” “Obviously you can’t,” she snapped. “It’s supposed to be done away from camp.” She glared at him. “So bears don’t come looking.” “I didn’t–” Lachlan felt stupid. He knew that. He’d learned it in one of his many survival sessions when he served in the royal army. And yet he’d forgotten, more interested in pushing Tarley’s patience. “Know?” She looked down at the fish. “I’ll take them–” She bit out, reattached the first fish and grabbed the line. “I’ll do it.” Lachlan grabbed the line at the same time. Each of them held the line. Tarley tugged at it. Lachlan tugged back. “Let it go.” “You let it go.” “I said I’d do it,” Lachlan leaned toward her. “But you didn’t. And now I have to fix it.” Tarley leaned closer. “I can clean my own messes,” he said, and his eyes jumped to her lips as his heart thrashed in his chest with a new beat. Her eyes flitted to his mouth, then she leaned back as if pushed and released her hold on the fish. “Fine,” she said and stormed away.
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