Book Blitz for Warming My Winter Heart by Michelle Cornish with a Giveaway

 

Warming My Winter Heart
Michelle Cornish
Publication date: November 22nd 2020
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

You can’t run from love forever . . .

When Lexi Blair comes home to Little City from LA for Christmas, she gets the surprise of her life—the ex-fiancé she thought was dead is very much alive and wants her back!

It’s Christmas Eve and Lexi’s seen a ghost. Or . . . she thought he was a ghost until her mom admits to faking his death so Lexi would come home for Christmas.

After a humiliating run-in with her ex—which results in Lexi disowning her mother—she hides out at her best friend’s tree farm, babysitting a nameless puppy while her friend and hubby tend to a family emergency.

But farm life comes with a few perks Lexi isn’t expecting—mainly a hunky farmhand who’s helping Lexi run the place until her friends return.

While Lexi ran from Little City, John ran to it, and she quickly learns he’s healing from past hurts of his own.

Can Lexi and John stop running before it’s too late?

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—

EXCERPT:

Before long, Mom has dinner on the table, and when we’re seated, she says grace. Mom’s always loved going to church on Christmas Eve, but after her big fight with Aunt Flora, she started going every Sunday and doing things like saying grace.

Dad gives me a fully loaded, sideways look that says, “Yeah, your mother still hasn’t talked to your aunt and we still do these things to make it okay in her eyes.” I give him a nod. Does he know what they fought about that Christmas? He took a misdirected punch while he and Ian pulled Mom and her sister apart. That was before Ian became the biggest boob on the planet. Ugh.

“Oh, Lexi, I almost forgot.” Mom draws my attention back to the present. She grabs a box from the kitchen. “I got Christmas crackers.” Ooh. Seems hardly worth it for the three of us, but I do love Christmas crackers. Their gold and silver foil shines as Mom hands one to Dad and me then places one next to her own plate.

I look inside the cracker for the pull tab and grip it firmly then cross my arms, offering the Christmas cracker to Mom on my right and reaching for Dad’s cracker with my right hand.

“Ready?” Mom says. I’m transported back in time as I nod then Mom issues her standard Christmas cracker instructions. “On three. One . . . two . . . three!”

We all pull hard on our crackers against each other and our three little crackers pop and snap while bits of ripped paper scatter across the table. If Mom and Dad had a cat, it would have run for cover.

“Ooh, look,” Mom says. “I got a magnifying glass.” An urge to make a snarky comment about Mom’s eyesight and “how did the Christmas elves know?” pops into my head, but I let it go. I just got here, no need to start a fight just yet.

I check the table for my prize while Dad holds up a giant sparkly paperclip. “Not sure what this is about,” he says.

“It’s a bookmark, dear.” Mom touches Dad’s hand as she says it. She must have splurged on the premium crackers that encourage you to spend more money by showing you on the back of the package what you’ll get.

Something shiny catches my eye on the floor. “Ooh,” I say, leaning over in my chair to pick up my prize. “I got a pen.” I hold it up like it’s some kind of trophy. At least it’s something useful. I place it on the table right next to the fuschia paper crown that also spewed forth from the Christmas cracker.

“Put on your crown.” Mom flutters her hand in my direction. She’s already wearing hers. Dad somehow “accidentally” ripped his, so it won’t stay on his head. Lucky guy. I put on the crown. My cheeks burn a bit, and I feel like I’m ten again—the last year I remember actually liking these silly crowns. I scan the table hoping a bottle of wine has materialized in the last few minutes. Nope.

Author Bio:

Michelle Cornish is a recovering CPA with a passion for stories. Writing mostly romance and women's fiction with strong female heroines, Michelle's books often include nods to her former life as a CPA. When Michelle’s not writing, she’s hanging out with her two boys and husband in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada.

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Spotlight for The Way We Weren't by Phoebe Fox

An unlikely friendship between a septuagenarian and a younger woman becomes a story of broken trust, lost love, and the unexpected blooming of hope against the longest odds.

"You trying to kill yourself, or are you just stupid?"
 
Marcie Malone didn't think she was either, but when she drives from Georgia to the southwestern shore of Florida without a plan and wakes up in a stranger's home, she doesn't seem to know anymore. Despondent and heartbroken over an unexpected loss and the man she thought she could count on, Marcie leaves him behind, along with her job and her whole life, and finds she has nowhere to go.
 
Herman Flint has seen just about everything in his seventy years living in a fading, blue-collar Florida town, but the body collapsed on the beach outside his window is something new. The woman is clearly in some kind of trouble and Flint wants no part of it—he's learned to live on his own just fine, without the hassle of worrying about others. But against his better judgment he takes Marcie in and lets her stay until she's on her feet on the condition she keeps out of his way.
 

As the unlikely pair slowly copes with the damage life has wrought, Marcie and Flint have to decide whether to face up to the past they’ve each been running from, and find a way to move forward with the people they care about most.

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 Phoebe Fox is the author of the Breakup Doctor series (The Breakup Doctor, Bedside Manners, Heart Conditions, Out of Practice) and has been a contributor or regular columnist for a number of national, regional, and local publications, including the Huffington Post, Elite Daily, and SheKnows. A former actor on stage and screen, Phoebe has been dangled from wires as a mall fairy; was accidentally concussed by a blank gun; and hosted a short-lived game show. She has been a relationship columnist; a movie, theater, and book reviewer; and a radio personality, and currently lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two excellent dogs.

Book Blitz for Moxie by Michelle Cornish and a GIVEAWAY

 

Moxie: A Salvation Society Novel
Michelle Cornish
Publication date: November 7th 2021
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance

A WWII love at first sight romance with dual timelines, codebreaking war heroines, and prisoners of war.

People always asked Faye why Will called her Moxie.

It started with a dare at a dance in 1942 that ended in a kiss. Will loved that story.

But there’s more to the story than that. Much more . . .

Gretchen knows this story well. Her grandfather told it over and over while he was alive. But when Gretchen goes home to Jersey to be by her grandmother’s side one last time, Grandma Faye tells a different version of the story.

She knew the moment she saw him, they were meant to be together. Her girlfriends may have dared her to kiss him, but she would have anyway. Then the war got in the way. Faye thought she’d never see Will again. Until that night he took her breath away.

Will may have given Faye the name, but he’s the one with all the moxie.

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—

EXCERPT:

“I’m fine. I just feel so free, you know. Look at everybody.” She held her hand out to the dance floor. “You’d hardly know there was a war on if it wasn’t for the . . .”

“Uniforms?” Liz attempted to finish Faye’s sentence.

Staring at a group of soldiers, Faye nodded slowly. A group of five men in khaki uniforms and garrison caps, which she couldn’t help wondering if they would fall off as they danced, caught her attention. She admired the broad back of one of the men. He seemed to be holding a drink in one hand and the short, buzzed hair that stuck out from under his cap appeared to be blonde.

Out of Faye’s periphery, Darla elbowed Liz. “I think she sees something she likes.” She raised a brow just as Faye turned toward her.

“Maybe I do.”

“Dare you to plant a big wet one on him,” Darla challenged.

“Ha!” Faye was already thinking something similar.

“Darla,” Liz started, but whatever she said, Faye didn’t hear the rest of it. She was already marching toward the group, keeping pace with the song. Her hips swinging to the rhythm of the drums, the brass section filling her with confidence.

She stepped up to the soldier, his friends peering at her over his shoulder. When he turned around, she stood there for a second, their eyes locked.

“Hello, soldier.” Her eyes didn’t wander from his. His face was even more stunning than his backside. A chiseled jawline, bright blue eyes, and a plump, kissable mouth. She touched her lips with her tongue and bit the bottom one.

He reached up to remove his hat, but before he could say anything, Faye pressed her lips to his, catching the soldier by surprise and throwing him off balance.

She wasn’t sure if it was because he was off balance and he had to grab her to stay upright, but he squeezed his arm around her—the one that held his hat—and deepened the kiss.

Hoots and hollers sounded around them. “All right, Will,” someone cheered.

When they pulled apart, all Faye could do was stare at the man who’d just given her the best kiss of her life.

“Well, hello to you too.”

Faye blinked and a smirk broke out across her face.

“Well . . .” The group of soldiers parted as a haughty woman in a WAVES uniform stepped up to Faye.

“Rita?”

“You sure got a lotta nerve, missy.” She stood, hands on hips, her face inches from Faye’s.

“Oh, I’m . . .” Faye took in a breath, considering an apology. She hadn’t realized the soldiers already had women with them. If she had, that kiss would never have happened. The distinctive smell of hard liquor filled Faye’s nose. Rita had clearly been enjoying a few stiff ones. Was that a good idea while wearing a uniform?

“Moxie,” said the soldier. Had someone called him Will? “It’s called moxie, Rita.” He refused to take his eyes off Faye as he spoke, stepping between the two women.

“It’s Ensign Johnson,” she barked then spun on her heel and stomped off.

Faye suppressed another smirk at the sight of her bright red lipstick smeared haphazardly round the soldier’s lips.

He shoved his hat in his pocket then took her hand and pressed his lips to the back of it, eyeing her intently all the while. The music faded into the background. “Will Burke,” he said, handing his drink to the soldier next to him, still holding her hand.

“Faye Brownlee.” She pulled a tissue from her purse and fixed the soldier’s face. “Sorry about that.”

“Don’t be.” He still stared so intently at her, but she wasn’t uncomfortable. She turned to introduce Darla and Liz, sensing they were behind her. Their mouths gaped back at her. Darla would know better than to challenge her again. Unless she was prepared to lose. Faye never lost a bet. Her brother had taunted her enough growing up that losing was never an option.

Author Bio:

Michelle Cornish is a recovering CPA with a passion for stories. Writing mostly romance and women's fiction with strong female heroines, Michelle's books often include nods to her former life as a CPA. When Michelle’s not writing, she’s hanging out with her two boys and husband in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada.

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Spotlight for Mona Passage by Thomas Bardenwerper

 A former Coast Guard officer’s debut novel exploring the moral question of who has a right to a better life.

Mona Passage By Thomas Bardenwerper

 

“Thomas Bardenwerper will keep you engaged to the very last page with this well-crafted and often thrilling exploration of moral quandaries that challenge us all.” ― E. J. Dionne Jr., author of Code Red

On a moonless night, two vessels converge in the Mona Passage, a stretch of ocean separating Hispaniola and Puerto Rico. One is a U.S. Coast Guard cutter, the other a primitive motorboat overloaded with Cuban migrants. In that moment, a young Coast Guard officer must make a decision that could save the life of a woman he knows while possibly ruining his forever.

Mona Passage (Syracuse University Press; ISBN 978- 0815611394; on sale November 15, 2021; $29.95) is the story of two neighbors in San Juan, Puerto Rico: Pat McAllister, a Coast Guard officer whose cutter patrols the Caribbean Sea for drug traffickers and migrants, and Galán Betances, an entrepreneur who escaped Cuba by raft as a child, leaving his mother and his special-needs sister behind.

Pat and Galán bond during evenings spent atop their Calle Luna rooftop, as they share beers and trade stories from their distinct worlds. In time, Galán becomes like an older brother to Pat, whose actual beloved brother, Danny, is suffering back home from the emotional scars incurred as a soldier in Iraq.

When Galán returns to Cuba for his mother’s funeral – his first time back on the island since his traumatic departure decades before – he learns that his sister, who is now alone, will be committed to a poorly run mental health facility. With no way to bring her legally to the U.S., Galán considers whether Gabriela could make the risky journey to Puerto Rico via the Dominican Republic and Mona Passage. Pat, whose Coast Guard cutter routinely interdicts these boats loaded with migrants in search of a better life, warns Galán that such a journey will be treacherous—perhaps fatal. Aware of the dangers but determined for Gabriela to live a full life, Galán hands over all of the money he has to a Dominican smuggler based out of a San Juan nightclub, and Gabriela begins her terrifying journey.

Knowing that his cutter may be all that separates Galán and Gabriela—and haunted by the human suffering he has witnessed at sea—Pat must decide. Will he remain true to his oath, as his older brother had done in Iraq? Or will he risk his own future—and perhaps his freedom—for his closest friend?

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“A suspenseful, humane novel, moving in its portrait of families divided by the hostilities of their governments, in this case Cuba and the United States.” ― Tobias Wolff

 “What would you risk for a sister, a brother, a friend, a stranger? Mona Passage is one of those rare novels that will expand your heart.” ― Janet Benton, author of Lilli de Jong

“An engrossing five-star read from a talented new author—not to be missed!” ― Jim Howe, author of Red Crew

About the Author: Thomas “Buddy” Bardenwerper served for five years as a Coast Guard officer aboard cutters homeported in Maine and Puerto Rico, participating in humanitarian and law enforcement missions from Canada to Colombia. He spent two years living in San Juan and has twice traveled across Cuba. Bardenwerper brings fresh perspective in this debut novel for readers who are interested in underrepresented voices in American fiction.

Mona Passage was the second-place winner in the inaugural Syracuse University Press Veterans Writing Award as determined by final round judge Tobias Wolff. The Veterans Writing Award considers unpublished, full-length novels or short story collections in manuscript form by U.S. veterans and active duty personnel as well as their immediate family members.

Bardenwerper’s career in the Coast Guard came to an unexpected end when he was medically retired in 2018 for Type 1 diabetes. Thanks to the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program, Buddy will be earning a joint degree from Harvard Law School and the Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2022. Mona Passage is Bardenwerper’s first book.

Book Blitz for Beast by Cambria Hebert

 

Beast
Cambria Hebert
(House of Misfits, #4)
Publication date: November 12th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fairy Tales, Retelling, Romance

A tale as old as time…

A charismatic man cannot see beyond his own
brilliant reflection, never learning that true beauty lies within.
His selfish behavior draws the ire of a witch with enchantment on her wicked tongue.
A fiery curse is unleashed, engulfing the self-centered man’s entire existence.
When at last the flames are extinguished,
he gazes upon his reflection to discover he is no longer breathtakingly handsome
but condemned with scorched flesh and twisted scars.
He is no longer a man at all… but a beast.
While the ferocious beast rages, alienating everyone far and wide,
a woman whose beauty is far more than skin-deep
dwells in a world much simpler than his.

The beauty’s quiet life is disrupted when she is ambushed, threatened,
and boldly steps in the path of her father’s debt.
However, it’s not the thugs on her tail or the roaring beast
testing her patience that threatens to be this sassy beauty’s downfall.
It’s the way her heart flutters whenever he is near.

But some curses just can’t be broken, and really…
How can she truly ever love a beast?

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—

EXCERPT:

“How long has it been since you’ve had a shower?”

“Are you saying I stink?” I yelled.

“Yes,” she deadpanned.

I drew back, shock rendering me silent.

“Damn. Is that all I had to do to get you to shut up all this time? Just tell you, you stink?”

I low growl vibrated my throat. It hurt, but I didn’t stop.

Her eyes rolled. Their color was beautiful, reminding me of roasted chestnuts from street vendors around the holidays.

I wondered if I’d even be able to walk the street this year. My face would probably scare everyone.

“I’m asking because now that your bandages and stitches are removed, it would be a good time to shower off before I re-cover it all.”

“I haven’t had a shower since before. Only a couple sponge baths.” Then a piece of the old me slipped out, a piece I’d thought had been gone for good. Leaning in with a slight smirk and naughty whisper, I asked, “You offering to give me a sponge bath?”

Without missing a beat, she also leaned in. “I guess I am.”

The messy room fell away, and for a moment, I forgot I was a hideous, exposed beast overwhelmed with discomfort and cast aside by the people I’d trusted. All that remained was a pair of hickory eyes regarding me with sassy mirth. Her crimson-stained lips pursed, and my eyes lingered upon them, suddenly so incredibly hungry. Unlike mine, her skin was flawless, smooth, and richly pigmented.

She’s beautiful.

The long column of her neck was graceful and always exposed because the curls on her head were short and wild. My fingers itched to wrap around it, gripping with just enough force to possess her while my mouth devoured hers.

“What’s the matter, Ander? Not used to someone calling your bluff?” Her voice was amused but hushed, and something deep inside me howled in delight that she might not be as composed as she portrayed.

I leaned closer, noting the way her nostrils flared. We were so close now we shared the same breath. Hers smelled faintly of mint and was more rapid than before. “Who said I was bluffing?” I whispered.

Her cheeks turned slightly reflective, taking on a glossy sheen, and she pulled back, eyes flaring just a bit. She was flustered.

Author Bio:

Cambria Hebert is an award winning, bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: The Hashtag Series, Text, Torch, and Tattoo.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

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Release Tour for Destiny's Calling by Tracey Broemmer

 

Rae stumbles into a bar and finds herself twenty years in the past. When she falls in love with Chip and decides to stay in the year 1980, she gets thrust back to her present. Can Rae get back to Chip, if only to say goodbye? Readers who enjoy Christina Lauren and Emma St. Clair, will love Destiny’s Calling by Tracy Broemmer, a time travel, romantic comedy.

Blurb

In the year 2000, Rae Warner is an up-and-coming attorney, with a pretty quiet social life. She’s been out on a couple of lukewarm dates with a new guy, and she’s (not terribly) excited about where it might go.

So when she stumbles into what she thinks is Barney’s Tavern in 2000 to grab a quick bite to eat and a cold drink on the way to a meeting and collides with blond, muscle-bound Chip Andrews and realizes she is actually in the Hi Hat Tavern in 1980, she fantasizes about never going home. What’s wrong with staying in 1980?

Everything, of course! Her life is in 2000. Her big brother (who’s most likely responsible for sending her back twenty years in time,) her career, and her home are in 2000. However, as long as she’s here, and blond, muscle-bound Chip wants to flirt with her, it won’t hurt to flirt back, will it?

Rae soon realizes she’s not very good at casual flirting, and the more time she and Chip spend together, the more she likes him. Not just his blond, muscle-bound good looks, but his smile and the fact that he likes to dance and he likes pina coladas and the way he makes her laugh…

What would it hurt to stay in 1980? Rae finds it harder and harder to remember why she needs to get back to her life, to 2000. She might be in love with Chip Andrews, so maybe she could just stay in his time and find happiness with him. Except, suddenly, she finds herself back on Broadway standing outside Barney’s Tavern…in the year 2000.

Instead of being happy to be home, Rae is desperate to get back to 1980 for just one last kiss…So, how does she convince her brother that she really did jump from 2000 to 1980 and back to 2000 and how in the world can she get back to Chip, if only to say goodbye?

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Excerpt

Copyright 2021 Tracy Broemmer

Rae groans as she collides with what feels like a brick wall. She looks up, unnerved to find herself face to face with a drop-dead gorgeous kid. He looks like he could be romance novel cover model material with his longish, dirty blond hair that curls around his neck and his ears. His brown eyes. Rae is so close to him, she can see tiny little flecks of gold in them. His tanned face looks soft, but the line of his jaw is firm. Five o’clock shadow covers his lower jaw and chin. Rae finds herself wondering what that five o’clock shadow would feel like if he kissed her. Maybe if he kissed her neck. Her stomach.
Embarrassed, she ducks her head again. What on earth is wrong with her? Fantasizing about kissing a total stranger, one who doesn’t even look legal to be in a bar as a matter of fact. She swallows hard, reminds herself she needs to get in touch with Charlie so she can get some cash to pay for her dinner. She really needs to eat.
“Hi.” The kid’s voice is gravelly and sexy. Much too sexy for his age. And for her good. “Let me help you out,” he offers.
“No, thank you. I just need to call my brother.”
“Really,” he says and smiles as he reaches to pull a bill‐ fold from his pocket. “Lemme get it for you.”
Rae watches as he pulls out the bills to cover her meal. She looks back at the bartender who is watching her with more interest than suspicion. He’s not concerned she’s going to bolt out the door without paying for the food she’s ordered.
“Okay,” she concedes. “But let me go ahead and call Charlie. He can bring me the cash to pay you back before you go.”
“Whatever.”
Rae steps around him and remembers the feel of his body up against hers. Lean and hard with muscle. She shakes her head again and hurries to the back of the bar. Now this makes her nervous. Standing in the back of a tavern with a bunch of men in the room behind her and the men’s room two steps away. She might be a black belt, but she’s not too excited about needing to use those moves.
She looks back over her shoulder. Money Boy is watching her. He offers her a reassuring smile. It should make her feel better that someone is watching her back. But she can’t help but picture his lips again, so soft-looking, and the five o’clock shadow and the way it might feel to kiss him. To hear his sexy voice say her name.
A wave of heat tingles inside her. It starts in her belly and crawls lower. She feels it out to her fingertips. How ridiculous. It’s not like it’s even been that long since she’s seen Paul.
Not like Paul has ever made you burn with anticipation over a simple kiss, either.
“Stop it!” she hisses to herself. She digs for change and curses when she chips a nail. She drops the coins to assess the damage. A bit of the burgundy is now gone from the acrylic tip of her index finger.
“Dammit!”
“Everything okay, miss?” Money Boy calls.
“Yes!” she snaps and then feels bad. He’s only trying to be helpful. “Thank you.”

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About Tracy Broemmer 

An only child, Tracy Broemmer grew up with a wild imagination. An avid reader from a young age, she spent a lot of time with her nose buried in books and a lot of time making up her own stories. She penned her first book in grade school and hasn’t stopped writing since then. When she’s not writing, you might find her with a book in hand, or maybe a glass of wine, or maybe a book in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. Tracy enjoys spending time with her family, traveling with her husband of twenty-eight years, music, NFL, and MLB. Tracy is the author of the Lorelei Bluffs women’s fiction series, the Williams Legacy, and several stand-alone women’s fiction novels. She has recently dabbled in contemporary romance, as well. Tracy’s books have been called gripping, emotional, and timely, and readers describe her characters as real and relatable.

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Cover Reveal for Wild and Bright by Skyler Mason

 

Title: Wild and Bright

Series: Toxic Love Series

Author: Skyler Mason

Genre: Rock Star Romance

Release Date: December 11, 2021

Cover Design: Book Cover Couture

Five years ago, I broke the boy-next-door’s heart.
Now Camden Hayes is a rock star. He’s every bit as seductively beautiful as he was years ago, and yet he wants ordinary me to pose as his live-in girlfriend for the next six months. If I agree, I’ll walk away with enough money for my little girl and me to live comfortably for years to come.
The catch? He still hates me. This is only a temporary arrangement for him.
I can’t let it become more for me.

~~~

The woman who betrayed me is in desperate need of money. Lucky for me, I have a lot of it.
Since the band’s world tour is cancelled, I’ll be living in San Diego for the first time in years. It’s the perfect opportunity to finally get over this irrational longing for Lauren Henderson. For the next six months, I’ll spend every waking moment getting everything I’ve ever wanted from her.
The catch? At the end of this, I have to let her go.
No matter how badly I want to hang on.

Skyler is a romance novel reader first and foremost. Her books feature strong heroines who sometimes make their heroes cry, but only because they deserve it. After all, if romance isn’t angsty, is it even worth it?

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Book Review for The Wedding Ringer by Kerry Rea

 The Wedding Ringer by  Kerry Rea

Paperback, 368 pages

Publication: November 9th 2021 by Berkley Books

Genre:  Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit

 

From Goodreads:  A woman who wants nothing to do with love or friendship finds both in the unlikeliest ways in this hilarious and heartwarming debut by Kerry Rea.

Once upon a time, Willa Callister was a successful blogger with a good credit score, actual hobbies, and legs that she shaved more than once a month. But after finding her fiancé in bed with her best friend, she now spends her days performing at children's birthday parties in a ball gown that makes her look like a walking bottle of Pepto Bismol. Willa dreams of starting fresh, where no one knows who she used to be, but first she needs to save up enough money to make it happen.

Maisie Mitchell needs something too: another bridesmaid for her wedding. After a chance encounter at a coffee shop, Maisie offers to pay Willa to be in her bridal party. Willa wants nothing to do with weddings--or Maisie--but the money will give her the freedom to start the new life she so badly desires.

Willa's bridesmaid duties thrust her into Maisie's high-energy world and into the path of hotshot doctor Liam Rafferty. But as Willa and Maisie form a real friendship, and Liam's annoyingly irresistible smile makes her reconsider her mantra that all men are trash, Willa's exit strategy becomes way more complicated. And when a secret from Maisie's past threatens to derail the wedding, Willa must consider whether friendship--and romance--are worth sticking around for.

My Thoughts:  Oh Willa.   Her life has taken a bad turn, but she keeps herself in that lane for way too long.   I know there is no time frame to get over finding your best friend in bed with your fiancée, but she wallowed in her pain.   But with all this wallowing she finds herself in laughable situations over and over again.    Dressing up for kid’s parties does not go as planned.   Being a bridesmaid for Maisie had me laughing out loud so many times.    The good thing is that by keeping herself busy has brought her around to finding ways to be happy again.  

I enjoyed how understanding her sister is while still pushing her to get out of her funk and start living again.    I laughed at all the self-help books that were left around all while Willa was having no part of it.   The nieces were sweet and so true to how little ones are that I felt like they were exactly what Aunt Willa needed.

The Wedding Ringer is a sweet and fun book.  I laughed many times and shook my head at Willa just as much.  

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Kerry Rea lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband and their small army of dogs. She grew up in Youngstown, Ohio and graduated from The University of Notre Dame. She believes that a happy ending is always possible. Visit her at authorkerryrea.com and on Instagram at @authorkerryrea, and on Twitter at @kerrymrea.

 

 

Audiobook Review for Running on Diesel by Melissa Foster

 Running on Diesel

The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor, Book 9

By: Melissa Foster

Narrated by: Savannah Peachwood, Jacob Morgan

Series: The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor, Book 9

Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 09-15-21

Language: English

Publisher: Melissa Foster

 

Publisher's Summary

A funny, sexy, and emotionally riveting stand-alone contemporary romance by New York Times best-selling author Melissa Foster. Running on Diesel is the perfect love story for those who enjoy fiercely loyal and insanely sexy alpha heroes, smart, sassy heroines, strong family bonds, bikers, babies, and more!

Desmond “Diesel” Black is a Nomad with the Dark Knights motorcycle club. He protects others with his life and always rides alone. Tracey Kline left the only family she had for a man who broke more than her spirit, leaving her untrusting and on her own. When a twist of fate reveals pieces of the other no one else sees, will they be able to help each other mend their past hurts and learn to trust the chemistry and connection that’s too strong to deny?

The Whiskeys are perfect beach reads with depth of story, strong family ties, and a wealth of emotions. Small-town love stories with happily ever afters guaranteed. The Dark Knights motorcycle club is not a typical MC book. These bad-boy bikers are tough, but they have hearts of gold...and they're not afraid to use them.

Audiobook Review:  Jacob Morgan and Savannaha Peachwood, the narrators for Running on Diesel, brought this story to life. I am not sure that I ever needed to listen to a book as much as I have this one. I found myself taking the long way home just so I could hear one more chapter, cleaning a little longer so I could hear what would happen next, and sneaking away just to listen longer. Both narrators took Melissa Foster’s tough ALPHA and made him the sweet, sexy ALPHA that Tracey needed. The narrators do not just read the book, they bring the emotion, the feelings, and the characters to life. eBook Review:  I have anticipated Diesel’s story for so long. He has worked at the Whiskey Bar with his growl and scowl for a couple years and the sparks have flown between Tracey and him for the entire time. When Running on Diesel came across my desk, I was so excited. I started the book, turned page after page, and could not put it down. Diesel’s story is one that was not shared in other books in this series, he was a BIG dark secret, but I knew that his life had not been easy. As he fell for Tracey, he opened his heart and let his past come out. In letting it out he learned more about his family, himself, and what his future could be if he just let people into his life. I loved seeing him become more open to people, let people into his life, and show how he cared for others. Do not get me wrong, he kept his growl and scowl, but his smile showed up a little more often. Once again Melissa Foster wrote a book with angst, laughs, love, and friendships. She took tough characters and opened their hearts showing them that there was more to life then what they had. She matched up two people who were perfect for each other. I will be looking for glimpses of Diesel and Tracey’s future in other Love In Bloom Books.   ➜AMAZON: https://smarturl.it/RODa_Amazon ➜APPLE: https://smarturl.it/RODa_Apple ➜AUDIBLE: https://smarturl.it/RODa_Audible ➜GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59015044-running-on-diesel   Meet Melissa Foster: Romance  |  Literature & Fiction  |  LGBTQ+ NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Download FREE first in series! www.MelissaFoster.com/LIBFree Never miss a release and get a FREE Braden/Remington short story!   Sign up for Melissa's newsletter: www.MelissaFoster.com/Newsletter   Melissa writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women's fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa's fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big-family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summers, Bayside Summers, Harborside Nights, Wild Boys and Bad Boys After Dark, Tru Blue and the Whiskeys, the Wickeds, and the Montgomerys. Melissa's emotional journeys are always family oriented. Perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex and relatable issues. Melissa also writes sweet romance with no harsh language or explicit scenes under the pen name Addison Cole. Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod. Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on social media or her personal website. "Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" -NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely "With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" -NYT Bestseller Julie Kenner "What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately. I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." NYT bestseller, M.J. Rose "You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!" New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak "Melissa Foster is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Fated For Love was amazing. It kind of reminds me of Jill Shalvis' books and they are my benchmark for contemporary romance awesomeness." --Books Like Breathing Comments from Melissa: I grew up in Maryland with my mother, a slew of wonderful brothers, and never a shortage of friends or pets. I am passionate about writing, reading, living healthy, and helping others do the same, and I enjoy just about anything outdoors (and anything chocolate!). I love to chat with readers and book clubs, and welcome your comments and suggestions. Feel free to email me. You can also catch me on Facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor. Thanks for reading!

 

Spotlight for Last Stop on the 6 by Patricia Dunn

 Last Stop on the 6 by  Patricia Dunn 

Kindle Edition, 357 pages

Publication: November 9th 2021 by Bordighera Press;

 

 

Take from Goodreads:  Angela Campanosi fled her home in the Italian-American enclave of Pelham Bay, the Bronx, after an accident left her brother, Jimmy, an up-and-coming actor, paralyzed. Now, ten years later, on the eve of Jimmy’s wedding, anti-war activist Angela returns home from LA to grapple with the guilt, secrets, and idiosyncrasies that make family, family. What could possibly go wrong?

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Meet Patricia Dunn:  (Take from her website):Patricia Dunn is the author of the young adult novel Rebels by Accident (Sourcebooks Fire). Her writing has appeared on Salon, in The Village Voice, The Nation, LA Weekly, The Christian Science Monitor; in the anthology Love, InshAllah: The Secret Love Lives of American Muslim Women (Soft Skull); and elsewhere.

Patricia has been Senior Director of the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College, and is co-founder of The Joe Papaleo Writers Workshop in Cetera, Italy. This Italian-American, Bronx-raised, rebel has traveled the world. These days, she can be found on her living room couch working on her next novel, or zooming with aspiring and established writers, of course, always in a suit and tie. Last Stop on the 6, her first novel for adults, is forthcoming with Bordighera Press, Fall 2021. Patricia holds an MFA in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College.

Agent: Cynthia Manson, Cynthia Manson Literary Agency

Picture compliments of Gary Gershoff