Thursday, June 4, 2026

How to Love a Prince by Hayden Stone (Being Royal, #2) ~ Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+, Romance @writerhayden @XpressoTours

How to Love a Prince
Hayden Stone
(Being Royal, #2)
Publication date: June 1st 2026
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+, Romance

What happens when a playboy prince must find a respectable husband to redeem himself and secure the monarchy’s future when he unexpectedly inherits the throne?

About the Book:

When London-based playboy Prince Theodor learns he’s about to inherit the Danish throne, he must clean up his scandalous image by finding an appropriate husband. But his planned redemption arc to audition fake boyfriends to fake marry creates another set of problems, until a fateful trip to Corfu, Greece, leads him to Greek Prince Stefanos, of the former Greek monarchy, and challenges his guarded heart as sparks fly.

It’s too bad they accidentally sink a yacht, which inevitably leads to more scandal, and they must start apart. However, Theodor and Stefanos can’t stop thinking of each other, leading to heated, secret encounters between Greece and England guaranteed to set the tabloids alight once their secret is revealed…

How to Love a Prince, Book 2 in the Being Royal Series, is a light-hearted royal rom-com featuring fake dating, opposites-attract, and forbidden love.

For fans of Red, White & Royal Blue, Boyfriend Material, and The Unlikely Heir.

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Read an Excerpt:

When I pause long enough to go to the bar and get some water, I bump unsteadily into someone. “Sorry,” I manage, clapping a hand on the tall man’s shoulder in apology. It’s solid muscle under my fingers. He’s even more built than I am, and I’ve kept in good shape since my military service years ago and more recent modeling work after that. Before I settled into working with my business partner on our design projects.

The man turns around, frowning, his mouth open to complain. Then his eyes widen in recognition, beneath a tumble of dark, wavy hair.

Of course he’s hot.

I grit my teeth. A hot man is what got me in trouble to begin with tonight. Or, more like, said hot man got himself caught up in the tabloids and then caused me problems.

Also, I might be staring at the stranger.

Not being a British royal usually has its advantages in London. Less recognition, for starters. I’ve lived in London for years now, away from Denmark. I get less than I would get back home anyway, unless on the off chance I come across a Dane or a Danish monarchy enthusiast. Which, surprisingly, happens more often than one might think.

Except I’m hardly being subtle tonight. I want to be seen. Straightening to my full height, I stand my ground in defiance.

Let them photograph me. I insist.

I want Aidan to know what he’s missing. He’ll be sorry then, him and his wretched groom.

Except it doesn’t make things any better, and then it dawns on me I’ve still been gawping openly at a gorgeous man, with olive skin and black hair and blue eyes. Which, I’ve got to say, is a stunning combination known to do a number on me. He’s mesmerizing. I gawp like a tourist taking in one of the wonders of the world. Believe me, he’s one of them. Usually, I’m a shade more coy, to my credit, but I’ve had a lot to drink tonight, and my filter is off. In fact, my filter’s probably tossed somewhere deep in the Thames, like a votive offering right alongside some Bronze Age weapons and Roman coins.

“Prince Theodor?” He has an accent that I can’t quite place. It’s totally hot, though.

“Guilty,” I say flippantly, recovering in an artful facade of manners. I run a hand through my hair. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to crash into you. Shockingly rude. Would you like me to get you a drink to make up for it? Please.”

“No need. Already have one.” The man holds up his cocktail, complete with little umbrella and some fancy garnishes. His eyes dance. “You don’t know who I am?”

If I hadn’t been busy staring at his face like I was trying to etch it into my memory for all time, I would have maybe looked at his hand with its cocktail. Confession time. “To be honest, I barely know who I am right now.”

“Fair.” The grin he gives is spectacular, easy, almost familiar. His white teeth match his white shirt. I shiver. “I can see why you might want to forget tonight. Bad luck about the news.”

Now he looks sympathetic. My face burns.

Oh, hell.

Does everyone follow the tabloids? God, has everyone seen my embarrassment coming before I did?

Even so, do I want to forget this stranger? The probability in truth is at around nil. Around us, the dance music thumps on, people laugh and carry on around the bar where we stand in the shifting strobe lights from the dance floor, all purple and pink and blue.

And then, everything comes crashing down again as his words belatedly register in my brain. My mouth hangs slightly open. So much for finding the evening’s prospect. He’s murdered my opening.

“Ouch, man.” My suaveness has gone right out the door of the club and died on the Soho street. Probably by drowning in a well-trodden puddle. “You had to remind me about the news.”

“Sorry.” He looks contrite. Then he searches my eyes, with amusement lingering in his. There’s no malice that I can see, which makes for a refreshing change, at least. “You really don’t know who I am?”

“How rude, I should have asked your name. I’m sorry, my manners have vanished. Terribly sorry. What’s your name, then?” I ask.

He laughs easily, shrugging. “It’s Stefanos.”

I go back to staring. Something is at last clicking into place through an absinthe-induced fog. No wonder he looks a little familiar. “As in, Prince Stefanos?”

That would be Prince Stefanos of the former Greek monarchy. The Greek Royal Family remains, but in exile outside of Greece, spread across Europe.

“Yes.” Stefanos bows his head. There’s something completely charming in the gesture, almost shy. Certainly self-effacing. “And I’m very sorry about the reminder of the tabloids. I know they’re a pain for all of us.”

“You just re-reminded me,” I complain, but I’m smiling, despite the miserable night he seems to insist on reminding me about, like he’s delighting in a few more twists of the knife. And despite my best efforts to forget about Aidan. A stab wound is like that. My gut twinges. Or maybe it’s the drinks protesting in my stomach.

At any rate, I’m distracted by Stefanos, the moment of his glossy hair as he laughs again, ducking his head down as he breaks my riveted gaze.

“I’ve got to say, the prince-per-capita rating in this club is off the charts tonight.” I gaze openly at him, leaning ever so slightly in. Yes, he’s hot. Confirmed. As if there were any question about his hotness. The evening’s at last starting to look better and better. Thank fuck.

“Absolutely—”

Then, in turn, someone careens into me—and my flirting is officially cancelled.

Because it’s officially messy o’clock at the bar before last call.

And I’m drunk enough to not have my bones left for balance—and I crash hard, my drink splashing him first—and I fall hard right into Stefanos’s chest.

Meet the Author:

More animal than mineral, Hayden Stone is a writer of fun queer fiction, especially with kissing. He currently lives in Victoria, Canada, and has previously lived in Vancouver, Canada and London, UK. He likes strong coffee and is owned by two cats. You can find out his latest news on Twitter or Instagram, or at his website: haydenstonebooks.com

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A Necessary Death by Terri Karsten ~ Terri Karsten ~ Historical Cozy Mystery

 

A Necessary Death by Terri Karsten

About A Necessary Death:

 

A Necessary Death

Historical Cozy Mystery

Setting - A tavern in Colonial Pennsylvania (1764)

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wagonbridge Publishing 

Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 15, 2025

Print length ‏ : ‎ 272 pages

Paperback ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1953444202

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1953444202

Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1953444219

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FLDWVCJW

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With Penelope Corbitt in the kitchen, the tavern will never be the same.

Penelope Corbitt can turn a lump of meat and a bit of flour into a mouth-watering pie or make a tasty meal of cabbage and vinegar. But all her skill can’t save her family in the spring of 1763, when she loses everything to pay off her missing husband’s debts. Walking a tightrope between the freedom of poverty and the confines of propriety, she must accept her stingy brother-in-law’s reluctant charity to keep her family fed and her children close. The miserable journey north from Philadelphia is interrupted when the coach crashes in the mud. Penelope and her children are stranded at a run-down tavern. Penelope doesn’t think things can get worse.

Then she finds a dead man.

About Terri Karsten

Living in the shadow of the Mississippi River bluffs, Terri Karsten has been a writer and educator for many years. She grew up in sunny San Jose, California, playing amid the cherry orchards that soon gave way to houses. In her search for education and adventure, she lived in Iowa and Wisconsin, Mexico and France, before settling into a hundred-year-old house in Winona, Minnesota. She spends most days in her tiny office, surrounded by books, papers, and good memories.

With more ideas than time, Terri writes a bit of everything, ranging from historical fiction novels to picture book folktales to dozens of short stories and articles in magazines, encyclopedias, and newspapers.

When she is not writing, Terri loves poring over old cookbooks and recreating dishes from long ago, especially medieval, Renaissance, and colonial foods. Always ready for the next adventure, she enjoys camping, hiking, and traveling. Her latest goal is to visit National Parks in every state. Only 13 states to go!

Author Links TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

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June 5 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
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June 8 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
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June 13 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT
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Nana Claus and the Thank-You Notes by Kelly Reddin ~ @RABTBookTours #RABTBookTours #NanaClausandtheThankYouNotes #KellyReddin #ChildrensBook


Nana Claus and the Thank-You Notes by Kelly Reddin


Children's Picture Book

Date Published: 07-02-2026

Publisher: Solander Press



About the Book:

Gratitude is important to Nana Claus. Even the smallest act of kindness spreads joy, like sending thank-you notes. Nana Claus helps some special friends learn to write thank-you notes to thank others for what they do for them. Nana and her friends learn about ways to say thank you using short notes.

Read an Excerpt:

 

About the Author:


Kelly Reddin is an award-winning writer and author of the Celebrating Family Series, which highlights healthy relationships between children and the Nana Claus Series, focusing on kindness and friendship. Her short stories and essays have won numerous awards from writing organizations including the Joplin Writers Guild and the Ozark Writers League.

Kelly is a former elementary, middle grade and college educator. Her work at LEGO Education spanned two decades in a variety of positions from Curriculum Specialist to Global Master Trainer. Kelly loves to travel, meet new people, and learn about the world around her. She is active in her community, serving on several non-profit boards.

Join her email list to get updates on her latest releases and her monthly newsletter.


Contact Links:

Website

Facebook: @AuthorKellyReddin

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Pre-order Link:

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The Shores of Our Souls by Kathryn Brown Ramsperger ~ @KathyRamsperger @RABTBookTours #RABTBookTours #TheShoresofOurSouls #KathrynBrownRamsberger #Fiction


The Shores of Our Souls by Kathryn Brown Ramsperger



Multicultural Family Saga / Fiction

Date Published: 4-21-2026

Publisher: Ground One Press



She’s a sheltered American. He’s a Middle Eastern diplomat. Can their love lead to lasting peace overseas?

New York City, 1981. Dianna leaves her small southern town for the bright lights and rich culture of the Big Apple and a prime job at the Met. Sparks fly when she crosses paths with a charming Lebanese diplomat. A shared night of passion launches her into an exciting romance and opens her eyes to a bloody conflict far from home. But as warring factions take hold overseas, she can’t shake the feeling that her new love is hiding dark secrets.

Qasim has never known peace. When he gets the chance to bring his country’s troubles before the United Nations, he abandons his family obligations to heal his war-torn homeland. But his true mission takes a detour when he falls for a beautiful American woman. Against the urging of his closest friend and mentor, he wants to share his heart and hopes with her.

In the face of cultural barriers and mounting war, can Dianna and Qasim find the strength to stand up for their love and a lasting peace?

 


About the Author:


KATHRYN BROWN RAMSPERGER is an award-winning author, editor, and creativity coach. A former National Geographic writer and researcher and humanitarian staff member for the International Red Cross, she has lived and worked in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, regions that deeply inform her storytelling. The Shores of Our Souls is a Foreword Indies finalist and a finalist in the Faulkner-Wisdom Literary Competition. She’s a recipient of the Hollins University Fiction Award.

Having firsthand experience in the places she writes about, Kathryn brings a unique authenticity to her stories, blending rich cultural details with the universal themes of love, redemption, and peace. She studied creative writing at Hollins University, and publications management at George Washington University. She currently lives in Maryland with her husband. They have two adult children, off to their own world adventures, but still parent a feisty feline. Next on their bucket list: Croatia, Portugal, or Tanzania!


Contact LinksL

Website

Twitter

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Purchase Links

https://mybook.to/TheShoresofOurSouls

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Wednesday, June 3, 2026

#BookReview ~ Queen of Blades by Victoria Jayne ~ Dixie Mafia, Book #1 #Mafia

Happy First Book Anniversary to Queen of Blades!
 

Book Details:

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F143XDVF
Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 3, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 356 pages
Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Dixie Mafia Series

Amazon
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About the Book:

Will Paul kill Harper, or will someone else beat him to it?

Paul Ricci had no intention of starting a war between criminal syndicates. Especially over a woman. He’d accepted the bounty on Harper Myers’s head out of respect. They had history, and he wanted to give her a death with dignity.

Unfortunately, his heart had different plans.

As the daughter of an outlaw biker, Harper was no stranger to the politics of organized crime. Despite removing herself from that lifestyle years ago and starting anew as a lawyer several states away, coming home to Oklahoma dragged her, kicking and screaming, right back in.

Someone wanted her dead. It wasn’t personal—just business. The man who had once taken a bullet for her intended to put one right between her eyes.

Would Paul, her fling from the past, be her savior or her executioner? Did her heart know the difference?


My Review:

Queen of Blades is the first book in the Dixie Mafia series. It's the full story of Harper and Paul as adults. Harper left Oklahoma and became an assistant district attorney in North Carolina. When her father requests a favor, she finds herself back in Oklahoma defending her ex-boyfriend. Before she has a chance to leave, Paul materializes, and they pick up almost like there hadn't been so many years since they last saw one another. Then Paul drops a bombshell. She's his target. Now there's a race to unmask who put the hit out on Harper and why, before Paul makes his move, or someone else does.

I was pulled into this world through my reading of Fling of Hearts, the prequel to the series. I could not wait to get my hands on Queen of Blades and getting to see both Harper and Paul as grown-ups. Harper has really done well for herself by achieving her law degree, practicing as an Assistant District Attorney, and fleeing the Roughneck Riders. Her loathing for Diesel, the ex, is strong and believable. The chemistry between Harper and Paul is electric and arcs off the pages. 

I couldn't put this book down!

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:


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