If You Were Mine by A.S. Kelly ~ Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+, Romance

If You Were Mine
A.S. Kelly
Publication date: October 14th 2026
Genres: Adult, Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+, Romance

About the Book:

Levi Anderson has never felt more alone. Since saying goodbye to his husband, he has drifted between long shifts at the hospital and quiet, empty hours in his apartment, surrounded by boxes he can’t bring himself to unpack. He refuses to face the pain — or imagine a life without him.

Shay Miller has never been more furious. In one devastating moment, he lost the man he loved, his job, and the home they shared. He’s barely holding himself together. He’s tried to start over, but deep down, he knows he can’t move on until he lets go of the past — and stops hurting himself.

When fate brings Levi and Shay together, they immediately see how different they are and can’t imagine ever being drawn to one another. Levi is still learning how to live again, while Shay is learning how to forgive.

Yet, with this stranger who’s appeared out of nowhere, Levi slowly begins to open up and trust again. And with this man, terrified of letting himself go, Shay starts to long for someone he can protect and love.

For the first time, the future feels possible for both of them. But Levi doesn’t know Shay has lied about who he is — or that he’s hiding a secret capable of destroying everything, leaving Levi to hate the man he loves for the rest of his life.

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Read an Excerpt:

After about half an hour, I’m standing outside the cafeteria, peering through the window to make sure he’s really inside, waiting for me. But when I see him, sitting at one of the tables, intent on reading the newspaper, the urge to turn around and run away almost gets the better of the strange, inexplicable desire to sit at that table with him.
He lifts his head from the newspaper and scans the room. Then his eyes land on me, watching him from the other side of the glass, as if he suddenly realises someone is there.
I wave at him like an idiot, take a deep breath, walk to the cafeteria door, pluck up courage, and push it open. I cross the space between us with his eyes still on me, and join him at the table. He folds the newspaper and sets it aside the moment my hand touches the back of the chair in front of him.
“You didn’t get anything.”
“I was waiting for you.”
I grip the back of the chair without thinking.
“Do you want to…?” He points to the same chair.
I’d like to, yes. To sit here with you. To talk, maybe even smile at you, to understand who you are and why you keep appearing in my life when I least expect anything to happen. And I wish I didn’t feel guilty towards those who are no longer here, just for thinking and wanting all these things.
“Everything okay?” he asks, after realising I’ve been standing in front of him, just staring.
“I don’t know,” I say honestly.
“And do you maybe want to find out?”
“I don’t know that either.”
He nods slowly, as if turning my words over in his mind.
“All I know is that I want to sit down.”
He sketches a half smile.
“With you.” I don’t know if I’m still breathing as I say it. “I want to sit here with you.”

Meet the Author:

A. S. Kelly was born in Italy and now lives in Dublin, Ireland, with her husband, two children, two cats, and many plants.

She worked as a literary translator for several years before she began writing full-time. Today, her books are available in English, Italian, and Spanish.

A. S. Kelly writes emotional, heartfelt romantic fiction. Her most popular series are The O'Connor Brothers and From Connemara with Love.

She enjoys yoga, running, and swimming. She also loves gardening, photography, and reading mystery and crime novels.

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Jingle Bells, Wedding Vows by Paula Dombrowiak ~ Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Romance

Jingle Bells, Wedding Vows
Paula Dombrowiak
(Hollow Reign, #3)
Publication date: October 6th 2026
Genres: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Romance

He’s the uptight rockstar directing the music for my burlesque Christmas show, and driving the grumpy maestro to throw his sheet music is my favorite hobby.

Then we wake up married, and he can’t remember a single thing about our night together.

Theo Mercer is an arrogant control freak in rolled-up sleeves and glasses who thinks he can tame my headlining act. But on my stage, I call the shots. Beneath the falling stage snow, the friction between us is hot enough to burn the theater down.

When our accidental Vegas wedding explodes across the tabloids, Theo swallows his pride and drops to one knee to propose a holiday charade: play blissfully wedded—which means moving my insufferable new husband into my cramped studio apartment.

Forced proximity beneath the mistletoe turns our backstage feud into breathless passion, and behind closed doors, our fake marriage starts to feel dangerously real.

Except our vows have an expiration date. When the tinsel comes down on New Year’s, Theo has to leave.

He swears he’s coming back.

But I stopped believing in Christmas miracles a long time ago, after a string of men who never kept their word. If I let down my walls only to get burned by my fake husband… I won’t survive the fall.

Jingle Bells, Wedding Vows is Book 3 in the Hollow Reign Christmas Novellas, a series of interconnected, steamy holiday romances. Each book can be read as a standalone and features a guaranteed happily ever after.

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Read an Excerpt:

In sleep, she looks almost angelic.

Which would be a lot more convincing if I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing she’s a complete and utter menace in sequins and red lipstick who has spent the last couple of weeks driving me insane. The star of the Christmas show who argues with me about every note I wrote for her number. The woman who loves to push my buttons like no one I’ve ever met before.

Mara Delaney.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

Do not tell me I did what I think I did.

My stomach drops as I lift the edge of the sheet and look down. Finding myself still in my boxers should be reassuring, but the relief is fleeting, swallowed almost immediately by a deeper sense of dread.

I turn my head toward Mara. The sheet has slipped just enough to expose the curve of her bare shoulder. I pinch the edge of the sheet to lift it.

Please don’t let her be naked. Please don’t let her be naked.

Fuck, she’s naked.

I don’t remember how I got here. Last night is a haze of disconnected pieces, and everything that matters is missing.

I ease out of bed with the stealth of a military operative trying not to set off a bomb. My shirt is draped over a velvet armchair, and I pull it on before anything else because I need at least one layer of dignity between me and whatever the hell happened last night. One of my Vans sits near the bathroom door. I shove my foot into it and search for the other, getting a good look at Mara’s apartment in the process.

I run a hand through my hair and pull it back to stare at it before my brain catches up to what I’m seeing.

There’s a gold band on my ring finger. Not the kind that comes out of a gumball machine.

What the actual fuck?

My gaze snaps to Mara.

I lean over the bed to see Mara’s hand curled loosely around the sheet, dark red polish chipped at the edges.

The ring on her finger matches mine.

This has to be a joke. Some elaborate, deeply unfunny prank, and when I find Casey, I’m going to kill him slowly, because somehow he’s responsible.

There’s a marriage certificate on the nightstand next to my phone.

Meet the Author:

Paula Dombrowiak grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois but currently lives in Arizona. She is the author of Blood and Bone, her first adult romance novel which combines her love of music and imperfect relationships. Paula is a lifelong music junkie, whose wardrobe consists of band T-shirts and leggings which are perpetually covered in pet hair. She is a sucker for a redeemable villain, bad boys, and the tragically flawed. Music inspires her storytelling.

For more ways to learn about Paula and her books, check out her website: @www.pauladombrowiak.com

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#BookReview: Snowflakes Over Micklewick Bay by Eliza Scott #Romance

Snowflakes over Micklewick Bay

A wintry treat brimming with snowflakes, secrets and second chances!

When her beloved Aunt Colleen passes away, settling her affairs means doing the one thing Hannah Merryweather has spent years avoiding: returning to Micklewick Bay, the seaside town she fled years ago and has never quite found the courage to face again.

Coming home means facing the past too. Polly, her stepmother, and Darryl, her stepbrother, still loom large over the life she once knew, and the home she lost is never far from her thoughts.

Then, on her very first day back, she nearly collides with the one man she never expected to see again: Lachie, the kilted, green-eyed Scotsman who stole her heart last spring. His unexpected arrival in Micklewick Bay is the last complication Hannah needs – especially as feelings she thought she’d locked away start to resurface.

As Hannah slowly uncovers just how far her aunt’s plans for her future stretch – including one life-changing surprise waiting at the end of the pier – can she find the courage to claim the life, and the love, Auntie Colleen always believed she deserved?

A beautifully uplifting story of hope and second chances, set in the snow-globe charm of Micklewick Bay.

Perfect for readers who love:

· Cosy seaside fiction

· Slow-burn romance

· Stories about fresh starts

· Female friendship and found family

· Wintry settings

 My Review:

I enjoyed Snowflakes over Micklewick Bay. It's a heartwarming tale of loss, second chances, romance, and finding your place in the world. The place you always deserved.

Hannah's had tragedy in her life in spades. The latest is the loss of her dear Aunt Colleen. This forces Hannah back to Micklewick Bay, one place she fled and never wished to return. The author crafted a fantasic slow-burn romance in a beautiful setting. The characters are wonderful and likable. I love stories about found families, romance, and when the town rallies around the main character. 

The continued world building brings Micklewick Bay to life. Vivid imagery, flowing conversations, introductions of new characters, and strong relationships really bring this story to life. I've only read books 6 & 7 and plan to read the first 5 books as soon as possible.

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:

Purchase Link: Amazon

Meet the Author:

Eliza J Scott lives in North Yorkshire with her family and has wanted to be a writer as far back as she can remember. She is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write heartwarming stories based on romance and friendship with a generous dollop of community spirit and a hint of humour.

When she’s not writing, Eliza can usually be found with her nose in a book or working in her garden doing a spot of plot wrangling (of the writing variety), and battling against the weeds. The weeds, unfortunately, are currently winning but Eliza is undeterred. Roses are amongst her favourite flowers and she doesn’t need much of an excuse to visit a plant centre, where a new rose always seems to mysteriously find its way onto her trolley much to her husband’s astonishment.

Eliza also enjoys having a catch-up with friends over tea and cake, as well as bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop – for yet more tea and cake!

 Social Media Links:

Amazon author page: Eliza J Scott - UK or  Eliza J Scott - US

Website: Eliza J Scott

Twitter/X: @ElizaJScott1

Facebook: @elizajscottauthor

Instagram: @elizajscott

Bookbub: @elizajscott

Threads: www.threads.com/@elizajscott?hl=en

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Haunted Holiday by Lindsey Gray (The Holiday Chronicles, #3) #ReleaseDay ~ @LindseyGray11 ~ Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Romance, Supernatural

Haunted Holiday
Lindsey Gray
(The Holiday Chronicles, #3)
Publication date: September 29th 2026
Genres: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Romance, Supernatural

About the Book:

Everyone in Clarkstown believes they know who killed firefighter Zane Gravenhurst.

His girlfriend, Jillian, sits behind bars, accused of leaving him to die after a rainy night ended in tragedy. The case is all but closed.

Only Zane’s younger sister, Molly, knows the truth isn’t buried because she can communicate with his ghost.

Molly needs help to get justice for her brother.

Her shy neighbor, whom she’s crushed on since high school, Duncan, comes to her aid.

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Read an Excerpt:

Molly

“Molly! Wake up!”

Molly groaned and rolled over to check the red numbers on her bedside clock. She wanted to jump back into the dream she’d been having before the voice rudely awakened her. In that dream, her thoughts lingered on her neighbor, Duncan, the one with the scar etched across his ear. Something in the scene comforted her; she wished to slip back into that warm haze and forget all the chaos that surrounded her.

“It’s five am, Zane. I’m not making you breakfast this early.” Her older brother, Zane, tended to work odd hours as a firefighter, but Molly spent three days climbing out of the grip of the flu going around the high school where she taught theater. She had no desire to indulge her brother’s cravings.

“Molly Gravenhurst. Please wake up. We need to talk,” the new voice pleaded.

The voice of her grandmother, Dawn, reached her foggy brain. Her dead grandmother.

Molly jerked up in bed and focused on the two ghosts that stood at the end. The appearance of her grandmother didn’t surprise her. What her grandmother called her “second sight” made her capable of communication with earthbound spirits. Genuine shock and abject horror slammed into her when she saw her brother, Zane. The night before, he’d been alive and kicking.

“No,” Molly whispered in utter terror. A simple, horrifying truth struck her. If her brother were a ghost, then he was dead.

Molly could see ghosts, a gift she possessed since toddlerhood. Three years ago, when her grandmother died, she and Zane inherited her house and the care of their grandmother’s ghost. While he lived, Grandma Dawn’s ghost remained invisible to Zane. Now, a ghost himself, he could finally see her.

“I know this is a shock, Molly, but Zane needs you to pull yourself together.” Grandma Dawn’s tone snapped Molly out of her silence.

“Wha-wha-what happened, Zane?” Molly fisted her blanket while she tried to gather herself.

“Jillian dropped me off at Paddy’s. He wanted to continue the Halloween party back at his house. After Paddy and I walked into the garage, everything is blank. I appeared in the kitchen here, where I found Grandma.” Zane spoke with clinical precision, not an ounce of emotion. She understood the pain of death since she dealt with the pain ghosts experienced every day.

“Where’s Jillian?” Molly grabbed her cell phone from her bedside table. “I need to call her.”

“She’s asleep on the sofa.” Zane’s voice cracked at the end of his statement. “I just peeked for a second. I can’t go …I don’t …”

Grandma Dawn took Zane’s hand in hers in a gesture of comfort and compassion.

Molly struggled with what to do next. She’d barely adjusted to her grandmother’s death. How could she live without her brother’s hugs, his teasing slaps, or witnessing his love and devotion for Jillian?

“What do I need to do?” Grandma Dawn died in her sleep. She found her in the primary bedroom of the very house she lived in. Where was Zane’s body? If it were at Paddy’s house, Paddy would have called her by now? He was Zane’s best friend. He’d had her number since the day she got it thirteen years ago.

Before Zane or Grandma Dawn had a chance to answer, Jillian burst into Molly’s attic space.

“You’re awake. Thank God.” She burst into the room and threw herself onto Molly’s bed, her blonde hair pulled back into a crooked ponytail. “Zane hasn’t come home yet. It’s still pouring outside. Visibility is shit. What if he got in an accident? What if he and Paddy are in a ditch? What if he tried to walk home and got hit by a car? I’ve called him five times and texted him six times. He hasn’t responded.”

Jillian’s frantic questions made sense, but she couldn’t confirm anything because she didn’t know whether any of those possibilities were correct. Neither did either of the ghosts.

“Let’s think.” Molly pushed away the knowledge of her brother’s death and gathered her thoughts. “You all went to that big Halloween party downtown, right?”

“Yeah. Paddy invited a bunch of us over to his house, but I told Zane I needed sleep. My sinuses have been getting worse. I think I caught whatever you have.” Congestion clogged Jillian’s voice, and tears or illness left her eyes red and bloodshot. Molly’s heart sank. The same symptoms had stalked her for the past several days.

“You dropped him off at Paddy and Lucky’s house, then?”

Jillian nodded. “It started to rain a few minutes before I got here. Now it’s pouring.”

“Let’s call Paddy first. Who else came to the party?” Molly scrolled through her numbers in her contacts to find Paddy’s number.

“Barb Sterling and her husband, Rhett.” Jillian dialed the number on speaker. “Then Marty and Ellen Culver. Maybe Grant Hannah. I think Paddy’s little brothers and a bunch of their friends were in town and staying with him for a while.” Voicemail answered after five rings. “It’s Jillian and Molly. Zane isn’t home. Is he with you, or do you have any idea where he went? Call me.”

“I’ve got Barb’s number.” Molly dialed and placed it on speaker.

“Molly?” Barb answered with a yawn. “What’s going on? It’s the butt crack of dawn.”

“Zane never came home from Paddy’s last night. Did he stay over? We can’t contact Zane or Paddy.”

“Wait a minute.” The sound of sheets and blankets shifting came through the speaker. “Jillian’s car pulled up outside Paddy’s house, but neither of them came in. I tried calling and texting Zane after her car left, but I never got an answer. We left here around two.”

“We need to look for him. I dropped him off and came back to his house,” Jillian’s voice carried extreme anxiety, burgeoning into mania.

“Jillian?” Barb yawned again on her end.

“What’s going on?” Molly heard a sleepy Rhett ask on the other end of the line.

“Jillian said she dropped Zane off at Paddy’s. I never saw him, did you?” Barb asked her husband.

“No. I thought it was weird you said you saw Jillian’s car, but they didn’t come in. But I started singing karaoke with Marty and lost track of everything.” Molly imagined the sound of strangled cats coming from Marty. None of Zane’s friends had a lick of musical or theatrical talent as she did.

Every wasted second ratcheted up Molly’s anxiety. They were no closer to answers. She looked to Zane for any suggestions while Jillian threw out scenarios left and right. Zane shrugged as he watched his girlfriend torment herself with grim what-ifs.

Barb decided she would come pick up Jillian, and they would search around town. Molly agreed to stay home in case Zane made his way back.

Molly knew for an absolute fact that November 1^st would be the worst day of her life.

Meet the Author:

Lindsey Gray is a writer, an over-thinker, and a chronic list-maker, but her passion for writing stories you'll love always tops the list. Her author journey began in 2010 with the publication of her first novel, and she has spent the last decade creating worlds for readers to play in. In addition to her own work, Gray uses her skills in novel formatting for other authors and hosts the weekly show Gray Matters on TMV Cafe Internet Radio. She lives and writes fueled by iced tea, her handsome hubby, and the beautiful chaos of mothering her children.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Amazon / X / Thread / Bookbub / Bookhype / Tumblr / StoryGraph / BlueSky

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It’s All About Love by Cynthia Hilston ~ @RABTBookTours #RABTBookTours #ItsAllAboutLove #CynthiaHilston #LornaandTristan #Historical #WomensFiction

It’s All About Love by Cynthia Hilston

 

 Women's Fiction / Historical Fiction / Romance

Date Published: 11-10-2026

 

 San Francisco, 1967. The Summer of Love promises radical freedom—but for twenty-year-old Juliette, it becomes a dangerous trap.

 

Desperate to escape her conventional family, Juliette shocks her parents by announcing her engagement to David, a long-haired free spirit. When her father, Tristan—a famous novelist harboring a tragic past—vehemently forbids the union, Juliette acts on impulse. In the dead of night, she climbs out her window and flees with David to the counterculture epicenter of Haight-Ashbury.

 

But beneath the cloud of incense and rock 'n' roll, independence carries a steep price. As David drifts into a haze of drugs and broken promises, Juliette’s bohemian dream shatters. Back home, her flight reopens old wounds. Her fiercely protective mother, Lorna, must help Tristan confront the shadows of his past as they desperately try to pull their daughter back from the edge before it's too late.

 

It’s All About Love is a poignant coming-of-age story about the fragile line between rebellion and destruction and the enduring, messy grace of family.

Read an Excerpt:

“I’m getting married!” Juliette burst through the door, holding her ring finger up for the world to see. Well, for my dear husband of twenty-two years and me to see.
            Said dear husband rose from his chair with such gusto that the poor chair clattered to the floor, victim of his temper. “What?!”
            The humid June air clung to the back of my neck as I stood. Pushing my graying hair out of my eyes, I took a step toward my husband and placed a hand on his upper arm. I recognized the fear that flashed beneath his anger. I’d seen that look far too many times lately as she missed her curfew night after night all summer long.  “Tristan, dear, just...calm down, okay?” I cast a pleading glance between him and our daughter. I could see the words on the edge of his tongue. Don’t follow in my footsteps. His own impulsive marriage led to a tragedy that impacted both our lives. I knew the thought of Juliette repeating his mistakes kept him awake at night.
            “Calm down?” Tristan tossed his hands up; then his arms flopped to his thin torso’s sides.
            “Your heart,” I said, stepping in front of him. “Please.”
            He released a sound somewhere between a growl and a groan, then righted his chair and sat. “So, who’s the lucky guy?” he shot at Juliette. “Don’t tell me it’s that long-haired hippie.”
It wasn’t just the hair. David's casual attitude toward drugs reminded Tristan too much of his own dance with addiction, though he'd never admit that to her.
            Juliette stood just inside the open door. Only the screen separated her from darting outside and the darkness swallowing her for another late night. Another night without a curfew. Another night we hoped we could trust her judgment. Another night our little girl proved she wasn’t so little anymore.
            She crossed her arms over her chest and sent her dad a glare worthy of one of his own. Her blue eyes held the same spark that challenged, much like Tristan’s eyes. “Seriously, Dad? Like you should talk.” She gestured toward his messy, longish hair.
            “That’s not the point,” Tristan said, teeth clenched. “You can’t just go running off with the first guy who puts a ring on your finger. If he had any decency, he’d have asked us first.”
            Juliette closed the door and scoffed. “It’s 1967, Daddio.” She popped her gum as she leaned against the table. “I don’t need your permission.”
            “Like hell you don’t.” Tristan stood, the menacing tone creeping back into his voice.
            I came between them. “Okay, both of you… Can’t we talk about this?”
            Juliette shifted her gaze to me. “Mom, please. Can’t you make Dad see reason?”
            I held back a sigh and lifted my hand. About to place it on her shoulder, I resisted and let my arm drop. “Juliette, this isn’t a good idea. David isn’t—”
            “Isn’t what, Mom?” A tremor ran through her voice. She blinked rapidly, then stepped away. She headed for the door to the dining and living rooms, stopping before she exited. “Why can’t you just be happy for me for once?” Her footsteps banged through the house and up the stairs. A slam of her bedroom door and I knew it would be unwise to knock anytime the rest of the night.
 

 

About the Author:

Bestselling and award-winning author of the Lorna & Tristan Series, Cynthia Hilston is a stay-at-home mom of three young kids, happily married, and lives in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. Writing has always been like another child to her. After twenty years of waltzing in the world of fan fiction, she has stepped away to do her debut dance with original works of fiction, although she still dabbles in fan fiction.

In her spare time–what spare time?–she devours books, pets her kitties, looks at the stars, drinks wine or coffee with good friends, and dreams of what other stories she wishes to tell.

Contact Links:

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Instagram

TikTok: @cynthiahilston

Youtube: @cyndihilston

Newsletter

Preorder Link:

https://mybook.to/ItsAllAboutLove4

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Forever Her Cowboy by Peyton Banks (Silver Creek Ranch) ~ Contemporary Romance, Romance

Forever Her Cowboy
Peyton Banks
(Silver Creek Ranch)
Publication date: September 22nd 2026
Genres: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romance

He came to Silver Creek Ranch planning to drift on.
A fearless diner owner gave him a reason to stay forever.

Trent Lawson has spent years drifting from one job to the next.

Since leaving the Army, staying in one place has never felt possible… until he discovered the Silver Creek Ranch, a healing ranch for military veterans.

Then he met Frankie Carpenter.

The beautiful diner owner with the tempting curves, a stubborn streak a mile wide, and a smile that will make a hardened soldier start thinking about things he hasn’t allowed himself to want in years.

But when wealthy developers start pressuring her to sell the diner that’s the heart of the town, things quickly turn dangerous.

Frankie refuses to back down.

And Trent refuses to let her stand alone.

Protecting Frankie was never part of his plan—but the more time he spends with her, the more he realizes Ironhaven might finally be the place to put down roots.

Because some things are worth fighting for.

Forever Her Cowboy is a steamy small-town romance featuring a protective cowboy, a fierce heroine, and a love worth fighting for at Silver Creek Ranch.

Add to Goodreads / Purchase from Amazon

—

Read an Excerpt:

She loved what she did.

Even when she was tired.

Even when her feet throbbed and she desperately wished she had someone to rub them when she was at home.

She loved knowing people chose her place to start their day.

“Order up for table nine!” Chris called out.

She grabbed Trent’s plate before Tabby could. She didn’t know why. Maybe she did. She carried it out carefully and set it in front of him.

“Now this should keep you going,” she said. She rested her hands on her hips and smiled at Trent. “Or are you planning to nap in the barn after this?”

The corner of his lips lifted. “Depends. You offering to tuck me in?”

She blinked.

The laugh that erupted from her came from the gut. She hadn’t expected such a response.

“Well, now. A big strong man like you needs help?” she asked.

His shoulders relaxed. His eyes crinkled in the corner as he reached for his fork.

“Figured I’d try something new.” He shrugged.

Her pulse skipped a beat.

Try something new.

Was he talking about her? It had been a long time since she’d been in the dating pool. She bit her lip and leaned slightly closer to him. She watched him take his first bite of the biscuit and gravy.

“I’m sure you’ll be okay. The food will give you energy you need. Buck’s been running y’all hard this week.”

His eyebrows rose as he chewed. He swallowed and motioned to her.

“Keeping tabs on me, are we?” he asked.

“Maybe,” she said softly.

The air between them shifted.

This was dangerous and exciting.

She’d dated here and there since moving back, but nothing serious. Most of the men in Ironhaven were either married, uninterested, or too eager in ways that made her wary.

Trent was different.

He appeared to be a good guy. The others from the Silver Creek Ranch spoke highly of him. Melah, one of the female hands, had been in the other day, and from what she’d said, Trent was single.

Not that she’d asked.

Okay, she had. She was just curious. She knew he wasn’t from Ironhaven and she didn’t know if he commuted back and forth since Ironhaven had ample ranches and farms that needed good workers.

She couldn’t remember the last time a man’s gaze took her breath away. That happened almost every time Trent looked her way.

“Dinner tonight,” she heard herself say before she lost her nerve. “The special is chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes, and honey butter rolls.”

His eyes widened. “Is that so?”

“Yeah. You should come back.” She tilted her head.

There was something about watching a man enjoy a good meal. Trent was steadily packing away the food that was on his plate. She couldn’t tell where it all went. He was solid muscle and fit.

Her? All of the food went to her hips.

“Unless you are scared of a food coma,” she teased.

“I can handle it.” He huffed a laugh.

She just about fell over at the sound of it. She knew he smiled, but it wasn’t often she heard him laugh when he was here eating.

“I’ll even throw in a slice of cheesecake, on the house.” She lowered her voice just a bit.

He stared at her like he wasn’t sure if she was serious. Her stomach flipped. Was she really flirting this openly?

Apparently, yes.

Was she failing at it?

“Hard to turn down free cheesecake,” he said.

“Good.” She straightened to her full height. “Don’t forget we close early on Mondays. I’ll be expecting you around six.”

He hesitated for a fraction of a second, then nodded.

“I’ll be here at six.”

Her heart slammed into her ribs. Behind her, Libby called her name. The place was filled to capacity. She stepped back and, before she could stop herself, she winked at him.

“Don’t be late.”

She turned and walked away so she couldn’t see his reaction. The second she reached the counter, she sucked in a deep breath.

What on earth had she just done?

Author Bio:

USA Today best selling author, Peyton Banks, is the alter ego of a city girl who is a romantic at heart. Her mornings consist of coffee and daydreaming up the next steamy romance book ideas. She loves spinning romantic tales of hot alpha males and the women they love. She currently resides with her husband and children in Cleveland, Ohio.

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#BookReview ~ A Dash of Christmas Spirit by Susan Buchanan #CozyRomance #Romance #HolidayRomance @susan_buchanan @rararesources

 

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

CAN LARA ADD A SPRINKLING OF MAGIC THIS CHRISTMAS?

About the Book:

Jacob introduces ever tastier treats to the Sugar and Spice cafe’s menu as the Christmas Spirit knits her magic into the lives of those finding this Christmas tough.

Florence is struggling to make ends meet and afford the present she knows her son wants for Christmas. Her ex-husband flaunting his new girlfriend and their baby isn’t helping her mood.

Widower Jude feels a failure as a father to his two young children after the tragic death of his wife. The move to Winstanton was meant to make life easier. Can he learn to carve out time to build new friendships and give himself the chance to grieve?

Rachel’s boss has given the promotion he promised her to the man twenty years her junior, whom she trained. She’s fed up with being taken for granted, and the lack of sympathy from her husband and teenage children.

Retired David feels Grinch-like as his son expects him to look after his grandchildren all the time, without taking his life into consideration. He used to love Christmas, but this year it has lost its sparkle.

Can the warm welcome at the Sugar and Spice café help them find their Christmas spirit?

A feel-good festive romance with a heartwarming community and a generous helping of Christmas spirit!

My Review:

A Dash of Christmas Spirit is a story filled with multiple POVs. The most common denominator is the Sugar and Spice Café, which is the hub of the small town of Winstanton in Scotland. Part of a series, this story can be read as a stand alone. I've only read this book in the series (something I plan to rectify sooner rather than later) and I didn't feel lost or confused because I hadn't read prior books.

I love the multiple POVs. It took reading the first couple POV's from each of the different characters to pull it all together and remember who was who but once I did, there was not stopping me. I had a great time meeting those characters who are recurring and watching the newbies try to make their way in this cute Scottish village. 

The author did a great job crafting a book filled with realistic characters, believable situations, and emotions the reader can feel.

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:

Purchase Link:

Amazon

Meet the Author:

Susan Buchanan writes contemporary romance, women’s fiction and romantic comedies, usually featuring travel, food, family, friendship, community – also Christmas!

Her books are Sign of the Times, The Dating Game, The Christmas Spirit, Return of the Christmas Spirit, A Little Christmas Spirit, A Taste of Christmas Spirit and Just One Day – Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn, The Leap Year Proposal, You Can’t Hurry Love and The Boulangerie on the Corner.

As a freelance developmental editor, copyeditor and proofreader, if she’s not reading, editing or writing, she’s thinking about it. 

She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors.

She lives near Glasgow with her husband, two children and a crazy Labrador.

When she’s not editing, writing, reading or caring for her two delightful cherubs, she likes going to the theatre, playing board games, watching quiz shows and eating out.

Social Media Links:

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/susancbuchananauthor

X @susan_buchanan and Instagram @AuthorSusanBuchanan and Threads @authorsusanbuchanan and BlueSky @susanbuchanan.bsky.social

And on her website www.susanbuchananauthor.com

e is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

⭐️⭐️COMING SOON!⭐️⭐️Her Royal Houseguest by Jade Lee ~ #JadeLee #HerRoyalHouseguest #PrinceofSiam #RegencyRomance @NazareaAndrews

HER ROYAL HOUSEGUEST by Jade Lee is coming September 29th! 

Check out the new regency romance and be sure to pre-order your copy today:

Amazon

A royal, opposites attract Regency romance.

From guest…

to groom?

With the ton’s eligible gentlemen believing clumsy Lady Anna is cursed, she faces likely spinsterhood. This Season is her last chance to find a husband, but instead she must play host to a demanding—and distractingly handsome—royal guest foisted on her father’s household!

Prince Deva of Siam is in London to secure a trade deal and win his father’s favor. If only he could understand the locals’ confusing customs! But with his host’s beautiful and unconventional daughter offering insights, he soon notices charms in her that others have overlooked. But can they reconcile their differences with their hearts' desires?

From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.

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Gravedancer by Mychael Black ~ @RABTBookTours #RABTBookTours #Gravedancer #MychaelBlack #MMRomance #Fantasy

Gravedancer by Mychael Black

LGBTQ Dark Fantasy Romance

Date Published: September 18, 2026

For lovers Malik and Dorian, the death of one of House Severn’s leaders just turned personal.

 

House Severn is in turmoil with the mysterious death of its leader’s omega mate. No one knows how he died, and it falls on Malik Devries, the House’s resident Spiritori priest, to find answers.

Dorian Morrow was only fifteen when his family fled House Severn. He always thought his dads wanted to get away and live life free of any House ties. He’d been wrong -- so very, very wrong.

 

Read an Excerpt: 

Wails echoed down the hall, anguished and utterly heartbreaking.

I leaned against the wall halfway down and closed my eyes. This whole nightmare had come out of nowhere, and no one had answers. Not even me.

A few days ago, Cesar, our leader’s mate, had been healthy, laughing and smiling with the rest of us. Then everything changed almost overnight. Darrien had rushed to my chambers and begged me to come with him, which I had. Cesar had been so pale, I’d feared he was already gone. He hung onto life for another couple of days before succumbing to whatever ailed him.

As I listened to one of my best friends mourn his partner’s death, I couldn’t help but curse the gods themselves. Darrien and Cesar ruled House Severn with kindness, and to hear such gut-wrenching sorrow was surreal in this place.

A door farther down opened, and I looked toward it. Darrien’s advisor, Christian Morelock, stepped into the hall. He headed my way, his expression as torn as I figured mine to be. He sighed and leaned against the wall opposite me, hands shoved into his pockets. He closed his eyes, and neither of us said a word for a moment while we listened to Darrien’s cries.

“Send any petitioners or issues to me for the time being.”

“Understood.”

“Don’t suppose you have any clue what happened, do you?”

I wished I could’ve said I had all the answers, but I had none. “No. Doc is just as stumped. Once Cesar is delivered to the chapel, I’ll see what I can divine.”

Christian studied me for a few seconds before replying. “You think it’s magic, don’t you?”

“I do,” I admitted. “Beyond the fact that we are less susceptible to illness than humans, my gut tells me this isn’t something so easily explained away.”

He nodded. “My question is: who is behind it? Who the fuck would target Cesar? That man never harmed a fly.”

That was the crux of this situation. Darrien and Cesar honestly had no true enemies. It just didn’t make a damn bit of sense.

“Anyway,” Christian said, dragging my attention back to him, “I need to go downstairs and call a meeting. Darrien will be out of commission for a while.”

This was one reason why I avoided relationships. Beyond being a Spiritori and dealing with the issues it came with, the thought of finding love, only to possibly lose it, was more than I really wanted to face.

Christian pushed off from the wall and put a hand on my shoulder. “I’ll make sure Cesar’s body gets to you as soon as possible.”

“Don’t rush anything,” I said. “Give Darrien time. I’ll be here.”

Nodding, Christian continued down the hall toward the bank of elevators. He stepped into one, and the doors slid shut, leaving me alone in the hallway again.

Darrien had quieted, but I could feel the soul-deep heartbreak with uneasy clarity. This was personal. We had been friends for centuries. Cesar’s death hit us all with devastating precision.

Like it had been planned.

That thought took root in my mind, and I couldn’t shake it. I hurried to the elevators and headed down. My apartment was on the same floor as Christian’s, but I worked in the basement. I enjoyed the solitude and quiet more than the usual bustle of the rest of the complex.

As soon as the doors opened, I stepped out, only to find Seth Gates, the head of security and the fifth member of our close-knit friendship circle, waiting for me. I nodded in greeting and unlocked the door, gesturing for him to join me. The moment we were alone, I turned to him.

“You’re thinking the same damn thing.”

“I am,” Seth said. “For several reasons.”

“Talk to me,” I replied as we walked through the entryway and toward my workspace. I pressed my hand to the sensor on the wall, and the door’s lock clicked. Confident Seth followed, I headed to my lab, turning on lights as I went. Once we were alone again, Seth sat on one of the nearby stools while I booted up my computer.

“I don’t think Cesar was the actual target.”

One eyebrow raised, I glanced over at him. “Okay…”

Seth shrugged. “I think we all were.”

I sat down and signed into the network. “Explain?”

“He was the only omega in Darrien’s inner circle. At least the only one anyone knew about,” he added. “He’d be the ideal target for magic, too, since he was a laicas.”

“True.” I turned to him. “Do you recall a trouble-making asshole named Jules Morrow?”

Seth scowled. “Bastard was a fucking pain in my ass. Why?”

“He and his laicas mate, Roman, struck out on their own about seven years ago. Before they left, Jules had been in touch with someone outside House Severn, asking about delayed magic.”

“How the hell did you find that out, and what the fuck is ‘delayed’ magic?”

“Let’s just say I do have contacts throughout the area,” I replied. “I can’t elaborate for their safety.”

Seth rolled his eyes. “You know you can trust me, but I get it. Now what’s ‘delayed’ magic? I thought spells hit when cast.”

“Most do, but those that are labeled as ‘delayed’ act much differently. They attach themselves to their targets and only activate when a certain event occurs or when a certain amount of time has passed. Essentially, a Magien can cast a spell on someone to activate, say, when that person hits a particular age or what have you. Follow me?”

“Sort of,” Seth muttered, though his expression said otherwise. He was a Venari, and, like laicas vamps, they tended to steer very clear of magic in general.

“Anyway, and this is a very loose hypothesis, what if Jules Morrow did something along those lines to Cesar? If your idea of all of us being the actual targets is true, then it would definitely be plausible.”

“I recall Jules being a rather jealous, vindictive shit,” Seth said. “Wouldn’t surprise me.”

“Jealous being the keyword here,” I pointed out. “Cesar was an omega in a strong position of power. Jules was an omega with nothing but a cheating, worthless alpha.”

Seth sighed and raked a hand through his short, spiky black hair. “So what do we do?”

“I need to see if I can track down one of them.”

“That’s like searching for a needle in a haystack, Malik. How --”

“They have a son.”

 

About the Author:

Mychael Black has been writing professionally since 2005. He writes gay romance and erotica, but also het romance as Carys Seraphine and queer fantasy as Katherine Cook.

He's an avid PC gamer with a love for RPGs, a horror fanatic, and a fantasy nut. He also has a weakness for anything relating to skulls, dogs, and Spongebob Squarepants.

Mychael lives on the Eastern Shore of the US with his family. He loves to hear from readers, be it via email or Facebook.

 

Author on Facebook

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

Pre-Order Today

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Cover Reveal ~ If You Were Mine by A.S. Kelly ~ Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+, Romance

If You Were Mine
A.S. Kelly
Publication date: October 14th 2026
Genres: Adult, Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+, Romance

Levi Anderson has never felt more alone. Since saying goodbye to his husband, he has drifted between long shifts at the hospital and quiet, empty hours in his apartment, surrounded by boxes he can’t bring himself to unpack. He refuses to face the pain — or imagine a life without him.

Shay Miller has never been more furious. In one devastating moment, he lost the man he loved, his job, and the home they shared. He’s barely holding himself together. He’s tried to start over, but deep down, he knows he can’t move on until he lets go of the past — and stops hurting himself.

When fate brings Levi and Shay together, they immediately see how different they are and can’t imagine ever being drawn to one another. Levi is still learning how to live again, while Shay is learning how to forgive.

Yet, with this stranger who’s appeared out of nowhere, Levi slowly begins to open up and trust again. And with this man, terrified of letting himself go, Shay starts to long for someone he can protect and love.

For the first time, the future feels possible for both of them. But Levi doesn’t know Shay has lied about who he is — or that he’s hiding a secret capable of destroying everything, leaving Levi to hate the man he loves for the rest of his life.

Meet the Author:

A. S. Kelly was born in Italy and now lives in Dublin, Ireland, with her husband, two children, two cats, and many plants.

She worked as a literary translator for several years before she began writing full-time. Today, her books are available in English, Italian, and Spanish.

A. S. Kelly writes emotional, heartfelt romantic fiction. Her most popular series are The O'Connor Brothers and From Connemara with Love.

She enjoys yoga, running, and swimming. She also loves gardening, photography, and reading mystery and crime novels.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

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