Tuesday, June 27, 2023

#Review ~ The Issue with Bad Boy Roommates by Piper Rayne @PiperRayneRocks @valentine_pr_ #ContemporaryRomance

 

The Issue with Bad Boy Roommates by Piper Rayne is now live!

 

About the Book:

I was only looking for a roommate…

I’m the town widow.

Not the only one, but the youngest by far.

My husband died one year after our wedding, casting me as the charity case in my small Alaskan town.

Since then, everyone—including my big family—try to keep me busy as if that will stop the haunting memories from resurfacing.

Do I know it’s time to move on? Of course, but that’s easier said than done.

Then Van Adler rides into town. His bad boy vibe complete with his motorcycle and tattoos causes my body to fill with need for the first time since my husband’s death.

To make matters worse, he’s the one who answered my ad for a roommate. Sharing the close quarters of our two-bedroom apartment means I have to set some ground rules like keeping his rippled abs covered. Soon we become friends, he’s making me dinners, and we’re binge-watching television shows all night.

The more our lives intertwine, the more I start to fall for him. Leaving me wondering, can you find the love of your life twice in one lifetime?

My Review:

The Issue with Bad Boy Roommates is the second book in the Lake Starlight series. Focusing on Brinley Kelly, this book features another branch of the Bailey family. A widow, Brinley has been haunted by the death of her husband. She wants to move on but finds it's more difficult than that. Until he rides into town.

Van Adler finds himself in Lake Starlight for some R&R. With nowhere to stay, he answers an ad in the local paper and finds himself roomies with the town sweetheart. As they become more comfortable around each other, a friendship blooms.

This sweet romance was executed perfectly. Brin and Van are terrific characters and I loved watching them, seeing them grow, and watching their romance unfold.

This story was fantastic, the characters were well-developed, and the world building is spectacular. I am a huge fan of Piper Rayne and loved this book. I was engaged in the story from page one. The writing, the characters, the setting, and the story took my breath away. I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend The Issue with Bad Boy Roommates.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:


Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Nx705r

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3TWcOGC

Nook: http://bit.ly/3Xofujj

Kobo: http://bit.ly/3AwY8Hd

Google Play: http://bit.ly/3AxCnH1

Audio: https://books2read.com/tiwbbr

Narrated by: Connor Crais & Melissa Moran

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3EMIHNG


Meet Piper Rayne:

Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling Author duo who write "heartwarming humor with a side of sizzle" about families, whether that be blood or found. They both have e-readers full of one-clickable books, they're married to husbands who drive them to drink, and they're both chauffeurs to their kids. Most of all, they love hot heroes and quirky heroines who make them laugh, and they hope you do, too!

Connect with Piper Rayne

Website: www.PiperRayne.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15810938.Piper_Rayne

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Piper-Rayne/e/B01ND0R15R

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Murder To My Ears (An Octavia Fields Mysteries) by Rebecca McKinnon #CozyMystery

 

Murder To My Ears (An Octavia Fields Mysteries) by Rebecca McKinnon

About Murder to My Ears:

 

Murder To My Ears (An Octavia Fields Mysteries)

Cozy Mystery

1st in Series

Independently Published (June 30, 2023)

Print Length 260 pages

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C7LT56BD

Octavia Fields should know better than to judge things by their appearance. After all, most people don’t expect a nomadic hippie to be a classical violist—let alone one who runs a seasonal music shop at Aerie Pines, the summer home of the Aerie Peaks Symphony.

But when her business season starts off on the wrong note, it’s obviously the persnickety concertmaster’s fault. If he hadn’t turned up dead—leaving Octavia to find his body— she wouldn’t have to deal with the handsome detective who isn’t sure what to think of her impressive arrest record.

With symphony members cornering Octavia to pass on “evidence” by way of sotto-voce rumors, it shouldn’t surprise her to learn the helpful musicians aren’t the only ones who believe Octavia’s helping with the investigation. When a threatening letter arrives, it’s clear the killer thinks she’s playing harmony to the detective, too.

When the detective doesn’t appear to be making progress on the case, Octavia decides it’s up to her to solve the mystery—before the killer hears their cue to silence her!

About Rebecca McKinnon:

Rebecca McKinnon enjoys playing with her imaginary friends and introducing them to others through her writing. She dreams of living in the middle of nowhere but has been unable to find an acceptable location that wouldn’t require crossing an ocean.

Website/Social Media Links: 


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Monday, June 26, 2023

Book Blast ~ Babe in the Woods by Jude Hopkins ~ @HeyJudeNotJudy @pumpupyourbook


Thirty-five-year-old Hadley returns to her rural hometown, fresh from heartbreak in L.A., to write a play about a woman’s last moment of innocence, but when a hot, young rock-star wannabe she uses as fodder outsmarts her, she needs to decide if innocence is more important than believing in herself…


Title: Babe in the Woods
Author: Jude Hopkins
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Pages: 292
Genre: Women's Fiction

It’s September 1995, the first year of the rest of HADLEY TODD’S life. After a decade in Los Angeles, trying and failing to launch her career as a playwright, Hadley has returned to her hometown in rural New York to write and to be closer to her lonely, ailing father–not that he always welcomes the help. Between looking after him and teaching Shakespeare to teenage malcontents at the local high school, Hadley is determined to produce a masterpiece before 36. She even joins a writing group, thinking the structure will keep her focused. Hadley hopes to channel her recent heartbreak from being dumped in L.A. into writing a play about the last moment of a woman’s innocence, a play that an agent friend in Hollywood has promised to produce. But she struggles with writer’s block and seeks inspiration.

Enter TREY HARDING, a young, handsome sports reporter for a local radio station who covers sports at the high school where Hadley teaches. Trey reminds Hadley of her L.A. ex and is the perfect spark to touch off her imagination. Trey has two girlfriends who work at the school, giving Hadley a great perch from which to watch and write down their interactions. The fact that Trey is an aspiring rock star and she has L.A. record biz connections makes the alliance perfect. She dangles promises of music biz glory while watching his moves. But after they both go to Hollywood, Hadley learns that believing in herself is all the inspiration she needs.


Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/451nn20

Read a Book Excerpt:



She gazed into his face, his high color, those light eyes comprising both shades of teal and blue at once. If he kisses me again, I won’t stop him this time.
“Listen,” he said while taking her right hand in his. “We shook these hands on a deal that said you’d introduce me to someone in the music biz, right?”
She nodded. His hand was smooth and dry. She ever-so-slightly tightened her fingers in his grip.
“Then let’s skip these so-called lessons. I’ve already made arrangements through a friend to get a demo made this weekend. So all you have to do is honor that handshake and arrange for me to meet your connection in Hollywood, OK? Just a name, a phone call to introduce me.”
Her play would fail with no inspiration. And stuck with carrying out the worst part of the deal! How did this happen?
“OK,” she said, but not in a commanding voice.
“Good,” he said. He released her hand, breaking what she worried might be the last physical connection she’d ever have with him.
He grabbed his guitar case and headed for the door.
“Wait!” she shouted at him, taking long strides to keep him from leaving. “One more thing. What about you?”
“What about me what?”
“You. Have you ever fallen in love?”
He winked at her. “All the time.”
She’d have the last word, something she realized was important to her. “I think it’s wrong, all these women you lead on. Don’t you? I mean, they may get attached, fall for you. But you seem to use them, to see what you can get out of them for your own purposes. I think that’s wrong, They’re human beings, after all. With feelings.”
He turned around, his eyes drained of any light. “They use me, too. It’s not like they’re not getting anything out of it.”
“What am I getting out of this?” she asked him, if not rhetorically.
He stood on one hip, a move that made him appear more rakish than usual. “I really don’t know, Miss Todd. I wondered that myself. I thought perhaps you were bored or intrigued. Or maybe you’re a control freak.” He took a step toward her so he was within half an inch of her face. “Or maybe you’re just like the rest and can’t resist me.”
Hadley stood her ground. “How do you know when it’s over? The moment when love, or lust, turns into something else. Something not as passionate?”
“I don’t think about it,” he said, returning her gaze. “It’s something that happens. Maybe it’s not one moment. It just is.”
He turned around and walked out of the room.





_________




Jude Hopkins is giving away one $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions: By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Card.
This giveaway ends midnight June 30.
Winner will be contacted via email on July 1.
Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

  
About the Author:





Jude Hopkins has published essays in The Los Angeles Times, Medium, and elsewhere, as well as poetry in numerous journals and magazines. Her work can be found on her website at judehopkinswriting.net.





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Sunday, June 25, 2023

Still Sky by Skylar Nightingale ~ Contemporary Romance ~ @XpressoTours

Still Sky
Skylar Nightingale
Publication date: June 20th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary Romance

About the Book:

Sky Hartman is enduring another conversation with her mom about her nonexistent love life when she slams into sexy business mogul Mateo Jacobson with a hot cup of coffee in her hand.

Despite their messy meeting, Sky is quickly swept up in his charismatic charm. Her best friend warns her of his notorious playboy ways, but after a few warm and cozy nights by the fire, Sky realizes she’s falling for him.

Until his womanizing ways leave her heart shattered.

When Mateo’s best friend, Cade, swoops in to console her, Sky questions his intentions. Although it makes her uneasy to learn his true feelings for her, she wonders if his sweet, romantic nature is what she needs.

But when Mateo is attacked and left for dead, Sky volunteers to help nurse him back to health. Faced, once more, with the selfless and tender ways of the suave casanova, will Sky risk heartbreak again by choosing Mateo? Or will Cade’s kindness and laughter provide her with the happily ever after she hopes for?

Add to Goodreads / Purchase from Amazon

—

Read an Excerpt:

I was walking along a peaceful path in the woods when a branch snapped beneath my barefoot. Birds flew away, shrieking in the distance. For some strange reason, I was not wearing any shoes. I wiggled my toes and continued my peaceful journey. But I came to a screeching halt when I noticed splotches of blood on the ground. My heart raced, and I thought about turning back. But my feet continued to carry me forward. The splotches were getting larger and becoming more frequent as I walked. And then I saw it. I saw him lying there on the ground in a pool of blood. Mateo. He was lying motionless with his eyes closed. Squealing louder than I’ve ever squealed in my life, I sprinted over to him. “No. No. Teo,” I screamed, rocking his body back and forth with force. I lifted his shirt to see where the blood was coming from. But there was no indication of where it was escaping. His body was intact. I checked his neck for a pulse. Pulse, pulse, where the heck was his pulse? I checked his inner wrist. I couldn’t feel it. “Where is it?” I sobbed, clasping his shirt. “Teo. Please. Please. Come back to me.”

Meet the Author:

Skylar Nightingale has always had a vast imagination, inventing characters that could either break your heart or have you standing in awe. When she isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and listening to music. She grew up in Upstate New York. She now resides in a small town with her loving family, where her love of creating characters and stories envelop her thoughts, allowing her to continue in her writing journey.

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Newsletter


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Murder at the Pontchartrain by Kathleen Kaska ~ Humorous Cozy Mystery @KKaskaAuthor

 

Murder at the Pontchartrain by Kathleen Kaska

About Murder at the Pontchartrain:

 

Murder at the Pontchartrain

Cozy Mystery (Humorous)

6th in Series

Setting - New Orleans, Louisiana

Anamcara Press LLC (June 15, 2023)

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 280 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1941237940

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1941237946

“My name is Sydney Lockhart. I solve murders, most of which I’m the primary suspect.

My boyfriend/partner, Ralph Dixon, and I came to the Pontchartrain Hotel in New Orleans to get married. Instead, Dixon’s in jail for a double murder. I’m in a swamp, spying on the KKK. Helping me untangle this mess is my bubble-headed cousin Ruth who’s undercover as a chef at the Pontchartrain. My twelve-year-old charge, Lydia LaBeau, dressed as a voodoo queen, is looking for clues at Pat O’Brien’s in the French Quarter. Rip Thigbee, a ghost detective, is my only hope.

I’m not making any of this up. This is my life and this is what I deal with, like it or not. So, mix yourself a Hurricane and join me in the Big Easy for another historic hotel murder case.”

Murder at the Pontchartrain

By Kathleen Kaska

Synopsis:

            Private detective Sydney Lockhart and her boyfriend/partner, Ralph Dixon, are headed for New Orleans to tie the knot—again. Having been stalled on their first attempt by some unfinished business dealing with their last case, Sydney and Dixon are now in the Pontchartrain Hotel in the Big Easy. While their marriage license rests at the courthouse for its 24-hour waiting period, they stroll to the French Quarter to visit Rip Thigbee, Sydney’s friend from her previous investigation. Rip owns Finder of Lost Souls, a detective agency dealing with the spirits of murder victims whose cases remain unsolved. 

           When Sydney and Dixon are at Rip’s office, they learn he went missing after investigating the disturbance of local businessman Frank Threadgill’s crypt. Voodoo Queen Frida Mae, whose shop is located next to Thigbee’s, fears that bad juju led to Threadgill’s death and has now infiltrated Rip’s business. Upon returning to their hotel room, to plan their next step, they find Threadgill’s wife, Mildred, waiting for them. Unfortunately, Mildred has been murdered. The police haul the couple down to the station. Their alibi checks out, but they are told to stick around for a few days. Soon a hotel housemaid is murdered, and this time Dixon is arrested, and Sydney is on her own to find the killer.

           Hearing of their predicament, Sydney’s bubble-headed cousin, Ruth, and Sydney’s young charge, twelve-year-old Lydia LeBeau, show up to lend an unwelcome hand. Ruth goes undercover as a chef at the hotel. Lydia, who can talk the Pope into letting her assist in saying Mass, talks her way into the famous Pat O’Brien’s bar, where the locals are eager to share what they know.

           After interviewing Mildred Threadgill’s family, Sydney begins her investigation by delving into Frank Threadgill’s mysterious past and discovers that he isn’t who he claims to be. The business he once owned was a cover involving an organization of WWII war criminals and the local Ku Klux Klan. As Sydney gets closer to the truth, she is attacked and left for dead in a nearby swamp. With the help of a few jaunty Cajuns, Sydney makes it back to the city with enough evidence to get Dixon released. Ruth thinks she knows who the killer is. Lydia has her own theory and is convinced Ruth is wrong. Sydney doesn’t know who to trust, convinced that every witness she’s interviewed has lied. But her most shocking realization is that the biggest liar is her own future husband. 

Excerpt from Murder at the Pontchartrain 

“You’ve been busy, Mrs. Dixon.” His face hardened. “Actually, it’s Miss Lockhart. Dixon and I aren’t married.” Yet.

“If I were you, I’d pack it up and head back to Texas.” He threw some change on the table. “I prefer to pay for my own coffee. Don’t bother me again.”

“Before you leave, maybe you can answer this question for me. What would Detective Bergeron say about all this?” I heard my heart pounding in my ears. My throat dried.

His back turned to me. He paused. That’s all I needed.

He sat back down. “You said something about breakfast?” He picked up a menu.

“I take it you haven’t seen the morning paper. Before you order, take a look at this.” I handed him the newspaper.

Ivy laid the menu down. “Damn.”

The waiter came over. “How does the breakfast special sound, Mr. Ivy?” I said.

“Fine.” Elliott waited until the waiter left. “I didn’t kill my sister. I didn’t kill anyone. I didn’t open Frank’s tomb or mutilate his body, and neither did Walt Garrison. Frank was not who he said he was.” 

“Tell me about him.” 

About Kathleen Kaska:

Kathleen Kaska is the author of the awarding-winning mystery series: the Sydney Lockhart Mystery Series set in the 1950s and the Kate Caraway Animal-Rights Mystery Series. Her first two Lockhart mysteries, Murder at the Arlington and Murder at the Luther, were selected as bonus books for the Pulpwood Queen Book Group, the country’s largest book group. She also writes mystery trivia. The Sherlock Holmes Quiz Book was published by Rowman & Littlefield. Her Holmes short story, “The Adventure at Old Basingstoke,” appears in Sherlock Holmes of Baking Street, a Belanger Books anthology. She is the founder of The Dogs in the Nighttime, the Sherlock Holmes Society of Anacortes, Washington, a scion of The Baker Street Irregulars. Watch for Murder at the Pontchartrain: the 6th Sydney Lockhart Mystery in June 2023.

Website http://www.kathleenkaska.com 

Purchase Links - Anamcara Press - Amazon 

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