Abel Broken Falls, #2 by Laramie Briscoe Release Date: March 15th 2024 Genre: Contemporary Romance
Read an excerpt from Abel:
I'm slightly nervous as I follow him into his kitchen. I gasp when I get a good look. His kitchen is my dream. Stainless steel appliances, cabinets painted a dark gray that almost pulls blue in the darkness coming through the back windows. White marble countertops are spotless and inviting. Contemporary lighting provides enough where it's needed, and softens where it isn't. "You have a pot filler," I gasp with jealousy.
He laughs. "I do. When Dad and I were designing this place, he said I'd appreciate it if I were ever going to make dinner often. Since I do, I use it all the time."
"You make dinner a lot?" I'm learning so much about him tonight.
"When I decided to buy this place and gut it, I didn't have a ton of money. Still repaying college loans too," he shrugs. "So while I do go out with my friends to the bar, I don't spend a ton as I'm paying down stuff. Dad helped me more than he should've, but he wasn't able to take care of everything. The amount of free labor and construction work he gave me for this place was well into the hundreds of thousands. My friends helped too, which is why they hang out here all the time when we aren't working or at Monroe's."
The scent of whatever we're going to eat permeates the room. "What else are you going to surprise me with tonight?" I tilt my head to the side.
"Hopefully everything you never imagined I would be."
Our eyes meet, and I get lost in the green depths of his. I've seen them in many different situations and they tend to change colors depending on what's happening. It runs the gamut from very light to dark, like the luscious floor of the rainforest. "I don't really know you at all do I?" My voice is quiet as I observe him. "Does anyone really know you?"
He scratches the back of his neck, ducking his head down. "There are very few people who do, and I prefer it that way.”
A Furious Man Appalachian Star, #5 by Deanndra Hall Release Date: March 12th 2024 Genre: Romantic Suspense
A horrific past can threaten the future …
REBOOT
Reluctance.
They say chivalry is dead, and I had to learn that truth the hard way. Helping when you're not wanted doesn't play out the way you think. Sometimes, more damage comes with it. So, I lay low and try not to get involved. Do my job, and that's all.
As an Appalachian STAR EMT, I've seen my fair share of atrocities and destruction, but none so horrendous as the whirlwind of chaos that one woman brings into play. Not only does she take a tumble on the docks, but then, she more than destroys every meal she attempts to serve where she waits tables. Despite her clumsy nature and apologetic demeanor, everything about this woman intrigues me. And now, I'm bound and determined to get closer to her.
MAVIS
Reluctance.
My life is in shambles, a series of one mishap or misstep after another. After escaping my traumatic childhood and finding a new life, I thought everything would be easy from here on out. I was wrong. I'm on edge, careful and cautious, jumpy and unnerved.
When the handsome EMT helps me find employment more suitable for me, I slowly begin to let down my guard, not truly ready to let a stranger into my life—or into my heart. But after my past comes barreling back, threatening to hurt others just as they hurt me, I snap.
They're not touching one more innocent child. Not while I'm alive. My plan has flaws. But thankfully, I have a rugged and strong Furious Man on my side.
The Rock Point Collection by Freya Barker Release Date: March 4th 2024 Genre: Romantic Suspense
The Rock Point series chronicles the stories of each of the agents of the La Plata County FBI office. These books will take you on a wild ride of romance, danger, passion, and betrayal. Durango, Colorado has never been more adventurous and exciting.
Keeping 6
When Special Agent Damian Gomez walks into the small Books and Brew store looking for coffee, he doesn’t expect to find Kerry Emerson manning the espresso machine. She seems equally surprised but that quickly turns to anger when the annoyingly handsome FBI agent seems to have her confused for a criminal.
***
Cabin 12
EMT Bella Greene thinks Special Agent Jasper Greene is a narcissistic hotshot, and he, in turn, believes her to be a high maintenance snob. But the moment the first cop is gunned down, they’re forced to work side by side and amid corruption and murder, they quickly discover how misleading first impressions can be.
***
HWY 550
Investigating a string of robberies places Special Agent Luna Roosberg undercover and on the back of Arrow’s Edge MC President Ouray’s bike. He does not have much choice because with pressure both in- and outside the club mounting, he no longer knows who to trust. Except perhaps the pretty agent who is shaking up his life—and stirring his blood.
***
10-CODE
Single mom, Marya Berger does not want to be attracted to Special Agent Dylan Barnes. Not only is he several years her junior, but he is also the father of one of the boys on her son’s soccer team. But when the disappearance of a child hits a little too close to home, she finds herself responding to the agent’s need to protect her and her boys.
FALLING FOR FOR MR. BAD A BAD BOYS AFTER DARK CROSSOVER NOVEL The Bradens & Montgomerys: Pleasant Hill - Oak Falls, #11 by Melissa Foster February 21st 2024 World Literary Press
BLURB
She’s a badass musician and mechanic with no patience for overinflated egos. He’s a billionaire with no time for drama. Going head-to-head has never been so much fun...or so dirty.
Scorching heat, laugh-out-loud humor, and loads of heart make this sexy enemies-to-lovers, close proximity, forbidden, workplace, small town standalone romance unputdownable. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and happily ever afters guaranteed to leave you breathlessly in love with the fiercely loyal and wickedly naughty characters in the Love in Bloom series. All Love in Bloom books are written to stand alone or be enjoyed as part of the larger series, so dive right in and enjoy the ride!
In FALLING FOR MR. BAD... Sable Montgomery loves her single, do-as-she-pleases small-town life. She sees family often, spends her days working in her auto shop and many evenings playing at a local pub with her band, Surge. She has no desire to settle down or let any man tell her what to do. When Surge is offered what most people would consider the chance of a lifetime to tour with and open for Bad Intentions, the hottest rock band of the decade, her bandmates are all in, but she’s determined to walk away. Sable has no patience for glitz, glamour, or overinflated egos, and that includes the infuriatingly hot billionaire sent to wrangle her into submission.
Taking over as manager for his brother’s band wasn’t on business mogul Kane Bad’s agenda last year, much less negotiating with the stubborn and beautiful lead singer for Surge, but there’s nothing he won’t do for family. Including trying to stifle his desire for Sable. He needs to convince her to accept the contract, but he’d rather wrangle the sexy, headstrong, boot-wearing, tough-talking musician into his bed.
Loyalties are tested, lies are told, and greedy pleasures are satisfied. Are they just a chorus between chaotic verses, or will falling for Mr. Bad be Sable’s greatest love song?
When a drunken message to the woman whose heart I broke all those years ago comes back with a reply, will this be the second chance I’ve always hoped for, or is it too late?
Paige
This isn’t at all how I saw my life playing out.
It started with discovering I’ve inherited my Great Aunt’s estate in Italy.
Then I walk into our restaurant and find my husband giving his French baguette to our sous chef.
And because I hadn’t suffered enough, the universe decides to bring back into my life the one man I swore I’d never speak to ever again.
Love in Print by Heidi McLaughlin Release Date: January 24th 2023 Genre: Contemporary Romance/Valentine Romance/Holiday Romance Book Tropes: ✔ Accidental Meeting ✔ Insta - attraction ✔ Single Dad
Read an excerpt from Love in Print:
Maisie couldn’t take her eyes off him, even if it was his backside, no matter how hard she tried. He had on a darker than royal blue, but not quite navy suit, with a red tie. His presence screamed power and her lady bits begged her to chase after him.
So she did.
Maisie followed him down the aisle, ditched the junk food and tampons on the closest shelf, and straightened out her clothes. When he stopped, she leaned to the side and took stock of what he had in his cart: apple and orange juice, vegetables for a salad, and a loaf of bread. This man ate healthily. Unlike Maisie and Dorian, who liked to binge on ice cream and whatever sweets they could get their hands on.
He turned around and smiled at Maisie. She froze and may or may not have smiled back. For all she knew it was a half grin that made her look constipated. She turned and looked at the shelf. They were in the canned veggies section. Maisie reached for a can of creamed corn. It was something she hadn’t eaten since she was a child but in that moment, she found it to be the most interesting can she’d ever seen in her life.
Out of her peripheral vision, she saw her man move, and she followed, like the stalker she was. Maisie needed a moment or ten to muster up enough courage to speak to him. Her heart was beating wildly as she thought about what she would say and how he would respond.
Coming Home The Women of Boone County, #1 February 6th 2024 by Julieann Dove
Read An Excerpt
He panted, momentarily stopped, and rested against my held-out hands. His half-closed eyes stared at me. "Why? You know I love you, Abby. And you love me, too. I don't know what happened." He backed up. "Tell me what happened. I know you, Abby, and we were fine. We were falling right back to where we left off. It's never been over for me."
"Ryan, you have to leave. I told you I was sorry."
He put his hands on his hips. His breathing was still hard to catch.
I tried to look away. To disappear. Never had I felt so trapped and in possession of the key to the lock that held me bound.
"I'm leaving. I was never going to stay. Joe is waiting for me." It came out almost a whisper in the quietness of the empty house.
He puffed out his chest. His lust turned to anger. "Fine. Just leave. That's what you do, isn't' it? At least this time I got to see you crawl away. That's how you do it, isn't it? Just leave then."
He stormed out and the screen door banged against the frame. I watched as he ran down the steps to his car. I listened to the engine until there was silence. I walked to the door that remained glung open and shut it. My lips still tingled where he kissed them repeatedly seconds ago. I clutched my arms where he held me with tension. Never had I burned from a man like I did Ryan. Never would I look into anyone else's eyes and see that forever wasn't long enough to be with them. And never would I see him again.
I’m a work in progress looking to belong, and though my road has been a winding one, my heart has found focus.
I’m a straightlaced hellcat.
A princess, a fool, a target, and a handle.
My name is Lindsey.
I can lash out fiercely when wounded, but my claws retract and my love glows bright in the hands of the right man.
We got off on the wrong foot—hostility thick between us—but when murder hits close to home bringing about a second chance, those sparks now stoke a different flame.
Keep reading for a look inside Favorite Day of the Week!
“Where is whatshisname? It’s unprofessional to be late. You know how I feel about punctuality.” I let out a loud huff as I pace the floor, trying to deflect from my growing nerves and hoping that Hendy doesn’t catch on.
Naturally, I fail. Damn, his Jedi mind tricks!
“It’s unprofessional to pretend not to remember the name of who you are working with, Monday Jones. You heavily researched him beforehand, so don’t act ignorant. I’m sure he’s getting touched up somewhere. Retract the claws and sit down,” he replies curtly.
Ugh. I hate when Hendy uses my full name; it’s not like I always call him Jamal. Usually, I only get the “Monday Jones” treatment (or, god forbid, “Monday Marianne Jones”) when he can feel my defenses going up and my bitch mode activating. I shrink down in my chair and start picking at my cuticles. I know I shouldn’t ruin my new manicure, courtesy of the magazine’s beauty team, but I don’t want to look at him now. He’ll see straight through me. It’s one of the dangers of being friends with Jamal Henderson for so long.
“Monny. This opportunity is a big deal for us. Seriously,” Hendy says more kindly. “I know we’ve both been on the cover before, but this is a first for Black Cat Records. This is about us and the music we make, the songs we love, and what we want for the future. Think about that, okay?”
Although, as much as I hate to admit it, Hendy is right. He usually is. “For the record, I was on the cover with my dad when I was five. I don’t think that counts.” Hendy glares at me. “Okay, Okay. I’m sorry. I’m not used to talking about my music, and I don’t think anyone will take me seriously; I mean, why should they? You know how I get. I just worry that somehow this will be about my dad or some other wild child bullshit that the blogs love to make up about me and not about us.”
“Presenting: Monday Jones, daughter of rock god Miller Jones, music’s greatest product of nepotism! Watch her sleep her way through this year’s crop of new boy toys!” Hendy uses a silly, fake announcer voice to make me laugh. It works.
“Thank you! Thank you!” I offer him a slight bow. “But for real, I’m freaking out about stepping out in front of the camera. That’s usually your gig.”
“Monny girl, it’s time for you to shine and get your flowers. It’s been long enough.” He is sincere, holding my gaze. “I know that this isn’t ballet and that you like to keep your musical talents under lock and key, but you deserve credit for how gifted you are.” I blink back tears as he continues. “ We built this company from scratch, just the two of us, without outside help. You’ve made countless beats for me and written lyrics for every big name under the sun without taking credit publically. Claim your prize, Monny.”
“Is it weird I’m thinking about Jake?” I wipe away the one tear that has managed to escape. “It would be weird if you weren’t. Parts of the song are about what happened with him.” Hendy reaches over and squeezes my hand. He really is the best friend a girl could ask for. I attribute much of his emotional availability to his parents; they’re big into family therapy. He’s been nagging me for years to find someone to talk to about my childhood and the accident.
Steeling myself, I quickly reply, “Whatshisname better do it justice in the article.” I do love the song that the sportsball dude picked. It’s a perfect blend of the two of us. Hendy’s contributions are witty and, at times, sardonic. Mine are aggressive and raw, all about reclaiming your power. It’s different from all the other songs I’ve written for other artists.
“Come on, Monny. You know his name,” goads Hendy, punching my shoulder lightly, clearly trying to get me to lighten up. He loves to push my buttons. It’s part of a game we play; I am the gloomy storm cloud to his blinding ray of sunshine.
I’m over it.
“Fine. Baxter Marlow,” I shout.
“You called?” asks a deep voice.
I whip around in the flimsy director’s chair the PAs set up for us. Standing in front of me is the sexiest man I have ever seen. He’s tall, well over six feet, with broad shoulders and a commanding presence. The suit he is wearing is one flex away from falling away from his perfect body, and I really must send the stylist a fruit basket. Baxter Marlow is not wearing a shirt. Everything about him is masculine, strong, and big - like really big - like you know he could absolutely ruin you with a single thrust big.
When I finally lock in on his face, I lose my breath; It’s so beautiful, it hurts. Baxter’s visage looks open and kind, almost in contrast to his sharply defined body. His full lips are smirking, like we’re sharing an inside joke, and I want to kiss that look right off of him. But it’s his eyes that slay me. They’re the color of the ocean and seem to bore into the deepest part of me.
This whole exchange couldn’t last more than two seconds, but it feels longer, as if time is slowing down and stretching out, allowing me to soak in every detail. My skin starts to tingle, begging to be touched. Reflexively, something in my belly sparks, lighting a fire I haven’t felt in a long time.
What the hell is happening to me? Is this normal, or am I about to break out into a rash?
Naturally, it’s at this moment that gravity and the flimsy chair fail me.
I fall out of my seat and onto the ground.
My Review of . . . FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK . . . HERE
For more information about Lola Kate Bolen and her books, visit her website: https://lolakatebolen.com
Keep reading for a look inside Fated to the Alien Warrior!
Two guards at the gated entrance greet us. Their eyes widen at the humans behind me and follow us with their gazes when we walk past. I release another call of the mellenje, and two females come rushing forward to meet us part way to the central fire.
“The healer’s apprentice will take the injured female to the healer. Please provide the others with furs for sleeping. Until tomorrow, they can sleep in the supply tent.”
“Yes, Shefir.” They dip their heads and gather the human females with soft whispers.
The six of them move away from us, although two of the human females glance over their shoulder at London, who attempts to follow. I wrap my tail around her waist to stop her. If only I could keep her in my embrace always. She jerks and gazes up at me with a wrinkle between her eyes as well as a question in them.
“You will sleep in my tent.”
She opens her mouth and I tug her against me, which has her promptly closing it again. I nearly groan in pleasure as her hands rise to my chest, and my mating marks burn and flare to life. Her gaze drops to them before she lifts it to meet mine.
“You are my keeshla and will become the Shefira of our village. My tent is where you belong and where you will sleep.”
The challenge will run from January 1st, 2024 to December 31st, 2024. Books must be read during this time frame to count. Sign up is open from now until December 1st, 2024, so you may join even just for the last month of the year.
Series can be already completed as well as still ongoing. For ongoing series, the goal is to catch up to the most recent book published by the end of 2024.
We don’t care if you have only 1 book or 10 books to read in order to finish your series, as long as you’ve started the series before 2024 (ie read at least one book in the series), it counts. Re-reads are not required.
Any format and length of book counts – print, ebook, audio, ARC, etc.
Series can be any length (even if it’s just a Duet).
Crossovers from other challenges are totally acceptable!