Release: The Pretty Boy vs the Bad Boy (On the Track #1) by Nicole Dykes

The Pretty Boy vs The Bad Boy

Series: On the Track, Book 1

by Nicole Dykes

Release Date: July 31, 2023

Purchase Links: https://geni.us/tpbvtbbevents

Blurb:

Sebastian

I’m the good one, the pretty one.

The one who follows the rules and always takes the high road.

I’ve hidden my true self for so long, I barely know who I am anymore.

But I don’t know if I can do it much longer.

I love the race, but I’m tired of sacrificing my soul to do what I love.

Axel

I’m the rebel, the bad one.

I follow no rules on the track or anywhere else. I’m the obnoxious bad boy the fans secretly root for.

I don’t mind playing my role. I’m good at it, and it pays to be the dark to his light.

Until the good boy starts to get to me.

I’m confused and unsure of what I want when it was all so clear before.

They say good always wins, but is that truly the case?

In the race between the far too pretty good boy and the angry bad boy, who will actually win?

Only time will tell.

Author Bio:

Nicole Dykes is a wife and a professional assistant/mom to two gorgeous girls. Currently residing in Kansas, she's a lover of coffee, Kansas City Chiefs, and all things romance. She currently has over 20 published books with her Monroe and Adamson series being the most popular. She enjoys cranking up the angst level, making her readers cry, and turning those tears into the coffee that fuels her writing.

Author Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorNicoleD/

BookBub: http://bit.ly/2Gqe6XP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoledauthor/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nicole-Dykes/e/B01D1SIF04

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/NicoleDykesNL

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMdByWgUA/

Website: www.authornicoledykes.com

 

Book Review: Practice Makes (Almost) Perfect by Hannah Carmona

 

Blurb: 

Maria and Mateo are eager to start rehearsals for the school play. But it turns out there is much more to putting on a play than beautiful costumes and adoring fans. It takes sharing the spotlight, learning lines, and practicing difficult dance moves–and not all of those tasks are easy or fun. Can the cousins put in the work to make a crowd-pleasing performance?

Theater kids Maria and Mateo are two talented second graders who love the spotlight. But they soon find that theater is not only fun–it can also teach important life lessons. Join these high-spirited cousins as they learn how to improvise through life’s plot twists to shine both onstage and off.

Amazon: Practice Makes (Almost) Perfect: Book 2 (Maria and Mateo Take the Stage) - Kindle edition by Carmona, Hannah, Predoi, Adriana. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Practice Makes (Almost) Perfect: Book 2 by Hannah Carmona, Adriana Predoi | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: Practice Makes (Almost) Perfect eBook by Hannah Carmona - EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo United States

Bookbub: Practice Makes (Almost) Perfect by Hannah Carmona - BookBub

Goodreads: Practice Makes (Almost) Perfect: Book 2 by Hannah Carmona | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I enjoyed this story. It was a quick read, and I loved the idea of the questions at the back. Maria and Mateo wanted to act, but they were more focused on the costumes they would wear. Their lesson came from the teacher and an older participant when they struggled with dancing and their lines. This would be a great book for elementary children so they can learn about why practicing is important.

I received a copy through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: Horse and Zebra Bake a Cake by Whitney Sanderson

 

Blurb: 

Horse and Zebra are best friends, but they couldn’t be more different! While Horse is steady and sensible, Zebra is zany and creative. But what they have in common is that they will always look out for each other, and they’re always ready to help another animal in need.

Horse and Zebra are ready to start their new business, making daily oatcake deliveries with their Cake Wagon. At first they have lots of buyers, but soon the other animals grow tired of Horse’s traditional family recipe. Zebra tries her hoof at baking instead, but her cakes are a little too creative. Can Horse and Zebra figure out how to compromise to make their buyers happy?

Amazon: Horse and Zebra Bake a Cake - Kindle edition by Sanderson, Whitney, Scudamore, Angelika. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Horse and Zebra Bake a Cake by Whitney Sanderson, Angelika Scudamore | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: Horse and Zebra Bake a Cake eBook by Whitney Sanderson - EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo United States

Bookbub: Horse and Zebra Bake a Cake by Whitney Sanderson - BookBub

Goodreads: Horse and Zebra Bake a Cake by Whitney Sanderson | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I enjoyed this story as it taught how there are different personalities, different likes, and how to get along. The questions at the end definitely gave thought to the story. Horse and Zebra decided to share a popular treat with others. The treat became boring, and Zebra wanted to spice it up but went too far. They learned to compromise. Great book for elementary children.

I received a copy through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: Love on the Run (Men of Fire Beach #3.5) by Lorana Hoopes

 

Blurb: 

A woman on the run, a man willing to help, a cabin by the lake...

Ginny Darling has finally gotten the courage to leave her abusive boyfriend. She is overjoyed when she lands in Fire Beach and meets strangers willing to give her a fresh start, but when her ex returns to the scene, will her future become her past again?

Graham Graves is not a bodyguard, but when his new employee needs a place to hide out, he offers her protection at his family's cabin. Will their attraction bloom while in lockdown?

Fans of Margaret Daly, Susan May Warren, Christy Barritt, and Alana Terry will love this romantic suspense story from best selling author Lorana Hoopes. If you've been to Fire Beach before, you'll love getting to see some of your old friends, and if this is your first visit, there are more books for you to enjoy. Grab your copy today!

Amazon: Love on the Run: A Men of Fire Beach Romantic Suspense #3.5 (The Men of Fire Beach) - Kindle edition by Hoopes, Lorana. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Love on the Run: A Christian Romantic Suspense by Lorana Hoopes | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: Love on the Run eBook by Lorana Hoopes - EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Love on the Run: A Clean Romantic Suspense Short Story by Lorana Hoopes - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: Love on the Run: A Men of Fire Beach Romantic Suspense #3.5 (The Men of Fire Beach) by Lorana Hoopes - BookBub

Goodreads: Love on the Run: A Men of Fire Beach Romantic Suspense #3.5 by Lorana Hoopes | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

An interesting, sweet story, quick read. Ginnie got out of an abusive relationship, ran for her life as far as she could. She had the fortitude to try and begin a new life. Graham helped her with a job but also showed her a spiritual way to brighten her life. He was protective of her and very kind. I really enjoyed how the town of Fire Beach supported Ginnie in her hour of need.

This is my unsolicited review.

Blitz: A Viscount for the Spinster (Spinsters and Rebels #1) by Samantha Holt with an excerpt and a giveaway

A Viscount for the Spinster

Series: Spinsters and Rebels, #1

by Samantha Holt

Release date: July 27th, 2023

Genres: Adult, Historical Romance

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/179425000-a-viscount-for-the-spinster

Blurb:

Some sinners deserve a second chance. Not this one, though…

Miss Maisie Beaufort has no intention of running away ever again. She’s more than ready to return home after a decade in the midst of society and take charge of her life as a spinster businesswoman. Nothing will distract her. Especially not her first love, the rebel who destroyed her young heart…

Apollo Everly always knew Maisie was too good for small town life…and for a spare heir like him. He never stopped wanting her, though. Not that it matters. Even though he’s reformed and a viscount, his lingering reputation is still a threat to her. He should stay away. But fate—and Mother Nature—seem to have other ideas…

If Maisie and Apollo want to rebuild their village after a devastating flood, they’ll need to work together. The only question now is whether they can trust each other when it matters most. And if they can avoid heartbreak this time around…

If you love second chance romance, spinsters, and a hero who will prove he isn’t beyond redemption set amongst a village of unusual and eccentric characters, A Viscount for the Spinster is perfect for lovers of steamy historical romance!

Purchase:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KeE4Ox

Excerpt 

She froze. He clutched the empty bucket. 

Lashes wet and spiky, she blinked at him several times. Only after he assured himself the flames were entirely doused did he take in quite what he had done. She was sodden, strands of hair clinging to pale cheeks. The muslin of her gown clung tightly, revealing the lines of her stays. 

“Are you well?” he asked, the words graveled. 

“I...I think so.” She blinked several more times. 

He cursed under his breath and dropped down to his knees. 

“Apollo?”

He gripped the hem of her skirt and hauled it high. 

“Apollo?” Her tone turned higher in pitch.

Her stockings remained unblemished. The scent of scorched fabric lingered in the air, reminding him how close she had come to being harmed. He shoved her skirts higher whilst she remained entirely still, seeking out the edge of her stockings where little pink ribbons were tied, and pale thigh greeted him. 

Pale and unharmed. 

“Apollo?” A whisper this time as he touched her smooth skin. 

He lifted his gaze and met hers. His heart gave a jolt in his chest, and he let her skirts drop from his grip then rose slowly. He didn’t look away. Neither did she. The air around them seemed to still, and the sound of fire crackling in the grate ebbed away. His breaths were harsh in his throat as he hooked an arm around her waist and drew her firmly into him. She gasped and tilted her head to view him, and a droplet of water trailed down her cheek.

With the back of one finger, he stopped the droplet in its track. “You are unharmed,” he murmured.

She nodded, her throat bobbing.

“As perfect as ever.” 

“Thanks to you.”

“I got you wet.”

“You did.”

Ignoring this flame between them hurt too much. Seeing her and not touching her killed him. He wanted to erase every awful word he’d ever uttered and return to the innocent days of their courtship when the passing of time had yet to make something as simple as love seem so complicated. 

But maybe it was simple.

As simple as placing his lips upon hers perhaps?

Apollo could no longer think of a single reason why he shouldn’t find out if that were true.

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (INT) ends August 3

• $50 Amazon gift card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251235503/

AUTHOR BIO:

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Samantha Holt is known for fun, witty, and usually steamy historical romances. She's been a full-time writer for longer than she ever thought possible having originally trained as a nurse and an archaeologist. She's a champion napper, owner of too many animals, mum to twins, and lives in a small village near the very middle of England.

She's usually writing (or napping) but when she's not, Samantha is plotting (books of course!) with her husband, drinking coffee, climbing hills that are far too high for her fitness levels or visiting stately homes and pretending she's posh.

You can claim a free book by signing to to her newsletter www.samanthaholtromance.com

If you're not sure where to start, why not try:

 Capturing the Bride (The Kidnap Club #1). A fun Regency read full of spice and an unusual heroine trying to escape an arranged marriage and a hero who has no idea how to keep his hands off her!

 You're the Rogue That I Want (Rogues of Redmere #1) is a longer read with heat, witty dialogue, a feisty heroine and adventure. All books in the series are standalone.

 There Are Plenty More Dukes in the Sea (The Inheritance Clause #1) is a fun, steamy read focused on the Templeton family as they fight to save their inheritance.

 Wake Me With a Kiss is a sweet, fairytale romance. Twists on Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella are also available if you love a clean, fun read.

 To Steal a Highlander's Heart is a full length dive into the world of sexy highlanders. For those who love braw Scots, some steamy scenes, and medieval romance, this series is a perfect escape.

Author links:

http://www.samanthaholtromance.com/

https://www.facebook.com/samanthaholtromance/

https://twitter.com/samholtwrites

https://www.instagram.com/samantha_and_duke/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6458884.Samantha_Holt 

https://samanthaholt.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=cd4c9a291cda3d8398f6cc6b2&id=497911adeb 

Blitz: A Vampire's Fate (The Order of the Black Oak - Vampires #4) by Marie-Claude Bourque with an excerpt and a giveaway

A Vampire’s Fate

Series: The Order of the Black Oak – Vampires, #4

by Marie-Claude Bourque

Release date: June 27th, 2023

Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60497295-a-vampire-s-fate

Blurb:

When wolf shifter and dedicated nurse Rosalie Gauthier returns to her town to take on the leadership of her pack after her father’s illness, her birthright is challenged a tyrannic rival, and marriage to a powerful vampire is her only option to save her family’s legacy.

Bound by honor to his lifetime oath to protect the alpha of the Domaine-Lassalle pack, Mount-Royal Immortal Renaud St-Amand’s duty turns out a whole lot more complicated when he is hit with love at first sight for the future female leader on the day of their arranged marriage.

If you love loyal tough guys with hearts, satisfying slow-burn paranormal romance and safe Happily Ever Afters, the Black Oak World is for you.

Purchase:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBL7WBZ4
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-vampires-fate/id6451127838
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-vampires-fate-marie-claude-bourque/1143767508
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-vampire-s-fate-2
Other Retailers: https://books2read.com/A-Vampires-Fate

Excerpt: 

So, you’ll let her fight?” His brother Griff asked.

“Calvaire! No.” Ren jolted with dread at the idea of Rosalie facing that brute Bouchard in combat. “I’m the one who should fight this trial. I’m the Gauthiers’ protector, not just her husband.”

“Shit, man,” Cass suddenly lifted a concerned brow as he set his drink aside. “This is your wedding night. Shouldn’t you be with her right now?”

“I’m sleeping on the couch.”

“Dude.” Cass shot him a pained expression.

“Yeah,” he rasped as longing took hold of him. 

His breathing deepened and he imagined how he could slide between his sheets next to her enticing body and explore every curve he should be calling his. Take her as she cried his name in the depth of passion.

“So, you haven’t…” Griff started. “Never?”

“No.” He cleared his throat and dug his nails into his palm, not wanting to discuss the matter further. 

“Don’t you want to, though,” Griff said. “She’s quite attractive.”

“Dude, she’s his wife.” 

“Well, apparently not,” Griff retorted.

“Not in that sense, no,” Ren huffed. 

“Why the hell not?” Griff picked the crushed can from the deck and passed it to Cass who had started to pick up the empty drinks.

“Well,” Ren started, “first I barely know her. And second, she has a boyfriend.”

“Ex,” Cass corrected, dropping the dead beer cans into the brown paper bag marked with the logo of the Fortins’ grocery store.

“Whatever,” Ren said.

“So, you two will just like, live together. But…nothing?” Griff asked.

“That’s the plan,” Ren acknowledged. “This is a fake marriage. We’ll just divorce in a couple of years.”

“Fucking messed-up plan,” Griff smirked.

“Yeah.” Ren shrugged hopelessly. “Some honeymoon.”

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (INT) ends August 3

• Books 1-4 in the series + $25 Amazon gift card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251235497/

AUTHOR BIO:

Marie-Claude Bourque is a Montreal-born Seattle-based author of slow-burn paranormal romance and the winner of the American Title V award with her first novel ANCIENT WHISPERS.

Her writing features modern-day fantasy skillfully weaved into infinitely romantic supernatural stories between smart strong women and complex passionate heroes. 

Happily Ever After always absolutely guaranteed!

Author links:
https://www.subscribepage.com/mcbourque
https://www.facebook.com/mcbourqueauthor
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marie-claude-bourque
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3166622.Marie_Claude_Bourque
https://www.amazon.com/Marie-Claude-Bourque/e/B00302MTGS
https://www.instagram.com/marie.claude.now/ 

https://twitter.com/mcbourque 

Book Review: Freedom Ride (Devil's Knights 2nd Generation #10) by Winter Travers

 

Blurb: 

Freedom lost in an instant…
Snapper’s life changed in an instant six years ago. Three years into his sentence, Snapper gets a letter from Lennox, and everything he thought he wanted when he got out changes.
Snapper knew he had to pay for the crime he was convicted of, but once he’s set free, life is going to be different. He was only going to live the way he wanted, and no one was going to have the power to take his freedom away again.

Lennox was going to be his, and so was freedom. No one was going to stand in the way.

Amazon: Freedom Ride (Devil's Knights 2nd Generation Book 10) - Kindle edition by Travers, Winter. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Freedom Ride (Devil's Knights 2nd Generation, #10) by Winter Travers | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: Freedom Ride eBook by Winter Travers - EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Freedom Ride by Winter Travers - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: Freedom Ride (Devil’s Knights 2nd Generation Book 10) by Winter Travers - BookBub

Goodreads: Freedom Ride (Devil's Knights 2nd Generation #10) by Winter Travers | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I really loved this story. Two people connected through letter writing while one was in prison. They poured out their hearts, got to know each other, and then came the moment to meet in person. Snapper/Jonas did his time and knew what he wanted when he got out. Lennox was a bit shy and scared but found the guts to quit her job where she was not happy. With a push from a friend, she went to meet Snapper in person. I found her innocence and gutsy decision to move a wonderful thing. Snapper was so protective and honest with her that I fell in love with him. I found it hard to stop reading this short story.

I received a copy of this story through Enticing journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: Finally in Focus by Naomi Springthorp

 

Blurb: 

I’ve never taken any risks or left anything to chance. I do what’s expected of me. Make the safe choice. Go with the sensible option. Kade is none of those things. He’s a crush from my past. I should leave him with my high school memories. I’ve wanted him since senior ditch day. His artistic passion glows from his eyes. His hands are masculine yet exude creativity. He’s burned into my head even though I haven’t said a word to him in a decade. I’m surprised by the electricity in his touch when I bump into him. Is he what I need? There’s nothing logical about love.

Amazon: Finally in Focus - Kindle edition by Springthorp, Naomi. Contemporary Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Finally in Focus by Naomi Springthorp, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: Finally in Focus eBook by Naomi Springthorp - EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Finally in Focus by Naomi Springthorp - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: Finally in Focus by Naomi Springthorp - BookBub

Goodreads: Finally in Focus by Naomi Springthorp | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

Love through time, a reunion. Olivia and Kade kissed in high school and went their separate ways. After years, these two bumped into each other, and sparks reignite. I loved the romantic side of Kade, his passion for photography, and determination to win back Olivia. He was protective of her as well. Olivia had enough of her static, scheduled world, and took a chance on spontaneity and love. It worked out in the end. I enjoyed this story.

This is my unsolicited review.