| |
Archive for 'contemporary romance'
Thursday, March 7th, 2024
Kelly Willis was a good girl by anyone’s definition. She’d never dated around, having gone steady with her star quarterback boyfriend since her sophomore year of high school. He’d been her first kiss, her first experience with sex. Her parents had adored her boyfriend and had delightedly set about planning her future so she didn’t screw up a good thing.
To make sure she was ever-present to their goal for her, she’d headed to college with him, wearing his promise ring, and had never once looked astray for attention from other men. Further, she’d gained her degree in a perfectly respectful, acceptably feminine profession.
She’d gone to church every Sunday of her life, never once doubting that God saw that she was good and would reward her for her virtue.
So, for her to be contemplating doing what she was now would’ve shocked the panties off her dear mother, her white-haired pastor, and her high school sex-ed teacher, who’d been long on abstinence and short on understanding a younger woman’s hormones. But then again, where were they all now?
Not here, stuck outside a hotel in Bozeman, Montana, while she waited for the snowplows to clear a passage through the mountains so she could get to her destination.
She hadn’t wanted to stop, and if the roads hadn’t been blocked by traffic barricades and a police officer directing vehicles to the nearest exit, she’d have kept driving—the winter storm be damned. By now, she’d had plenty of time alone with her thoughts.
Crazy, mixed-up thoughts of revenge and retribution filled her imagination with images of the fiery pit of Hell. Not for her. No, the person who deserved to be cast down into its depths wasn’t even here to feel the anger that had her fuming hot despite the chill, near-zero temperature.
While every curse word she’d never uttered aloud flitted through her mind, she felt her ire burbling like acid in her belly until it had to find its release.
“Fuck,” she whispered, then glanced around to make sure no one else standing in the parking lot had heard her. No one was looking her way.
And once she’d said it, she felt disappointed in herself. Not because she’d uttered that coarse, forbidden word but because she’d said it so softly. Was she gutless? Hadn’t she earned the right to rebel against a lifetime’s strictures? She’d been the Queen of Pristine, or so the boys at her high school had labeled her behind her back.
He had thought that title was hilarious, given what they’d done after the Friday Night Lights dimmed. He, who shall not be named. Ever again.
She sniffed back a sob, tamping it down deep.
“That fucker,” she said a little more loudly this time.
She stood straighter. No bolt of lightning had struck her. In fact, her chest felt a little lighter now. She could finally draw a deep breath.
Again, her gaze went to the man on the edge of the group, standing outside the hotel’s diner while employees were scurrying inside to open for a bunch of stranded, hungry travelers.
He’d do. Not that he’d given her so much as a glance. It didn’t matter that she’d decided for him. He was in the right place at the right time—although “right” and what she intended had nothing to do with each other. She turned up the fur-lined collar of her puffy jacket and strode in his direction. For the moment, she was filled with confidence because she’d earned this. Years of servitude to a single, hallowed goal would have their reward.
She didn’t even care if he was handsome. Good looks hid ugly flaws, or so she’d discovered. She hoped he had a big nose and was missing a tooth—just one. She’d want to kiss him after all. She was sure he’d have calluses, given he was wearing a cowboy hat that looked like it actually served a purpose, with its faint ring around the crown. His jeans were faded by actual use, not some weird fashion statement. His boots were scuffed and a plain brown. No nonsense. A working man’s footwear, not a poser’s.
The closer she drew, the more confident she felt about this plan. First, she’d insinuate herself into sharing a table with him. She’d smile and flirt, then drop her extra key card on the table when she excused herself.
She was almost there; he was turning toward her…
No, he turned and smiled at a grinning woman who was waving her keycard in her hand and rushing to his side.
Well, shit. She only just managed to keep the words inside her mouth.
The doors to the diner swung open, and she was caught in the crowd of twenty or so individuals who flowed inside the heated space.
Tables filled quickly, and she eyed an open stool at the counter, but a man whose large bottom nearly swallowed the stool laid claim before she could.
She stood with her shoulders drooping, looking for an empty table, when she heard a throat clear to her left.
Glancing sideways, she saw a man with a lop-sided smile waving a hand to the open seat across from him. “I don’t mind sharing, ma’am.”
*~*~*
What Happens in Bozeman arrives on March 19th. Pre-order your copy now!
Tagged: contemporary romance, excerpt, We Are Dead Horse, Western Posted in About books..., Pre-Order | Comments Off on The Opening of WHAT HAPPENS IN BOZEMAN (Excerpt) | Link
Tuesday, March 5th, 2024
UPDATE: The winner is…Stacey Kinzebach!
*~*~*
Hello Delilah! Thank you for hosting me again. Glad to be back to talk about my new release, Love Furever. I’ve written three books in the Single Dads of Gaynor Beach series, and one day the authors were chatting about the lack of an animal shelter in Gaynor Beach. The chat exploded, and the next thing I knew, with the help of the architect of the original series, we’d created a spin-off series: Friends of Gaynor Beach Animal Rescue. Naturally, I signed up to write the first book. (And, naturally, I’ve got more to come…) Anyway, we all started searching the stock photo sites for pictures of cute guys and animals. I have to say that we had a lot of fun. In the end, I selected my photo. I knew I had my James. But I didn’t know his story.
One day, though, I had someone in my condo building bring me a box Amazon had left in the wrong place – I never would have found it. I was so surprised that I barely got to thank him. A good friend suggested leaving a note on the bulletin board – which I did. A week later I took it down, having no clue if my savior had read it or not.
But…that got me thinking. What if a guy posted on a board about needing help with his dog? That wasn’t precisely what happens with Colin and Chambord, but darn close. I don’t want to give away too much, but the name Chambord had to go, and…well, Colin and James had to fall in love.
This isn’t a fluffy read. But I put a lot of heart into telling the story, and I’m really hoping readers love it.
In honor of the new release, I’m happy to give away a $5 Amazon gift card. Just comment on what elements draw you into a story – blurb? Cover? The author? The series? What makes you take a chance on someone new? Drop your answer in the comments and if random selects you, I’ll give you the gift card. Thanks again, Delilah, for hosting me!
Love Furever
Colin
Being rejected by family hurt like hell, but I kept my head high, left my toxic relatives behind, and moved across the country to Gaynor Beach, CA. Luckily, I have great furry company. My French bulldog puppy, Widget, was dumped on me for not meeting my parents’ ridiculously high standards either, so we’re comforting each other. With a nice rental house and a new job, Widget and I were ready for a fresh start—until I got a devastating diagnosis. I can’t take care of Widget properly while trying to save my own life, and I expect a long, hard road. I’ll have to break both our hearts and put her up for adoption, for her sake. Right?
James
I’ve wanted a pet forever, but my family circumstances didn’t allow it. Now I’m away from my masses of relatives and on my own, and I’m ready to take on a furry companion. My friend, a guy who never says no to an animal in need, introduces me to Colin and his beautiful puppy Widget. I’m horrified Colin feels he needs to give her up just because he’s sick, but I’m happy to take Widget as a temporary foster. I’m also happy to offer support to the new guy in town who is so very alone during a time of crisis. Helping someone in need comes naturally to me. But what if that temporary help turns into me wanting a forever relationship?
This is a gay romance slow-burn novel about new beginnings, found family, unconditional love, and a puppy named Widget. This middle-angst story has a guaranteed happily ever after.
Links:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C3RLR7RW
Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/LoveFurever
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/love-furever
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/ca/book/love-furever/id6478398541
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-furever-gabbi-grey/1144948392
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1525769
Add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/142608803-love-furever
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling author Gabbi Grey lives in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin-poo keeps her safe from the nasty neighborhood squirrels. Working for the government by day, she spends her early mornings writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances. While she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love. She also writes m/f romances as Gabbi Black and Gabbi Powell.
Personal links:
Website: https://gabbigrey.com/
Newsletter sign-up: https://sendfox.com/gabbigrey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgabbigrey/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gabbi-grey
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15456297.Gabbi_Grey
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Gabbi-Grey/e/B07SJVFX1M
Audible Profile: https://www.audible.com/author/Gabbi-Grey/B07SJVFX1M
Facebook (page): https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGabbiGrey
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GabbiGrey
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/gabbigreyauthor/
Facebook (personal): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009821772591
Tagged: contemporary romance, gay romance, Guest Blogger Posted in Contests!, General | 10 People Said | Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Jennifer Beyer - flchen - BN - Debra Guyette - Delilah -
Monday, February 26th, 2024
Greetings from Melbourne, Australia, where our summer (if you could call it that) is almost at an end. Our country has experienced recent flooding, cyclones, and below-average temperatures for this time of year.
I don’t mind the cooler weather, and for a woman who loves all shades of green, blue, and purple, I also love the gorgeous colors of autumn. That is, until I need to rake up a gazillion leaves.
Let’s talk about current projects. As a part-time writer, I’m making slow but steady progress with The CEO – book 4 in the 5 Shades of Brothers Browne series. I love the dynamic and banter between the brothers, and I’m so eager to finish the last books in the series.
In the meantime, if you haven’t already, I’m excited for you to check out the other books in the series.
The Cop
Kane Browne is a sexy as sin cop who is used to accommodating everyone else’s needs before his own.
Cue Jess Frost, the gorgeous woman with a sharp tongue and eyes like the ocean.
From their first roadside interaction, sparks fly but an illness has robbed Jess of her self-confidence and Kane needs to convince her he’s worth taking a chance on.
Available on Amazon for $1.49 The COP is a sexy, contemporary romance is a little sweet, a little naughty and comes with a side of handcuffs and a HEA (happily ever after).
The Athlete
‘Dane was easy. All he wanted, was to play footy.’
Recently ‘The Great Dane’ Browne has been questioning whether he can return to the elite level of Australian Rules Football and more importantly, whether he wants to.
Katelyn Jennings has never really made peace with the breakup with her high school sweetheart and for good reason. But a chance meeting will put her heart and her life through the ultimate test. They’re about to discover whether you can move on from your first love. And for Dane, it’s about discovering who he really is AWAY from the game.
Also $1.49 The Athlete is a sexy, contemporary romance is sweet & spicy and will warm your heart. It includes brotherly banter and a HEA.
The Freelancer
Beneath Zane Browne’s steely, aloof gaze is a vulnerability born from the loss of his parents and a need to step away from the shadows of his four older brothers.
A weather presenter for Channel Five, Cassidy Symons’ sweet and sunny personality is enduring a test of its own. She’s keeping a secret about her father. A secret that has her kissing a total stranger.
Their meet cute first kiss has them ENGAGED AT FIRST SIGHT and planning a wedding to be held at the Whitney Resort and Spa where her father is the General Manager. Not only will the wedding take place in TWO WEEKS but they also have to post everything to social media. How hard could it be?
One for adventure, Zane is all about pushing the boundaries but will the pressure of being a fiancé at short notice be too much for him to handle?
This fake relationship, opposites attract steamy romance is an adventure full of fun, laughter and self-discovery and will have you wondering – will they or won’t they marry? – until the end.
WHAT THE READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE FREELANCER:
“Cass is my favourite FMC. She is cute, bubbly and has so much empathy for Zane. Cass and Zane gave me all the feels.”
“Absolutely love the sunflower farm scene.”
“Best novel yet. Deb’s writing improves with each book and I’m looking forward to the next instalment in the series.”
“Can’t wait for Blayze’s story!”
“I love fake relationship romances and this was a fresh take on a classic trope.”
“Loved this story, right from their first kiss.”
I’m so chuffed by the feedback that THE FREELANCER is FREE as my gift to you for the next three days only. A love like this should be shared!
Enjoy and happy reading!
Deb xo
About Deb Robinson
Deb’s just a humble little writer who loves what she does. She lives with her lovely husband in their little haven in Melbourne, Australia. She loves all things romance and believes it takes many forms. Her current catalogue consists of hot, contemporary romance under two series: 5 Shades of Brothers Browne and A Sexy Tradie Novella.
Follow Deb Robinson on her official Facebook page
Follow on Instagram and Threads @debrobinsonbooks
And on TikTok @debrobinsonbooks
Tagged: contemporary romance Posted in Free Read, General | Comments Off on Deb Robinson: 5 Shades of Brothers Browne (FREE Read) | Link
Friday, February 23rd, 2024
It’s Friday! Sounds like the perfect time to give something away! I have this short story I wrote a while ago. But be warned! This 6800-word short story contains elements of voyeurism, m/f/m ménage sex, oral sex, and light BDSM. Interested? Follow the link and Happy Friday!
Afraid to spoil their friendship, Emily had been reluctant to act on her attraction to the two sexy men next door. However, when she’s caught spying on them, the men decide a little punishment is in order…
Get your FREE copy here!
Tagged: BDSM, contemporary romance, erotic romance, voyeur Posted in Free Read | Someone Said | Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Colleen C. -
Friday, February 16th, 2024
Release Date Delayed
I have sad news.
I had really wanted to show up today blaring trumpets and screaming “I have a new release! I have a new release!”, but unfortunately, I can’t.
My PNR wolf shifter book that was scheduled to release today, had to be postponed. So instead, I’m here to take a brief break before I go back to frantically trying to finish it so the proofer can get through it before it’s due to Amazon in less than a month.
If you think fated mates wolf shifters are for you, you can pick up the first one in the series, Drew (for free) here, and you can preorder Callum, which will be out next month (if all goes well) here.
Bookstagram Reviewer’s Choice Award: Romance Edition
I come with some news though. I’m starting up a Bookstagram Reviewer’s Choice Award.
What is that?
Well, right now I’m recruiting active bookstagrammers who love to read and review romance books! In March, I’ll be opening up the entry form for romance authors to enter their book (so long as it’s published between May 2023-April 2024).
This is an excellent opportunity for both Bookstagrammers and romance authors to connect with each other and to reach new romance readers.
There will be prizes for the top scoring entries in each category.
Judges will be receiving the books they judge for free.
Follow me on Instagram and follow the contest at our new Instagram account.
If you’d like more information, you can read about it here.
And if you’re a Bookstagrammer and you think you’d like to be a judge, you can sign up here.
How about a quick, unedited excerpt from Callum?
A few more hours and she could supervise the cleanup. Tonight, she’d sneak away to the tree fort for some quiet reading time, and if she was lucky, she’d miss seeing her father tonight.
As she thought through her plans, she straightened a tray on the table, and that’s when it hit her.
Or—more correctly—hit her nostrils.
The spicy, sweet scent from the other night, the one she’d thought was a cologne.
It was stronger now and immediately she realized what it was. Her mate.
For a second, she closed her eyes and just breathed in the intoxicating scent.
The noise of the crowd faded to a dull buzz. Across from her, someone shifted, and she just knew.
Looking up, there he was, the blond man, Elliot’s cousin, staring at her.
Her mouth watered as his scent flooded her senses. He was beautiful. His blond hair was darker at the roots and lighter at the tips, styled with a forelock that twisted and dipped across his forehead. A slight beard scruff covered the dimple in his chin.
He was stunning, and…related to Elliot.
Her father would never approve. Fated mate or not.
If he knew.
Her mate swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing with the motion. “It’s you.”
Quickly, she glanced around before hushing him. “Don’t talk to me. Not here.”
With that, she turned on her heel and fled, her mind whirling with each step.
New plan.
Seduce her mate and convince him to imprint on her before her father found out.
Belated Valentine’s Day Gift!
Happy Valentine’s Day (Yeah, I know, it’s a couple days late)!
Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free copy of Arrested Valentine!
What do you do when you find out your ex-boyfriend was cheating? You spend Valentine’s with your bestie and a bottle of Vodka. Maybe she suggests you slash the cheater’s tires. Maybe you get arrested by the sexiest cop you’ve ever seen.
A day dedicated to love. How bad could it be?
Tagged: contemporary romance, excerpt, paranormal romance Posted in Free Read | Comments Off on Cameron Allie: What’s happening in my world… (2 FREE Reads + Excerpt!) | Link
Tuesday, February 13th, 2024
It’s heeerre!
If you’ve enjoyed my bounty hunters so far, you’ll love Malcolm and Darleen’s story! This is a transition book as well. There are hints aplenty of where the hunters are going next and who’s going to be front and center in the next series. So, if you’re eager to start the new series, you’ll need to read this one! I’m excited for you and me. There are many more adventures to come.
For now, Malcolm is available at Amazon in both eBook and print. If you have Kindle Unlimited, you can get the book for FREE! Happy reading! ~DD
Malcolm
MONTANA BOUNTY HUNTERS: DEAD HORSE, MT
Authentic Men… Real Adventures…
Two fiercely independent bounty hunters must fight their attraction while learning to trust each other as they work together to bring in a dangerous skip.
Former SEAL Malcolm Winslow was looking for a change. He’s been bounty hunting on his own since leaving the teams and has missed the camaraderie of fellow warriors, so he accepts a job with the Montana Bounty Hunters. His first hunt takes a turn when the MBH team discovers that another lone hunter has found their target first. Not wanting to infringe, they stand by just in case their competition needs help.
Darleen Crockett has things well in hand. Sure, she’s alone, without a weapon (because where would she hide it in her skimpy outfit?), and the skip she’s determined to take down is one mean MF, but Darleen likes to ride that dangerous edge between victory and disaster. She’s an admitted adrenaline junkie.
When her skip attacks, she has things well in hand but is suddenly rescued by a rugged, tattooed man who makes her heart pitter-patter. What’s up with that? She’s quickly recruited by Malcolm’s agency and finds herself on the biggest hunt of her career. Denying her attraction to her temporary new partner isn’t possible when they spend so many hours alone, but what she doesn’t expect is finding something more with the equally footloose and independent Malcolm. Things get thorny between them when Malcolm can’t seem to get past the fact she’s a woman to trust that she can handle herself.
When the agency prepares to track an old adversary preparing to flee justice, Malcolm and Darleen are quickly folded into the team heading to Lander, Wyoming, to find their dangerous skip.
Order your eBook now!
Also available in print!
Read an excerpt!
Tagged: bounty hunter, contemporary romance, Montana Bounty Hunters, Montana Bounty Hunters: Dead Horse, romantic suspense, Western Posted in About books..., New Release | Comments Off on Brand New Release! Get your copy of Malcolm now! | Link
Monday, February 12th, 2024
UPDATE: The winner is…Jennifer Beyer!
*~*~*
Tonight, just after midnight, my latest Dead Horse, Montana, story releases! I can’t believe I’ve reached story #10! I’m thinking about what I want to do next, and yes, there will be a new group, along with some familiar faces who will be there initially to help set up the West Yellowstone office, and then off I’ll go again. Yellowstone will be my third bounty hunter series.
Just as a reminder of what you may have missed in this series, here’s the list…
Every MBH: Dead Horse, MT
Book #1
A former SEAL and MMA fighter, and now newly minted bounty hunter, has to hunt down his first skip…his ex-wife!
Read more about Cage!
***
Book #2
An ex-Delta Force soldier, now Montana Bounty Hunter, finds himself slipping naturally into protector-mode when a small-town dessert chef is threatened by mysterious attacks.
Read more about Preacher!
***
Book #3
This former SEAL thought BUD/S training was the challenge of a lifetime until he faced his biggest challenge, teaching a woman who’d never learned trust to trust in them…
Read more about Hardman!
***
Book #4
The happily single owner of the only liquor store in Dead Horse, MT needs the biggest, baddest man around, and a certain former Green Beret seems made to order…
Read more about Chase!
***
Book #5
A lonely, bounty-hunting cowboy looking for one last great adventure may have found it in a girl with serious curves…
Read more about Cowboy!
***
Book #6
An ex-SEAL sniper, who has spent his life experiencing everything from a distance, finds his self-imposed solitude challenged by the one woman in the world who might have been made just for him.
Read more about Eli!
***
Book #7
An ex-Special Forces bounty hunter has to find a way to repair his friendship with the agency’s prickly tech guru while not falling in love with her…
Read more about Gabriel!
***
Book #8
An ex-Special Forces bounty hunter, who likes working alone, accepts the challenge of teaching a feisty young woman how to hunt…
Read more about Mica!
***
Book #9
The games begin when a bounty hunter, who likes working alone, clashes with a cable TV showrunner who’s determined to make him a part of her show…
Read more about Jackson!
***
Book #10
Two fiercely independent bounty hunters, newly hired by the Montana Bounty Hunters, must learn to trust each other’s abilities as they work together to bring in a dangerous skip.
Read more about Malcolm!
Contest
For a chance to win your choice of one of the stories listed above, let me know whether you’d like to see one more MBH: Dead Horse, MT, story. If so, should it be a Christmas story, including all our hunters? Or should it be an entirely new hunter’s story?
Tagged: action-adventure, bounty hunter, contemporary romance, Montana Bounty Hunters, romantic suspense Posted in About books..., Contests!, New Release | 6 People Said | Link
Last 5 people who had something to say: Stacey Kinzebach - Beverly - Jennifer Beyer - BN - Delilah -
|