Category Archives: Blog Tour

Release Tour for Every Other New Year’s Eve by Michelle Dayton

Posted on December 18, 2025 by AmyB

When two strangers meet in a bar that exists for only a few magical hours every two years, their lives become entwined across time. Every Other New Year’s Eve by Michelle Dayton is a poignant exploration of love, fate, and the moments that refuse to fade. Readers who enjoy Rebecca Serle and Ashley Poston will fall head over heels for this steamy, friends-to-lovers, magical realism romance.

Purchase at Your Favorite Retailers!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/49q4078

iBooks: https://tinyurl.com/yn26ycav

Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/5d2fde3r

KOBO: https://tinyurl.com/6jrd7n53

Google Play: https://tinyurl.com/57zv7unp

Tule: https://tulepublishing.com/authors/michelle-dayton/

The point of magic is not to understand it. The point is not to waste it…

Paige Larsen is riding high on her future when she drops into a bar on New Year’s Eve 2019 for a celebratory drink. Will Weber, too, is excited about his life’s direction. Despite clashing personalities—and unexpected physical attraction—they quickly become friends while grooving to 1970s music in this unique joint.

But when Paige and Will each try to find the bar the following day, they realize the night was even more magical than they believed. It seems this bar appears for only a handful of hours every two years in an abandoned city lot on December 31. What’s more, Paige and Will are living in different timelines two years apart.

Over a span of eight years and a multitude of life changes, Paige and Will connect deeply in a fantasy situation that allows them to be their messy, imperfect, vulnerable selves.

Then suddenly, the enchantment—and the bar—disappear for good. Can love offer the magic they need to create a real-life happy ever after?

Every Other New Year’s Eve is a tender, heartwarming romance with a magical twist, perfect for fans of Rebecca Serle and Ashley Poston.

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Excerpt

“I miss kissing,” she blurted. Under her hands, Will’s shoulders leaped an inch, like she was scaring him out of his skin. “Sorry.”

Will did not relax. Pressed against her on the dance floor, from chest to toes, she could feel how tense and tight he was. Experimentally, she squeezed his shoulders, willing him to loosen. His eyes fluttered shut, like the brief massage felt good. When he opened them again, his pupils had expanded, darkening his blue eyes almost to black.

Oh.

Her breath caught in her dry throat, and she licked her lips. Oh. Now she felt the drumbeat between them. A thready pulse of . . . oh wow, was it lust?

Their gazes caught, held.

She fought a sudden urge to press her face into his neck and taste his skin with her tongue. Yeah, oh yeah—it was lust.

She wasn’t exactly shocked. She’d admitted at the NYE countdown two years ago that Will was a kissable guy. And that was when he’d looked so much younger, puppy-like. Now he was a more mature, carved version of himself. Too skinny by a long shot, but without any roundness or hair, she could really see him. His noble cheekbones, long nose, broad jaw. Topped with those blue eyes, always radiating sincerity and kindness. There was no way to ignore how arresting he was.

The breathless stare went on for another beat. They had lingered too long in the moment now to pretend it was anything other than what it was. Paige had forgotten how powerful these magnetic connections could be. How undeniable. They both knew what the thickness in the air between them meant.

Paige was positive that any second now, sweet Will would flee for the safety of the bar.

Instead, he cocked his jaw slightly and rasped, “I miss kissing too.”

She went numb in her knees.

He lowered his gaze and focused on her mouth. Paige rose on her toes. Her breathing had gone shallow, and there was a fluttering sensation in her chest. She couldn’t even hear the jukebox anymore.

Will lowered his face until it hovered just a breath above hers. “Can we?” he whispered.

“I want to,” she said hoarsely. “But I don’t know if it could mean anything.”

A ghost of a smile crinkled the corners of his eyes. “Right now I don’t know who I am or where my life is going tomorrow. And you’re in your own mess, I think. All this kiss would mean is that we want the comfort of each other. An escape.”

He grew bolder, sliding his hands from her hips to the small of her back. “I don’t know if anything counts in a mystical little pocket outside of time anyway.”

It felt so good to be closer, to feel his body—the strength of his hands, the broad, hard line of his shoulders. She slid one hand to the nape of his neck and dropped the other to the back of his belt and tugged. “You’re right.” She scraped his neck with her fingernails. “Kissing in this place would be like kissing in a dream.” No consequences.

Behind them, at the bar, Sam rang his bell and announced that it was almost midnight. The crowd began to shout the countdown. “Ten!”

Ah, perfect timing. As soon as she heard ‘One! Happy New Year!,’ she would plant one on him.

Will did not wait.

About Michelle Dayton

There are only three things Michelle Dayton loves more than sexy and suspenseful novels: her family, the city of Chicago, and Mr. Darcy. Michelle dreams of a year of world travel – as long as the trip would include weeks and weeks of beach time. As a bourbon lover and unabashed wine snob, Michelle thinks heaven is discussing a good book over an adult beverage.

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Release Tour for One Night in Paris by N.D. Jackson

Posted on December 11, 2025 by AmyB

When a not-quite-jilted bride turns her would-be honeymoon into a solo adventure, the last thing she expects is to fall for Paris or the broodingly handsome artist who shows her its secrets. As midnight kisses blur into something deeper, she must choose between the life she left behind and the future she never saw coming. One Night in Paris by N.D. Jackson is a heart-mending, spicy travel romance where art, passion, and second chances collide in the world’s most romantic city.

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It started as one night in Paris.
It ended with forever on the line.

Not quite a jilted bride,

I still find myself on a first-class flight to Paris—solo.

What was supposed to be a honeymoon has become my Great Parisian Adventure: art, food, and falling in love with the city.

Then I met Lucien.

Tall. Dark. French. Irresistibly artsy.

He taught me how to see the city through his eyes.

Its sounds, its colors, its passion.

And somehow, somewhere between croissants, art galleries, and midnight kisses,

Paris stopped being just a place… and started to feel like him.

But he’s a world away from my real life.

And I came here to move on, not fall in love.

Still, you can’t have a Great Parisian Adventure without a touch of romance.

Even if it can’t last.

One Night in Paris is a jilted bride, friends to lovers, travel romance with a happy ending, steamy open-door scenes and a whole lotta Paris. Features a scorching hot Parisian with sensitive eyes, a gentle soul and hot touch.

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Excerpt

It was that magical hour where the whole world seemed perfect. Friends catching up after a long day at work. Lovers greeting each other with soft kisses and heated looks. Even families gathered with a bottle of table wine over rapid fire French.

It’s perfect.

I walked along the boulevards until I found a little bar with a blue neon light that read beaux rêves. Sweet Dreams. It was exactly what I needed so I turned down the cobblestone alleyway and tugged on the heavy black door. I stepped inside and instantly the tension left my body. Soft jazz played inside the dimly lit bar. Booths covered in deep blue leather lined the walls on either side of the door while a few tables with two and four chairs dotted the middle space before the long mahogany bar took up the rest of the space. The dark wood and dark leather should’ve made the place seem heavy but it wasn’t. There was a lightness to it that called to me so I settled at the bar. Or maybe it was just that it seemed less pathetic to sit alone at the bar.

“Que voulez-vous boire?” The voice was masculine, deep and smooth. Heavenly.

My gaze drifted from the specials on the chalkboard above to the owner of the voice, which was my first mistake. His face was even more beautiful than his musical voice. With his brown hair that looked just a little bit mussed and big mossy green eyes, he was a work of art. His olive toned skin gave him an exotic appeal that I shouldn’t have noticed but it was impossible not to. “Oh, um, right. Je voudrais, a, um bourbon?” That was horrible, from the accent to the words, and I felt my skin warm with embarrassment. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” he said with a short laugh. “You ordered it just right. Either that or you asked me if you would like a bourbon.” His face split into an amused grin that drew my gaze to full, pink lips.

I sat taller and looked him right in those mesmerizing green eyes. “Je vourdrais un bourbon.”

He gave a short nod, lips still smiling. “Coming right up.”

I ordered my first drink en français and the bartender understood, which was one for the win column. I got this.

He returned and set a glass in front of me half-full of brown liquid. “Autre chose?”

I ran the catalog of French words I knew in my brain and nodded, because I definitely needed something to go with the booze. “Yes. Je prendrai le plateau de fromages et de pâtés.”

He bit back another smile. “One cheese and pâté board coming right up.”

My brows dipped this time at his smile. He was handsome, sure, but he was also a little bit devilish. “Are you doing that on purpose?” He was messing with me. Right?

He turned back, thick dark brows shot up. “Quoi?”

“That!” I pointed at him. “You keeping responding in a different language.” I heard rumors about the French but I hoped it wasn’t true. “Is this a mess with the dumb American thing?”

His smile slipped. “Bien sûr que non.” He shook his head, seeming appalled at my accusation. “I am just letting you know that I understand. Would you prefer that I clap each time you speak properly?”

I took a long sip of my drink, finishing off half easily and then folded my arms before I aimed a really good glare at him. “Non. Non, je ne le ferais pas!” I definitely would not like that.

“I didn’t think so. Another bourbon?” His accent in both French and English was incredible. It was like a sultry grownup lullaby that effectively vanquished all of my annoyance.

“Yes please. Another bourbon would be great.”

He watched me for a long time, so long I began to squirm. At first I wondered if I still had paint on my face or in my hair but then I remembered the hot shower and high end French beauty products and I knew it wasn’t that. “I have something perfect for you, if you are bold enough to let me choose for you?”

Bold enough. I recognized the challenge for what it was and I tilted my chin high in the air. “Absolument.”

“Now it is you messing with me.” He grinned as he poured, but I noted a hint of sadness in his eyes. “Here you go. Tell me what you think.”

I accepted the crystal glass, noting the artistry of the cut geometric pieces before I wrapped my hand around it took a sip. “Oh my god!” I didn’t spit it out, thankfully, but my eyes bugged out and I choked on it. “That is…strong,” I finished and then frowned at the glass. “But good. What is it?”

“French rye. American’s always think bourbon is French but it is from your homeland. This,” he pointed to my glass, “is the best of French alcohol.”

It wasn’t bad but it was incredibly strong. I leaned closer and looked left and then right. “Would it be terribly rude or uncouth to ask for it on the rocks?”

He laughed but this time it wasn’t at me, and goodness it went all the way up to those incredible eyes. “Whatever the lady wants.”

I stared at him blatantly because he really was beautiful, but it wasn’t attraction. I mean he was attractive but it was more than that, he was beautiful in that way that made my fingers tingle with the urge to paint him. To sketch him. Anyway I could celebrate his beauty through my art I wanted to.

Badly.

Now.

About N.D. Jackson

Wanderer. Lover of books. Romance author. Vegan. Those are just some of the things used to describe me! When I’m not spinning tales of small town and contemporary romance, I love to travel, cook, and watch/listen to true crime, history & strange documentaries and podcasts. I’m a native Chicagoan currently living in Europe who has been in love with books for as long as I can remember. My first book, Conflict of Interest, was published in 2014, and I’ve been writing books ever since! I’m a full-time writer and part-time author, traveler, vegan blogger, and obsessive fan of Dawson’s Creek.

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Mini Release Tour for Beard on Tap by Willow Sanders

Posted on August 13, 2025 by AmyB

Set against the rugged charm of Baren Hill, this heartfelt romance delivers a swoony grumpy sunshine dynamic, a heroine rediscovering herself after divorce, and a cinnamon roll mountain man with a beard—and a bar—to fall for. Readers who love a confident, capable older heroine, romantic tension with payoff, witty banter, and filthy dialogue will consume Beard on Tap by Willow Sanders.

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◆ Finn ◆

Used to be, the family bar was hopping until last call every night. Now? If the bank doesn’t take her away from me in the next two months, it’ll be a miracle. All because some fatcat politician thought building a new highway would earn him a few more votes. The last thing I need? A firecracker who has curves in all the right places and a smart mouth, telling me what to do to save my own damn bar. I can do this alone; except I recognize the pain I see in those moss-colored eyes. Sure I don’t need any help, but it seems like she does.

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All I wanted was a relaxing vacation. Fresh mountain air. Some uninterrupted time with a book. Yeah, right. Maybe I could relax if the bar I stumbled upon—literally– wasn’t run by the sexiest, and most annoying, man in the world. Five minutes in, I couldn’t decide if I wanted to drag him across the bar and kiss him or pour my beer down his flannel shirt. He won’t ask for help, but what he doesn’t know? I’ve never backed down from a challenge. Finn’s going to learn just how stubborn I can be. And maybe…we’ll find our happily ever after.

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Excerpt

Time had morphed in hyper speed. One minute Finn and Emmett were loading me into the front seat of the biggest pick-up truck I’d ever laid eyes on, and the next Finn was helping me out of the truck, and balancing me against the door while we waited for the bellhop to bring the wheelchair.

“Thank you,” I said. My hands wrapped around his biceps, though I don’t remember putting them there. He looked filled out but not bulky. I wouldn’t have ever guessed that he was as firm in the arms and shoulders that he actually was. “I know I didn’t say it earlier. But, I appreciate it. Well, you. Especially hauling my ass out of that ravine.”

“It’s a baby ravine. More like a gulch than anything.”

I could smell the whiskey on his breath too. It was a homing beacon for the part of whiskey that controls your libido. One minute we’re standing there awkwardly waiting for the bellhop, and the next I’m nibbling on his lips, testing how firm and heavy they felt caressing mine.

“You’ll be gone in a few days.” His fingers cradled my shoulder, holding me at the slightest distance. “This isn’t a good thing to start.”

“That I’ll be gone in a few days is precisely why it’s the best kind of thing to start.”

I tried to go in again, because the first swipe of my lips did little to dampen the molten desire that threatened to erupt.

“Princess, you start this, and I promise you won’t want to stop.”

My fingers itched to bury themselves in his beard. To feel for myself if it was soft or wiry, if he liked being caressed there or if it bothered him. The truth was I just wanted to feel his mouth again. I wanted more of the heaviness of his lips pressed against mine, being wrapped in his scent like a scarf on a snowy day.

“Someone’s overconfident.”

Me, apparently. While I can’t say that this “wasn’t like me” because quite honestly, I’d been a “me” alongside someone else for so long I don’t even know what my singular identity was.

“Oh, I’m sure of it. I’m not the kind of person that has missionary style penciled in my agenda– sex, with a blow job kicker for birthdays and anniversaries. I’m a flip you over, pull your hair, plunge my finger into your hidden treasure and tell you to take it like a good girl. I’ll wreck you. You won’t want it any other way after me. And I’m not the matching retirement account and monogrammed towels kind of man.”

“The towels just end up going to the Goodwill anyway,” I tell him, before pushing myself into his space. It was all the invitation he needed. He cradled my jaw firmly between his thumb and finger, and plundered my mouth like there was buried treasure that could only be unearthed with a very adroit tongue.

My whole being melted. Liquid heat erupted down my spine, sending the most delicious of sensations from the tips of my ears all the way to my curling toes.

“Ahem.”

The bellboy appeared. Top notch customer fucking service. Great timing too. The Yelp review practically wrote itself.

“Ms. James, I’m here to take you to your room. I’ve just come from there, the staff is setting your dining room for dinner, so we best get moving so it doesn’t get cold.”

Alistair, according to his nametag, had the good sense to school his features and not indicate he’d just walked into what felt like a pornographic display of lips, teeth and tongue.

The atmosphere cooled. Finn stepped back wiping his lips and shooting me a sheepish wink.

“Feel better, Ms. James. Hopefully I’ll see you around.”

Before I could even say thanks for rescuing me, or hey come back to my hotel room and prove it, he was behind the wheel of his truck and pulling out of the roundabout.

Unfortunately for me, every blood cell in my body vibrated in concert, and the song it sang was about a bar owner named Finn with concrete gray eyes, and a dirty, pouty mouth.

About Willow Sanders

A marketer by day, and author by night, Willow Sanders is a best-selling author of sweet with heat Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense. She loves to write spunky, take no shit women, and understanding men with a strong side of sarcasm and an extra helping of BDE. When not writing you can find her torn between her loyalty to the Fighting Illini and her husband’s loyalty to Michigan State, bemoaning traffic, feeding her caffeine addiction, and trying to find the connection between her and the Gilmore Girls–because she is certain she is a long-lost family member.

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Release Tour for Let Me Go by Tricia T. LaRochelle

Posted on July 1, 2025 by AmyB

When Jacob Sullivan’s grandfather passes away, he leaves the high life behind to honor his grandfather’s final wish: spend one month in his vacation home and decide if it’s worth keeping. However, Jacob never expected to find Iris Flynn, a mysterious woman determined to forget her past. Readers who enjoy heart-wrenching, emotional stories will fall in love with Let Me Go by Tricia T. LaRochelle, a small-town, enemies-to-lovers romance.

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Jacob “JC” Sullivan is living the high life in New York City, where his stockbroker career has earned him everything he ever wanted—except someone to share it with. A childhood shaped by his parents’ toxic marriage has left him convinced that love is a trap. But when his grandfather passes away and leaves him a vacation home in the quiet town of Buckingham, Vermont, JC reluctantly follows through on his final wish: spend one month there and decide if it’s worth keeping.

What JC doesn’t expect to find is Iris Flynn—a mysterious woman living in isolation with a past she’s determined to forget. Her beauty and guarded nature intrigue him, but it’s only when he witnesses the threats from locals targeting her that he’s forced to confront the undeniable chemistry between them. As they become closer, JC starts to see that his life in the city, filled with fleeting relationships and shallow success, has left him empty.

Iris, scarred by mistakes from her teenage years, has spent too much time running from her past, but JC makes her want to face those truths she’s so skillfully buried. Together, they discover that healing begins when you let go of your fears—and gamble on each other. But their growing connection threatens dark forces determined to keep Iris alone.

Let Me Go is a heart-wrenching, emotional journey about love, redemption, and the courage to forgive—not just others, but yourself.

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Excerpt

I set both bags on the deck, just above the steps and next to the railing, hoping that would provide just enough stability to keep them upright until the crazy lady had found them. No point in leaving a note. If she saw the note, she’d see the bags.

I turned to leave and found Lily standing there in front of my truck watching me with the same expression she wore on my dock. Only this time, I wasn’t afraid. Not of her. “Hey, Lily.” I loved that I now knew her name.

She bounded over.

I scratched behind her ears. “So this is your home, girl?” I squatted down to see her better.

Lily just stood there, allowing my hands to pet and pamper. What was it about this dog? I already liked her. In fact, I almost wanted to take her home with me. Being alone wasn’t something I had been accustomed to. Not lately. Lily would be a great companion. And if I suspected she was being abused, I would have done just that. But this dog was friendly, not guarded, and well cared for judging by her disposition and her thick coat of fur. Abused dogs were mean. Lily was anything but.

“Maybe you can come see me again. Would you like that, girl?” I scrubbed around her ears some more and down her neck, which she seemed to like.

And then I realized I’d overstayed my welcome. What business did I have hanging around this place? I was far from skedaddling as Raymond had instructed.

I rose. “Okay, Lily. I’ve gotta go. You come over anytime you want to, okay? I gotcha some dog treats.” Do you expect her to answer you?

I took a step toward my truck, when the sound of a screen door opened and shut from the back of the house. My curiosity getting the better of me, I inched my way toward the front corner of the porch, assuring myself my truck was only a quick jaunt away. And I was prepared to run. Like the wind if I had to.

I just wanted to see what this . . . person looked like. All I could imagine was someone you’d buy tickets to see at a county fair. Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, we’ve got a crazy loon for you.

And then, she appeared, Lily running to her side.

“Hey, Miss Lily. You been wandering around again?” The woman was not old at all. In fact, she was probably younger than I was. She bent over and brushed her fingers through Lily’s fur, and I found myself envious of the animal’s care. “You wanna help me get these clothes down?” Various articles of clothing floated back and forth in the breeze.

Funny, she spoke to Lily as though she was another person. Just like I had. The late-day sun had paused just above the horizon, blanketing the scene before me in a sort of spotlight, only much softer than that, shades of pink, orange, and violet contributing to the spectrum.

I lost my breath or my ability to hold a single thought inside of my head. Iris was . . . beautiful?

No radiant. Honestly, there were no words. Was my mouth hanging open? I had no fucking idea. She stood sideways while pulling clothes off her line as the sunset filtered through her cotton white sundress, silhouetting a lean body and full breasts. A gentle breeze ran its fingers through her long locks of golden curls that cascaded all the way to her tiny waist. I wanted to touch it, and then felt weird for wanting such a thing. I dated beautiful women, some of them models. And if I were being honest, I wasn’t so bad myself, or so I’d been told. But the vision of what stood before me spoke to somewhere deep within my soul, a place unknown and uncertain. I couldn’t fathom was I was feeling in that moment. All I knew was that whatever it was, I was rendered helpless by the power of it.

Her profile highlighted a delicate nose that formed a small button at its tip. Her chin and neck were sculpted as if from sandstone, a golden tan glowing from her flawless skin. With long and delicate fingers, she unhooked a shirt and placed it in the wicker basket next to her feet. Her movements were graceful, almost rhythmic, and I couldn’t for the life of me stop watching her. My feet remained rooted to the earth as my chest filled with something indescribable. My skin tingled. If I was still breathing, I was unaware.

The only thing I couldn’t see were her eyes. It didn’t matter, they could be jet black and she’d still be the most gorgeous creature I had ever seen

About Tricia T. LaRochelle

Tricia T. LaRochelle is the award-winning author of the Sara Browne Series, a gripping romantic suspense along with Sun in My Heart and A Collision with Love, her stand-alone romances with a twist. (Her next stand-alone, Let Me Go, launches in June 2025.) Gut-wrenching romances with unforeseen plot twists are where she thrives. Her apologies ahead of time for the tears. ☺

Coming from a background and education in Marketing, Tricia has spent the past eleven years pursuing her author endeavors. She now lives in Virginia with her husband and new pup, Daisy, who keeps her on her toes. She enjoys long walks with her hubby, time with her two grown sons and DILs, and board games that bring out the silly.

Subscribe to her newsletter at tricialarochelle.com, where you can receive updates on her work and win prizes. You can also find her on social media.

Subscribe to her newsletter at tricialarochelle.com and receive updates and opportunities to win prizes or follow her on X, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Pinterest.

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Release Tour for Click of Fate by Lauren Helms

Posted on June 19, 2025 by AmyB

Click of Fate by Lauren Helms is a flirty, heartfelt romance with heat, humor, and a whole lot of chaos. With tropes like one-night stand to more, he-falls-first, and forced proximity, it’s perfect for readers who love emotional depth, found family, and a hero who falls hard—and a heroine who’s terrified he means it.

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Once upon a time, there was a charming climber and a stubborn photographer who swore she’d never fall—until she did.

Stella

I don’t do roots. Or relationships. Or anything that involves the word “forever.”

But Luke Farley? He’s the kind of man who makes one night feel like a promise. With that stupidly perfect smile, a body built for sin, and hands that know exactly what they’re doing—he’s dangerously easy to want.

It was supposed to be casual.

A few non-dates, a little flirting, and zero expectations.

Now I’m staring down feelings I swore I’d never catch… and falling for a man who climbs like he was born to take risks.

And worst of all? I don’t want to run.

Luke

Stella Young walked into my life like a dare I couldn’t resist—smart mouth, with a camera around her neck and zero intention of sticking around. She warned me not to catch feelings.

Too late.

She’s the one I want—complicated, messy, and magnetic as hell.

She says she’s not built for love.

I think she’s just scared of falling.

Good thing I’m here to catch her.

Click of Fate is a swoony, one-night-stand romance about climbing risks, letting go of fear, and finding the kind of love worth falling for.

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MY REVIEW

“Some people call me a matchmaker–others, a meddler. I prefer “architect of happily ever afters.”

“He’s a climber. You’re a runner. Maybe you just need someone who doesn’t let go.”

When it comes to Stella and Luke, they couldn’t be more different. Stella isn’t one for settling down and definitely doesn’t do relationships. When she meets Luke in a bar one night, she thinks he’ll be the perfect one-night stand. Little did she know that fate would have other plans. Luke is everything Stella could want in a man, and suddenly has her wishing for more…

I absolutley adored Luke and Stella. Their story pulled me in from the very first page. The chemistry between the two of them oozed off the pages, and you could tell that one night would never be enough for the two of them. I love the way fate kept intervening and putting the two of them together when they least expected it. Luke was utterly charming and grounded. He didn’t hesitate to bring the swoon and knew that Steall was worth fighting for.

Click of Fate is a fantastic read from beginning to end. There’s no shortage of swoon and humor, and just enough drama to keep readers on their toes. Click of Fate was definitely worth the wait, and I can’t wait to see what Lauren Helms has in store for us readers next.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

Excerpt

On my tiptoes, I make my way through his room and into the living room. His door is a rolling door, so unfortunately, I can’t shut it behind me; I don’t know how much noise it makes. I spot my undies and slip them on as I hunt for my bra. I can’t find it, but I’m not opposed to leaving it.

After a few more seconds, I finally spot the bra and slip it on as Luke’s voice, still thick with sleep, breaks the silence.

“Wow. You’re good at this. Almost too good.”

I freeze, then let out a breath and roll my eyes.

So much for a clean getaway.

Turning, I find him leaning against the doorframe, watching me with an easy smirk.

“You make a habit of this?” he asks.

Unoffended, I smirk right back at him. “Not really, just have a thing against sticking around.”

This earns me a raised eyebrow. “That so?”

“Yep, and I also have a thing against relationships,” I tell him as I snag my jeans off the floor and hoist them on. I wait for the usual reaction—the awkward pause, the immediate ego that insists he can be the one to change that—but it never comes.

Instead, he just nods, shrugs his shoulders, and says, “Fair enough.”

Really?

Wasn’t expecting that.

He stands in the doorway and reaches his hands above his head in a deep stretch. Gym shorts hang from his body and do hardly anything to hide his semi-hard cock. His chest is bare, and I have to remind myself not to drool.

Running a hand through his hair, he pads through the living room toward the kitchen area. “At least let me make you coffee before you escape.”

Pulling my shirt over my head, I grin. “I don’t usually stick around for coffee.”

He shrugs, popping a K-cup into his machine. “Then take it to go.”

I hesitate. Why is he being so easy about this? Is this a red flag? I’m normally so removed from the relationship itself, I’ve not had to look for red flags.

The coffee starts to drip into the mug before it hits a steady stream. The pleasant and teasing aroma hits my senses, and damn, I suddenly need some caffeinated goodness in my life.

“Fine. I’ll have it to go.”

The man just grins like he won something as he pulls out another coffee pod from the holder.

I walk to the stool at the wooden island and take a seat.

He pulls his mug away from the machine. “I’d offer you this one, but you said you want it to go.” He sits it down in front of me, as if to tempt me. Staring at it, I realize I don’t have anywhere to be until around lunch.

Snatching up the mug, I blow over the steam, breathing in the fresh brew. Watching me, he asks, “So, the aversion to relationships thing. Just a personality quirk, or is there a story there?”

I lean over the counter, pretending I don’t feel the weight of this question.

“Let’s just say my job isn’t relationship-friendly.” Seems straightforward enough.

He hums, sipping his own coffee now. “Photojournalist, right? Travel a lot?”

“Yep. Can’t exactly date when you don’t stay in one place long enough to finish a carton of milk.” That’s almost the truth. It’s not just the job. It’s everything else, but I’m not about to get into all of that with him.

Luke just nods, like he gets it. He doesn’t push for more of an explanation. I can tell he isn’t judging me. Maybe he really does understand.

“Fair.” He takes another sip. “Gotta say, though. You don’t seem as detached as you think.”

My eyebrows rise unintentionally. “Oh?”

“You stayed the night,” he says.

And my reply to that sexy fucking smirk?

I just huff out a laugh—he has a point.

About Lauren Helms

Lauren Helms writes romance that’s nerdy, flirty, and just a little bit dirty. Her stories are set in big cities with small-town vibes, where every couple gets their happily ever after—and probably a few swoony gaming references along the way. Her love for love stories started with a book blog and leveled up fast—thanks to her background in video game strategy publishing and a passion for stories that make your heart race. That magic combo sparked her beloved Gamer Boy series, and she’s been writing HEAs ever since.

She’s also the founder of Indie Pen PR, where she helps fellow romance authors bring their book boyfriends to life and make some serious buzz in the process. When she’s not plotting meet-cutes or helping other authors promote theirs, Lauren’s all about iced coffee, perfectly color-coded planners, and binge-worthy TV.

She lives in Indianapolis with her husband and their three aspiring nerds-in-training—where love, laughter, and chaos are always part of the storyline.

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Release Tour for Empire of Ache & Ruin by Diana A. Hicks

Posted on May 15, 2025 by AmyB

The ballet performance of my life ends with a forbidden auction and my older brother’s best friend as the highest bidder. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family, even if it means losing myself to the reclusive billionaire. Readers who enjoy enemies to lovers and dark billionaire romances will devour Empire of Ache & Ruin by Diana A. Hicks, a steamy, beauty and the beast retelling.

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While I stand in darkness, she holds the light…

The ballet performance of my life ends with a forbidden auction.

My older brother’s best friend is the highest bidder.

Now he’s here to claim his prize…me.

But the reclusive billionaire is no knight in shining armor.

Though I’m drawn to him, I know something sinister lurks beneath his steel blue eyes.

I must protect my family, even if it means losing myself in the process.

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MY REVIEW

I had the pleasure of beta-reading this book and think readers are in for a real treat. Empire of Ache & Ruin isn’t your mama’s Beauty and the Beast retelling. This story has fire, passion, betrayal, and revenge. You will be taken on a wild and frustrating ride, and that will test your limits and keep you on your toes.

The fire and chemistry between Paloma and Archer oozed off the pages. They frustrated me at times, but I couldn’t get enough. I was completely invested and couldn’t wait to see how their story would play out.

Empire of Ache & Ruin is a sexy and compelling read with cameos and wonderful characters you’ll love to hate and a cliffhanger ending that will leave you begging for more. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

*Thank you to the author for the opportunity to beta read an early copy of this book*

Excerpt

“So good.” He releases me from my binding.

My legs are jelly at this point. I drop, but he catches me before I hit the floor. A wave of ecstasy lingers at my core as he scoops me into his arms. My cheek lands on the bit of his exposed skin, and I melt into him. I’m floating, still riding the high even though he already took the swan away.

I lift my head as he takes the stairs down to the second level. He’s taking me back to my room. I should object. But what can I expect? That just because I let him do all those things to me, he would change his mind about what I am to him?

Wife.

His word echoes in my head.

I want to fight him, push him away, and tell him I don’t need his help. But there’s no point. The all-powerful Mr. Archer get whatever he wants. I let him carry me to my bed. Once I’m on top of the covers, he removes my shoes and my jeans. And then it hits me. He brought me here without my top.

“Get under the covers.” He lifts the duvet. “I want you to sleep like this. Naked. Do you understand?”

I nod and do as he says, too tired to argue with him. As soon as my head lands on the soft pillow, I doze off. My eyes flutter open, then they close, and then, I’m in my favorite dream—the one where Archer guards my sleep, filling all the empty spaces in my room with his raw energy.

“Stay away from me, Little Dove.” His hand hovers over my cheek. “I’m exactly the monster you think I am.”

“You’re not a monster.” I turn on my side, curling my body toward the edge of the mattress. When I glance up at him, he’s gone.

I sit up, my heart racing.

I look to every corner, but all I find are shadows that don’t match his. Did I dream the whole thing? I squeeze my legs together, and my overly sensitive bud reacts as if it’s ready for another round. I peek at the nightstand and all the colors dancing on the facets of the crystal swan. Tears roll down my cheeks.

Archer is real. Just like his resolution to stay away from me.

“I’m your wife, you idiot.” I punch the pillow next to me. “I’m not your enemy.”

About Diana A. Hicks

Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy romantic suspense and science-fiction romance.

When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.

Praise for Diana A. Hicks:

“Hicks’ first installment of her Desert Monsoon series is confident and assured with strong storytelling, nuanced characters, and a dynamic blend of romance and suspense…A sexy and irresistible tale for fans of contemporary romance.” – Kirkus Reviews

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Release Tour with Review for Game Change by Evelyn Sola

Posted on May 9, 2025 by AmyB

Brynne and Colin meet by chance on a sun-soaked island getaway and indulge in a whirlwind romance filled with dreams and promises. However, when Brynne returns home, fate takes an unexpected twist when she discovers her promotion has been handed to Colin instead. Caught between their undeniable chemistry and growing animosity, Brynne and Colin are forced to navigate the rocky path from lovers to enemies while managing tricky office politics. Readers who enjoy forced proximity and office romances will devour Game Change by Evelyn Sola, a steamy, diverse, lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers romance.

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As a shocking revelation looms, will fate create a divide too deep to cross?

On a sun-soaked island getaway, two architects, Brynne and Colin, meet by chance and indulge in a whirlwind romance, blissfully unaware that their paths are tangled by fate. Their passionate affair ignites a bond filled with dreams and promises. Colin vows to find Brynne once they’ve left paradise behind, and Brynne promises to welcome him into her life with open arms.

However, fate takes an unexpected twist when Brynne learns that Colin is tied to her life in ways she never anticipated.

Brynne is blindsided when she discovers that the promotion she was promised has been handed to Colin instead. Suddenly, their connection spirals into hostility and resentment.

Caught between their undeniable chemistry and growing animosity, Brynne and Colin navigate a rocky path from lovers to enemies while managing tricky office politics. But as tensions mount, both must confront their feelings and the cruel twist of fate that has driven them apart.

Will they be able to reconcile their love as they unravel the tangled blueprints of their hearts?

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MY REVIEW

I definitely need more Evelyn Sola books in my life!

Game Change is smartly written and entertaining. The characters are diverse, real, and easy to relate to. Colin and Brynne stole my heart from their very first interaction. Their connection was intense and unforgettable. I loved their banter and the will-they/won’t they moments. You can’t help but root for Colin and Brynne as they navigate their way to HEA.

Game Change is a very satisfying and delicious read that’s easily devourable in a single sitting. I loved the tension, chemistry, and workplace drama. And while this is my first book by this author, it most certainly won’t be my last.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *

Excerpt

“And you think that makes a difference? You come swooping in, take something you didn’t earn, and threaten to fire anyone who isn’t thrilled to have you.”

“Oh, you were thrilled the last time you had me,” I announce.

“Don’t you ever bring that up again, you con man. And for the record, I don’t report to you. Everyone else, maybe, but not me. If you have a problem with that, fire me.”

“Con man? You can’t be serious.”

“I’m very serious. You lied. You pretended to be someone else to gain my trust so you could get me into bed and have this over me.”

I throw my head back and give a humorless laugh. “Really? I didn’t realize I was that good. For the record, I’ve never had to con a woman into sleeping with me, but since you’re so damn delusional, let’s go over what happened. Remember the night at the club? The night where you had your hands all over me. Rubbing my chest and touching my ass. Remember how you pressed your body against mine and said you wanted to go home with me? I asked if you were sure, and you said you were. I took you back, and you made love to me all night. I spent every spare moment with you after that, and now you want to say that was all a lie?”

“It was a lie!” she yells. “And you set it all up. Walking around with no shirt on, flashing your washboard abs. Wearing those ridiculous Crocs so you could appear approachable and smiling like some wanna-be GQ model.”

“So, I asked for it? My outfit made you do it?” I challenge. “It was my fault you asked to go home with me?”

“Don’t you dare use that argument on me, and if you were honest about who you were, I wouldn’t have touched you with a ten-foot pole, but you knew that.”

“I offered to tell you who I was. You’re the one who said no. You wanted to use those stupid code names while on vacation mode.” I put vacation mode in air quotes. “Remember that?”

“No,” she lies. “I don’t remember any of that.”

“And you call me the liar,” I challenge.

“That’s right.”

“Okay, so you fucked me, and now you’re mad about it. Do I have that right? Well, stay mad then.”

“Of course, you would reduce it to just that,” she says, “but on the contrary, Mr. Kincaid, I’m the one who got fucked. And since we’re on the topic, you can go ahead and fuck yourself.” She walks out of my office and slams the door behind her.

About Evelyn Sola

A Boston native, wife, mother, and wine enthusiast. If she’s not writing, thinking about writing, you will find Evelyn with a book in her hands. While a new publisher, she’s been writing for years, and she will continue to write for many years to come.

Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion, and humor.

She currently lives in Chicago, IL, with her husband and two daughters.

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Release Tour for Dances with Pucks by Debbie Charles

Posted on April 22, 2025 by AmyB

When a health issue ends Christina’s dancing career, she finds herself on a new path as a co-owner of an NHL team. But, when a friend needs help at her dance studio, the last thing she expected was for the hottie taking private lessons to wind up on her brother’s hockey team. Readers who love secret, workplace romances will enjoy Dances with Pucks by Debbie Charles, a steamy, sports romance.

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Cam

Guarding the net is not my only goal

While other players relax on the golf course, my off-season is spent in the ballroom. Dancing keeps me limber and the memory of my mom alive. My father dismissed hockey as a career and moved on to a new family. Joke’s on him. I’ve made it to the NHL, and I’ll clear close to a mil at age twenty-four. The only thing left on my life plan is a family, and I have my eye on the beautiful dance instructor who keeps me on my toes.

Christina

I prefer numbers to people. They’re far more predictable.

Numbers make sense; people don’t.

After a health issue ended my competitive ballroom dancing career, I took over management of my family’s financial empire. Then my brother insisted on bringing pro hockey to Austin, so here I am, co-owner of an NHL team and agreeing to give free financial advice to the players. When a friend needs help at her dance studio, the hottie taking private lessons is more tempting than a macro-enabled spreadsheet, until his headshot pops up on my brother’s hockey roster. Talk about a conflict of interest. Worse, he wants what I can’t give him—kids. Maybe just a fling…

Dances with Pucks is a workplace romance between two incredibly flexible people, which means things get steamy, stretched, and sometimes twisted. It introduces the Texas Tornadoes, the hottest, coolest expansion NHL team in hockey.

Add to Goodreads Here!

Excerpt

As he raises me to his shoulder, my leg extended, and begins to twirl, my only thought is how close his hand is to my *****. I moan, and he inhales deeply. If he’s smelling me, I’ll be so embarrassed. That might be worse than if my arousal leaks down onto his hand.

He clutches me tight for an instant before allowing me to slide down. I wrap my arm around his back, the arch of my spine more pronounced than before. I’ve forgotten the move. My *** craves his **** against it and my legs are splayed wide to get maximum friction where I want it. I’m too high, though, so I’m splayed across his belly, his big hand inches above where I need it to be. He releases his left hand where it had moved under my knee and I slide down, leading with one tiptoe so I can slow my slide over his ****.

I am shameless and over this lesson almost before it’s begun.

I don’t spin around and instead shimmy my *** against him.

His hand tightens around my waist as he pulls me even closer. We breathe in unison. My back brushes his chest with every inhale.

“Christina?” he asks into my hair. I’m sweaty and horny and I don’t care about resisting any more.

I whisper, “Cam. Please.”

Spinning me around, he responds with a husky, “Thank ****,” as his hands go to my head and his lips meet mine.

He kisses far better than anyone I’ve ever experienced. I’m lost. My brain skitters along the hard floor under us before I remember that my bedroom is literally feet away. But I’m afraid to break the spell. I want to sink into these sensations, this pleasure, and wallow in it.

My hands roam his hard muscles. Arms, back, chest, shoulders are all explored as our lips and tongues play. I tunnel under his shirt, craving skin to skin, and he moans. I flick his nipple with a fingernail, and he shudders around me.

He also starts to explore. His fingers knead the muscles of my upper back, around the base of my spine, and my ***. He skims as far down my legs as he can reach and mutters against my mouth, “God, I want these wrapped around me.”

I nod.

He raises his head, looking a little surprised. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. It’s been a while, though, so please take it slow.” I’m not ready to share my specific worries about penetration, angle, or position, but I’m safe with him. This is a man who worries he’ll drop me a few feet from a simple lift.

Nor is this the time to talk about keeping this whole thing secret. Maybe I can get my fill of him today and then move on. I’ll worry about all that later. Right now, I need the pleasure his body has been taunting mine with for weeks.

“If you need me to do something different, tell me.” He’s done asking for permission, however, because he peels the straps of my leotard down to my hips in one move. Plucking the knot of my filmy wrap skirt open, he tosses it aside and gets me naked except my shoes in seconds.

I suck in a breath. The mirrors reflect a three-quarter view of the back of me, so he can see all of me at once. And while he’s in his prime, both age-wise and being a professional athlete, I’m no longer the lithe competitive dancer I once was. I’ve filled out, although I stay fitter than most thirty-year-old women.

“God, you’re gorgeous. Even more beautiful than I imagined.” His voice is reverent, allaying the few worries my thoughts had room for. It’s time to bask in this experience.

He lowers to his knees; I assume to take my shoes off. But no, he runs his hands up and down my legs, testing the muscles with light squeezes. “Your legs are my greatest fantasy.”

Well, that’s hot. And original. I brace my hands on his shoulders. Even with him kneeling before me, the power dynamic of me naked and him clothed is a little overwhelming. I tug on his shirt. “Off, please.”

He does that young guy thing, grasping it behind his head with one hand and yanking it up and off, flinging it aside.

My hands return to his shoulders. Warm, smooth skin covers muscles that are hard even at rest. I could fondle him all day.

He has other ideas. Tucking a hand behind my knee, he braces me by holding my other hip and slides my knee over his shoulder, opening me to him.

About Debbie Charles

A lifelong romance reader, I cut my teeth on Johanna Lindsey, Jude Deveraux, and Kathleen Woodiwiss, along with Silhouette and Harlequin for palate cleansers. Opting for a career that provided both a food and travel budget, I earned a BA, CPA, and MBA, and spent far too long being a corporate drone, then consulting other corporate drones. Along the way, I was one of the few 1990s NBA season ticket holders never to see Michael Jordan play (’93-’94). I also attended a few NFL games, the Belmont Stakes, the NHL playoffs, the World Series, and managed to see more than 20 MLB parks, several of which have since been demolished. More recently, I’ve enjoyed the Texas Stars, the AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars. Throughout those years, I made sporadic attempts to write my own romance. I now have 9 spicy Regency romances under the pen name Maggie Sims (www.maggiesims.com), and am ready to tackle contemporary romance, starting with hot hockey romances set in Austin, where I now live with my husband and three furbabies.

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Blog Tour: Wildest Dreams by L.J. Shen

Posted on April 10, 2025 by AmyB

He’ll protect his best friend’s baby sister from anything…other than himself.

Wildest Dreams, an all-new enemies-to-lovers, best friend’s little sister, billionaire romance from New York Times bestselling author L.J. Shen is now available!

Rhyland

Dylan Casablancas is a forbidden fruit,

Undeniably delicious, but one bite just might kill you.

She’s my best friend’s baby sister, a single mom, and a royal pain in the ass.

When Little Miss Baggage moves downstairs to house-sit her brother’s Manhattan apartment, my potential business partner mistakes us as a couple.

He wants a family guy.

I want access to his billions.

And Dylan?

She needs a big, burly guy to scare off her loser ex.

Pretending to be engaged to the feisty girl next door gets messy when I take a bite of the illicit apple.

What can I say? I’m an instant gratification kind of guy.

We made a deal to walk out of each other’s lives once my contract is signed.

The only problem?

She might take my heart with her when she leaves.

Dylan

Rhyland Coltridge is out of the question.

Unless the answer is: “Who’s the biggest man-whore you’ve ever met?”

Hedonistic. Wild card. Utterly corrupt.

And those are just the traits the jerk prides himself on.

My life is too messy for a boyfriend. Even if it wasn’t, Rhyland would be the last man I’d consider.

He is supposed to be my ticket out of this nightmare.

But he’s fast becoming my wildest, most dangerous dream.

Author’s note: this is an enemies-to-lovers, fake engagement standalone with an alpha hero and a feisty heroine. Please check trigger warnings before reading.

Start reading today!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Ebook: https://amzn.to/3zW9Luc

Deluxe Paperback: https://amzn.to/4haIp3p

Barnes & Noble Exclusive: https://tinyurl.com/wddpbbn

Add Wildest Dreams to Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/wdljgr

Keep Reading for a look inside Wildest Dreams!

Blinking away the tears, I stumbled toward the figure holding my child. More specifically, the man suspending her by the ankles, gently shaking her body as if she were a newly torn piñata. “Where’s the candy?” His deep, dark drawl rumbled. No baby talk for him. “I know you have some. Don’t play.”

“I don’t!” Gravity giggled, trying to kick the air, arms flailing. “I ate it all on the way here.”

Snitch.

“I suppose I’ll just have to eat you then.”

Another fit of giggles. “Nooo, Uncle Rhyrand. Mommy won’t let you! She woves me!”

My heart finally slowed. I wiped my clammy hands on my sweatshirt, feigning nonchalance as I joined them on the sidewalk.

Them being my daughter and Rhyland Coltridge.

Rhyland Coltridge being my brother’s best friend.

A man-whore.

A cocky bastard who knew he was God’s best creation to date.

A debauched, selfish piece of work clad in a Prada suit.

Too bad that piece of work was a masterpiece.

Rhyland put the “fun” in “dysfunctional.” He was a menace who got a free pass for all his faults through his striking exterior. His princely features included six feet and four inches of bronze, taut, flawlessly muscled body, gold-spun hair the color of an endless wheat field, and eyes as green and bright as the shiniest emeralds. Everything about him, from his cruelly sharp jawline, cartoonishly high cheekbones, and full lips to his straight nose, screamed perfection.

And we hated each other.

Actually, he couldn’t muster enough shits to have any kind of strong feelings about me or anyone else. It was one of the reasons I detested him. He was living, breathing proof that you could live with no heart inside your chest.

“Hello, Rhyland.” I strode toward him, putting my fake bravado on like it was a fancy hat.

“Hello, fuckup,” he parried tonelessly, hoisting my child onto his arm and leveling me with an acutely bored glance. He wore a coin pendant on a plain black chain on his neck. Still. He’d been carrying that shit around since we were practically teens. I would ask what it meant, but I’d never really cared.

“Watch your mouth in front of my child,” I warned him coolly.

“Mommy said ‘fuck’ in the car,” Gravity provided cheerfully, giggling.

Traitor.

“It’s called wishful thinking, kid.” Rhyland flashed a predatory canine smile that made my bones freeze a little.

He wasn’t pretty-boy sexy. He was half-Viking, half-Hozier sexy.

The honking intensified into one long blare that just kept on going. We both ignored it.

Rhyland gave me a withering look. “Pull yourself together, Casablancas. Your kid could’ve died.” He sneered. “While you’re at it, take her back. I’m not a babysitter.”

That was all it took for me to officially and finally lose it.

MY REVIEW

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read an LJ Shen book, but let me tell you, Wildest Dreams does not disappoint!

Dylan Casablancas is everything Ryland could ever want in a woman, there’s just one little problem. Dylan is Ryland’s best friend’s little sister. Staying away from her should be easy, but when a series of events puts Dylan on his path and forces an unexpected agreement, all bets are off.

Dylan was a force to be reckoned with. She was fierce, determined, and stubborn as heck. As a single mom, she was used to putting everyone else first and going it alone, but Ryland put a wrench in her carefully crafted plans. Going to New York was supposed to be a fresh start for Dylan. The last thing she expected was to find herself in a fake relationship with the one person she loathed. But, you know what they say, all that hate has got to lead to some extraordinary passion. That brings us to Ryland. Ryland is best known as a heartless playboy who only thinks of himself. But when he finds himself in an unexpected situation, he’s forced to make some changes. As the story progresses, you quickly see that there is more to Ryland than what meets the eye. His character experienced a TON of growth going from a playboy without a care in the world to a man who would give his heart and soul to those who mean something to him.

What I loved about these characters was that they weren’t afraid to be themselves. They are who they are and aren’t afraid to own up to their past mistakes. Dylan and Ryland were equally stubborn and some of the most entertaining banter. I loved Dylan’s sass and that she wouldn’t let Ryland get away with anything. And their chemistry…..Not only was it off the charts, but it just oozed off the pages and left you begging for more. Oh, I can’t forget about Gravity. This little girl stole my heart and gave Ryland a run for his money. Let’s just say when it comes to Gravity, Ryland has definitely met his match.

Wildest Dreams is a fantastic brother’s best friend, forbidden romance. I was utterly captivated by the entertaining characters and writing style. I loved the romance, the angst, and the drama. The will they/won’t they moments left me breathless with anticipation and hanging on each and every word. And as a Swifty, I appreciated all the music/song references.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

For more information about L.J. Shen and her books, visit her website:

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Release Tour for Ranger by Aubree Valentine

Posted on April 8, 2025 by AmyB

Pregnant with their second child, Fallon Addington is mourning the loss of her husband, Kevin, while trying to maintain the ranch he loved. When Kevin’s best friend, Beckett Ivan, shows up on her doorstep, insisting on giving her a hand, Fallon is determined to avoid him at all costs—that is until she sees past what’s on the surface and realizes that Beckett needs her more than he’s let on. They say time heals all wounds but when Beckett’s time stateside is up, will Fallon be in for another broken heart? Readers who enjoy Yellowstone and Heartland will fall in love with Ranger by Aubree Valentine, a small-town, second-chance romance.

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A war-torn soldier and heartbroken widow.

Beckett Ivan has seen things that most people cannot even begin to imagine.

He’s lost friends that were more like family, and he’s witnessed unspeakable things happen to innocent people.

With a broken spirit, he’s headed back to Indiana, where his best friend’s widow is alone.

He promised Kevin that if he made it back home, he’d see to it that she was taken care of, and that’s what he intends to do.

What he hadn’t planned on was falling in love…

Fallon Addington was mourning the greatest loss of her lifetime. While trying to help maintain the ranch her late husband loved so much.

Pregnant with their second child, she’s barely got the energy to keep it together most days—that is until Kevin’s best friend, Beckett, shows up on her doorstep, insisting on giving her a hand.

A daily reminder of all Kevin was, Fallon is determined to avoid the soldier who’s taken up residence in the barn loft.

All too soon though, she begins to see past what’s on the surface and realizes that Beckett needs her more than he’s let on.

With a little help from her favorite horse, Ranger, the two are forced to work through their grief together.

They say time heals all wounds but what happens when Beckett’s time stateside is up? Is Fallon in for another heartache or does fate have different plans for the man who’s taught her how to love again?

Readers who like Yellowstone and Heartland will enjoy this second chance at love story featuring a headstrong widow and the soldier who captures her heart in an unexpected way. Their story is one filled with it’s fair share of heartbreak and triumphant beauty.

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Excerpt

“I wondered if you were planning on coming inside or if you planned to sleep in the barn tonight,” she whispered.

Beckett froze and locked eyes with her. “Sorry for sneaking in so late. I’ll admit, I did think about sleeping with Ranger. I was worried he’d snore and keep me up all night,” he joked and gave her a half smile.

“Are you done running?”

He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I…I…I don’t know. I guess I’m just fucking terrified about all of this.”

Fallon reached for his hand. “I know. I’m scared too. I feel like I’m somehow betraying Kevin. But there’s a part of me that can’t help but wonder…would it really be so bad if we gave in and saw where all of this goes?”

Beckett took a step toward her and brushed her hair back behind her ears. “And here I thought I’d eventually be the one trying to convince you we should give each other a chance.”

She shrugged and bit her lip. “A wise man told me I needed to let light in. And that I shouldn’t be so surprised by who I end up falling for.”

“You’re falling for me?” Beckett raised a brow.

Fallon playfully smacked his chest. “That’s what you took away from that?”

His wide grin took her breath away. “I may have gotten some much needed advice today too.”

“Kevin,” they both said at the same time.

“He called you a stubborn pain in the ass.”

Beckett scoffed. “He said it would take you longer to come around. Said not to give up on you.”

“I think we’re past coming around. Wouldn’t you say?”

“That depends.” His hands found her curvy hips. “There’s an awful lot to work through. Is this your way of telling me that you’re letting me in?”

“Only if you’re telling me that you want to be let in. And that you’re going to quit running away instead of letting me in when you’re freaking out.”

He took a deep breath and inhaled her calming scent. “I’m done running, Fallon. I’m still stubborn. Not sure that will ever change. For the first time in my life, though, I think I’m ready to let you in and fight through my demons. If you’ll have me.”

Fallon started to speak. Beckett put a finger to her lips instead.

“Let me finish. Please.”

She nodded.

“I’ll never be him, Fallon. I know I can never replace Kevin in your heart. But he seems to think you may just have enough space for me in there too. If you can accept that, then, damnit Fallon, I would love nothing more than to give us a real shot. Honestly, with Kevin gone, I want to be a father to his kids.”

“Can I speak now?” she smirked.

“Yes,” he grinned back.

“I need to know that you’re not just exploring things between us out of obligation or misplaced honor. I don’t want pity or a relationship built on a promise to someone else. The terms we agreed to when you offered to help us create our family still stands. Last chance to walk away, Beckett Ivan.”

Beckett shook his head. “We’ll never forget him, Fallon. I know that and I have to accept it. This?” He pointed between the two of them. “It’s real and it’s between the two of us. If I’m being completely honest, I think I stopped hanging around because of that silly promise weeks ago. I just was too damn stupid to see it then.”

About Aubree Valentine

Aubree Valentine is a masterful storyteller who weaves tales of passion, heartbreak, and happily-ever-afters that leave readers swooning and coming back for more. A hopeless romantic at heart, Aubree channels her boundless imagination and appreciation for the complexities of romance into every book she writes. Her characters are as real as they are irresistible—flawed, relatable, and unforgettable—taking readers on journeys filled with sizzling chemistry, emotional twists, and moments that tug at the heartstrings. Whether it’s a steamy small-town romance or a friends-to-lovers tale, Aubree’s stories always promise: love, laughter and happily ever after. When she’s not penning her next novel, Aubree can be found binge-reading romance novels, borrowing her husband’s power tools for some over the top project, or spending quality time with her family and their fur babies. Connect with Aubree Valentine on social media, through her website, or sign up for her newsletter to stay up-to-date on new releases, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her writing

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