Book Tour for Acing the Game by Carey PW (REVIEW & GIVEAWAY)……

Carey PW is an author who embraces diversity, and with their newest book they take readers on a journey of exploring sexuality and finding love, happiness, and your own self-worth.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Acing the Game by Carey PW, along with getting my impressions of it, then discover even more about this LGBTQ+-fueled tale by the other sites hosting this tour HERE. 

In honor of this  angsty romance make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $25 Amazon GC too!

Is food really the way into a person’s heart?

Shep Lee thought he had it all. A successful restaurant, a loving husband who understood his asexuality, and most of all, the ability to be himself, a popular chef in the small town of Cloverleaf, Montana. That is, until his husband, Elmer Eshler, began pushing Shep more on sex.
Elmer doesn’t understand why he can’t turn his partner on—aren’t they perfect for each other? And Shep loves him, right? Shep, meanwhile, while confident with his body, is and forever will be sex indifferent. Why has Elmer suddenly changed his tune? But he doesn’t want to lose the man he loves so much. What can they do?
Shep convinces Elmer to try a polyamorous relationship. Elmer gets to have Shep and the sex life he’s always wanted. Shep gets a cooking buddy and a chance to experience a relationship and even try sex with a woman as his authentic gender. At first, Shep isn’t sure, but finds himself coming around—this feels safer than opening up the relationship. All three of them will be romantically involved, so that should ease any jealousy, right?
But when Willow Saint, a free-spirited, boisterous, and saucy young woman, comes into their lives, neither are prepared for the emotional and sexual rollercoaster that follows. Enthralled by Willow’s charm and kindness, Elmer and Shep struggle to understand what this means for their own bond. Can they become one happy family? Or will this ruin everything?

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY AT AMAZON here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

This is the second by Carey PW that I've experienced and I'm once again impressed by the depiction of diversity found within the pages.  What starts out as a couple looking to change how they conduct their marriage eventually evolves into a journey of self-exploration.  It's an uber-angsty journey though, one that frustrated me at times while also giving me a lot to think about when it comes to "definitions" and sexuality.

Shep and Elmer are a compelling main couple, a far from perfect couple who feel their relationship is lacking and thus decide to bring in a third.  That third is Willow, a likable woman with a background that I wish had been more fully fleshed-out.  Her place in the trio added a lot of angst, a lot of frustration, and it took a lot of push/pull to make things work.  Shep's a likable character, one who thought his marriage was good...until Elmer caught him off guard with wanting something new.  I felt sorry for Shep in his desperation to make Elmer happy.  I wish he'd communicated more but I was still rooting for him to make a more secure HEA for himself.  Elmer was someone who angered me time and time again, often made things about him, but I still enjoyed the discussion he fostered in readers.  Another character I enjoyed was Tank, a delicious husband and larger than life character who I wish had played a bigger role in the story.

From start to finish this was a book that pushed buttons, one that was thought-provoking and had readers debating sexuality and self-esteem.  Definitions are never easy and this book gives readers a lot to think about.  While it's not a perfect read it's one that you won't forget anytime soon!

My rating for this is a C+

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

Carey PW (he/they) is a debut author, college instructor, and mental health counselor. Carey is currently completing his next manuscript, Acing the Game.
Carey lives in Montana, and identifies as nonbinary, transmasculine (AFAB) and panromantic asexual. Due to the lack of resources in rural communities, Carey has discovered that writing about his lived experiences is a therapeutic outlet for him and hopes that his readers relate to his own personal struggles and triumphs shared through his characters’ narratives. Carey is particularly interested in exploring relationship conflicts around sexuality and gender differences. He has also worked as a high school writing instructor and college writing instructor, earning a B.A. in English Literature, a M.Ed. in English Education, and Ph.D. in Social Foundations of Education all from the University of Georgia. In 2020, Carey earned his second M.Ed. in Counselor Education and works as a licensed clinical professional counselor, LCPC. He has a strong passion for working with the unique mental health issues of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Readers can learn more about Carey from his blog, www.careypw.com. When he is not writing, Carey is busy training for marathons, parenting his six cats, sharing his culinary talents on social media, serving on the board for the nonprofit Center for Studies of the Person (CSP) and learning photography. 

Carey PW loves to hear from readers. You can find his contact information, website and author biography HERE.

AUTHOR BLOG  |  INSTAGRAM  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK  |  TIKTOK

**********GIVEAWAY**********

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Book Blast for The Reluctant Groom Anthology by Megan Slayer (GIVEAWAY)…..

Fans of steamy stories featuring younger men and their older and wiser boyfriends will find themselves drawn to this contemporary m/m-fueled anthology.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of The Reluctant Groom Anthology by Megan Slayer, then learn even more about this collection by visiting the other sites hosting this tour.  In honor of this erotically-charged collection make sure to fill out the form below for the chance for US readers to win a prize pack with a handmade necklace included too!

He’s older, wiser, and always gets what he wants. This wedding is happening...whether the groom likes it or not.

Our seven hand-picked stories feature young reluctant grooms and the older men determined to claim them. These forced marriages may start out frigid, but our authors will prove that love can conquer all.
Evernight's Reluctant Groom anthology stories are sure to deliver passion that is off the charts, scorching hot sex, and sigh-worthy happy ever afters.
Worth the Risk by Allyson Young
Sins of the Father by Hannah Morse
Room With a View by James Cox
Making It Real by Marie Medina
Protecting Chauncey by Cooper McKenzie

October Surprise by L.J. Longo
Not So Sham Wedding by Megan Slayer

EXCERPT:

“What do you want me to do? Stall her?” Lucas crossed his ankles and folded his arms again. “What do you think?”
He stared at Lucas. He’d known Lucas Cole for ten years and worked beside him for six of them. He was a sweet man, sexy, too, and the kind of guy he wanted to settle down with—the man he trusted. He’d been attracted to him since the first day they met. The idea of mixing work and play bothered him, but if anyone could help him out, it was Lucas. Besides, it’d give him a reason to see Lucas without the trappings of the job. He’d always liked Lucas and wanted to take things to the next step—trying to figure out if they could be together. Now, he had the chance and he refused to squander it.
“Well? She’s in the elevator.” Lucas unfolded himself and stood. “What do you want me to do?”
“Marry me.” If he had to be a reluctant groom, then he wanted his best friend and confidante beside him.
“What?”
“It’ll put them off if I’m already engaged.” Hudson removed his prized diamond ring his father had given to him years before. He offered the jewelry to Lucas. “Marry me.” He dropped to one knee.
“Lucas?” Not quite the way he’d wanted to propose, but he’d do it over later. “Me? They think you’re going to marry a woman.”
“I’m gay, and I’m not changing who I am for money.” He held up the ring. “Lucas?” If there was anyone in the world he loved outside of his family, it was Lucas.
“You should marry someone more suitable.” Lucas shook his head. “You need me as your assistant.” A lock of his blond hair slipped over his brow. He tightened his jaw and pressed his lips together. He could’ve been a model instead of an assistant, and he’d be the best one out there because he embodied sexy boy-next-door. He might be younger than Hudson, but Hudson didn’t care. He’d fallen for Lucas a long time ago.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING  |  BN  |  SMASHWORDS  |  KOBO

AUTHOR INFO:

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library.

WEBSITE  |  BLOG  |  FACEBOOK  |  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  |  BOOKBUB  |  INSTAGRAM  |  GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE  |  TWITTER  |  NEWSLETTER

**********GIVEAWAY**********

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Book Blast for Fully Involved by Lindy Bell (GIVEAWAY)........

A married couple find their connection put to the test in this tale of the dangers of being a firefighter, the emotional upheaval of living with cancer, and the ups and downs of living life.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Fully Involved by Lindy Bell, then discover even more about this book by visiting the other sites hosting this tour.  In honor of this powerful and timely read make sure to fill out the form below for US readers to have the chance to win a $25 Starbucks GC too!

Katie Garrett is madly in love with her dashing firefighter husband, Andy. When he is diagnosed with cancer, their entire world is turned upside down. Andy clumsily tries to protect Katie from the truth by not telling her, but her fear — and his increasing pain and tumultuous emotions — only feed her deep-seated insecurities, as they fight for Andy’s life and for their marriage.

While the fire station and its camaraderie are Andy’s refuge, station officer Lt. Mike Bentley wages a vendetta against Andy, making Andy more determined to avoid revealing weakness of any kind. In spite of Bentley’s despising Andy, the C shift crew rally to support Andy until events take a downward turn.

As she discovers Andy’s cancer was caused by exposure to lethal chemicals while on duty, Katie navigates the treacherous maze of uncertainty and grief to emerge a stronger, more confident woman who represents her husband and the fire service as an advocate for firefighter safety and protection.

Firefighters face a myriad of dangers, but the invisible dangers – his past, her fears -- can pose the greatest threat of all. Will courage, duty, and love be enough to save Andy from these unseen threats? Will he come to recognize the far-reaching impact his life has on others? If the worst should happen, would his greatest legacy be the love of the fire service or the love for his wife? In the end, the unforeseen might have the greatest significance of all.

EXCERPT:

“Anybody recognize this guy?” Andy asked, pointing to Hedrick who waved with a silly grin. The children laughed and nodded. “Well, Hedrick is going to put on the rest of the equipment we wear when we’re fighting a fire,” Andy said with a nod at Hedrick.

“First, he’s going to put on his hood. This protects the back of our necks and ears.” Hedrick pulled the hood up over his head and made sure it was securely in place before slipping on his mask. “The mask helps protect our faces and our eyes from smoke and ashes. When the tank is connected to the mask through this place here,” Andy continued, pointing to the regulator, “we can breathe fresh air from the air tank on our back.”

Hedrick fastened the hose and clicked the breathing regulator onto its place on the front of the mask. Immediately, the sound of his raspy breathing could be heard. “Finally,” Andy said, “his helmet goes on, and he buckles the strap under his chin. The helmet protects our head from anything heavy that might be falling,” Andy finished as Hedrick pulled on his gloves. As Hedrick stood in front of the group, his breathing loud and scratchy through the regulator, the children's eyes went wide with wonder, or possibly fear.

Andy clapped Hedrick on the shoulder. “Remember the goofy-looking guy with an even goofier smile we saw just a few minutes ago? Let’s think a minute..."

Andy looked at the unsure looks on their faces. “Do you remember that guy who put on all this equipment to protect himself when he’s fighting a fire?” A few heads nodded tentatively. “Well, that’s the same goofy guy on the inside of all this gear,” Andy said, resting his arm on Hedrick’s shoulder. Hedrick reached over and playfully thumped Andy on the arm, and the children laughed.

Andy smiled. “Show them what we’re talking about, Hedrick.” Hedrick removed his helmet and then unhooked the hose from the mask to the air tank and finally, pulled the mask and hood off, which lifted his hair into spikes all over his head. Hedrick smiled his goofiest smile and waved. The children broke into cheers and applause as Hedrick bowed with a flourish.

BUY AT AMAZON here.

AUTHOR INFO:

A project ten years in the making, Fully Involved is Lindy Bell’s debut novel and avidly reflects her admiration and love of the fire service. Thoroughly researched, the quest for accuracy for the book led Lindy to participate in the Plano Citizens Fire Academy, attend classes and accompany firefighters on ride outs. With a retired fire chief and a current paramedic/firefighter in the family, Lindy has witnessed firsthand the dedication and humbleness of first responders which fueled the impetus to convey the importance of the legendary fire service brotherhood and create cancer awareness and its growing effect on the fire service.

Lindy’s first book, Jane Austen Celebrates~Holidays & Occasions Regency Style, is a showcase Regency Era holidays and their impact on modern holiday celebration traditions. A member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, Lindy has spoken to a variety of groups and taught Continuing and Adult Professional Education courses at Southern Methodist University (SMU).

A graduate of Abilene Christian University, Lindy currently lives in Plano, TX and works from home for a governmental executive recruitment and training firm. As hobbies, Lindy enjoys supporting Plano Fire Rescue by volunteering with the Plano Fire Rescue Association, writing, reading an engaging novel and cross stitching.

WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  INSTAGRAM

**********GIVEAWAY**********

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Book Release Blitz for A Very Blizzard Christmas by Kat Mizera (REVIEW)......

Just in time for the holidays comes this heartwarming tale that pulls readers back into the world of the Alaska Blizzard hockey team as a new baby upends the lives of one of our favorite couples as they juggle the careers they love with the love they have for their family.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of A Very Blizzard Christmas by Kat Mizera, then add it to your bookshelf while it's on sale for 99 cents after getting my impressions of this festive and family-fueled novella!

She has a new baby with the love of her life and Christmas is almost here.

It should be the best time of her life....right?

But when Danielle Petrov welcomes her new bundle of joy just in time for the holidays, everything isn’t as magical as it should have been. She’s trying to plan a surprise for their first Christmas as a family of four while dealing with a touch of postpartum depression and a six-year-old who wants nothing to do with his new sibling.

Sergei is completely smitten with his wife, his son, and the new baby, but he knows something is bothering Dani. Between being on the road with the Blizzard and trying to spend time with the kids, he’s not there for her the way he wants to be.

As the holiday barrels down on them, nothing is going according to plan. Sergei is determined to salvage what he can of a complicated holiday season. Will an unexpected storm be what brings everyone together?

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  UNIVERSAL  |  iBOOKS  |  BN  |  KOBO

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

With each new release in the Alaska Blizzard series I've felt myself becoming a part of their family, a family made up of hockey players from around the world finding their HEAs.  They're a family who have shown themselves supporting each other through each high and low and it's endeared them to me, had me counting down the days towards each new release.  This latest release takes place during Christmas, bringing back the beloved couple of Sergei and Dani Petrov as they juggle a new baby with their young son and busy careers.  It's a tale steeped in realism that pulled at my heartstrings while giving me a large dose of festive and feel good celebration.

Dani Petrov is about ready to give birth when this book starts, ready to experience all the changes that will come with that...the fear of their young son feeling neglected, concerned that the sexual sparks between her and Sergei might fade, as well as balancing her career with motherhood successfully.  Dani was clearly trying to have it all, trying to make everything picture perfect, which led to a few moments of tears and anger.  But luckily for her she's got a delicious and supportive husband who actually talks through things with her and goes out of his way to make her smile through both big deeds as well as small.  She also has the unwavering support of the other women in the Alaska Blizzard world who help her in caring for her new baby while helping her cope with little Nico's rebellion.  Sergei's teammates also step-up throughout this story to give him encouragement and support as he contemplates retirement while still loving playing hockey.  Their comments were realistic with a bit of humor as they put their hearts out there for all to see.

From the first page to the last this was a sweet and heartwarming read that depicted a nice balance between the reality of becoming parents with the ups and downs of daily living when a new baby arrives on the scene.  Dani's emotions were a bit rattled early on but things never went too dark for her because of the large support system she has around her due to her near-perfect husband, a large group of girlfriends there at a moment's notice, and a team owner willing to spend any amount of money to make the people in their world happy.  I adored Nico as Dani and Sergei were getting together, but he was clearly unhappy here and it made my heart ache as his feelings were completely understandable with all the changes.  He ultimately showed me why I've adored him from the start and it has me greatly anticipating him reaching adulthood.  Though this is a novella I never felt that the story was lacking in any way.  There were loving interactions between a married couple as well as a scorching scene that had me fanning myself for a second or two.  There was the chaos and warmth of the holiday on display too that was a nice backdrop to all the secondary characters we were reintroduced to and who were a strong support in helping Dani and Sergei reach their HEA again. Though the ending felt a bit rushed I still found myself satisfied by this delightful holiday morsel that has me counting down the days until we revisit the Alaska Blizzard hockey team.

My rating for this is a B+

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Kat Mizera is a South Florida native. Born in Miami Beach with a healthy dose of wanderlust, she's called Los Angeles, Long Island, upstate New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Atlanta home. She's never been able to pick which locale is her favorite, but if pressed, she'd probably choose the west coast.

A typical PTA mom with a wonderful and supportive husband (Kevin) and two amazing boys (Nick and Max), Kat can usually be found scrapbooking or indulging in her second love (after writing) - traveling. Greece is one of her favorite places in the world. She loves that Athens is a big city with a small-town feel. The food, beaches and culture keep her going back as often as possible.

Kat's been a working freelance writer for nearly 30 years. She sold her first article--a review of a rock concert--for $10 in 1985. Since then she's been an entertainment journalist, waitress, bartender, legal assistant, food critic, magazine editor, substitute teacher, and sports writer. She also spent some time working at A & M Records in Los Angeles.

As you can guess from her Las Vegas Sidewinders series, Kat loves hockey and occasionally writes articles about her favorite team, the Florida Panthers. The rest of the time, she writes novels: sexy, romantic fiction that she hopes makes you as happy as it makes her. There's something enticing about hockey players and romance...

FACEBOOK  |  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  |  TWITTER  |  BOOKBUB  |  WEBSITE

Book Cover Reveal for A Very Blizzard Christmas by Kat Mizera.....

Through six previous books readers have come to call the men and women of the Alaska Blizzard hockey team family through their romantic and heartwarming stories that have captivated us all.  Today gives us yet another reason to celebrate as this seventh installment gets ready to be released for the special holiday price of 99 cents.  Keep reading to get a tempting glimpse of A Very Blizzard Christmas by Kat Mizera, then start counting down the days until this festive romance hits shelves on November 27th!

She has a new baby with the love of her life and Christmas is almost here.

It should be the best time of her life....right?

But when Danielle Petrov welcomes her new bundle of joy just in time for the holidays, everything isn’t as magical as it should have been. She’s trying to plan a surprise for their first Christmas as a family of four while dealing with a touch of postpartum depression and a six-year-old who wants nothing to do with his new sibling.

Sergei is completely smitten with his wife, his son, and the new baby, but he knows something is bothering Dani. Between being on the road with the Blizzard and trying to spend time with the kids, he’s not there for her the way he wants to be.

As the holiday barrels down on them, nothing is going according to plan. Sergei is determined to salvage what he can of a complicated holiday season. Will an unexpected storm be what brings everyone together?

PRE-ORDER LINKS:  AMAZON (US)  |  AMAZON (INTL)  |  iBOOKS  |  BN  |  KOBO

Book Tour for Code Name: Rook by Sawyer Bennett (REVIEW)......

A man keeping the truth about his job a secret finds the truth coming out in a dramatic way in this sensual and suspenseful romance.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Code Name: Rook by Sawyer Bennett, along with my impressions of it, then add this sixth installment in the Jameson Force Security series to your bookshelf!

Being a highly skilled operative for a company like Jameson Force Security is exhilarating and important work...until it comes time to date. I like to keep my profession under wraps for a number of reasons. Some of what we do is top secret, most of what we do is dangerous, and more than one woman has tried to latch onto me because she was more enamored with what I do than who Cage Murdock really is. And since I’m more of a ‘here for the night’ than a ‘here for forever’ kind of guy, what’s the harm in a little white lie about my job?

My harmless deceit has never failed me. Until now. Because I met the most amazing woman and did the unthinkable. I married her. And now my beautiful, unsuspecting, probably-going-to- leave-my-sorry-behind-when-she-finds-out-the-truth wife doesn’t know that I’m not a used car salesman like I told her when we met.

As it typically does with lies, the truth is about to come out in a big way when Jaime unwittingly gets herself mixed up with some unsavory characters and I, along with the team at Jameson, have to intervene. Now I need to save my girl and hope I can save my marriage too. Let’s just say I have some serious explaining to do.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON (KINDLE)  |  AMAZON (PRINT)  |  iBOOKS  |  KOBO  |  GOOGLE PLAY  |  BN

**GET THE AUDIBLE VERSION (NARRATED BY JOHN LANE AND EMMA WILDER) OF THIS BOOK here.**

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

The Jameson Force Security series has been one thrill ride after another with this latest release another satisfying addition to the series.  With a storyline that's fairly straightforward it still manages to pull at the heartstrings as a man who doesn't do commitment desperately tries to keep his marriage intact while figuring out a way to reveal the truth about his job.  To the world Cage Murdock's a used car salesman, but in actuality he's a former Navy SEAL still saving people from dangerous situations.  His wife is Jaime Dolan, a woman that he saw as a just one night kind of gal, but one date led to another that led to a quickie wedding that both of them are very happy with.  The only trouble is...Cage's lie that's hanging over them like a thundercloud.  He still hasn't told Jaime the truth, but his job definitely comes in handy when she's kidnapped by people associated with her slightly shady brother.

Cage is a wonderful and sturdy hero, dependable to a fault and supportive of his friends. He's someone you can count on, someone always there in the background who deserved to finally take center stage.  The first half of this book went over events in the previous book, events seen from Cage's perspective which enhanced the previous installment. The second half is about Cage being out in the field while doing what he can to save his marriage...a plan that has him continuing to be the good guy he's always been.  There was no grand gesture or angst-filled apology from this guy that's for sure...just a slow and steady journey to forgiveness!  He's lucky that Jaime is his wife as she's a perfect match to him.  Strong, likable, and someone readers can see themselves hanging out with is how I'd describe her.  She's kind hearted, down to earth, with scars from lies told to her in the past.  She couldn't help falling for Cage though in a connection that sizzled from the start.  Once her life gets put in danger the suspense is amped up too in a journey full of twists and turns that gives them time to work through the big secret that's been hanging over them.

From the first page to the last this was a satisfying story with a good romance and exhilarating action...hallmarks of Ms. Bennett's writings.  I was glued to the story, frantically turning the pages to reach the HEA. It was a quick read, not too overly emotionally, but well-crafted to make me care about this couple.  Along the way we got to see past characters as well as tempting moments from others who are now coming out of the shadows and that have me greatly anticipating what comes next.

My rating for this is a B+

*I received this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

FACEBOOK  |  FACEBOOK READER GROUP  |  TWITTER  |  INSTAGRAM  |  GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE  |  NEWSLETTER  |  WEBSITE  |  BOOKBUB |  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  |  BN AUTHOR PAGE  |  MASTER BLOGGER PAGE

Holiday Book Tour for Rise By Moonlight by Nancy Gideon (GIVEAWAY).......

Ms. Gideon's By Moonlight series comes to a rousing conclusion in this paranormal tale of love, marriage, and destiny.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Rise By Moonlight by Nancy Gideon, get a few festive extras, then add it to your bookshelf as it's a story you won't want to miss!  In honor of this series-ender make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win print and signed collector's versions of the first three books in this series too!  Follow the rest of the tour being supported through Bewitching Book Tours for tons of other giveaways, prizes, and book samples!

Confessions of a Halloween-aholic...

It started with a simple carved pumpkin and a wobbly stroller along crowded and sometimes scary sidewalks when too young to make that dash to the doorway.

I LOVE Halloween! It’s been my favorite holiday since spreading that treasure trove of candy across the rug in search of that ONE piece we could have after trudging the usually rainy evening streets of our neighborhood in homemade costumes. The scent of crisp autumn air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the ding-dong of anticipation, the rustling of that caloric bounty hitting the bottom of the pillowcase – delightful!

In later years, (when told we were “too old” to participate) the door bell ringing, the cries of “Trick-or-Treat!” and greedy bags thrust out in front of ghoulish or cartoonish faces brought back that rush of excitement. Then, when I became a home dweller with my own front porch, everything changed. I became a...Halloween-aholic.

The symptoms weren’t easy to spot at first. Just a string of pumpkin lights along a railing and a ceramic Jack-o-lantern’s flashing light for year one. In year two (thanks to Son working at a Halloween store with an employee discount!) came the first three buildings of Halloween Town (I should have known better after my addiction to my Christmas Village!) and a huge gauze-trailing Pumpkin Head stretching across the ceiling. The third and fourth year, my addiction ran wild.

Suddenly every available space in our street-facing dining room was covered with the macabre! Even huge faux spiders (my all-consuming phobia!) climbed the porch rails and window sills while eerie wails and moans from my now massive village filled the air! Every available space screamed of All Hollow’s Eve, from my workplace to the pets, and even my nails! I was out of control!

When did I start storing more orange tubs than red and green in the basement?

This year should be epic! When prices dropped at my son's place of employment, three carts full of horrific delights followed me home but never got displayed because – sigh, Michigan. Cold, bitter wind and rain ruined 2019. So, 2020, with or without Trick-or- Treaters, will begin with a groan and end in a howl from our front lawn graveyard, complete with tombstones, gates, and fog. It’s going to be Spooktacular!

I’d better get more orange tubs!

He’s the Promised One

A Mobster’s attack dog turned legitimate business powerhouse, Max Savoie is the reluctant leader of New Orleans’ shapeshifter clan. They’ve kept to anonymous shadows, working and living unnoticed by the human world until their new Shifter King’s past draws dangerous outsiders who threaten all.

She’s the Protector

A fiercely determined NOPD detective, Charlotte Caissie has sworn to defend her beloved city and her unborn child from both criminals and otherworldly factions at war. While standing boldly at the side of her mate/husband, secrets from the past return to shake the foundation of her beliefs.

They Have a Problem

Walking a marital tightrope between opposite worlds, Max and Cee Cee’s paths place truth and trust at odds when outside threats force enemies to become allies. The time to take a stand for their family and their future is at hand. Time to rise together for the survival of all they love!

EXCERPT:

Max hadn’t visited that dark portion of his past for a very long time. Why now? Because of the life his mate carried? Or were the dangerous shadows of unfinished business reaching out from a swampy grave, a reminder of things he’d rather forget?

A rocking chair’s familiar creak. He tensed and twisted anxiously in the throes of his dream. Icy fingers of caution and loss clutched his chest as eyes darted behind closed lids. Unable to deny his desire to look again upon the worn elegance of his mother’s features, he faced his dread the way he’d addressed his life, with a cautious, reluctant need to know the truth...of who and what he was.

Shadows, like those long-ago secrets, hung thick, revealing little of the dark head bent over the child Marie Savoie held in arms both protective and comforting. Max wished she’d look up to feed time-starved memories, craving the gentle curve of her smile and loving warmth in her gaze. He settled for the steadying croon of a voice from the past.

“What is it, Max? Another bad dream? They can’t harm you."

As much as he loved her, then and now, he’d never quite believed that assurance. Bad things existed beyond the rusty gate imprisoning his youthful curiosity within their overgrown yard for the first five years of his life. He knew because he was one of them, a child of the unnatural world. All he’d wanted was to find his place within it. But his mother had hidden that knowledge from him, just as she’d kept the outside away for as long as she could.

“Mama, what’s wrong with me?” that small voice sobbed.

The rocker continued to complain as she stroked the child’s black hair. Her tender gesture failed to calm either boy or the man he’d become.

“Nothing’s wrong with you, Max. You’re perfect. They just don’t understand, so they fear you. That’s why you must be careful to never let them see the truth."

“What truth?” he’d pleaded. “Mama, tell me!"

Low and soft, Max repeated from where he watched, decades away, “Mama, tell me.” She brushed a kiss across the top of the child’s flushed brow then slowly straightened, turning toward Max Savoie, a surreal voyeur from the future she’d never see. Her gaze swam with tears like liquid silver before flaring bright, then hot.

Then red.

“Max,” she crooned, “you’re just like me.”

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AUTHOR INFO:

Nancy Gideon is the award-winning bestseller of over 70 romances ranging from historical, Regency, and series contemporary suspense to dark paranormal and horror, with a couple of produced screenplays and non-fiction writing books tossed into the mix. Newly retired from 20 years as a legal assistant, she feeds a Netflix addiction along with all things fur, fin, and fowl, and dotes on her grandguy. She’s also written under the pseudonyms Dana Ransom, Rosalyn West, and Lauren Giddings.

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Book Spotlight on Nothing But This by Natasha Anders (GIVEAWAY)

Readers will find themselves put through the emotional wringer with a marriage in trouble and the second chances it will take for the main couple to find their HEA once again.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Nothing But This by Natasha Anders, along with learning even more about the premise of this book courtesy of Ms. Anders, then add it to your bookshelf.  In honor of this second installment in the Broken Pieces series make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $25 Amazon GC along with a digital copy of this book too!

A Marriage Destroyed with Natasha Anders.....Hi there, my name is Natasha Anders and I’m excited to talk to you about the second book in my Broken Pieces series, Nothing But This.

My long-time readers will know that I’m a fan of second chance romances and absolutely love a good marriage in trouble trope. The story of Greyson and Libby falls firmly within the latter category.

It’s not easy to write a marriage in crisis novel. By the time we’re introduced to the characters, they already have a relationship history behind them that readers have yet to discover. We enter this particular story at the lowest point of their relationship. The birth of a child should be a happy occasion but something is clearly wrong here; Libby’s husband isn’t there and she believes he hates her and her baby. And when Greyson eventually makes his way onto the page, her belief is confirmed.

No marriage can survive the things Greyson says at the beginning of this book and finding a way back from that low point is nearly impossible. I know that my readers are going to loathe him at the start. My heroine despises him and his own family is angry with him. I have to find a way to redeem him that will make everybody happy. And, harder still, I have to find a way to make the readers forgive him and, ideally, start to root for him.

It’s a challenge that I absolutely adore. I love hearing from readers who have that “wait a second, when did I stop hating him?” moment. I want his redemption arc to be so seamless that readers can’t pinpoint exactly when they started forgiving him. This is easier said than done and Greyson needs to do a lot of groveling and apologizing to even get a foot in the door. I like to look at what he’s doing and saying and put myself in the heroine’s and the reader’s position. Is this enough? Have I forgiven him yet? Even if the answer is yes, I try to push it just a little further because “enough” is never good enough and there will always be someone out there who wants him to suffer just that tiny bit more. It sounds sadistic, but I do like to put my characters (male and female) through the wringer. They need to earn that happy ending.

But the story needs to be balanced and while my hero is terribly flawed and at times insecure and vulnerable, his heroine needs to show a similar amount of character growth and self-recognition. She needs to find an inner strength and confidence that she lacks at the start of the novel. Striking the exact right balance and making their journey toward redemption and a satisfactory and well-earned happily ever after is what makes writing a second chance romance so hard.

One of the things I hope readers take away from this book is that a situation isn’t always as cut and dried as it seems on the surface. Greyson comes across as one hundred percent villain at the start of this book. But he’s insecure and incredibly lonely. This story is about a man breaking out of his self-imposed isolation and finding a place, not only in his wife’s heart and life, but also within a welcoming and accepting society. It is also the story of a woman learning to embrace and accept the flaws within herself and others.

I loved writing this book. I started with only one scene constantly playing out in my head; the hospital scene where Greyson unequivocally rejects his wife and his child. That’s all I had at the beginning and building this story around that one moment, was often frustrating but at the same time so incredibly satisfying. I loved discovering Libby and Greyson’s strengths and weaknesses and often found that some of those weaknesses echoed my own. It was a vulnerable space within which to find myself but it was also a rewarding step on my personal journey toward self-realization and recognition.

Thank you so much for taking the time to step into my not always sane mind. I do hope you enjoy reading Nothing But This as much as I loved writing it.

It’s always been complicated between Libby Lawson and Greyson Chapman—and married life isn’t any simpler. But when Libby gets pregnant, she at last sees a bright future ahead. There’s just one problem: Greyson says he’s sterile.

Furious, Greyson abandons the young family. Equally furious and deeply hurt, Libby cuts all ties with him. After all these years, it seems their relationship has finally expired. But love is resilient and endures even when you don’t want it to. Greyson still longs for Libby, and though Libby’s heartbroken by Greyson’s lack of trust, she holds out hope for a complete, happy family.

And so they embark on the journey back to each other, wary of all the obstacles between them. It’s been a long road already—one strewed with fear, doubt, and misunderstandings. Will they keep looking to the past, or will they look to each other and walk hand in hand toward a broad new horizon?

EXCERPT:

“We need to talk.”

“I have absolutely nothing to say to you.”

“Libby, please.”

“Why are you here? How are you here? Who told you how to find me?”

There was a long pause as he continued to grimace in her general direction, his eyes slits to protect himself from the light.

“I have money and resources. I’ve known where you are for months...” He hesitated before continuing, “For four months, to be exact.”

“Well, then why are you here?”

“Can we discuss this inside?”

“I don’t want you in my house.”

He compressed his lips in that way he had when he was trying to refrain from speaking his mind. An expression with which she was much too familiar. It used to bother her back when she cared about what he was thinking. He opened his mouth as if to say something, then changed his mind and swallowed back the words.

Oh, wasn’t he just the model of restraint tonight? Well, Libby had no such reservations and felt a sense of complete liberation when she unleashed the torrent of resentment and fury that had been roiling away just beneath the surface for much longer than the four months since she’d left him. A lot of her anger had been tamped down during her pregnancy, when he hadn’t offered a single word or gesture of support. The excuses she had made on his behalf...she was disgusted with herself for not speaking up sooner. But now he was here, in the flesh, and she could finally let him have it. With both barrels.

“You’re a vile, disgusting excuse for a man, Greyson. I want nothing more to do with you. I don’t want my baby within a hundred miles of you. And even that seems too close. I don’t want you here, contaminating our lives with your toxic presence. You don’t get to come here and...and...whatever the hell this is. I don’t know what you want, I don’t want to know what you want. I want you gone.”

“Libby, I understand why you feel that way. But I thought...”

Clara’s crying was escalating, and Libby’s rocking increased agitatedly.

“Yes, I know. Thought you were infertile, right? And I’m supposed to—what? Feel sorry for you? Understand your cruelty? Forgive your cruelty? Am I to take it that you’ve had that paternity test done? You know she’s yours, am I right? Is that why you’re here? Because let me tell you, mister, you have no moral right to my child—I will not allow you access to her just because you now believe you’re her father.”

“I haven’t had any paternity tests done.”

That made her pause, but not for long.

“I don’t care,” she decided. “I don’t care. Go away. Back to your diamond-encrusted ivory tower. Leave us alone. We don’t need you.”

“I know you don’t. But...maybe I need you?”

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AUTHOR INFO:

Natasha Anders was born in Cape Town, South Africa. She spent the last nine years working as an assistant English teacher in Niigata, Japan, where she became a legendary karaoke diva. Natasha is currently living in Cape Town with her temperamental and opinionated budgie, Sir Oliver Spencer, who has kindly deigned to share his apartment with her.

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