Friday, November 8, 2024

Anita Farleigh Unpacks

 Anita Farliegh's cheating lover caused her to walk away from the only place she’s called home, and she's had it. Until a chance meeting with Oliver Gogh, a talented nurse with a charming bedside manner, who has her thinking he may be the man who gets her to drop her guard and try romance one more time.

 

Anita Farleigh Unpacks

by Laurie Woodford

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy

 


One More Time?

Anita Farliegh's cheating lover caused her to walk away from the only place she’s called home, and she's had it. Until a chance meeting with Oliver Gogh, a talented nurse with a charming bedside manner, who has her thinking he may be the man who gets her to drop her guard and try romance one more time.

 

Free-spirited English professor, Anita Farleigh, thinks she has it all — her ambitious boyfriend, Zach, and a teaching career that actually pays her to travel. Then, ten days before Christmas, Anita returns home from a work trip in Shanghai to discover that Zach has dumped her for a domestic goddess with enough faux fur ottomans to fill a Hobby Lobby showroom.

On one of the worst days of her life, a hungover, disheveled Anita shows up for a routine doctor's appointment and meets Oscar, a medical professional who just happens to be compassionate, funny, and absurdly handsome. When Oscar keeps showing up in her life, Anita can't deny their chemistry (Is it her fault that Oscar fills out his scrubs in exactly the right places?). Or their terrible timing (It'd be wrong to fall for someone so soon after a bad breakup. Right?). Neither can she ignore her emerging wish for stability as steadfast Oscar challenges her penchant for living with one foot out the door.

When a remorseful Zach reappears, wanting to woo back his world traveler, Anita must decide whether to follow familiar flight patterns or finally open her heart and make a safe landing.

 EXCERPT

"The hard rev of an engine and tires crunching on driveway gravel startle me awake. Rubbing my eyes, I lift my pounding head off the garage floor.

What the—? Why am I face planted on a purple rug in Zach’s garage?

I squint, and an empty bottle of Malbec comes into focus, as does the maze of furniture, boxes, end tables, bookshelves, and—holy hell—are those rhinestone-beaded lampshades?

As I slowly sit up, last night’s crap fest comes flooding back into my brain. I came home from Seoul to the news that Zach, the cheating bastard, dumped me for Vivian, the greenhouse girl with enough sequined pillows and cowpoke chairs to fill a craft store showroom.

I lick my lips, cringing at the vile taste in my mouth. At some point last night, I must’ve raided Vivian’s blanket bin and pantry box, because I’m buried under layers of ballerina pink fleece, and there’s an empty sleeve of graham crackers and open box of Nilla Wafers next to my feet.

My phone dings, and I search blindly beneath the blankets to find it. Appointment with Dr. Lichtman.

December 16 at 8:15 a.m. Today? Seriously?

I rub my forehead and run my tongue across my teeth that feel coated in Elmer’s glue.

What time is it? Dr. Lichtman’s clinic is a fifteen-minute drive away. Between the scary-as-hell receptionist, Bernice, who enforces the $75 short-notice cancellation fee, and the fact that I had to book this annual gynecological exam four months out, rescheduling is out of the question.

I push off the blankets, then crawl to my feet, my head spinning. Between all the tears spent and alcohol consumed last night, I feel completely dehydrated.

Seven forty-eight.

I have twelve minutes to shower off my stank, throw on clean clothes, and get in the car.

My knees and hips creak in protest as I pad through the garage and hurry to the house with one thought in mind: hot shower. I twist the doorknob, but the door doesn’t give.

No. Not happening.

What did I do with the blasted key last night?

I dart back to the garage, scan the space, looking through the rows of furniture and boxes. My purse. It’s wedged between Vivian’s velveteen settee and a box marked EARMUFFS. After clutching it, I race back to the house.

Seven fifty-three.

It’s thirty degrees in Grande Lake, but my upper lip is sweating profusely as I dig through my purse. Talk about déjà vu. Only this morning the universe takes pity on me, probably because I’m a pathetic mess, and I touch the key lying at the bottom like a sunk stone.

I scramble upstairs and pull off my clothes, leaving them in a heap on the bed.

With three minutes to spare, my hot shower’s out of the question. I rush to the bathroom, grab a washcloth and soap, and perform a strategic tactical cleaning of critical parts and crevices. Then in the bedroom, I pull clean undies, bra, and socks from the top dresser drawer, yoga pants and sweatshirt from the bottom, and run down the stairs, slide my feet into boots, and full-throttle it to my car."

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Smashwords * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

Book Links:
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDN9T6CZ

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/anita-farleigh-unpacks/id6649684607

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/anita-farleigh-unpacks-laurie-woodford/1146200309?ean=2940167727069&

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/anita-farleigh-unpacks

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1606006

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/anita-farleigh-unpacks-by-laurie-woodford

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202333341-anita-farleigh-unpacks

 

About the Author


Laurie Woodford is the author of the romantic comedy, Anita Farleigh Unpacks, and the travel memoir, Unsettled. Before writing full-time, she taught college English in the U.S., China and South Korea and earned an MFA in creative writing from Queens University of Charlotte. Originally from upstate New York, she now lives in the outskirts of Austin, Texas with her amazing husband, Bruce, and wonder dog, Journey. 

 

Website * Facebook  * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 

Author Links

Website: https://www.lauriewoodford.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauriewoodford.author

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

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laurie-woodford

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Laurie-Woodford/author/B0CNN126WS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/46854513.Laurie_Woodford

  


 

Giveaway

$20 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/AnitaFarleighUnpacksTour

Thursday, November 7, 2024

SECRET DESIRES

 SECRET DESIRES

By J L Regen

ISBN: 978-0-9984099-1-7


Nothing in Margo Simmons’s life comes easy. She can’t claim the inheritance on a condo apartment her uncle has left to her until she is gainfully employed in a job for a year. She meets the man of her dreams but anguishes over having a loving relationship because he is still emotionally tied to his deceased wife. With great difficulty, she becomes the guardian to a recently orphaned child she had been tutoring. Margo evolves from an insecure, newbie elementary teacher into a woman determined to fulfill the secret desires locked in her heart. My story speaks to anyone who has suffered a loss and had to start over.

J.L. Regen’s book was inspired by a real-life story of lovers who join hearts against many odds. She lives in the New York metropolitan area, is a published photojournalist, has short suspense stories online, and has taught English as a Second Language to students around the globe. This is her first contemporary romance. She has also published four additional books, her WWII historical family saga is being reviewed, and she’s now finalizing her historical suspense series.


AUTHOR



Contact: J. L. Regen Writerjr1044@gmail.com

J. L. is available for interviews and book readings/signings in your area.







Books Available
Amazon

Barnse and Noble


MY BOOK WAS NOMINATED BY READERS CHOICE IN CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE.

SECRET DESIRES is now on sale in FRENCH, GERMAN, and at Audible.com and on iTunes. You can listen to Margo’s story and cheer her on as you commute to work or sit back and adjust your headsets at home. Also, on B&N.com and Amazon.com –eBook and paper.


Vicious Heart

She's out of options and he's got no way out.

 

Vicious Heart

Desert Kings MC Book 2

by Candi Scott

Genre: Dark MC Romance

 


I never thought that anything in my life could be more important than the MC. But that was before Archer was murdered, before Riley came to Dry Valley …

Now I have to smoke out a murderer and keep Riley safe. Nothing else matters. The second someone puts his hands on her, I go full Savage.

I’ll kill anyone who tries to take her from me.

 

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

Book Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK46VNNW

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/vicious-heart-a-biker-mc-dark-romance-desert-kings-mc-book-2-by-candi-scott

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220452328-vicious-heart

 

**Don’t miss book 1 of the Desert Kings MC series!**

Savage Lust

Desert Kings MC Book 1

Find it on Amazon!

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DG6MCNCN

 

About the Author


Candi Scott is the ultra steamy pen name for award winning author Leslie Scott.

Author of Two Hearts, One Stone and the Black Water Magic Series, Leslie Scott has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. The happier the ending, the better. Currently, she lives and writes amidst her own happily ever after with her soul mate, son, and domestic zoo. http://www.lesliescottwrites.com

 

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 

Author Links

Website: http://www.lesliescottwrites.com/candiscott

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

X: https://x.com/leslieSwrites

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/LeslieSwrites

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/candi-scott

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Candi-Scott/author/B0CQTPYJ1C

 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47511401.Candi_Scott

  

http://eepurl.com/df0G45

 


Giveaway

$10 Amazon

Follow the reveal HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/ViciousHeartReveal

 

Reunited

Three witches take on the ancient lineage of the Coven, witches tasked with fighting supernatural forces. The Coven grows and so do their problems.

 

 Reunited

The Coven Book 3

By Drako

Genre: LGTQ Paranormal Romance


It's been several months since the noble sacrifice of Talis to save his family and the world. Dion, his husband, has been contemplating changes. It's painful to be in his husband's home with his family while he isn't there to enjoy. He's done as he was asked and taken on a lead role in the Coven alongside his sister-in-law, Teryn, and her husband, Cian. But without Talis, the world just doesn't feel right. Little do they know, this isn't the end at all.

The threat of the same Dark God rises again, and with it, the Coven needs their leader back. Talis returns to the land of the living thanks to untapped and unexplored magic from the Fair People to find that not everything was as he'd left it. It's time to venture to the land of the Fair People, Albion, to make one more stand against the very force that cost him his life before. This time, he's not fighting alone. The Coven gathers to fight back the darkness and to keep their fearless leader with the other half of his soul. 

 EXCERPT

Talis went into his father’s room and went through his clothes.

“God, Dad, why are you so flamboyant?” He muttered as he went through the large selection of clothes.

“Only you would come into my room without asking first.” Wes was standing several feet away leaning against the wall casually.

“Only you wouldn’t think to bring me some normal damn clothes,” Talis shot back.

“Maybe I did and didn’t tell you,” Wes pointed out.

“I don’t have time for your bullshit, Dad,” Talis told him exasperatedly.

Wes rolled his eyes. “Let me help, at least. You’ll spend all day and hate everything even if it looks great on you.”

Talis glared at his father but finally agreed. Wes swiftly picked out an outfit, black slacks, and a button-down shirt to match, with a blue button up vest to go over it. Black socks and some casual slip-on shoes completed the outfit.

“Dad, there’s this wonderful invention called jeans. You should try it,” Talis pointed out sarcastically.

“Shut up and put on the damn clothes,” Wes ordered.

Talis scowled but did as he was told. As he did, he had the thought cross his mind that normally he’d change alone. He didn’t much care now. Once he was fully dressed, his father stepped behind him and pulled his hair back, tying it so that it would not fall in his face but still hung low.

“You look so much better this way,” Wes commented.

“Fuck off, Dad,” Talis responded.

“Ah, so it’s my turn to have one of these in-depth emotional discussions.” Wes walked away to take a seat in a chair by a window. “Let me make this simple for you. I am not apologizing for not honoring that one part of your wishes. You are my son, and I love you. I do not appreciate you being put in a position to have to sacrifice everything for the sake of everyone but yourself. I do not appreciate you losing your life when you had so much more to live. You have a husband and now, a son. You have reasons to continue living. I had the means and the ability to bring you back, so I did.”

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Smashwords * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DJFYWD78

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/reunited/id6736406486

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reunited-drako/1146367099?ean=2940179511311

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/reunited-83

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1627072

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/bPnl5d

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/reunited-the-coven-3-by-drako

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220058433-reunited

 


Sunder

The Coven Book 2

 The life of a witch is ever changing. After the greatest test the Coven has ever faced, Talis and Dion settle in happily married life. But Talis is the head of the Coven, and his life will never be simple. He has responsibilities far above and beyond what he had anticipated and ever increasing powers to master. With all this, there is the certainty that darkness never sleeps, and now comes a true test of more than just ability, but the strength of his will. As Teryn and Cian prepare to welcome a new addition to the family, Talis and Dion's work just begins as insecurity and outside forces come together to threaten their marriage. Beneath it all is a sinister force older and more powerful than any ever known, threatening not only to tear them all apart but the world as they know it.


EXCERPT

Teryn and Cian walked into the kitchen at the same time as Talis and Dion.

“So, did anyone actually cook today?” Talis asked.

“Sleep sounded like a better idea,” Teryn replied.

“So, we’re making sandwiches then?” Dion asked.

Cian went to the refrigerator and peered inside. “We’ve got leftover baked chicken. Sounds like a plan.”

Companionable silence descended as they worked together to fix their easy meal. They stood around the kitchen island to fix their sandwiches and to eat.

“So, this is cozy,” Teryn ventured.

“It’s weird,” Talis muttered.

“Normal is overrated, remember?” Cian reminded him of his own casual saying.

“Ok, true, but it’s weird knowing we were all doing the same thing and had the same idea after,” Talis replied.

“Pretty sure there were some differences,” Dion added.

“Sex, shower, deep emotional conversation we wouldn’t normally have, then feed,” Teryn listed.

“Ok, that’s beyond weird. It’s creepy,” Dion told her.

“But it explains so much.” Talis smirked at his sister. “My loving sister is already getting mood swings, and she had an emotional moment that I picked up on to have my own.”

Teryn flipped him off and Cian laughed.

“Someone fill me in,” Dion requested. “I’ve clearly missed something.”

“Teryn’s pregnant,” Talis said simply.

“Gods I hate men,” Teryn griped before taking an aggressive bite out of her sandwich.

“So, what happened?” Talis asked her.

Teryn refused to answer, instead just glaring at him.

“The button broke on her jeans as she was trying to get out of them,” Cian answered for her.

Teryn scowled. “Why would you tell Talis that? I’ll never hear the end of it.”

“I fail to see why I’d have anything to say on that,” Talis said with mock indignation. “Gaining weight is natural when you’re pregnant.”

“Bite me, jackass. What was your moment about?” she demanded.

Talis took a page out of her book and refused to answer, so Dion did it for him.

“Anthony came up in conversation.”

Teryn smirked at her brother. “Explain that, jerk.”

“Oh fun, I see you’ve entered into full bitch mode,” Talis said sarcastically.

“I’m pregnant, you dick. I’ve got a reason. What’s your excuse?”

“Empath,” Talis said simply.

“It’s also who he is as a person,” Cian added.

Talis flipped him off. “That’s the last time I’ll be on your side for anything.”

“That still makes you a dick,” Cian replied.

“Why do we never have adult conversations?” Dion wondered aloud.

“Because Talis is a dick, Cian’s an asshole, and I’m stuck with both of them,” Teryn supplied.

“And you’re still a bitch,” Talis added.

Teryn shrugged. “At least I’m the head bitch in charge.”

“So, you’re taking over as head of the Coven then?” Talis asked.

“In charge of the manor,” Teryn corrected.

“That doesn’t help me at all.” Talis bit into his sandwich.

Dion shook his head. “I married into a family of lunatics.”

“I said the same thing,” Cian agreed.


Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Smashwords * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R6BDNMN

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/sunder/id1461713008

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sunder-drako/1131427968?ean=2940163203741

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/sunder-the-coven-2

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/936275

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/47v8kj

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/sunder-the-coven-2-by-drako

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45479889-sunder

 

Bewitched Souls

The Coven Book 1


The Coven is a special group of witches given charge of the manor on Genum Island, and Talis is considered the head and strongest of it. Joined by his sister, Teryn, and her husband, Cian, they protect their magic based home from the forces of darkness who seek the mysterious power of their home. It's all routine, until Talis' old crush shows up with a strong desire to take the head witch for himself.
Dion has come to terms with what he wants, and that's Talis. He has a lot to make up for, but with him comes trouble. Hot on his tail is his ex-girlfriend, and with her is a demon who has a craving for souls and a rise to her former glory.
The Coven has no choice but to stand against the greatest threat they've ever faced. How far will they go to save a soul?

 EXCERPT

After dinner, Talis went out for a walk. He needed time to clear his head. Maybe blasting demons would relieve some stress. However, that plan didn’t last long as Dion soon joined him.

“Hope you don’t mind if I join you.”

“Feel free,” Talis replied, not sure whether to be irritated or happy that Dion had come after him.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“You just asked me one, but feel free to ask me another,” Talis replied with a smile.

“Are you upset with me?” Dion asked. “I know I just showed up and dumped a lot on you. I guess I’d understand if you were a bit pissed off.”

Talis stopped walking and looked at him. “Why would you think I’m upset with you?”

“You’re not the same as before with me. And the topic of us being together seems to really bother you.”

Talis sighed. “It’s not that it bothers me. It’s just that I’m not sure this is real.”

Dion stared at him for several moments before responding. “Do you think I’d come here just to toy with you? I’ve done a lot that I’m not proud of, but I could never play games with you like that.”

“You were quite adamant that you were straight when we were friends before,” Talis argued. “I don’t see what changed.”

“Being without you in my life made me realize that I had a friend that could have and should have been more. Everything I needed I could have had in you. I just don’t know how to show you I’m serious.”

“Do something you’ve never done before,” Talis suggested.

Dion frowned and his gaze fell on Talis’ lips. Talis’ mouth twitched at the shift in Dion’s gaze. He was nervous and that was just odd for him. Dion, however, had his mind set. He pulled Talis towards him and brought their lips together. The kiss started off soft and tentative. Dion felt something go through him that he’d never felt before and deepened the kiss, his tongue parting Talis’ lips to venture inside. His arms wrapped around Talis’ waist and held him to him possessively. Talis was caught in a rapture of emotion. His sixth sense opened and all of Dion’s emotion poured into him. The strength of Dion’s feelings for him was so overwhelming that he eventually had to break away to stop it and regain himself.

“What’s wrong?” Dion asked, a hurt look on his face.

“Nothing to worry about,” Talis replied breathlessly, still waiting for his senses to adjust. “That was a bit more than expected.”

Dion gave him a puzzled look. “You didn’t want me to kiss you?”

Talis cursed his own fumbling of words and tried a better explanation. “The kiss was great. It’s just that I’m an empath and that kiss opened up all of your emotions to me. That was more than I could handle at once.”

“So, the kiss was great, huh?” Dion teased.

Talis rolled his eyes. “I’m not going to make your head any bigger.”

Dion grinned. “So, what you’re really saying is that I rocked your world.”

“I reserve the right to answer that later. Let’s get back to the house.”

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Smashwords * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XQUGTII

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/bewitched-souls/id996690888

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bewitched-souls-drako/1121951749?ean=2940151925259

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/bewitched-souls-the-coven-1-1

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/543402

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/4jYwKX

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/bewitched-souls-the-coven-1-by-drako

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25559203-bewitched-souls

 

About the Author

Drako was born in 1987 in St. Louis, Missouri. He is mainly a fantasy writer, though he also writes some poetry and general fiction. He is very active on both twitter and facebook and has his own website at www.drakosden.net which is frequently updated with news on his books and fun extras. When he isn't writing, he's busy helping take care of his nieces, playing videogames, reading, promoting, and spending time with family.

 

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

 

Author Links

Website: http://www.drakosden.com/

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

X: https://x.com/drakosden

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

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Drako/author/B0089AP3AU

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6449809.Drako

 

 


Giveaway

$20 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/ReunitedTour

 

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Prophecy of Gods and Crows

Is she the hero or the villain of the story?

 

 Prophecy of Gods and Crows

Clan of Shadows Book 1

by C.D. Britt

Genre: Dark Fantasy


“…Orphan…”
“…Outcast…”
“…Witch.”
Bryn Kenneally has spent her entire life hiding in the shadows, hated for things she cannot control.
But now, those very shadows are coming to life, bringing dark secrets from a past she cannot remember. Lives hang in the balance as those very secrets weave a future beyond her control.
As the past unravels and her purpose becomes clear, there’s only one thing left for her to figure out: is she the hero or the villain of the story?

 

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

Book Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Prophecy-Gods-Crows-Clan-Shadows-ebook/dp/B0DHR4RKJ6

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/prophecy-of-gods-and-crows-by-c-d-britt

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219452996-prophecy-of-gods-and-crows

 

 

About the Author


C.D. Britt began her writing journey when her husband told her she needed to use her excessive imagination to write stories as opposed to creating a daily narrative for him. Ever since she penned her first words, life has been a lot more peaceful for him.

She currently resides in Texas where she has yet to adapt to the heat. Her husband thrives in it, so unfortunately, they will not be relocating to colder climates anytime soon.

Their two young children would honestly complain either way.

When she is not in her writing cave (hiding from the sun), she enjoys ignoring the world as much as her children will allow with a good book, music, and vast amounts of coffee (until it’s time for wine).

C.D. Britt is the author of the Reign of Goddesses series, Clan of Shadows series, and the upcoming Blood of Saviors series.

 

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 

Author Links

Website: https://authorcdbritt.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/brittauthor

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/c-d-britt

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.D.-Britt/author/B095PWMBYH

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21592919.C_D_Britt

 

 


Giveaway

$10 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/ProphecyOfGodsAndCrowsTour

Cordelia Manor

Cordelia Manor

A Haunted Hearts Series Book

by Adam J. Ridley

Genre: LGBTQ M/M Paranormal Romance


His inheritance may lead to his death, unless a magical caretaker can save them both.

Evan inherits a mysterious manor house that's filled with restless spirits and Cary is the manor’s magical caretaker charged with managing them.

When the two meet, they unwittingly become the target of one of the manor’s most vengeful ghosts.

Despite the dangers, a passionate and deep love blossoms between them. Will that love be enough to protect them as they unravel Cordelia Manor’s secrets, or will the past repeat itself, destroying them and all they’ve built together?

Cordelia Manor is part of the Haunted Hearts series.

Scary Excerpt:

“You have got to leave,” I said, entering the area behind the huge boiler that heated the entire manor. I heard his laughter, but wasn’t sure if it was in my head. “You can’t stay here any longer. Not after attacking a living being. I’m giving you fair warning because I don’t like to force the spirit world.”

Just then, he materialized in front of me. His body not quite corporeal, as I assumed he’d be able to make it if he still had his full power.

He opened his mouth to say something, then looked over my shoulder. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck prickle and my stomach fall as I realized Evan must’ve come back downstairs and followed me into the basement.

I threw up a quick shield, but not fast enough to stop the attack. The ghost shattered the shield as he collided with it, throwing Evan back against the boiler.

I rushed forward, grabbing him under the arm, pulling him up, and rushing him toward the stairs. “Go, now!” I demanded, and turned around just as the entity was reforming.

“Leave here!” it bellowed, and this time I knew I was hearing him, and not just in my head.

I didn’t try to confront him again, not when he was so angry. Instead, I cast a bubble around myself and forced it toward him hoping that’d give me enough time to escape.

I made it to the top of the stairs when I felt sharp nails swipe the back of my shoulder. “Shit,” I said, and slammed the door behind me. I secured the boundaries I’d set when I first arrived, effectively sealing the nasty thing in the basement for now. Not that they would last long. He was still too damned powerful.

Sexy Excerpt:

I stripped and went into my equally impressive newly remodeled bathroom. I slipped into the shower and sighed with pleasure as the hot water poured over my tired muscles. We’d moved furniture around a hundred times today, and yes, I’d wanted it moved that many times to get it all just right, but still.

Just then, the water stopped. “What the heck?” I asked, thankful I’d rinsed off most of the soap and shampoo.

I dried off as fast as I could before grabbing my skimpy-ass housecoat I’d had since I was fourteen. It no longer fit, obviously, but I still loved it and didn’t want to spend money to replace it.

“Cary,” I yelled down the stairs. “You better come look. The water stopped in the shower.”

“Hold on. I’m headed up,” he said, and rushed up the stairs.

His eyes swept over me in my skimpy housecoat, and I’d swear his gaze turned heated before he looked away and asked what the problem was.

His reaction caused me to lose my breath for a moment. I knew what it looked like when a man wanted me. Even my stupid ex, critical as he was, never said I wasn’t a good fuck.

“Um, the water stopped in the shower.”

He nodded without looking at me, then popped into my bathroom to check on it.

When the shower didn’t come on for him, he opened a panel I wasn’t even aware was there, picked up some bizarre-looking key, and twisted it. Just like that, the water came back on. “We didn’t turn the valve all the way on, so it must’ve jarred closed. Here, let me show you how it works.”

My wet skin must’ve been steaming with all the heat coming off me. “Okay, thanks, Cary,” I said, and was about to push him out of my room because damn, it was that or attack him with my mouth.

Instead of leaving, he stood with his two feet planted firmly in front of me. “Evan, do you… do you want me?” he asked, uncertainty clouding his handsome face.

I looked up into his eyes, surprised by his directness. “Huh?”

“Do you want me? I mean, like, sexually? Because I want you. A lot.”

I didn’t hesitate. Instead, I launched myself into his arms, putting my mouth on his. Fuck, if he didn’t ever need to ask that question again. I explored his mouth with my tongue, and moaned as his big rough hands slipped under my robe and caressed the skin underneath.

“Yes, please,” I whispered, need pouring from me.

Cary reached down and, like I weighed nothing, swept me into his arms and into the bedroom. He laid me gently on the bed and, after taking his shirt off, pressed his lips to my neck. “Oh fuck,” I said as his tongue began to explore, then his mouth took my earlobe.

My ears always made me crazy. Usually I was too sensitive, but damn, right now, everything this man was doing to me felt good.

His mouth ravished every inch of exposed skin he could get his lips on, and I writhed with pleasure. He was so big, so strong, and I was at his disposal, but I eventually had to get my mouth on him again. When he pulled back, I leaned up and licked his throat.

The purr of pleasure from him made me weak. “Lie down, lie down on the bed for me,” I told him.

He looked me in the eye, and I knew he didn’t want to give up the power he had at the moment, the freedom to take me, but he nodded and did as I asked.



Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

 

Book Links:
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Cordelia-Manor-Haunted-Hearts-Ridley-ebook/dp/B0D6RR9CV5

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/cordelia-manor-by-adam-j-ridley

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214861539-cordelia-manor


**Check out the rest of the Haunted Hearts Series!**

Haunted Hearts is an Own-Voices Paranormal Romance Series about love and the things go boo in the night. Join us on our romantic journeys over 10 books from some of your favorite authors! Be sure to read the entire series so you don’t miss a moment of falling in love, or sometimes falling into a happily ever after-life! Each book is a standalone but why not read them all? Everyone deserves the HEA!


Find them on Amazon!


About the Author


After years of writing romance under the pen name Blake Allwood, I decided to pursue my other genre passion, fantasy and science fiction. Adam J. Ridley is the reality of that pursuit.

My husband of 28 years and I have had an adventurous life. We’ve had many businesses, we’ve raised over twelve foster children, two of which we adopted, and had at least two professional careers.

To say we are people who seek experiences is an understatement.

As I’ve grown older, my passions seem to be better reflected in my imagination. Fantasy, urban fantasy,  and science fiction all allow me to escape into worlds that transcend life. I’ve always been a major lover of fantasy writing and started reading it at a rather young age.

My husband and I travel full-time now in our RV (caravan for those not in the United States.) We’ve been doing this since 2017 and y’all, we love it.

Please join me on Facebook, and other social media sites. I work hard to be easily accessible to my readers, cause you all are the reason for all the lovely work!

 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 

Author Links

Website: https://adamjridley.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083029585520

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakeallwood9

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/adam-j-ridley

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Adam-J.-Ridley/author/B0B32WG5Y8

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22451572.Adam_J_Ridley

  

 


 

 

Giveaway

$20 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://bit.ly/CordeliaManorTour

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

The Unpredictable Colors of Love

 The Unpredictable Colors of Love

Contemporary Romance in the French Countryside

 by J. Arlene Culiner




In her late forties, Callie Patterson, an amateur artist, craves success in the art world. Opportunity presents itself in the form of the irresistible French artist Nicholas Trier who offers a three-week Artists’ Retreat in a French château. If she manages to charm him, who knows where the association might lead?

However, from the moment she arrives in France, things don’t go according to plan. The château is magnificent, the countryside is splendid, but it never stops raining, and Nicholas is surrounded by an ambitious group of women who have the same plan she does.

She is grateful for the growing friendship with the château’s gardener, Michel Alexander, but if Callie finds him seductive she can’t consider him a potential lover: Michel is probably as poor as she is.

Set in rural France, this light-hearted romance touches on the contemporary art world and French history.

Blurb:

Callie Patterson, an unsuccessful artist, hopes that a relationship with the irresistible and magnetic Nicholas Trier will pave the way to success. She follows him to France where, in a magnificent château, he holds his artists' retreats. But famous men surround themselves with hangers-on and demand complete loyalty.

Callie soon finds herself far more attracted to Michel Alexandre, the estate gardener, who loves and protects trees and every living creature. But if she wants to make a name for herself, she’ll have to choose Nicholas and his world.

Except nothing is quite the way it seems, and perhaps success isn’t the most important thing, after all.


Excerpt:
            Callie dropped her backpack and, uninvited, sat down on the soggy ground not far from where he was digging. She didn’t even own a houseplant, but a banal conversation about twigs and saplings, was what she craved at the moment. “Okay, tell me why isn’t there a hedge here now.”
            “Because, years ago, the farmer ripped out all the hedges to have larger fields for his agricultural machinery. Now we’re bringing back a balanced environment.”
            “You’re not planning to replace every single hedge on your own, are you?”
            “Of course not,” he scoffed. Picking up a small spade, he loosened another patch of earth. “There are thousands of trees and shrubs to replant, and that would be an impossible task for only one person.”
            With gentle fingers, he spread the delicate roots of a tiny shrub, tucked it into place in the little hole, then tamped down the moist soil with his palm. Reached for another, and then another.
            She watched silently as he planted, and strangely enough, it was almost a sensual sight. His hands were broad, strong, and deeply tanned from working outdoors; his long fingers were beautifully shaped. And under that denim shirt of his, there was the alluring suggestion of tight sinew and warm, fragrant skin. Bear like? No, not exactly. Something more, something…
            “A penny for your thoughts.” Michel was watching her with those disconcerting eyes of his, very dark, with heavy lids and thick lashes.
            She felt the blush as it traveled upward, flooding her neck, her face. He hadn’t caught what she had been thinking, had he? Perhaps he had. Surely, he’d seen how her gaze had slipped over his hands, his arms, his chest, and shoulders. How incredibly humiliating! What vaguely plausible answer could she give? “Oh…just remembering something.”
            “Ah.” Eyebrows raised in overt amusement, he smirked—rather cockily—then went back to working on the next hole, the next shrub.





The Unpredictable Colors of Love published by the Wild Rose Press

Purchase Links:
https://books2read.com/TheUnpredictableColorsOfLove

Trailer: https://youtu.be/27nE-cCHNqM

#Art #France #Countryside #Ecology #Animals #Renaissance Château #Romance #Success #Fame #Late Life Romance #Friends to Lovers # Workplace

What people are saying about The Unpredictable Colors of Love

As always the author creates characters who are not always perfect, have enjoyed full lives up to the point where she brings them together, and who are on a journey of discovery. The story is set within in the luxurious and lovingly renovated chateau and in the glorious countryside where its ancient fields and hedgerows are also being brought back to life. The perfect setting for two people who might have given up hope on finding a soul mate to explore the possibility there might just be a chance for them after all.
Sally Cronin, Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

The charming setting of rural France is an excellent backdrop to the book, which explores the dichotomy between urban and countryside environments. It also examines the contrast between two vastly different types of men: the arrogant and popular Nicolas, and humble, caring Michel. Indeed, the unfolding romance between headstrong Callie and the down-to-earth gardener is delightful to behold, as is Callie’s transformation from urbanite to country-dweller. Michel supports and validates her, which is in stark contrast to Nicolas’s superior attitude and vanity.
A sweet, tender romance, with well-developed characters I could root for, this is an immersive story, with its unique and picturesque setting. Whispering Stories

Author Bio



Writer, social critical artist, and impenitent teller of tall tales, J. Arlene Culiner, was born in New York and raised in Toronto. She has crossed much of Europe on foot, has lived in a mud house on the Great Hungarian Plain, in a Bavarian castle, a Turkish cave dwelling, a haunted house on the English moors, and beside a Dutch canal. She now resides in a 400-year-old former inn in a French village of no interest where, much to local dismay, she protects spiders, snakes, and weeds. Observing people everywhere, she eavesdrops on all private conversations and delights in hearing any nasty, funny, ridiculous, sad, romantic, or boastful story. And when she can't uncover any salacious gossip, she makes it up.

Author Websites http://www.j-arleneculiner.com
Blog: 
http://j-arleneculiner.over-blog.com
Author links: https://linktr.ee/j.arleneculiner 

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