Archive for the ‘Romance’ Category

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Law enforcement isn’t for the fainthearted.

Are you brave enough to enter my world?

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SWAT for Dummies

Deputy Gemma Stone Book 2

by Gail Koger

Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance

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Just call me Calamity Jane, wherever I go, trouble soon follows. Which makes my job as a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy a bit hazardous. From chasing down a bank robber to dealing with a cat burglar or handling Sun City’s seniors who are crazy as June bugs and horny as hell.

My personal life is complicated. Off duty I’m a ballroom dancer. Detective Sergeant Dante Delgado is my new dance partner. My relationship with him puts me in the crosshairs of a dirty cop with homicidal tendencies. Can we stop him, or will we become his next victims?

Law enforcement isn’t for the fainthearted. Are you brave enough to enter my world?

Author’s note: I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for way too many years and this novella contains some of the wilder incidents that occurred.

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Stilettos and Sniper Rifles

Deputy Gemma Stone Book 1

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I’ve been a Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputy for four years. Most folks don’t have a clue about what a cop deals with every day. Like a pack of attack chihuahuas, a monkey with a bad case of diarrhea, a hungry python, a brahma bull named Bodacious and a six-foot iguana.

And that is just the critters. Now let me tell you about the two-legged varmints. Such as a three-hundred-pound biker who got a bit irate when I zapped him with a stun gun, or a murderous nun, and let’s not forget the senior citizens having an orgy. Ugh.

My personal life isn’t much better. Off duty I’m a ballroom dancer which everyone makes fun of. I love competitive dancing; I get to meet a lot of people who aren’t trying to kill me. Ok, there was one incident, but hey, shit happens. At a dance competition Detective Sergeant Dante Delgado waltzed into my life. My girly parts yelled yee-haw, he’s the one. Now, if I can only get him to do the tango with me.

Law enforcement isn’t for the fainthearted. Are you brave enough to enter my world?

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Howdy. My name is Gail Koger and once upon a time I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher. Too many years of wild requests, screwy questions, bizarre behavior and outrageous demands have left me with a permanent twitch and an uncontrollable craving for chocolate. I took up writing science fiction romance to keep from killing people. So far, it has worked.

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$10 Amazon giftcard,

ebook of Shenanigans by Gail Koger,

ebook of The Trouble With Tigers by Gail Koger

-1 winner each!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Welcome to the 𝖂𝖊𝖘𝖙𝖜𝖔𝖔𝖉 𝕻𝖆𝖈𝖐… Where the fire burns h҉o҉t҉ … The water is as c҉o҉l҉d҉❄️ as Canadian winters… And a day of [̲̅p][̲̅e][̲̅a][̲̅c][̲̅e] just never seems to come.

If you love Alpha males who are both s♥w♥e♥e♥t and 𝕘𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕝𝕪 and watching women discover the power lurking just beneath the surface, then you’ve come to the right place.

The Westwood Pack Series follows the members of the Westwood Pack on their journey to find their mates. We have shifters 🐺, witches 🪄, fae🧝‍♂️, vampires 🧛and even a dragon 🐉or two..

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Rise of the Phoenix

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The Westwood Pack Book 1

by F.D. Fair

Genre: Paranormal Romance

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On “The Best Wolf Shifters of Romance” list on Goodreads!

He promised me forever. But when he shows his true colors, I have no choice but to run…

Alaric

I found my mate. It should be the happiest day of my life, right?
Wrong.
The problem?
She’s human and already has a family.
When her husband turns out to be a dangerous race once thought extinct, it becomes even more complicated…

Phoebe

I’m living the dream: A big house, a good job, a good-looking husband, and two beautiful kids.
I start to question everything when my husband shows his true colors.
Who is this man I’m married to?
As if it’s fate, I meet a stranger who sets my body ablaze and offers me protection.
But my husband won’t let me go that easily…

And now Alaric is risking everything to get me free.

Rise of the Phoenix is Book One of the hot and steamy werewolf shifter series, The Westwood Pack, and is a fated mate, rescued by the alpha romance.

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Second Moon

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The Westwood Pack Book 2

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He rejected me, and then he realized he made a mistake. Sucks to be him…

Skarlyt

My mate left me rejected and broken on the bathroom floor.
I’m going to make him pay.
Once I pick myself up and dust myself off, I’ll come back stronger than he ever could have imagined.
But when he realizes the mistake he made, how far will he go to get what he wants most?
Especially when he finds out about the hot new wolf shifter who says he’s my second chance mate…

Lennox

Rejected at first glance, she didn’t even know my name.
But when my sisters join a new pack, it offers me a chance to start over fresh.
No way could I turn that down.
I’m glad I didn’t…
Meeting a sexy witch isn’t something I had ever expected, but you know what they say – the moment you stop looking for a mate is the moment they appear.
This one comes with more than just a killer body and a scent that drives me absolutely wild.
She also has a past that comes back to haunt her with a fury.

But I’ll be damned if he ever gets his hands on her again…

Second Moon is Book Two of the hot and steamy werewolf shifter series,
The Westwood Pack, and is a rejected mate, second chance paranormal romance.

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Twin Flames

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The Westwood Pack Book 3

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One sacrificial lamb for the freedom of a mate…

Sophia

I’ve been their captive and slave for as many years as I’ve been on this earth.
I never dared to dream or hope for a better life.
But when these mages decide to turn me into a baby maker…things change.
I will not let them force me to bring their spawn into the world.
So, along with the help a friend, I run.
Running away turned out to be the best thing that ever happened.
I’ve finally found where I belong – with the Westwood Pack. It’s a family I didn’t know ever existed.
But it’s not long before the mages track me down…
And use my mate as bait to get me back.

Darren

Sophia being liberated from her cage and joining our family was the happiest day of my life.
The mages finding her and using me as bait to get her back was the worst.
But if they think that my family will trade one member for another, they’re in for a rude awakening.
We never give up on each other.

Even if we have to die in the process…

Twin Flames is Book Three of the hot and steamy werewolf shifter series, The Westwood Pack, and is a fated mate romance.

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Magical Mate

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The Westwood Pack Book 4

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Running from my father is a necessity. But can I trust the man who is offering me protection?

Sarah

Being raised by a single father was hard enough, add in that he’s an evil man who only cares about himself and the coven, and my life is a recipe for disaster.
Now he’s forcing me to marry someone even worse than him.
If I escape and he finds me, it will only be worse.
Now, another man is promising me the world, trying to convince me he’s different and is offering me protection.
But I don’t know if I can ever learn to open myself up again…

Sebastyn

I’m happiest when traveling the world, learning many kinds of magic that were lost throughout the centuries.
When my sister is kidnapped, I rush home, planning to stay long enough to rescue her.
Then she shows up…
She consumes my thoughts both day and night. Being anywhere else but here no longer appeals to me.
I know she’s attracted to me, though she’s hesitant.
How can I convince her I’m different from all she’s known? That I will keep her safe?
I can be patient…
I have to be.
She’s worth it.

Though I think my mom has been holding onto a secret…

Magical Mate is Book Four of the hot and steamy werewolf shifter series,The Westwood Pack, and is a fated mate paranormal romance.

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INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR F.D. FAIR

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Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author? 

I have always loved reading paranormal romance books. Specifically true mate books, and over the years, I found myself thinking up new stories in my head, wishing that I could find those books but couldn’t so I decided to write them myself.

What are some of your pet peeves? 

As strange as it is, open cupboards, toilet paper rolled under and not over are two of my biggest pet peeves.

How to find time to write as a parent? 

Writing as a parent is challenging, that’s for sure. I make it work though. I write while sitting in the parking lot of my son’s wrestling practice, in the mornings before school and work and after they go to bed.

What can we expect from you in the future? 

This series is set to have 13 books in total, though that number has already increased by 1 so chances are it could again. I have also been working on a spin-off series for the Westwood Pack and will hopefully be publishing the first one in 2024.

I’m also dipping my toe into my second favorite book genre, Paranormal Cozy Mysteries and hope to release the first of a long series in 2024 as well.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story? Convince us why you feel your book is a must read. 

This is a hard question to answer because I would love to say that I plot out all my books (which I do) and stick to it, but the truth is that I plot out the books by chapter and 99% of the time it doesn’t work that way. It’s as if my characters take on a life of their own through me and hijack the story completely. I am usually able to end up where I wanted to be and have everything in there that I wanted to happen, just sometimes they take the long way there.

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre? 

I read constantly, except when I’m writing. In fact, it’s so much that my husband has joked about limiting my reading to one book a month because I can usually read a book in 1 day but for that entire day, I do nothing but read. I get sucked into the book and NEED to know what happens next. It’s one of the things I strive to do with my own writing. I want to be one of those authors that can grip you from the start of page one and you can’t put the book down until you find out what happens. It’s also one of the reasons that I write interconnected stand-alones. As much as I love-hate cliffhangers, I wanted to write each story to its conclusion. But to keep the readers wanting more, there is an epilogue in each book with a preview of what’s to come. To keep them wanting more.

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Hunter’s Heart

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The Westwood Pack Book 5

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Hunters have been tasked with eradicating my kind from the earth. The woman I want just so happens to be one of them…

Rayne

I am the descendant of Ullr, the Norse God of the Hunt.
I’ve hunted supernaturals all my life, always questioning if it was the right thing to do.
A woman on fire saved me during a battle, and now I can’t stop questioning my entire life.
So, I run to find out for myself.
And I run right into the supernatural world…
Which should have scared me, but instead I’ve found my home.
The supernaturals my father taught me to hate are more family to me than he ever was.
So, naturally, complications are sure to follow.
My complication is a tall, blonde, sexy-as-sin vampire, who’s also the biggest dick I’ve ever met.
But my real problem is that I can’t find the strength to deny him…

Drake

I’ve never wanted a mate.
I could never fathom how anyone could be tethered to a single person their entire life.
Then I met her. She’s gorgeous, strong willed, everything I could ever imagine in a mate.
She also happens to drive me certifiably insane.
The real problem? She’s a hunter.
And my kind are usually the ones in her crosshairs…

Can enemies truly turn to lovers, or will she betray us all at the first opportunity?

Hunter’s Heart is Book Five of the hot and steamy werewolf shifter series, The Westwood Pack, and is an enemies to lovers paranormal romance.

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Dragon’s Destiny

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The Westwood Pack Book 6

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A thousand years ago a prophecy was told of a love that would transcend time. Some things are worth the wait…

Drusilla

Severe PTSD? Check.
Low self-esteem? Double check.
Terrified to leave my home? Triple check.
I’m a vampire.
I was taken captive and tortured by a group of hunters when I was young.
Ever since I returned home, I haven’t left. I’m still being held captive by the scars they left.
Now, with my friend’s help, I’m learning to live again.
And I’m longing for a mate of my own…
When Andres confirms what my body already seems to know – that he’s my mate. It terrifies me.
I know I can’t love another until I can love myself again. I just hope he’ll be able to wait…

Andres

I’ve waited a thousand years for her, and I’d wait a thousand more.
She’s perfect and everything I’ve ever wished for–caring, beautiful, and a heart of gold.
The last great seer told me she wouldn’t be ready right away, and she would need time and understanding.
I’ve been preparing myself for that and thought I was ready.
But it’s so hard…
Every second of every day my dragon is riding me to claim our mate, and I’m not sure how much longer I can keep him under control…

Maybe unleashing him on the ones who held her captive would help.

Dragon’s Destiny is Book Six of the hot and steamy werewolf shifter series, The Westwood Pack, and is a fated mates romance.

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Bound By Fate

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The Westwood Pack Book 7

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I was given the gift of two identical twin mates…and then one of them rejects me. Now our souls can never be complete.

Opal

Meeting my mate was the best day of my life…
Until he rejected me seconds after giving me the best birthday present a girl could ask for.
I then ran and reinvented myself into someone who didn’t care.
But when he steps back in my life, I’m forced right back to where I started.
Though not for long…
Fate is a bitch and decided one man wasn’t enough to handle me, so she gave me two.
I’m not sure what was going through the goddess’ mind when she gave me identical twins—the one who rejected me and the one who promises me the world.
The problem?
Our souls will never be complete with one of them left out.
How do I trust these men after one has already ripped out my heart?

Zeke

Hunters murdered my father.
I left home to seek retribution and take revenge.
When I returned home one last time to say goodbye to my twin, I ran into the last thing I ever wanted…
My mate. But the only thing I can give her right now is death…
So, I do the unthinkable. I reject her.

Axel

I’m livid with my twin.
Not because of why he was banished, but because of his rejection of my mate.
Now I need to convince her I’m different from him…

Because there is no life for me without her.

Bound by Fate is Book Seven of the hot and steamy werewolf shifter series, The Westwood Pack, and is a rejected mate romance.

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Blood Magic

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The Westwood Pack Book 8

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Two choices, both impossible. One means death for my family, the other death for my soul…

Breanne

A puppet. That’s what I am. When the hunters offer me a choice between the death of my family or my soul, I choose my soul and I would do it again. Every. Single. Time. But now that means I am helping them hunt and kill my own kind.

When the sexiest man I’ve ever met gives me a chance at freedom, literally breaking the bonds that hold me captive, I jump. But it comes with a cost.

Only I’m not the one who will have to pay…

Matt

I take down the bad guys. The hunters. It’s what I do. But when I meet one of them, a sexy vixen who is both sinner and saint, and I learn she’s their captive who was forced into a life of slavery…I question if what I’ve been doing is right. How many of them have I punished for something they were manipulated into?

She thinks she’s broken, damaged. But she’s neither of those things. So, I use my magic to break the collar that her puppet master uses to control her and try my best to give her what she needs to heal.

But it’s not long before he comes to collect his missing pet.

And it’s over my dead body that he’ll ever touch a hair on her head again…

Blood Magic is Book Eight of the hot and steamy werewolf shifter series, The Westwood Pack, and is a fated mate vampire romance.

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Embrace your weirdness. It makes you unique, it sets you apart, and makes life more interesting.

F.D. Fair is married to the love of her life and a mother to three amazing boys. In their house, being weird is an accomplishment. They love everything strange and unnatural.

It was this love that prompted her to start writing…

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

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for A Curse Of Magick organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Diane Gallagher will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A Curse Of Magick

by Diane Gallagher

 

 

Genre: YA Romance

Synopsis

“A desperate princess, a handsome warrior, and an ancient magick to determine their fate.”

As daughter to the High King, love doesn’t come easily to Gráinne. Having turned down hundreds of suitors, she is being forced to marry Finn, an old, ugly yet powerful general. While outside the marriage hall, Gráinne bumps into Diarmuid, Finn’s handsome foster son. From that moment, Gráinne knows if she is to have any chance at love, he is the one she must marry. She begs him to take her away from this unwanted wedding. When Diarmuid refuses, Gráinne, desperate, places a curse on him; help her or die.

Diarmuid is a warrior who only wants to serve loyally, but when the princess sets her sights on him and casts her curse, he must make the most difficult choice of his life. Does he help her, taking their chances with a vengeful Finn, or does her refuse her, leaving her to her fate, and risking his own death?

With both their lives on the line, Gráinne and Diarmuid must fight to use Ireland’s ancient magick to escape from Finn, either bringing them together in passion or in death.

A Curse of Magick is a passionate tale of love, betrayal, revenge, and redemption. A retelling of an ancient Irish myth, A Curse of Magick takes the love and romance of Romeo and Juliet, and the exhilaration of King Arthur, and mixes it together for a satisfying adventure all will love.

Enjoy this peek inside:

“Look, up ahead. It’s the River Shannon.” Sure enough, Gráinne had caught a glimpse of the river sparkling in the distance.

“Then, come on,” Diarmuid shouted as he galloped past her.

Without need of encouragement, Fáelán took off at a gallop close behind Diarmuid.

“Come on, Fáelán, don’t let him beat us,” Gráinne shouted. She felt Fáelán respond beneath her, and they rode as one, hoofbeats hot on the trail of Diarmuid. With each drum of the horse’s hooves on the hardpacked road, Fáelán drew closer and closer until they were even. From the corner of her eye, she saw Diarmuid glance over at her, a grin on his handsome face and one hand holding his cap tight on his head.

“Hyaa!” he shouted, urging his own horse on.

Gráinne grinned. She knew Fáelán was a match for any other beast. As if he knew her thoughts, Fáelán leapt forward in a new burst of energy at Diarmuid’s shout, and pulled ahead, leaving Diarmuid and his horse behind. They rounded a bend and came to a skidding stop right at the edge of the river, with Diarmuid close behind.

Gráinne slid from Fáelán’s back, both of them panting hard. Diarmuid jumped from his horse and landed hard on the grassy bank. He stumbled towards Gráinne, catching his footing just before knocking into her. She watched him struggle to his feet and face her, a breathless grin stretched across his face. She grinned back and they stood, face to face for a few moments, gulping at the cool morning air.

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About Author Diane Gallagher:

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Diane Gallagher is a novelist and Druid priest. She is the author of three novels: A Curse of Magick, Greenwich List, and the Bastard of Saint Genevra. She has long roots stretching into her Celtic past, although she splits her life between two islands—Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada, and Sicily off the toe of Italy’s boot. She writes young adult romance based on ancient Celtic myths of the powerful women of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. She currently teaches creative writing at Cherry Hill Seminary.
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.



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Whiskers on Kittens

by R.J. Blain

 

(A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count), #22)
Publication date: December 19th 2023
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Urban Fantasy

The next time a friend dared her to steal something, Kelsie would say no. Should the friend also be a succubus, not only would she say no, she would run for the nearest border faster than a bat fleeing the dark depths of hell.

Under normal circumstances, she didn’t even mind serving community service. It added spice to an otherwise boring day and gave her something productive to do.

Hoping to contain her prankster ways, the judge teams her up with a grouchy wolf of a cop with an attitude problem. According to her virus, Kelsie needs to get the good officer out of his pants. According to her common sense, the last thing she needs or wants is a goody-goody hampering her style and getting in her way.

When they’re assigned to help rescue six kidnapped kittens, Kelsie knows one thing for certain: to create a Christmas miracle, she’ll do a lot more than bend the law—she’ll break it over her knee and unleash hell on Earth while she’s at it.

Whiskers on Kittens can be read as a standalone.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

When I became bored, trouble happened. The current flavor of trouble stood a little over five feet with light brown hair and dark eyes, putting him a solid inch taller than me. He wore his uniform well and glared at me as though he’d enjoy escorting me to the next life if given a reason.

The glare I understood.

Cats and dogs did not get along, and my nose informed me I dealt with a single male wolf of the lycanthrope variety. I doubted he’d ever met a clouded leopard lycanthrope in his life, resulting in the divine essence of female feline tormenting him. That I happened to reek of divine single female feline might do him in.

What I didn’t understand was why Judge McMurphy, one of the nicer men I’d dealt with in the Chicago court system, had dragged some poor cop out for my sentencing. I especially didn’t understand why the judge had requested I come along with the poor cop for a private discussion in his office along with the attorneys. Community service was community service, and that I’d only been slapped with six months of community service astonished me.

In the judge’s shoes, I would have gone for two years.

The judge made himself comfortable behind his desk, invited us all to take a seat, and promised we wouldn’t have to wait long before he could get on with why we needed to have a private chat after everything had been said and done.

I pitied my attorney, who would need therapy after dealing with me. It wasn’t that I had gone out of my way to give the man a hard time. I just accepted responsibility for my actions, confessed I’d broken into the home of a wealthy businessman to steal a toy mouse on a double-dog dare, and refused to rat out my succubus friend for being the one to dare me to do it.

When I’d broken into the home, I hadn’t known the mouse was the size of a small dog and wore a diamond-studded collar.

The attorney especially hadn’t appreciated when I’d made use of my legal rights to summon an angel to confirm I hadn’t known about the collar, had done the heist as a prank, and would not be snitching on my friend in this life nor the next, not even if the Devil came calling to drag me into some dungeon to put me through hell. I’d amused the angel, who had assured me I wouldn’t be doing any time in the dungeons unless I wanted to.

The innuendo had caught me so off guard I’d burst into laughter at the sheer thought of leaving the pool of divine single female felines.

The wise men ran the instant they realized I was on the prowl, the smart ones ran soon after, and the dumb ones pissed me off and often received a face full of claws if they didn’t get the hint I didn’t want a dumb man in my life.

Wise and smart men were few and far between.

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About Author RJ Blain:

RJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.

In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until satisfied.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

The Hanging Night

by Sasha Hibbs & Christina Hooker

 

(The Threads of Fate, #1)
Published by: Evernight Teen
Publication date: December 15th 2023
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

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When a sad turn of fate takes Josephine Blair to the small town of Bridgeport, West Virginia, she meets and falls for the devious and cunning Caius Duke. Her life blooms in both wonderful and terrifying ways.

Together, Josephine and Caius discover they have something deeper and more intense than true love. While theirs is a love spanning centuries, what they don’t realize is the stronger their relationship becomes, the more some unknown evil is trying to tear them apart.

A captivating tale of eternal love, vengeful curses, and a power that can make or break them all, The Hanging Night will pull you in, making you wonder how we are all tied together, and if the ties that bind are truly meant to last.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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Enjoy this peek inside:

You know you can’t see the air, and you don’t have to see it to know it’s there—it just fills the space, and you’re grateful (whether you realize it or not) because if it didn’t fill the space, you’d suffocate.

That’s how I knew she was in the room.

I had my head down, searching through magazines, when what I can only describe as a heat chill rippled in me, causing me to shiver and the skin on the back of my neck to tingle. When I heard the cooler door pop open, I stopped breathing and stayed perfectly still, hoping this wasn’t the day I got arrested for shoplifting … for stealing stale food and one lousy, domestic beer, no less. If I had to go to jail, I wanted it to at least be for something worth it—money, jewelry, a car. FYI: I’ve never stolen any of those things or anything like that—only necessary or completely useless items, which I know is paradoxical. Let me explain: I’d take a plastic bobble-head of an off-brand, generic Batman or a sandwich before I’d take something sentimental or valuable to an individual—it’s just how I roll, ya know? And only from stores. Like, I don’t want your shit, but if it’s some dumbass thing on a shelf in a Dollar General, it’s fair game, and of course, like I said, I learned to be my own chef at a very young age. And can I really be held responsible for what I do when I am hungry? Isn’t that a famous candy commercial these days?

I wasn’t startled when she spoke, but expectant, and resigning myself to the fact that I was busted, I turned to face the girl. When I looked at her, all I saw was sadness. There wasn’t a stitch of makeup on her face, but she didn’t need any because even in sadness, she was striking. The circles under her eyes were so dark and deep, they almost echoed, but her brown irises were flat, like something was missing in them—a spark, maybe, and at the very end of her left eyebrow, there was a tiny, pink crystal. I immediately loved it—it gave her an edge no girl I’d seen in this boring ass town had. Her espresso-colored hair was knotted up in a bun with frizzy strands sticking out everywhere, which, though messy, was somehow endearing. Overall, she looked defeated, though, like all the air had been let out of her balloon. So, despite the circumstances, despite me being caught, red-handed, stealing my dinner, I immediately wanted to make her smile. So, I made jokes, trying to be cool. Im not really into labels.

“Put those back!”

“C’mon. They’re five-day old pepperoni rolls. You’re going to pitch them anyway. I’m hungry.”

She seemed to contemplate for a moment, tilting her head and looking at me, taking me all in, trying to figure me out. Her shoulders relaxed a little, and she let out a quick breath, seeming to judge that I wasn’t a threat. “And cigarettes? I know old people do, but what teenager smokes these days? News flash. They’re bad for you. And if you’re only hungry, what about the beer and the magazine?”

“Uh … after dinner entertainment?” I asked, trying to justify myself.

She reached out and grabbed for the 40oz beer I had, and as her hand brushed mine, my brain short-circuited. Ice formed around each of my ribs, cracking then melting, and in that moment, I felt the color red splash through me. She paused, momentarily looking dead into my eyes, and somehow, I knew she felt it too. Our hands had to have only touched for a nanosecond, but it passed in an eternity. The intensity—our brains somehow sharing the same image, as if connected by some weird fiber optic cable—was overwhelming, and I gasped, but the rest of my body was paralyzed as I got stuck in this strange moment with her. But for as quickly as it came and as long as it lingered, the cable snapped, and the moment broke, and the world spun in real time again. My body jerked at the sharp snap back to reality, causing me to yank my hand back, and when I did, the beer exploded in foam and glass shards at our feet, a kind of drunken mosaic.

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Author Bio:

By age 5, Sasha Hibbs‘ favorite movie was Gone With the Wind. By age 12, she completed her 7th grade book report on the sequel, Scarlett. By 18, she met and married her very own Mr. Rhett Butler and as it turns out, she never had to worry about going back to Tara to win the love of her life back. Fortunately, he stuck with her.

With a love of all things paranormal, the ambiance of the South with its gigantic antebellum mansions and canopies of Spanish moss, and a love for her husband’s rich storytelling of blacksmiths and the mythology surrounding their origins, it wasn’t long until the world of her debut novel, Black Amaranth, was born.

When not working her day job as a nurse, you can find Sasha dreaming of her next beach trip, reading the latest YA novel, and drinking more white chocolate mocha than she should.

Sasha lives in mountainous West Virginia with her husband, Tim, and their two daughters. She is currently hard at work on her next novel.

Author links:
Website / Instagram / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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Christina: I’ve always been captivated by stories and words, but not with the speaking of them (as I’m little more than a foul mouth with appendages), just with the reading and writing of them.

In 2020, I made my dream of writing a book a reality, and in 2023, my first collaborative novel is releasing!

Author links

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for The Santa Games organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Leanne Treese will award a $25 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The Santa Games

by Leanne Treese

 

 

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Synopsis

Reeling from a broken engagement, Andi Carter swears off men. She quits her job in New York and returns home to figure out next steps. Luckily, she quickly finds a job–one that will take her mind off her ex–as a caretaker for an elderly widower, Liam Quinn. Liam is the owner of Christmastown, a holiday-themed amusement park that shut down years ago. But he’s anxious to reopen it, and Andi, loving the concept, throws herself into helping him. It’s the perfect distraction. Bonus: there are no eligible men for miles.

Until Matt Taylor shows up to audit the park.

Matt is handsome, charming, and full of surprises. Even Liam’s notoriously cranky cat, Claus, likes him. Andi works with Matt on a Christmastown project and platonic feelings turn into a full-fledged crush…maybe a little more. She likes this guy. Unbelievably, Matt seems to like her back.

Only she soon discovers that Matt isn’t who he says he is. So now, Andi has another decision to make—run away and start over—again? Or stay, and hear Matt out? After all, Christmas is the season of miracles…

Enjoy this peek inside:

She doesn’t finish her sentence. She doesn’t have to. I know how it ends. Andi needs Christmastown to become a reality.

And I’ve been charged with making sure that doesn’t happen.

About Author Leanne Treese:

Leanne Treese is an award-winning author of women’s fiction and romance. Her books have each independently been described as having “all the feels.” When she’s not writing, Leanne loves running, forcing her family to play board games (Settlers of Catan anyone?), and spoiling her beloved dogs. Leanne’s favorite locations include her backyard, the Jersey shore, and anywhere that sells books or coffee, preferably both. A lifelong learner, Leanne’s dream life would include going back to college and majoring in everything.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Instagram

 

Read the book for free HERE.

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Bake your cookies, light some candles,

trim your trees, and be enchanted with thirteen sweet-to-spicy Chanukah, Christmas, and New

Year’s novellas that will sweep you from colonial days to contemporary times.

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For the Love of Winter

A First Coast Romance Writers Collection of Holiday Romances

with stories by

Lia Davis, Danica Winters, Leah Miles, Merrie Angel, C.L. Hart, Tessa Lyons,

V.L. Czerny, Sara J. Walker, Gloria Ferguson, M.J. Gates, Tessie Benton, Sally Murphy, Marie Morton

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Sprints against time, second-chance romances, and enemies to lovers are some of the themes

adding sparkle to this collection of holiday short stories. Bake your cookies, light some candles,

trim your trees, and be enchanted with thirteen sweet-to-spicy Chanukah, Christmas, and New

Year’s novellas that will sweep you from colonial days to contemporary times—each bearing a

gift of happily-ever-after grand finales. This joyous collection is…

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​​​​​​​A Winter Mating by Lia Davis

He returns to Willow Glen with one goal, to claim his mate. Convincing her that she belongs to him will be his toughest challenge, but he’s not above using seduction to get what he wants.

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One Night at Christmas by Danica Winters

As the busy owner of a veterinary clinic, Emily Avery always has her hands full of puppies but empty of the one thing she really isn’t sure she wants anyway—a man. When the kind-hearted Derek Night makes an emergency call to help his mom’s naughty pup, they both must step outside of their shells and let the magic of Christmas and one mischievous pup bring them together.

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The Christmas Crash by Tessa Lyons

Sparks fly when a relentless optimist and a grieving veterinarian are snowed in together at Christmas. Can they rediscover the magic of the season and find love in the most unexpected place?

His Christmas Date by Sara J. Walker

In this heartwarming story of seasoned romance, Dino Dudley and Hilde McQuire must navigate family drama and their own emotional baggage to find true love.

Jordyn’s Christmas Gift by Marie Morton

Jordyn Billings, a busy marketing executive, is gifted a holiday getaway to Chateau D’Or by her family, where she discovers an unforgettable and life-changing Christmas gift.​​​​​​​

Four Chanukahs and a Wedding by Merrie Angel

Widowed and alone in 1973, Millie explores a professional photographer’s life, and stumbles upon Adam–an insatiable adventure seeker related to Jackie Kennedy. Will they find a way to ignite a flame that burns far beyond Millie’s expectations and set ablaze their own festival of lights?

Recipe for Romance by Gloria Ferguson

Ashley McClain wants to win the Holiday Bake-Off with her late mom’s cupcake recipe. Can she join forces with her friend and neighbor to claim the prize and a bit of romance just in time for Christmas?

Before the Rising Sun by V.L. Czerny

Their romance blighted at a colonial ball, Gertrude and Nicholas, forgetting their past acquaintance, are maneuvered by the Christmas spirit to set love loose and so refashion time’s expected plans.

Unexpected Angels by C.L. Hart

Sometimes the best things come together when everything is falling apart.

Christmas Market Magic by Tessie Benton

Sydney Hawthorne hires an escort for a business date, but he’s not what he appears to be, and their mutual deception sparks desire while careers hang in the balance.

A Merry White Christmas by Sally Murphy

Merry London, tasked with organizing an opulent Christmas ball for the McPhersons, faces an unexpected challenge in the form of Joel McPherson, whose fiery charm threatens to melt her icy exterior and unravel her meticulously laid plans.

Lavender and Love Restored by M.J. Gates

Chief architect Jess Carlson is restoring a haunted historic hotel and helping a friendly spirit while reclaiming her life and love before the hotel’s grand reopening on New Year’s Eve.

Marry Me by Midnight by Leah Miles

Navy SEAL Kendall Nelson can’t manage a successful proposal, and single mom Luisa Sanchez has no time for romance.

Proceeds benefit the First Coast Romance Writers, an independent non-profit organization helping writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.

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The authors participating in this anthology are members of First Coast Romance Writers (FCRW), and proceeds from this anthology benefit their organization. FCRW is a non-profit that welcomes both published and unpublished authors, as well as any individuals involved in writing and publishing. The chapter is dedicated to promoting excellence in romantic fiction through monthly meetings and workshops in a comfortable forum. They strive to help writers establish careers by providing innovative programs, networking opportunities and pertinent information on effective marketing techniques. Learn more about FCRW online at https://www.firstcoastromancewriters.com

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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.

The holidays are the best time of the year in Baker City, Washington especially when the town ghosts decide to wreak havoc and do their own version of A Christmas Carol.

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Merry Ghostmas

A Baker City: Hearts & Haunts Christmas Novella

by Josie Malone

Genre: Holiday Paranormal Romance

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The holidays are the best time of the year in Baker City, Washington especially when the town ghosts, led by newcomer, Army Ranger Moises Pride decide to wreak havoc and do their own version of A Christmas Carol. They’ll attempt to redeem Nick MacGillicudy, the incompetent horseshoer who’s been hurting two and four-legged folks for years. He needs a lesson not only in manners, but also in empathy and what the haunts consider decency.

Along the way, they’ll also help Kyra O’Neill, local riding instructor find love, light and happiness with a ‘real man’. Orphaned at a young age, Derek Waller found a new life in the US Army. Thirty years later, he’s ready for something more than camos and combat boots. A home of his own in Baker City won’t be complete without the woman who runs the pool table in the cocktail lounge at Pop’s Café and defeats him on a regular basis.

There’s no place like home for the holidays in Baker City – thank heaven! And it’s Merry Ghostmas to one and all!

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PART ONE

NOVEMBER 2019

CHAPTER ONE

Moises Pride drifted through the cocktail lounge at Pop’s Café in Baker City, Washington. It wasn’t super busy on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. Most people had other commitments, shopping, cooking, visiting their relatives, but he wasn’t one of them, not anymore. That’s because I’m dead, dead, dead! Sorry, Momma. Another year of missing the family and your sweet potato pie.

He spotted a few of the other ghosts hanging out, watching the action between the living patrons. An old-time holiday movie played on the big-screen TV in the corner. He floated toward the corner booth where Mayor O’Connell, a middle-aged fellow in a black suit sat talking to Zeke Garvey and Raven Driscoll-Barlow, two former soldiers who’d died in ambushes in Afghanistan. Their war might not be his, but it didn’t mean they didn’t have a lot in common when it came to paying the ultimate cost for serving their country. Nodding respectfully, Moises waited to join the conversation.

Raven, a thin, dark-haired wraith in camouflage fatigues and combat boots, gestured at two of the people sitting at the bar, focused on their conversation and one another. “You have something to do with that, Pride? Are you following Garvey’s example and playing Cupid the way he did with Ann Barrett and Harry Colter?”

“I just gave them a little nudge.” Moises followed her gaze toward the lovely ash-blonde woman in a red dress and the soldier next to her. Derek Waller was a solid, muscular man whose worn features looked as if he’d won more fights than he’d lost in his thirty-plus years of military service. A ‘high and tight’ style for his receding salt and pepper black hair, dark brown, almost black eyes, he was all man. “I’ve hung out at the barn for the past few months, and I’ve seen Kyra O’Neill busting her butt. She deserves someone decent, not that candy-assed horseshoer who bullies the animals when he’s sure nobody’s watching.”

“These two were betting on how long she’d wait for some guy tonight.” Raven frowned thoughtfully. “Is that him?”

“Not the Sergeant-Major,” Moises said. “I already told you. She’s hung up on Nick MacGillicudy and I’d like to do something about the jerk.”

Mayor O’Connell frowned thoughtfully. “What do you have in mind, Pride?”

“Oh, let’s get in the holiday spirit.” Moises pointed at the TV. “We could do our own Christmas Carol on Nick MacGillicudy and teach him what he needs to know.”

“He might even move on and leave town,” Zeke agreed. “I never liked the guy when we were in high school. Do I get to be the Ghost of Christmas Past?”

“You’re not the only one who has issues with Herman MacGillicudy and his son,” Mayor O’Connell said. “That banker has been running Baker City into the ground for years. He tries to get his grown kids to help him rip off our kin.”

“He won’t be happy until he levels the place and turns it into one of his gravel pits,” Zeke said. “His daughter, Dominique, the realtor may say she’s on the same page, but that isn’t true, not when she finds buyers for the houses and businesses here. She helped my wife purchase the bakery after I died. ”

“She restores the places that need it before she sells them,” Raven pointed out. “I like Dominique. She did right by my bestie and her hubby. They love the home she found for them.”

The mayor nodded. “She takes after her momma, one of the O’Leary women.” He paused, obviously considering Moises’ suggestion. “Most of our folks will be here tomorrow when Pop sets up his holiday meal. Let’s get everyone involved. Things have been downright dull since the haunted town festival last month and the Veteran’s Day Parade a couple weeks ago. We need something to do now.”

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Kindred Spirits

Baker City Hearts & Haunts Book 5

by Josie Malone

Genre: Paranormal Ghost Military Romance

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Two soldiers devastated by heartache, Debbie Ramsey and Rex Sinclair decided to rescue themselves with a mutually supportive endeavor, a “marriage in name only.” He wanted a guarantee after a tumultuous divorce. Betrayed, rejected, and abandoned by her family, she wanted a safe harbor. Amazingly, their scheme actually worked and oh, what adventures they had along the way.

Eight years later, she’s leaving the U.S. Army behind, trading her camos and combat boots for blue jeans and cowgirl boots. Now, the owner of Miracle Riding Stable near Baker City, Washington, Debbie intends to have a riding good time at her new home. Does having a new life mean leaving Major Rex Sinclair behind?

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Prologue

May 2011

“Sir! We need to talk!”

Recognizing the low, feminine voice as that of the new noncom in charge of the warehouse he operated, Captain Rex Sinclair glanced over his shoulder at the woman in camouflage fatigues standing behind him.  “No good conversation ever started with those words, Sergeant Ramsey.” He gestured to the seat next to him. “Pull up a stool before you tell me what an asshat I am, and I’ll buy you a drink. I’m having boilermakers. Want one?”

“No thanks. At least we agree on something, sir. Your behavior is execrable, sir and unbefitting an Army officer.” She sat down, next to him, carefully placing her regulation handbag on the bar. She narrowed the electric-blue eyes that haunted him twenty-four, seven and glared at him.  “You bailed on me, sir. You know there’s an I.G. inspection at 0800 hours tomorrow. You should have stuck around, sir, and helped prep for it, not hightailed it before closing formation.”

“I’m getting a divorce and the call from the lawyer today pissed me off. My going to be ex-wife wants beaucoup bucks. Beyond child support for the kids, she isn’t getting a dime.”

“Everything pisses you off, sir. Ranting, raging and yelling obscenities at the top of your lungs is inappropriate, sir, when we have work to do.”

Rex winced, reaching for the shot glass of whisky in front of him. Sergeant First Class Deborah Ramsey was tired. He saw the exhaustion in her pale, lovely features. She’d undoubtedly been working ever since he stormed out of the warehouse. In the past month while assigned to his section, she always arrived before he did and stayed long after he left. She hadn’t gone to the barracks to change out of her camouflage fatigues before tracking him down at this ramshackle tavern. “You’re not letting this go, are you, Ramsey? Are you sure about that boilermaker? You probably need it.”

“No, thanks. I’m not drinking whisky and following it with a beer chaser.” She folded her arms and frowned even more fiercely. “It’s ‘sergeant’s business’ to train junior officers. You know that’s second lieutenants fresh out of college. If you need somebody to wipe your tail or your nose, it’s not me. Man up, sir!”

He tossed down the whisky and took a hasty swallow of the waiting beer, struggling to collect his thoughts. He’d been drinking since afternoon and now it was well into the night. “Cut me some slack, Sarge. My wife, soon to be ex-wife introduced me to what she said was my six-month-old daughter when I got off the plane three months ago. Made a big splash on national TV.”

“You’ve obviously mistaken me for someone who cares, sir. I don’t. Not about your piddly personal problems – .”

“I’d been gone for a year and a half. When I had a week’s R & R, she wouldn’t meet me in New York and now, I know why. She told me she couldn’t get anyone to stay with the other four kids, that the housekeeper was away on vacation. My wife lied to me. She was pregnant with someone else’s kid.”

“Again, I don’t care.” Sergeant Ramsey held up her hand. “You have choices, sir. Divorce her. Reconcile with her. But stop throwing tantrums. You’re grown. Put on your big boy panties and act like a commissioned officer up for promotion.”

“And it’s an ‘embrace the suck’ moment, isn’t it?” He finished his beer and signaled the bartender for a refill. “You deserve a better C.O., Ramsey. If you want a transfer, I’ll sign the request.”

“We can’t both run away, sir. You requested the job here in Texas instead of returning to California after your last combat tour – .”

“Everybody knows my business there. I wanted a fresh start.”

“Then act like it.” Sergeant Ramsey nodded at the bartender when she approached, carrying another two glasses, his next boilermaker. “What kind of white wine do you have?”

“Put it on my tab,” Rex said. “If the sergeant’s gonna keep ripping me a new one, she needs dinner to go with it. I know she skipped lunch and I’m pretty sure she hopped supper too. Better give us a menu.”

“It’s almost 2300 hours,” Sergeant Ramsey said. “Isn’t the kitchen closed?”

“Not yet. You have ten minutes to select a burger and fries.” The sturdy, gray-haired older woman handed over a grease-stained sheet of paper. “Choose fast, honey.” She glanced at Rex. “Might want to sop up some of that booze with food, Captain.”

“Good idea.” Rex waited until they had fresh drinks before he gestured to a table on the other side of the room. “Let’s move over there to eat. You can bring me up to speed on what still needs to be done for the inspection.”

“It’s hopeless, sir.” She followed him across the tavern, bypassing the men at the pool table. “I could only clean up so much of the mess in the month I’ve been at the warehouse. Your previous N.C.O.I.C. retired. Scuttlebutt is he didn’t want to put up with you a moment longer.”

Rex pulled out a chair and waited for her to sit down. “Unfortunately, there’s more truth than fiction to that story, Ramsey. We’re both fairly new at this base. How do we salvage the situation?”

“I don’t know.” She heaved a sigh. “If it’s like other posts where I’ve served in the last ten years, the senior Army officers won’t care about the crap-fest in our section. They’ll want optimum results whether it’s reasonable or not. So, I’ll get the proverbial ass-chewing tomorrow. It’s annoying, but it can’t be helped.”

“You’ve done your best to rectify a bad situation.” Rex gestured to her wine. “Drink up. I’ve got your six, Sarge. I know I haven’t been doing my share, but it isn’t reasonable to expect us to clean up something this broken in such a short amount of time.”

“It’s not the troops’ fault. They’ve done their best with the minimal, erratic leadership they’ve been receiving.”

“I know that as well as you do. You need more support from the non-commissioned side of the house, so let’s see what we can do to get it.”

She hesitated. “I’m not here for much longer, sir. This is a transition assignment. I’ll be shipping out to Afghanistan before the end of the year. I don’t have my orders yet, but they’ll be coming through soon enough.”

“You’ll be missed.” He paused, waiting for their meals to be placed in front of them. “Let’s eat and then we’ll work out a plan.”

“That’s do-able, sir.”

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**Don’t miss the rest of the series! **

Find them on Amazon

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Josie Malone lives and works at her family business, a riding stable in Washington State. Teaching kids to ride and know about horses, she finds in many cases, she’s taught three generations of families. Her life experiences span adventures from dealing cards in a casino, attending graduate school to get her Masters in Teaching degree, being a substitute teacher, and serving in the Army Reserve – all leading to her second career as a published author. Visit her at her website, www.josiemalone.com to learn about her books.

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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The holiday spirit has wrapped up a cowboy just for her, but romance isn’t in her plans.

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Christmas With a Cowboy

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Cowboys of Burton Springs Book 7

by Pam Mantovani

Genre: Holiday Romance

She’s all wrapped up in him . . .

Avery McClain is looking forward to her first Christmas in Montana with her little girl. But as soon as she arrives, she’s caught in an unexpected tug of war between two ranchers wanting to buy the land left to her by her favorite uncle. All she wants to do is make the holiday special for daughter. But instead, she’s overwhelmed with attempts to pressure her into selling. And she’s uncomfortably attracted to one of the men competing for her property.

Judson Ford wants Avery McClain’s land to expand his horse breeding operation. He didn’t anticipate his attraction to her, or his admiration for her courage. And her little girl is so damn cute! Before he knows it, he’s been swept up in her Christmas spirit. Suddenly, Avery and her daughter are filling all the empty spaces in his life.

But then, Avery is offered a job opportunity that would mean she’d have to relocate. And Judson realizes that everything in him is pushing him to ask her to stay and make a life—a family—with him.

Unfortunately, someone else has other ideas.

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We can’t talk Christmas without discussing trees and lights. The tree below on the left is the only one I recall from my childhood so when The Craftsman and I married and he said, as if it were not an issue, that we would have a ‘real’ Christmas tree I was thrilled. Over the years we’ve transitioned to an artificial tree but the one thing I’ve always done is string popcorn for the tree. Almost every year I consider not doing it, due to the time involved, but when I end up doing it and it’s on the tree, I’m glad I went through the effort.

In Christmas with a Cowboy, the heroine’s little girl is enchanted with Christmas lights. This is always a ‘discussion’ between The Craftsman and I – so we’ve compromised by having white lights on the tree and colored lights in other decorating areas. Which do you prefer?

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An author of passionate, emotional romances with heart, Pam loves crafting stories about independent women and men who discover the thrill and joy of falling in love. After years of moving as both an Army Brat and corporate wife, Pam and her craftsman husband settled in Atlanta, close to family and friends. When not writing, Pam enjoys quilting, planting beautiful flowers, home improvement projects and spending time with her wonderful family.

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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$10 Amazon giftcard – 1 winner,

$5 Amazon giftcard + ebook of Christmas with a Cowboy – 3 winners!

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From USA TODAY bestselling author Sheila Roberts comes a story of family, second chances and holiday do-overs, brimming with warmth and Christmas charm.

 

 

 

The Twelve Months of Christmas

By Author: Sheila Roberts

Publication Date: October 3, 2023

Pages: 400

Genre: Women’s Fiction/Romance



goodreads add to

 

Sunny,
Arianna and Molly are having three different but equally terrible
Christmases. Sunny is a newlywed with two new stepkids who want nothing
to do with her; Arianna is newly divorced and hates having to send her
daughter off to spend the holiday with her dad; for Molly, nothing is
new, but her job at the post office is getting very, very old. The whole
Christmas season has been a bust all around. 

But
Sunny and Arianna have a wild idea: What if they had a Christmas
do-over in January? February? On Saint Patrick’s Day? Christmas all year
long – what could that look like?    As these three determined women
chase the perfect holiday through twelve months of cooking disasters,
over-the-top festivity, and lots of laughter and tears, they’ll discover
perfection is way overrated.

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And More!

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MY REVIEW

The minute I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read this. I love Christmas. It doesn’t always go the way I want though. Sometimes circumstances get in the way. But, I can always hope it will be better next year. These three women say, why wait. Let’s have 12 months of Christmas. One of them has to be perfect, right?

I found myself easily relating to Arianna, Molly and Sunny. Each of the women were trying to find a balance in their lives. They each had some big hurdles to jump. And yet, they remained hopeful. The concept of celebrating Christmas every month of the year had me curious what they would come up with.  I had a sneaky suspicion other characters in this book didn’t get the message and might foil their plans. Or, perhaps, they would be part of the solution.

At times sad. At times frustrating. At times hilarious. And always hopeful. These were women after my own heart. The Twelve Months Of Christmas was a joy to read. And it was all wrapped up in a pretty cover.

4 STARS

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Book Excerpt  

Sunny Hollowell had planned a perfect day for her first Christmas as a wife and stepmom and it was a fail. Who was it that said something about the best-laid plans getting screwed up? Whoever it was, her mom liked to quote him a lot.

“The best-laid plans of mice and men,” her mom had begun when Sunny told her about the latest development as she and Dad walked in the door, presents in tow.

“And women,” Sunny had added before Mom could finish. Women who were trying their best to be a good wife and mother, women who only wanted to bring two families together for a memorable day.

The day was memorable all right, but not in the way Sunny had intended.

It all began at eight in the morning. Sunny had found a recipe online for a crescent roll breakfast pastry with a cherry filling shaped like a candy cane and, to her surprise and glee, it had actually turned out like the picture, ready for the kids to be dropped off by their mom at nine o’clock. She was laying it out on the family room coffee table for everyone to enjoy while they opened presents when the Weed called Travis to let him know that she wasn’t going to bring the kids over for the big day.

“What do you mean you’re still stuck in Spokane?” Travis had growled into his cell phone.

Sunny had watched the anger roll over his features like a breaking storm. Scratch two kids from the guest list. Tansy strikes again.

“You did this on purpose,” he’d accused.

Of course, Tansy would deny it. That was how she rolled. Mess with the ex and his new wife as much as possible but never let it look like you meant to. Was Tansy’s mother psychic when she named her daughter after a noxious weed?

“Well, thanks a lot,” Travis had growled. “Way to screw up Christmas for the kids.”

“Okay, what happened?” Sunny had asked after he ended the call and dumped his phone on the coffee table.

“She did it again, managed to screw us over,” he’d said, and slumped on the sofa. “She and Jared accidentally—” he held up exaggerated air quotes “—missed their flight home last night and are stuck at his parents’ place.”

“Can’t they get another flight out? There has to be something going out today.” Of course, by the time they got to Bremerton, Washington, breakfast and Christmas dinner would long be over.

“Not until tomorrow.”

Sunny had made a superhuman effort to blink back tears. Poor Travis was already upset about not getting to be with his kids. She didn’t need to make things worse by having a holiday meltdown. But darn, she’d sure wanted to.

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About the Author
 

 

USA
Today and Publishers Weekly best-selling author Sheila Roberts has
written over fifty books under various names, ranging from romance to
self-improvement. Over three million copies of her novels have been sold
to date. Her humor and heart have won her a legion of fans and her
holiday novels have been turned into movies for the Lifetime and
Hallmark and Great American Family channels. When she’s not out dancing
with her husband or hanging out with her girlfriends, she can be found
writing about those things near and dear to women’s hearts: family,
friends and chocolate.  

Author Links 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads

 

 

 

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