Posts Tagged ‘romance’

Rainy Day Rescue By Josie Malone ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: June 4, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, Paranormal or fantasy, Romance
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Deciding to take a second chance at love is an act of
courage!

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Rainy Day Rescue

Seattle Lost Lovers #1

by Josie Malone

Genre: Contemporary Second-Chance, Fake Romance

Real estate broker, Claire Rocklin, buys distressed
properties, rehabs, and sells them to support her pet project, ‘Senior Housing
Apartments’. She believes nobody has time for the elderly–and no one ever had
time for her. After the death of her mother when Claire was a child, her
serial-cheater father remarried several times, but those marriages didn’t last
more than two years each.

Three years ago, Claire’s once-upon-a-time stepbrother,
Master Sergeant Tony Baldusi, retired from the Army and became a fulltime
business partner in Claire’s brokerages. The son of a single mother who
divorced Claire’s father, Tony learned how to survive long before he enlisted
in the U.S. Army. He’s been packing a proverbial torch for Claire, along with a
diamond engagement ring for three years.

When Claire’s grandparents invite them home for
Thanksgiving, Tony suggests they pretend to be engaged. After all, they’re
already business partners, and their families would easily believe the
relationship runs deeper. But can he convince commitment-phobic Claire that she
deserves real happiness? Will their little deception turn into something real,
or will she run from love again, breaking both their hearts in the process?

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Bookbub * Goodreads

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Ghost Writer’s Inn

Baker City: Hearts and Haunts #6

by Josie Malone

Genre: Paranormal Ghost Romance

Former Army Ranger, Mac MacGillicudy served his country for
almost twenty years, fighting in one hotspot after another. Since he retired
from the military, he’s roamed the U.S., unaware he’s accompanied by a woman
with a hidden agenda. He enjoys writing action-adventure romances which never
turn out the way he plans or expects or designs. Still his agent, publisher,
and readers love them. Learning he’s inherited the old family hotel, Mac heads
to Baker City, Washington for Christmas. He’ll help restore the hotel, write
his next book which will hopefully end the way he wants, and perhaps discover a
home.

Registered Nurse, Lillian Bryce didn’t hesitate to answer
the call when her country needed her after the attack on Pearl Harbor. She
joined the US Army and went off to war but didn’t return home, at least not
alive. Since she loved books, she went back to the Seattle Public Library where
she’d spent so many happy hours. She was perfectly content studying,
researching, observing and enjoying the other patrons—the live ones, until she
saw Mac MacGillicudy. She was fascinated, focused on him—well on his writing,
on his books, except he had them all wrong! So, she fixed them, not once, but
again, and again, and again regardless of how many times he tried to change
them while they traveled the country! Now, they’re off to Baker City.

Will the two of them find love in a place where ghosts are
real or just continue writing about it?

**can be read as a standalone!

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Bookbub * Goodreads

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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.

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

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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Enter the Rainy Day Rescue Giveaway Here

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Unmasking The Marquess By Pamela Gibson ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: June 2, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, historical romance
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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Unmasking The Marquess organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Pamela Gibson will be awarding a $10 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.

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Unmasking  The Marquess

By Pamela Gibson

 

 

Genre: Historical Romance

 Synopsis

He was a licentious rogue, or was he?

Aubrey St. Clair, Marquess of Leisterbridge, a notorious rake and society fribble, abandons his bride on their wedding night to spite his father, the man who coerced him into the marriage. When his intrepid bride turns up at his personal estate to quash the scandal, they call a truce and finally get to know each other.

Lady Catherine Sturbridge considered ending her betrothal. But a threatening letter sent to her by a convicted criminal whom she chanced upon in London, changed her mind. Marrying the powerful Duke of Gresham’s heir would keep her loved ones safe, even if she must tie herself to a frivolous rogue.

When, despite her silence, her enemy abducts her godchild, Catherine is forced to confide in her husband who agrees to help her. But can she trust him to know what to do when a child’s life is at stake and they’ve been warned not to go to go the authorities?

As they work closely together, they succumb to the passionate side of their marriage. But Catherine is wary, despite finding a different man under the guise of a society dandy, and when Aubrey reveals a long-held secret, she must protect her heart because betrayal is the enemy of trust and their fragile, new-found love is about to shatter.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

“A bit solemn, are you not, my dear? If you keep biting your lower lip, I shall have to offer you my handkerchief to staunch the blood, and I would hate to soil it. Smile. This is, after all, your wedding day.”

“And yours, as you now have access to a considerable dowry to fund all of your bad habits.”

The rogue put his hand on her chin and turned her face toward him. A broad grin lit up his face as if taunting her brought him the greatest of pleasures. “Now, now, Catherine. I am not as bad as all that. You might be pleasantly surprised once you get to know me. Gossip would have me sporting horns and a forked tail.”

“I remember seeing a poster with you seated on a bed surrounded by well-endowed, unclad ladies in various positions. Your face, horns, and tail were well-drawn. The only thing missing being signs of the pox.”

The laughter did not leave his face when he clutched his heart. “You wound me, wife. I do not now, nor have I ever, had the pox, if that is the cause of your sour expression.”

“I am relieved to hear it. However, this conversation must be put off. We are nearing my father’s house.”

Horses were drawn to a halt, and the marquess alighted first then turned and grabbed Catherine around the waist, swinging her in a circle before setting her on her feet.

“Milord, are you mad?” she squealed.

He tilted his head and grinned. “Perhaps. Shall we make our grand entrance through the stately front doors?”

Oh lord, what have I done?

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About Author Pamela Gibson:

Author of eight books on California history and twenty-three romance novels, Pamela Gibson is a former City Manager who lives in Southern Nevada. Having spent several years messing about in boats, a hobby that included a five-thousand-mile trip in a 32-foot Nordic Tug, she now spends most of her time indoors happily reading, writing, cooking and keeping up with the antics of her latest rescue cat, Lady Diana, a dignified senior. She loves red wine, all kinds of chocolate, old Jimmy Buffet sailing songs, and curling up with a good book.

Thank you for reading. If you are so inclined, we would love for you to leave a review or rating.

Website / BookBub / Facebook / Threads / Goodreads / Amazon

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GIVEAWAY

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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How To Love A Prince By Hayden Stone ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: June 1, 2026 in comedy, Excerpt, giveaways, Romance
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How to Love a Prince

By Hayden Stone

 

(Being Royal, #2)
Publication date: June 1st 2026
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

What happens when a playboy prince must find a respectable husband to redeem himself and secure the monarchy’s future when he unexpectedly inherits the throne?

When London-based playboy Prince Theodor learns he’s about to inherit the Danish throne, he must clean up his scandalous image by finding an appropriate husband. But his planned redemption arc to audition fake boyfriends to fake marry creates another set of problems, until a fateful trip to Corfu, Greece, leads him to Greek Prince Stefanos, of the former Greek monarchy, and challenges his guarded heart as sparks fly.

It’s too bad they accidentally sink a yacht, which inevitably leads to more scandal, and they must start apart. However, Theodor and Stefanos can’t stop thinking of each other, leading to heated, secret encounters between Greece and England guaranteed to set the tabloids alight once their secret is revealed…

How to Love a Prince, Book 2 in the Being Royal Series, is a light-hearted royal rom-com featuring fake dating, opposites-attract, and forbidden love.

For fans of Red, White & Royal Blue, Boyfriend Material, and The Unlikely Heir.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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Enjoy this peek inside:

When I pause long enough to go to the bar and get some water, I bump unsteadily into someone. “Sorry,” I manage, clapping a hand on the tall man’s shoulder in apology. It’s solid muscle under my fingers. He’s even more built than I am, and I’ve kept in good shape since my military service years ago and more recent modeling work after that. Before I settled into working with my business partner on our design projects.

The man turns around, frowning, his mouth open to complain. Then his eyes widen in recognition, beneath a tumble of dark, wavy hair.

Of course he’s hot.

I grit my teeth. A hot man is what got me in trouble to begin with tonight. Or, more like, said hot man got himself caught up in the tabloids and then caused me problems.

Also, I might be staring at the stranger.

Not being a British royal usually has its advantages in London. Less recognition, for starters. I’ve lived in London for years now, away from Denmark. I get less than I would get back home anyway, unless on the off chance I come across a Dane or a Danish monarchy enthusiast. Which, surprisingly, happens more often than one might think.

Except I’m hardly being subtle tonight. I want to be seen. Straightening to my full height, I stand my ground in defiance.

Let them photograph me. I insist.

I want Aidan to know what he’s missing. He’ll be sorry then, him and his wretched groom.

Except it doesn’t make things any better, and then it dawns on me I’ve still been gawping openly at a gorgeous man, with olive skin and black hair and blue eyes. Which, I’ve got to say, is a stunning combination known to do a number on me. He’s mesmerizing. I gawp like a tourist taking in one of the wonders of the world. Believe me, he’s one of them. Usually, I’m a shade more coy, to my credit, but I’ve had a lot to drink tonight, and my filter is off. In fact, my filter’s probably tossed somewhere deep in the Thames, like a votive offering right alongside some Bronze Age weapons and Roman coins.

“Prince Theodor?” He has an accent that I can’t quite place. It’s totally hot, though.

“Guilty,” I say flippantly, recovering in an artful facade of manners. I run a hand through my hair. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to crash into you. Shockingly rude. Would you like me to get you a drink to make up for it? Please.”

“No need. Already have one.” The man holds up his cocktail, complete with little umbrella and some fancy garnishes. His eyes dance. “You don’t know who I am?”

If I hadn’t been busy staring at his face like I was trying to etch it into my memory for all time, I would have maybe looked at his hand with its cocktail. Confession time. “To be honest, I barely know who I am right now.”

“Fair.” The grin he gives is spectacular, easy, almost familiar. His white teeth match his white shirt. I shiver. “I can see why you might want to forget tonight. Bad luck about the news.”

Now he looks sympathetic. My face burns.

Oh, hell.

Does everyone follow the tabloids? God, has everyone seen my embarrassment coming before I did?

Even so, do I want to forget this stranger? The probability in truth is at around nil. Around us, the dance music thumps on, people laugh and carry on around the bar where we stand in the shifting strobe lights from the dance floor, all purple and pink and blue.

And then, everything comes crashing down again as his words belatedly register in my brain. My mouth hangs slightly open. So much for finding the evening’s prospect. He’s murdered my opening.

“Ouch, man.” My suaveness has gone right out the door of the club and died on the Soho street. Probably by drowning in a well-trodden puddle. “You had to remind me about the news.”

“Sorry.” He looks contrite. Then he searches my eyes, with amusement lingering in his. There’s no malice that I can see, which makes for a refreshing change, at least. “You really don’t know who I am?”

“How rude, I should have asked your name. I’m sorry, my manners have vanished. Terribly sorry. What’s your name, then?” I ask.

He laughs easily, shrugging. “It’s Stefanos.”

I go back to staring. Something is at last clicking into place through an absinthe-induced fog. No wonder he looks a little familiar. “As in, Prince Stefanos?”

That would be Prince Stefanos of the former Greek monarchy. The Greek Royal Family remains, but in exile outside of Greece, spread across Europe.

“Yes.” Stefanos bows his head. There’s something completely charming in the gesture, almost shy. Certainly self-effacing. “And I’m very sorry about the reminder of the tabloids. I know they’re a pain for all of us.”

“You just re-reminded me,” I complain, but I’m smiling, despite the miserable night he seems to insist on reminding me about, like he’s delighting in a few more twists of the knife. And despite my best efforts to forget about Aidan. A stab wound is like that. My gut twinges. Or maybe it’s the drinks protesting in my stomach.

At any rate, I’m distracted by Stefanos, the moment of his glossy hair as he laughs again, ducking his head down as he breaks my riveted gaze.

“I’ve got to say, the prince-per-capita rating in this club is off the charts tonight.” I gaze openly at him, leaning ever so slightly in. Yes, he’s hot. Confirmed. As if there were any question about his hotness. The evening’s at last starting to look better and better. Thank fuck.

“Absolutely—”

Then, in turn, someone careens into me—and my flirting is officially cancelled.

Because it’s officially messy o’clock at the bar before last call.

And I’m drunk enough to not have my bones left for balance—and I crash hard, my drink splashing him first—and I fall hard right into Stefanos’s chest.

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About Author Hayden Stone:

More animal than mineral, Hayden Stone is a writer of fun queer fiction, especially with kissing. He currently lives in Victoria, Canada, and has previously lived in Vancouver, Canada and London, UK. He likes strong coffee and is owned by two cats. You can find out his latest news on Twitter or Instagram, or at his website: haydenstonebooks.com

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How to Love a Prince Blitz

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To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Angel’s Salvation By Ines Gray ~ Teaser And Giveaway

Posted: May 31, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, Romance, urban fantasy
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Angel’s Salvation

By Ines Gray

 

(Watchers and Warriors Series, #3)
Publication date: May 31st 2026
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy

If breaking a curse meant losing yourself, how far would you go?

In the dark and dangerous streets of Caracas, CIA operative Amani Wilhite is abandoned behind enemy lines. Captured and marked for death, a mysterious warrior appears, plucking her from the torturer’s chair and claiming she belongs to him. Thrust into a world of fallen angels, secrets, and ancient magic, Amani must now decide if her deadly savior offers a path to salvation or certain death.

Val has endured the death of his fated mate nine times across centuries. As a half-fallen angel, each of Amani’s deaths pushes him closer to the demonic transformation he’s fought lifetimes to resist. Desperate, he strikes a perilous bargain with a prophetic witch—but salvation offers no guarantees, and the price may cost him his last shred of humanity.

As Amani and Val fight against ancient forces and confront their destinies, desire ignites. But with Val’s humanity slipping away, the risks are greater than ever. Failure this time doesn’t just mean losing each other. It means Val will become the very monster that will ensure Amani’s death.

Angel’s Salvation is a dark, seductive, must-read fated-mates romance. Filled with betrayal, desire, and scorching chemistry, it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. If you enjoyed Dark Lover by J.R. Ward or A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole, you’ll love Angel’s Salvation. Don’t wait, click buy now and experience this thrilling ride today!

Goodreads / Amazon

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About Author Ines Gray:

Ines Gray is an award-winning dark fantasy romance author who specializes in writing about fated mates and forbidden love. Drawing on twenty years in social work and law enforcement, she weaves gritty suspense into her stories of fallen angels, demons, shifters, witches, and other immortals who lurk in the shadows of our world. A fascination with reincarnation and mythology fuels her multicultural cast and the supernatural worlds she builds. When she’s not crafting high-stakes romance, Ines indulges in action and horror movies, travels with her husband, or answers to her rescue cat with cerebellar hypoplasia. Her mission? To write as many stories as possible about mystical humans and the immortals who shouldn’t love them. For bonus stories and new releases, visit her website.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Newsletter

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Angel’s Salvation Blitz

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Love At The Fiesta ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: May 29, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, Romance
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Love at the Fiesta: A Kwentitas Romance Anthology

 

 

(Kwentitas Romance Anthologies, #3)
Publication date: May 26th 2026
Genres: Adult, Romance

Return to Hacienda Luz—the world of Pasko Na, My Love and Forevermore—as the beloved Moore family opens the gates once more for a dazzling Santacruzan Fiesta in the heart of Napa Valley.

For two vibrant days, the vineyard comes alive with music, food, pageantry, cultural traditions, and unforgettable moments beneath the spring sky. But amid the beauty and celebration, hearts are on the line.

Some will fall in love.
Some will fall back in love.
And some will risk it all for the love they’ve been waiting for.

From acclaimed and bestselling Filipino American authors comes Love at the Fiesta, a joyful romance anthology filled with family, longing, second chances, and love.

Featuring stories by the Kwentitas:
Cat Santos
Celeste Dador
Elle Cruz
June Gray
Kaye Rockwell
Liz Durano
Maan Gabriel
Maida Malby
Mia Hopkins
Preslaysa Williams
Tif Marcelo

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Apple Books / Kobo

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SNEAK PEEKS:
Rice – Mia Hopkins

“Look at us,” she whispered. They were wet up to their thighs. Their clothes and shoes were a mess of sand and seawater. Ace’s wet T-shirt clung to his torso. Pinky longed to strip it off him, to run her hands all over his skin.

“Guess we didn’t see that coming,” he said, breathless.

Overthinking was her specialty, but right now she didn’t allow herself to think at all. Pinky reached forward and placed her hands on his chest. She looked up at his lips. The wind almost carried away her whisper.

“Can I?”

Ace nodded slowly.

Blood rushing, she kissed him. A gust of cold wind whipped at them, but Ace’s lips were as warm and soft as she’d hoped. She tasted salt and smelled his skin—woodsy and clean, with something delicious in the background. Tea with honey. A gingersnap? No—hot salabat. Spicy and sweet.

When Ace finally closed his eyes, Pinky embraced him, and her brain lit up like a chandelier. She felt everything—his hands on her waist, the soft moan in his throat as she lightly pressed the tip of her tongue against his. He held her tightly, quieting her nerves but setting a fire deep inside her. The wind cut through her wet skirt and bit at her bare skin. The waves crashed. In the distance, seagulls called to each other, back and forth.

After a long, long time, Pinky broke their kiss. She snuggled against him and closed her eyes, overwhelmed with pleasure. His arms were cold, but his chest through the T-shirt was hot, and his heart was beating fast. They both could feel that he was hard as a rock, but he didn’t push himself against her. Horny, but polite—a refreshing combination.

“Do you…” she trailed off.

“Do I what?”

She winced. “Please don’t judge me.”

He stroked her hair. “I won’t.”

“Do you…live nearby?”

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Bring Back The Love – Tif Marcelo

Two days of pretending.

That was all Emmy Briones had to endure. That shouldn’t be hard, right? After all, she’d done harder things in life while on stage as a wedding singer, as a mother to actual grownups, and as a wife in a twenty-two-year marriage that was in a weird stage of limbo.

Granted, it was two days under the watchful eye of the legendary Lola Naty, her husband’s grandmother and matriarch of the famous Hacienda Luz.

No big deal.

Emmy employed the box breathing she’d learned in couples therapy—because yes, she and Aaron were at that stage—and crossed over the threshold of Hacienda Luz while dragging their carry-ons, where the glimmer of the marble floors and the sparkle of the chandelier above took her breath away.

Already decorated for the fiesta, a traditional Santacruzan, the lobby was filled with multicolored flowers. People milled about, talking in hushed voices, many of whom wore shirts that bore the familiar logo of Hacienda Luz.

A step behind Aaron, she swallowed against the enormity of it all. Living in the DC area hadn’t exposed them to this grandeur on the daily, unlike the rest of the Briones and Moore families living in and around the Bay Area. Though she and Aaron had been engaged here, Emmy only kept up with the property’s happenings through social media posts from Aaron’s family.

At the remembrance of their engagement, of Aaron getting down on one knee and pledging his life to her, her chest welled with sorrow.

“Em.” In front of her, Aaron offered his hand. His brown eyes had a message in them, though she couldn’t quite discern his intent.

They’d been in sync, in their thoughts, in their hearts, and in their voices, until they weren’t.

Emmy was just hoping they could pull off this ruse, collect their fee, go back home to their life, and somehow move on from it. It was Aaron who was worried. That his family—specifically Lola Naty—would notice that she and he were not the happy couple everyone made them out to be.

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Love at the Fiesta Blitz

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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The Secret Cottage By Kate Ellington~ Peek Inside and Giveaway

Posted: May 26, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, historical romance
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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for The Secret Cottage organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Kate Ellington will be awarding a $20 Amazon 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.

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The Secret Cottage

By Kate Ellington

 

 

Genre: Historical Romance

Synopsis

Isabel Tate yearns for the simple pleasures she took for granted before scandal rocked her family two years ago. On May Day, she’s determined to forget her troubles and enjoy herself at the Claremont family’s annual festival. Meanwhile, Robert Claremont steels himself to begin courting the haughty heiress next door, but his bashfulness is only one obstacle to winning her hand. Despite a deep sense of family obligation, he dreams of choosing his own bride. Captivated by each other from the moment they meet, Robert and Isabel are kept apart by a misunderstanding until a chance encounter leads to friendship and more. With opposition on all sides, they must overcome inconceivable odds to claim happiness.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Isabel turned her horse into the woods, directing him to a gurgling stream under a canopy of trees. The forest was quiet but for the splashing of the water, bird songs and the rustle of branches. They hadn’t been there long when Isabel heard a new sound. Hoofbeats and muffled voices. She urged her horse closer to the road, and easily heard the riders’ conversation.

“What makes you think she came this way?” a man asked.

A deeper voice answered, “Merely a guess. It seemed as good a place as any to look, but I’m thwarted again.”

“Let’s turn back, we can look for her tomorrow.”

“I’m sitting for the portrait tomorrow.”

Isabel’s pulse quickened as she recognized the deeper voice. Robert Claremont. So he’d been looking for her. Why hadn’t he come to the house? She started back toward the stream, but suddenly reason left her and she guided her horse through the trees, emerging just as Robert and his companion rounded the bend going in the opposite direction. They hadn’t seen her.

Isabel paused for a moment, thinking what to do. Go back home and hope he came to the house soon? Or seek him out for herself? Her reckless side won. Spurring her horse to a gallop, she chased after them. Robert turned in his saddle and Isabel was delighted with the look of shock on his face as she sped past him and who she could now see was Mr. Kensington.

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About Author Kate Ellington:

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Kate Ellington grew up in a woodsy New England town where summer days at the lake seemed to last forever. She read her first historical romance at age eleven when a teacher challenged her to find a book in the library written by an author she’d never heard of. Thus began a life-long love of love stories.

After graduating from college with an art degree she settled in the Pacific Northwest, where she currently resides with her family.

Goodreads / BlueSky / Website / Facebook

Amazon

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Peek Inside And Giveaway ~ The Flames Of Soulflare By La Kayshal

Posted: May 25, 2026 in Excerpt, Fantasy, giveaways, New Adult, Romance
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The Flames of Soulflare

By La Kayshal

 

(Hell’s Fire Dragon Series, #2)
Publication date: May 27th 2026
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Fourth Wing meets From Blood and Ash in this Dark Paranormal Romantasy where dragons fear prophecy—and love may be the final weapon.

Everin Haydon was stolen, tortured, and reshaped into the dreaded Hell’s Fire Dragon, bound as a weapon for a Dragon Council that calls itself righteous.

Across the realms, Lord Tynan, the Demon of Darkness and Chaos, has ascended. His arrival heralds the Three Days of Darkness, and he will burn heaven and earth to reclaim what fate bound to him—his power, his vengeance.
But one question if the demon has risen, where is the god meant to stop him?

As the dragon world waits for divine intervention, Everin must decide whether she will remain a weapon—or become the fate of the realms.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Apple Books / Kobo

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Dark themes including captivity and experimentation

Emotional conflict and intense character struggles
Violence and battle scenes
High-stakes situations involving power and survival

This book is best suited for readers who enjoy emotionally intense, character-driven romantasy.
Read Before You Decide

Before committing, please read the prologue.

This will give you a clear sense of the tone, pacing, and writing style.

Prologue:
Present Day

The moon hung quietly above Helldreth Fort, its pale glow spilling through the tall windows and brushing the chamber with soft silver. A cool breeze drifted in and stirred the white curtains, their edges sweeping lightly across Everin’s skin. She pulled her silk gown closer, grateful for the warmth of the room. It felt comforting, far more so than the terrible, dark place she had left behind.

Her steps carried her to the mirror in the corner. The reflection staring back looked thinner, as if her body had been carved down to something she hardly recognized.

The neckline of her nightie dipped too low to her liking, drawing her eye to the faint scars across her chest. The lamp light traced their uneven lines, pale and unsettling.

She touched them gently. Everin barely remembered how or when she got the scars.

She pulled the outer robe around her until it covered more of her chest. At least the scars were low enough to stay hidden unless she wore something too revealing.

A sound of footsteps behind her made her turn.

Tariel Fenwick, her first love, stood at the doorway.

Everin froze for a moment. He looked different—stronger, more defined, more man than the boy she remembered. His dark hair rested just above his shoulders with two thin braids at the sides of his head, framing a face sharpened by a faint stubble. His amber eyes, once so warm, now carried a deeper, shadowed intensity.

His shirt hung open across his chest, revealing sculpted muscle that rose with each slow breath, and a leather gauntlet, more like an open finger glove, hugged his left hand like a seamless extension of his skin.

Her gaze lingered longer than she meant it to. He saw that. A slow, knowing smirk touched his lips.

She straightened quickly. “We need to talk, Tariel.”

“Yes,” he replied, approaching her, “but not now.”

“There is a lot I want to understand,” she said quietly. “So much I don’t remember.”

“Later.” He reached her, lowering his voice. “I’ve long waited for this moment with you.”

He stepped closer.

She stepped back.

“You waited for me?” she whispered, searching his face.

“I did,” he said. “More than you know.”

He brushed a fingertip along her arm. She stiffened but felt a flicker of the old pull toward him, a warm memory trying to surface. Her eyes drifted briefly to his lips, those that she had kissed in the past, before she forced herself to look away.

His smirk deepened. “Are we shy now, Everin?” he murmured, amusement warm in his voice.

“It has been a while,” she managed. “Things are not the same.”

“We are,” he said, touching her jaw. “You still feel this.”

She backed away again, but he followed, closing in until she had no space left. Her leg hit the edge of the bed. She lost her balance and stumbled, falling backward onto the soft covers. Instantly, she pressed her elbow into the mattress as she tried to push herself upright and pull her short nightie into place, but she barely had a second.

By the time she braced herself, Tariel was already on the bed. One knee pressed into the mattress, and in a swift movement, he trapped her between his legs. His body loomed over hers, leaving her nowhere to go. His hand slid behind her back and pulled her closer. The other moved to her neck, his fingers settling at her pulse, firm enough to hold her from looking away.

His control was precise and deliberate.

“Tariel—” She sucked in a breath, fear slipping into her voice. “What are you doing?”

His lips hovered above hers, so close she could taste the hint of warmth in each breath he released.

“You belong to me,” he whispered, his voice shifting, deepening, curling around her like smoke. His eyes burned brighter, molten gold spilling across the darkness of his gaze. “You always have.”

Everin’s heart thrashed in her chest. Something ancient stared back at her through his eyes—something demanding, something claiming.

She tried to pull away. “You’re frightening me.”

He leaned closer, lips brushing the edge of her jaw. “You love me,” he whispered.

“You always have. And you will give yourself to me again.”

His mouth dragged slowly toward hers, teasing, commanding, his breath warm against her parted lips.

“I want you,” he said, low and certain. “I want all of you.”

“No.” Everin gasped, turning her head away as panic surged. “Stop. You’re not—”

His fingers tightened at her neck.

He didn’t stop. The Tariel she loved would have.

“I am yours,” he murmured.

She squeezed her eyes shut. Then her voice broke in a whisper—

“You’re not him. You’re not Tariel.”

The room fell silent. And everything inside her knew she was right.

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About Author La Kayshal:

La Kayshal is an Australian writer of romance, YA, and children’s fantasy novels. She lives with her husband, daughter, and a playful Malshi puppy in the coastal plains of the Sunny State.

Her debut novel, The Lost Crown, is an adventure romance set in the exotic landscapes of India. She also created the much-loved Sylph Series, a whimsical children’s collection that introduces readers to the amazing world of Sylphs, with each book carrying a gentle moral lesson.

A lifelong fan of wizards, magic, dragons, swords, and elementals, she poured all these passions into her YA fantasy Ariston Baker in the Weird Picture Book, a fast-paced journey filled with realms, riddles, action, and adventure.

Her latest project is the Hell’s Fire Dragon series. Book 1, The Flames of Darkness, is a YA Romantasy full of dragons, and Book 2 is set to be released soon.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

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GIVEAWAY

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The Flames of Soulflare Blitz

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Peek Inside And Giveaway ~ When The Forest Dreams By Andrea Ezerins

Posted: May 23, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, women's fiction
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What if the life you were meant to live was waiting just
outside your door?

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When the Forest Dreams

by Andrea Ezerins

Genre: Romantic Women’s Literary Fiction

For fans of L. M.
Montgomery’s The Blue Castle, a contemporary retelling of the
beloved romance that follows a sheltered young woman’s quest for love in New
York City—and her search for a rare and elusive bird in the deep Arkansas
forest.

What if the life you were meant to live
was waiting just outside your door?

New York City, 2013. Emma Jablonski’s life is as dry as the day-old
bread at her family’s bakery. Living with her parents and grandmother, she
clings to the only escape she knows: a recurring dream that feels more real
than her waking world. But when Emma’s eyes are open, she’s reminded of what’s
out of reach—Jake, the enigmatic boy-next-door.

After a life-changing diagnosis forces her to face her fears, Emma decides it’s
time to truly live—before it’s too late. With Jake and his vibrant friend Vee,
she dives into a whirlwind of experiences: a fake engagement, dazzling parties,
and an obsession with the elusive ivory-billed woodpecker, a bird that may not
even exist.

But as her daring adventure is coming to an end, Emma begins to embrace a
future she never thought possible. Dreams and reality aren’t supposed to mix .
. . are they?

A modern retelling of L.M. Montgomery’s The Blue Castle, this
gentle story of love, resilience, and the beauty of the unknown reminds us to
seek joy in the most unexpected places.

 

What Readers are saying:

“Birds anchor nearly every part of the novel…Emma
connects to the myth of Halcyon and Ceyx, lovers who were turned into birds so
they could stay together. That story threads through Emma’s dreams and later
through her waking choices.”-Book Trib Review by Caroline Belina

“When the Forest Dreams is magical, a delightful tale
with a setting that feels real and characters that live in your heart long
after you turn the last page of the story.” – Five Star Readers’ Favorite

Ezerins offers up a contemporary fairytale spiced with a
sexy romance, family drama, and the search for a possibly extinct woodpecker.
If you’re looking for a heart-warming story of self-discovery (with birds!),
this one delivers. – Pam McGaffain, author of Shade of Wings

 

Amazon * Apple
* B&N
* Simon
& Schuster * Bookbub
* Goodreads

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from Chapter 25: Christmas

In this scene, a quiet Christmas moment between Jake and Emma becomes
something more—a gift, a memory, and an unspoken fear of what’s to come.

 

When Jake and I step out onto Fifth Avenue, the cold whips through our bulky coats. The
air has that expectant heaviness that feels as if it will snow at any moment.
We hurry home and make hot chocolate. My boxes of cookies are hidden away,
ready for tomorrow.

“I have something for you,” I say shyly as we sit in the living room, sipping our
hot chocolate. “I don’t want to give it to you at your parents’. Do you want it
now or tomorrow morning?”

Jake looks up from his mug; he has a chocolate mustache. “Now, please,” he blurts.

I go into Vee’s room, where I hid Jake’s present, and pull it out from under her
bed. I carry it back to the couch and hand him the wrapped gift, and he grins,
“I love surprises.”

He tears open the wrapping, revealing the framed collage inside. There is a Snowy
Owl in the center and then in seven smaller pictures around the edge: there is
a yellow-rumped warbler, a palm warbler, a northern cardinal, a white-throated
sparrow, a black-capped chickadee and a dark-eyed junco. The last one is a
lovely wood thrush to commemorate the job he got me.

“These are the birds we’ve seen when we were together in the park, not the actual
picture as I don’t have a camera, but pictures of the birds plus, of course,
the wood thrush,” I babble. “I know you hate John Foster, but you seem to like
birds, and I thought this could be something for you to remember me by―you
know, for when this whole thing is over.” I wave my hands nervously then clasp
them at my chest, waiting.

Jake tilts his head and replies, “I love it. You are right. I do like seeing birds
with you.” His expression shifts. “But let’s not talk about this whole thing
being over. That will just make me sad.”

My heart swells, “Deal.”

We sit sipping our cocoa and talk about each of the birds. I made myself the exact
same collage, something to brighten my room when I’m back at my parents’, alone
again. I’ll remember each bird sighting. This moment, too. I’m already storing
it away, something to take out and examine when the days grow long.

Continue the story in When the Forest Dreams.

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After spending three decades in the insurance
industry, Andrea Ezerins traded risk assessments for plot twists.
Andrea lives in Hebron, Connecticut, with her husband and is the proud mom of
two daughters and identical twin sons. When she’s not writing, she’s raising
bluebirds and monarch butterflies, running, or flowing through yoga—often while
plotting her next book.

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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Enter the When the Forest Dreams Giveaway Here

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Twinkle Of Doubt By Patricia Leavy ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: May 19, 2026 in Excerpt, giveaways, Romance
Tags: ,
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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Twinkle Of Doubt organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Patricia Leavy will be awarding a $10 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.

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Twinkle Of Doubt

By Patricia Leavy

 

 

Genre: Romance

Synopsis

For fans of Colleen Hoover, this inspirational follow-up to Shooting Stars Above continues the love story between internationally best-selling novelist Tess and counterterrorism agent Jack as they both fight to overcome their deepest fears.

Tess Lee is a wildly successful and world-famous novelist whose inspirational books explore our innermost struggles and the human need to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Jack Miller is a federal agent who has spent decades working in counterterrorism—a violent world that has left an inevitable residue on his psyche. Two years into their marriage, as Tess and Jack both heal from past trauma, their epic love, fostered by their ability to truly see one another, has brought them profound happiness. When an anonymous threat is made against Tess’s life, however, everything changes. Will they learn to lean on each other, or will they fall apart into the darkness?

In Twinkle of Doubt, the second Celestial Bodies Romance, Tess, Jack, and their chosen family explore the nature of doubt and the struggle to feel worthy of love.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

The next morning, Tess and Jack were snuggling in bed. Jack was playing with Tess’s hair and teasing her. “I’m serious. You’d look good in a tiara; maybe you should have gone for that royal.”

“First of all, everyone looks good in a tiara.”

“That’s your first of all?” he said, tickling her mercilessly.

She giggled uncontrollably until he stopped.

“Okay, I should have said, ‘In no particular order.’ But my other points were that royalty is absurd, and that man was dull and uptight. And furthermore, Omar is out of his mind. He wasn’t in love with me.”

“Well, that’s where you lose all credibility. I trust Omar on this one. It’s impossible not to fall for you.”

She slid her hand behind her head, pulled out her pillow, and walloped him in the face.

“You did not just do that,” he said through laughter.

“That’s what you get for saying such silly things,” she said, now lying flat on the bed.

“Hey, I’m just grateful you’d give up a crown and palace for a guy like me,” he said.

“Jack, there are no guys like you. There’s only you.”

He leaned over, caressed her face, and kissed her.

“Give me my pillow,” she said.

“Oh, now you want it back?” he teased, holding it in his hand as far away from her as he could stretch. “You’re gonna have to come and get it.”

She started to crawl over him when his cell phone rang. “Ah, you’re in luck,” he said, handing her the pillow. “It’s Bobby.”

“See if they want to go to the movies with us later,” Tess said, propping herself up against her pillow. “If Gina’s there, we can persuade you two to see a romantic comedy and not one of those killing spree monstrosities.”

Jack laughed and answered the phone. “Hey, Bobby. What are you guys up to later? Save me from a chick flick.”

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About Author Patricia Leavy:

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Patricia Leavy, PhD, is an award-winning, best-selling author. She is also the publisher and CEO of Paper Stars Press. She was formerly Associate Professor of Sociology, Chairperson of Sociology & Criminology, and Founding Director of Gender Studies at Stonehill College. She has published more than fifty books; her work has been translated into many languages, and she has received more than one hundred book awards. Her novel Shooting Stars Above was featured on People “10 Romance Books to Read After Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry” and was the 2025 Firebird Book Award First Place Winner in Contemporary Novel, Romance, and Summer Beach Read. Patricia has also received career awards from the New England Sociological Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, and the National Art Education Association. In 2018, she was honored by the National Women’s Hall of Fame and SUNY-New Paltz established the “Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice.” In 2024 the London Arts-Based Research Centre established “The Patricia Leavy Award for Arts-Based Research.” Patricia lives in Maine. In addition to writing, she enjoys art, reading, and travel.

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter/X / Amazon

She Writes Press / Simon & Schuster / The Celestial Bodies Romance

 

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GIVEAWAY

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Cover Reveal ~ Mack’s Horribly Hellacious Ghost Town By AJ Sherwood

Posted: May 19, 2026 in Cover Reveal, Romance
Tags: , ,
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Mack’s Horribly Hellacious Ghost Town

By AJ Sherwood

 

(Mack’s Marvelous Manifestations, #5)
Publication date: June 12th 2026
Genres: Adult, LGBTQ+, Romance

Apprentices, and two ghost towns, and almost-demons oh…no.

Mack doesn’t mind the apprentice part of this job; in fact, finding Gwyn is delightful, though he hates she grew up in such a haunted town with parents who don’t believe she’s a Medium.

Mack really hates the old mining ghost town is locked down with weird energy and none of the ghosts can see them, which makes passing them difficult.

Mack especially hates that in Black Rock there’s an almost-demon ghost inciting other ghosts to cause a mob, how is that allowed to be a thing?!

Who you gonna call for help when you’re the experts? Mack wants to know for a friend. (Him. He’s the friend.)

Tags:
Mack has found hell on earth, this was not on his bucket list, Accidental apprentice acquisition, Lachlan is back!, ghost gangs, chaos magician, Seiji is a new bonk bro, wedding, almost demons lurking, too much water and limestone for a medium’s peace of mind, uncharted haunted mines make Lachlan’s day, Eli is her usual scary self, Mack goes Wild West, Brandon can see ghosts here, that’s not a good thing, Brandon gets to have an apprentice too and can’t be happier, ghost pranks, Mack has picked too many battles, he’s putting some back, Ghost-hunting squad–assemble!

Tropes: MM Romance, Multicultural Romance, Ghost Town, Ghost Medium, Age Gap, Apprentices, Wedding, HEA

This is the fifth and final book in the series following a plot crossover with the Jon’s Mysteries Series. While it would be best to read the books listed in the below order, you can read Mack’s Horribly Hellacious Ghost Town without having read “Book 4” with minimal confusion. To read in series order, Book 1 – Brandon’s Very Merry Haunted Christmas, Book 2 – Mack’s Perfectly Ghastly Homecoming, Book 3 – Mack’s Rousing Ghoulish Highland Adventure, Book 4 – Jon & Mack’s Terrifying Tree Troubles, and Book 5 – This title.

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order

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About Author AJ Sherwood:

AJ Sherwood believes in happily ever afters, magic, dragons, good men, and dark chocolate. She often dreams at night of delectable men doing sexy things with each other. In between writing multiple books (often at the same time) she pets her cats, plays with her dogs, and attempts insane things like aerial yoga.

She currently resides in Michigan with aforementioned dogs and cats. Being in snow country gives her the excuse to stay inside and watch bl dramas, which suit her perfectly.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook Group / Facebook Page / Instagram / TikTok

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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