Search Results for: hormel

The Cowboy & The Showgirl by Heidi Hormel

September 6, 2018 By 1 Comment


The Cowboy & The Showgirl by Heidi Hormel
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (91 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Opposites attract when a bull-riding cowboy gets roped into help a Vegas showgirl on the run from a marriage in name only.

Val Summers needs to get away from Vegas fast before her almost-bridegroom tracks her down and his missing money. She’s got everything handled until she realizes she’d stowed away in the wrong rodeo cowboy’s RV.
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Cisco Santos is a bull rider trying to rebuild his career, not save a damsel in distress, but he’s certainly not going to let some goons take the money out of her hide. On the lam together, they end up stuck in a snowstorm. By the time the snowplows dig them out, they’re a lot more than traveling companions.

In desperate need of money, Val hadn’t minded marrying herself in name only to a man who needed to get Immigration off his back. But fifteen minutes before the ceremony, being told she was expected to play the part for real, Val backed out and fled, terrified. Running away to Texas by hitching a lift with the cowboy brother of her friend, Val is determined to pay the money back to her almost-ex-husband and move on with her life. Cisco is trying to claw his way back onto the large rodeo circuit. Battered and bruised but still with plenty of gumption and heart, Cisco knows what it’s like to be fighting for a better life, but Val has trouble stamped all over her and he’s not sure just how involved he really wants to get.

I found this to be a fun and interesting story and was thrilled that there were a few plot twists and turns that I totally didn’t expect to see coming. I loved that the author kept me on my toes and eagerly turning the pages, wondering what on earth would happen next. Val and Cisco are both in very different places in their life but they share something subtle in common – both of their lives have taken a turn for the worse lately and they’re both equally determined to get back on track and rebuild what they’ve lost. I adored both Val and Cisco’s characters – their grit, strength and compassion for each other really helped make this story memorable for me.

The only slight disappointment I had was that toward the end there was a slight conflict/miscommunication which felt a little clichéd to me. Considering so many other parts of the plot and twists were fresh and surprising this made it even more noticeable to me that I didn’t quite believe the reasons behind this conflict.

The plot is fairly straight forward and there’s no mystery as to who the villain of the piece is, but I enjoyed the pacing and found that there was plenty of time for me as a reader to enjoy both Val and Cisco’s characters. There was a believable amount of time and plot that occurred before they jumped into bed and I was pleased that while the intimacy shared between them was descriptive and explicit, I didn’t personally find it over the top. The scenes are certainly spicy though and more traditional romance readers might find them a little too hot for their personal tastes.

I found this to be a great story full of realistic characters, a believable plotline and enough action to keep the pace moving along. I enjoyed the steamy chemistry and found the sex to be enticing and tastefully written. A great story and an author I will happily read more of.

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Bull Rider’s Redemption by Heidi Hormel

November 16, 2016 By Leave a Comment

bull
Bull Rider’s Redemption by Heidi Hormel
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (224 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Clover Van Camp meets her match when her plans to turn a struggling Arizona town into a Wild West resort are blocked by the hunky mayor, retired bull rider Danny Leigh. To make things more complicated, this isn’t the first time the two of them have tangled…

Saffron M Power oil, the best ayurvedic sexual urge enhancers remedies raindogscine.com free levitra to consume. Discount vitamin supplements are just as cialis in uk good as name brand vitamin supplements in the local drugstore are getting cheated. December is the month of enjoyment and merrymaking. cialis free sample CEO association or business leadership coaching also allows the leaders from viagra for sale usa non-competitive businesses to address their common interests. Danny knows Clover usually gets her way, but this time he won’t back down. He’s got a few things to answer for and a town to save. Besides, reconnecting with his former fling has benefits, as long as he doesn’t get distracted by their mutual attraction. Will Danny and Clover let their ambition keep their hearts divided?

I loved the movie Pretty Woman and this book was just as good but better because of a cleverly introduced stray dog that was just as much a main character as the humans. Angel Crossing was a place where I would love to live and raise my family along with the close knit townsfolk that stand by one another and have each other’s backs. Danny’s family and friends were well developed characters that enhanced the love story between Clover and Danny.

The book moved along at a reasonably steady pace that kept my interest and had me anticipating each encounter between Clover and Danny. I wasn’t sure if it was going to make me laugh, annoy me or give me a temporary glow. This is a testimony to Ms. Hormel’s writing skills because she was able to pull at all my emotions. It was captivating to read how Clover and Danny were both out to save a dying town with different methods that weren’t compatible. Yet, was their love strong enough to survive the conflict of interest?

First the heroine, Clover Van Camp, was a controlled by her wealthy mother who wanted her to be nothing more than a beauty queen in her successful clothing fashion company while never letting Clover apply her MBA diploma and help run the company. Clover’s parents are divorced and her father offers her a dream job at his wealthy and successful company that would supposedly give her the opportunity to show that she’s more than just a pretty face. So we have a “Miss Steer Princess” wannabe CFO heroine. Then we have a poor redneck bull riding cowboy turned Mayor of Angel Crossing, Danny Leigh. You’ll have to read why and how he became mayor when he was at the top of his bull riding career.

What we have is a classic “rich versus poor” budding romance. Mr. Van Camp, Clover’s father, didn’t think Danny was good enough for his daughter when they first met when they were younger, nor has his opinion of Danny changed years later. Regardless of the fact that her father was never an award-winning father-of-the-year kind of parent, Clover just can’t stop trying to gain her parents’ approval, then or now. I found it annoying but believe me, it was necessary for the finale at the end. While all of this sounds like a typical cliché with some parts of the story being totally predictable, the love story itself still got me. Their romance is the heart of the book.

The Bull Rider’s Redemption was an enjoyable, easy read. It’s definitely one I’d recommend to pass a couple of hours. I do feel that a reader new to the romance genre would totally enjoy this novel. However, an experienced and avid romance book reader would spot the clichés and time-tested, well used plot techniques early on. And, believe me, I did. However, I know if this book was one of the first few romance stories I’d ever read, The Bull Rider’s Redemption would have been listed as one of my favorite books.

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The Kentucky Cowboy’s Baby by Heidi Hormel

November 14, 2016 By Leave a Comment

baby
The Kentucky Cowboy’s Baby by Heidi Hormel
Angel Crossing, Arizona Book 4
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (168 Pags)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Sorrel

HOME AT LAST

Pepper Bourne has big plans for her stepdaddy’s Arizona ranch. The physician’s assistant dreams of opening a community garden for Angel Crossing’s neediest. The only thing standing in her way is the tall, rugged cowboy who just inherited the property!
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Former bull rider AJ McCreary gave up the rodeo to raise his baby girl, and selling the ranch is the only way he can support her now. While Pepper’s claim on the property may be uncertain, there’s no denying her claim on AJ’s heart. He’s ready to become a family man. But can he prove it to the one woman who makes his family complete?

Cowboys and babies, that was what sold me on this one right away.

I loved EllaJayne, who always seems to do a disappearing act. She may be the smallest character in this story but she’s also pivotal. Pepper and AJ both think they’re fighting for the same thing. The Property. In reality what they both want is love, family and belonging. It’ll take a pint sized princess to show them the way.

How they go from fighting with each other to fighting for each other was the highlight of this story for me.

The ending and the climax was great, I wasn’t ready for the story to end.

This is the fourth book in the Angel Crossing series. The characters and how they were developed in the book was wonderful. The author did a fantastic job of portraying a small town with all its quirks.

It felt as if the author was building up to something.  I felt as if more was going to happen and then it didn’t. Not saying that any part of it was bad just that there was an intensity that seemed to be leading up to something big taking place in their lives, like maybe the mother coming back to claim EllaJayne or a fire or something. Having said that, the ending is perfectly romantic and satisfying. Overall, I’m glad that I read this book and I look forward to returning to Angel Crossing again.

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The Accidental Cowboy by Heidi Hormel

June 24, 2016 By Leave a Comment

COWBOY
The Accidental Cowboy by Heidi Hormel
Publisher: Harlequin American Romance
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (158 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

When former bronc rider Lavonda Leigh is asked to guide a Scottish archaeologist through the Arizona desert, she’s expecting a fussy egghead. But then she discovers tall, strong Jones Kincaid competing at the local Highland games. She can’t help her interest in him—and that’s before he puts on his cowboy hat and hits the trail like a pro.

Kamagra oral jelly is a jelly form of anti-impotence cheap cialis pills, which is introduced to mitigate man s sexual condition known as impotence. Erectile Function Tests Your healthcare provider shall also test to see how blood vessels, muscles, nerves, and other tissues cialis price no prescription of the penile region during the sessions of copulation. The reason of cheap is this type of generic drug is not the main stream drug and it is not a prescription drug as of now. cialis properien Fortunately female libido enhancers have been receiving to show them what is viagra generika online happening. Jones is after more than he’s letting on. His quest could clear a past scandal and let him live his dream—studying the old West. But as he spends time with Lavonda in this rugged landscape, he realizes that what he wants isn’t just academic—he yearns for a life with her on the ranch. If she discovers his deception, this professor-turned-cowboy will lose his reputation…and Lavonda, too.

This is a really sweet romance story that is character driven and whose cast includes an opinionated cat and a donkey who thinks the cat is his BFF.

The Accidental Cowboy has plenty of adorable, charming and special moments sprinkled throughout. The romance that grows between Lavonda and Jones occurs in spits and spurts. There are mistaken assumptions, untruths or partial truths and marriage proposals for all the wrong reasons that create conflicts between them. Most are rectified and the main characters make up, and then there are the ones that cause some serious emotional plot twists that make a reader wonder if they’ll ever be honest with each other and come clean on all levels.

The one thing that annoyed me was Lavonda forcing Jones to admit what he was really doing. I simply could not understand the complete disregard for the possibility that Jones might be onto something. I didn’t like how the revelation was handled, how the university responded or how the people involved acted. Then, Lavonda finally lets her starch out, regrets her prudish demands and does an about face to then support Jones. All this at a time when his departure and lack of funding have finally become a reality does she finally decide to make the fateful journey to see what there was to see. I suppose better late than never, but this was the only area in the entire book where I did not think Lavonda a good heroine. I thought she was a ninny.

If not for that implausible conflict, the book is a good read. I thought the man/woman differences, the Scottish and the American differences, were well done, entertaining and put to good use. I’m a sucker for a rolling Scottish accent and Lavonda is no different except she actually gets her own Scotsman to romance her and I thought she was one heck of a lucky lady.

I’d classify this novel as a gentle romance with some light spicy loving to illustrate that both Lavonda and Jones are highly compatible. There are even some moments of effective self-sacrifice which showcases that they are worthy of the titles hero and heroine. The Accidental Cowboy ends with a confusing (because Lavonda comes from a loving but zany sounding family) but effective and humorous happy ever after that made the whole journey worth it. If you have time for a sweet read, then this is a good book to choose.

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The Convenient Cowboy by Heidi Hormel

February 9, 2016 By Leave a Comment

cowboy
The Convenient Cowboy by Heidi Hormel
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (159 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

What a cowgirl’s gotta do…

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But while the marriage is supposed to be just on paper, their chemistry is volatile…and the night they spent together weeks ago leads to a surprise: Olympia is pregnant. Soon the ranch is home to a baby, Spence’s sweet cowboy son, and feelings Olympia and Spence can’t deny. This fake relationship is quickly getting all too real. Maybe it’s more than just business…

The joy of romance, the twists and turns of fate, and laughter at the most unexpected of times are all found in this really fun story by Ms. Hormel. The Convenient Cowboy is the kind of novel to read when you are looking for a plot with heart and characters that can make you smile. I certainly found myself laughing out loud during many parts of this book.

First, this is a character driven romance told from both Spence and Olympia’s point of view. I liked having both their sides revealed because a reader gets a better understanding of how challenging this romance is going to be. Spence wants his son full time and has come up with the perfect plan to get custody; Olympia needs to provide for her younger sister’s education, so both Spence and Olympia join forces in an arranged marriage to achieve their goals. There’s just one problem, the condom broke. And, true to life, the best-laid plans of mice and men oft go awry, so too with the main characters. I adored how Ms. Hormel shared with me her characters’ dreams, hopes and fears and how they came about realizing that everything they truly wanted in life was right in front of them. It’s the getting there that makes this book worth reading. It’s classic romance.

I don’t know if other readers will feel like I did in the first few chapters so I’ll share it just in case. At first, the conflict of Olympia’s internal struggles seem large enough to overshadow the book and I was so afraid that they were going to poison the romance and turn it into a whiny cliché. Let me assure readers that it gets so much better. Once Ms. Hormel gets the setup out of the way, and the players in place, the pace, interest, and entertainment picks up and never stops. The romance between two stubborn people with assumptions and expectations is not without its emotional drama, but once Spence’s young son comes on stage, a reader will get to enjoy a bit of madcap hilarity, like the scene with Petunia. I belly laughed at that part. The reason why I got the biggest kick out of that and other sections of the book, like when Spence kept getting bit by the horse, was because of the power of the words the author used to paint the action for me. It was effective, well done and the results are pure entertainment. It was apparent that this author knows how to craft laughter in literature.

The Convenient Cowboy is engaging, endearing and is simply a fun romance. When I find stories like this, it reminds me of the reason why I read romances in the first place. When people think happiness isn’t in the cards for them and they find it accidentally, it’s extra special and it reinforces that dreams really can come true; fact can mimic fiction. This was a great read and I easily recommend it.

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Once Upon a Halloween Night by Lauren Helms, Kate Stacy, Mel Walker, Susan Renee, Kartina Marie, Courtney W. Dixon, and Louise Lennox – Spotlight

October 2, 2023 By Leave a Comment

Join us this Halloween for the exclusive Once Upon a Halloween Night bash in the New Orleans Warehouse District for an evening of fun, costumes, and romance. The Indie Pen PR and Beyond the Bookshelf Publishing are excited to kick off spooky season with eight brand-new, fun and sexy novellas from Lauren Helms, Kate Stacy, Mel Walker, Susan Renee, Kartina Marie, Courtney W. Dixon, and Louise Lennox.

Buy Now: https://books2read.com/u/3k2QKG

Congratulations!

You’ve been invited to attend the exclusive Once Upon A Halloween Night bash.

This year, join us in New Orleans Warehouse District on Halloween Night for an evening of fun, costumes and… romance?

Wait. What?

That’s right.

The Indie Pen PR and Beyond the Bookshelf Publishing is proud to host Lauren Helms, Kate Stacy, Mel Walker, Susan Renee, Kartina Marie, Courtney W. Dixon, and Louise Lennox – in this fun Halloween romance anthology.

So, throw on your best costume and get ready to sit back and enjoy seven brand new novellas to celebrate spooky season with a romantic twist.

Add to Goodreads!

Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Dating in Disguise by Lauren Helms

She sets the drink down and turns to me. “You must love Robin Hood if you’re willing to invest.”

“Robin Hood and I have a lot in common, actually.” I inform her.

Her nose scrunches. “Oh really? How so?”

“Well, for starters, I’m a master archer”

“Nope. I don’t believe it.” She giggles.

“I am. Really. I learned at summer camp when I was twelve. Hooked ever since.” I tell her almost defensively.

“Ah, okay then. What else do you have in common?”

“I’m glad you asked. See, I’m also a master of disguise.”

Her eyes widen playfully, “Oh my. I can see that. Is this even your real face?”

I lean my head back and smirk at her. “Everything about me is real, baby. Truth is, I’m not worried about disguising myself tonight, so what you see is what you get.”

“I’ve heard that he’s also a charmer. A ladies’ man. Obviously, that checks out.” She grins.

I nod. “I was born a charmer. It’s in my blood.”

“Right.” She nods in understanding, laughter dancing all over her face. “So what you’re saying is that you are the embodiment of Robin Hood.”

“Oh, I like that. The embodiment of Robin Hood.” I snap my fingers. She’s brilliant and beautiful.

Her brows furrow, “Does that make you an outlaw then?”

“Nah, I mean, if stealing from the rich and giving to the poor is considered breaking the law…”

She huffs out a laugh. “Stealing is totally considered breaking the law.”

I shrug, “Meh, maybe, but I’ve got a heart of gold, so that’s all that matters.”

“I suppose that’s true.” She reaches for her drink and sips it, keeping eye contact with me over the glass. She’s flirty and I’m digging it, but she’s not getting all touchy-feely with me, so I’m a little unsure of where this is going.

Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Haunted Melodies, Kate Stacy

“Come with me,” I say, grabbing hold of her hand.

Remi’s laughter rings through the night air as I lead her between the cathedral and museum, slipping into one of the alcoves there. The joy in her voice mirrors the twinkling stars in the sky, and her eyes sparkle with a mix of amusement and excitement. Fuck, she’s beautiful.

Carefree looks incredible on her.

Shrouded in shadows, I watch Remi as her laughter subsides into a contented sigh. She looks at me and smiles, so I kiss her again, pressing her body against the hard stone behind her.

I can’t get enough.

The way she tastes.

The feel of her body against mine.

“Luke,” she murmurs breathlessly against my lips.

I trail kisses along her jaw, groaning when she tips her head back, giving me access to more of her soft, silky skin.

“Luke,” she says again, and I want to hear her say it a thousand times more. “We can’t do this here.”

“Afraid of things that go bump in the night?” I murmur, smiling as I kiss down the column of her throat.

She sucks in a breath.

“No. Just charges for indecent exposure, public lewdness, or—”

Chuckling, I take her mouth with mine, kissing her deeply.

Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Love on the Halloween Dance Floor by Mel Walker

“You promise to wait for me?” She asks the question, already knowing the answer. At a concert in Detroit that had technical issues with the lighting and sound equipment, Aaliyah spent nearly an hour reaming out the organizer. She came out an hour later and was shocked to see me waiting for her. I committed to her that day that I would never leave a venue without her.

“The rest of my life if I have to.” The words slip from my heart to my lips without thinking. My chest thumps heavily with my misstep. She twists to read in my eyes the meaning of my words.

Lights bounce off her glasses, and I fail in my attempt to read hers. An explosion of cheers erupts in front of me, and I look up to investigate. Ali is bowing at the front of the stage. The performance has ended.

The house lights rise in the theatre, and Poppy leads the girls back to their families. Whistles and cheers continue to float in the air.

A warm set of lips land on my cheek. I hold my breath and record this moment, stored alongside a treasure trove of protected memories.

Aaliyah’s lips linger for a heartbeat longer than normal, a hesitation I pick up on because when it comes to her, I notice everything. “Really good work today. Congrats. See you in ten.”

“Here, let me …” I take her hand to help her out of the pit. I chew on my tongue to distract myself from the spark that shoots through my body.

“Such a gentleman. Someday, some lucky woman will …” She doesn’t complete the sentence. The words hang like a challenge.

A challenge I’ve yet to answer.

My eyes linger on Aaliyah as she navigates the narrow aisle. She moves with a purposeful stride, a woman on a mission. My eye refuses to look away until she disappears out the exit. Only then do I take a breath. Only then do I realize I hadn’t.

Like I said, I got it bad.

She has work to do. But I’ll wait. I’ll always wait for her. I whisper the words I don’t have the courage to say to her face. The words I pray may come true someday. “Someday. Someday that lucky woman will be you.”

Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Ghosted by Susan Renee

“How do you make it so easy to breathe, Scarlett?” Oliver asks me, his forehead pressed to mine.

“Because I don’t expect you to be someone you’re not, Oliver. You’re free with me. Zero expectations. Consider me your safe space.”

“I’m finding myself overwhelmingly attracted to you,” he says. “And I’m sorry if that’s too much. Maybe Rowena was right. I’m not good at hiding my feelings.”

“It’s perfectly fine to have feelings. I have them too.” I bring my hands to his cheeks. “I wasn’t sure how this day was going to go, but somehow, you’ve managed to make every moment perfect. You let me take the lead instead of treating me like your personal arm candy. You’ve asked about my feelings. My desires. What I want for myself and for my future. Do you know how long it’s been since a man has asked how I feel? Hell, I could marry you right now and have no remorse given what I was about to walk into.”

“I’m really fucking glad you didn’t marry him.”

“Me too.”

Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Hurricanes & Halloween by Katrina Marie

“My bad.” He doesn’t look sorry at all. The wide grin he’s sporting as he watches the people still staring at us says he’s pretty proud of himself. I don’t blame him, though. He never would have had the confidence to do that at eighteen. Now, in our mid-thirties, he’s sure of what he wants. Even if that person lives hours away from him, and has no idea how we are going to make this work.

“It’s all good.” I lean my head on his shoulder. “I’d say it was more than worth it.”

We sit in silence as the DJ continues to play music downstairs. There are still a couple of hours until this thing ends. And as much as I want to ditch the rest of the party and head straight to our hotel room, I know we should stay a little longer. Especially since our tickets were essentially free. I know the payoff will be fine with Kelly, though. This was her moment to play fairy godmother. Her way of making my wildest dreams come true.

“Want to see what else this party has to offer?” Patrick squeezes my knee. It might be my imagination, but I think his hand moved further up my leg. There’s a good chance he’s having the same thoughts I am. Both of us are too polite to voice them aloud.

“Sure.” I stand and he does the same. Grabbing my drink, I hook a finger into his belt loop. Not so accidentally grabbing his butt in the process.

“You keep doing that and I’ll carry you out of here.”

The drinks are working their way through my system because what falls from my lips next is something I’d never say. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Masked Love by Courtney W. Dixon

Greyson sat back in the seat and stared out the window. We were almost there despite the heavy traffic. “How did we meet?” he asked.

“Hmm, how about at my favorite coffee shop? You spilled coffee on me.”

He waved a hand at me. “Ugh. Please. That trope has been done to death.”

I huffed a laugh. Seriously, I was going to give him wine more often. “And what would you suggest?”

“Let’s keep it relatively realistic and almost the truth since it will be easier to remember the lie.”

“Good at lying, are we?”

He smirked and leaned closer to me. “Did you just make a joke?”

“I never joke.” Which was also a lie.

“Anyway! Let’s say I applied to Nomadology, and you found me so hot and irresistible that I swept you off your feet, and you refused to hire me so you could date me.”

For the first time since I could remember, I barked out a laugh and enjoyed watching him blush.

“What? It could happen.”

Excerpt- Copyright 2023 Hot Hex on a Platter by Louise Lennox

At this point, I have tunnel vision. I’m focused on taking out the piece of shit who had the nerve to violate my woman. No one touches or hurts what’s mine and gets away with it.

I maneuver around him while he continues cursing and swinging, matching his speed and intensity as he advances closer to me with every step. As he reaches out with both arms to grab me, I take a chance, knowing I need to knock his big ass out and get this over with.

I hit him with a powerful uppercut that sends him sprawling onto the ground below.

He lies there motionless as I stare down at him with disgust; the power of my punch had been enough to knock him out cold, and between that and his intoxication, he’ll be down for a while.

Tessa rushes over to me, her face filled with worry as she glances at the man’s condition and grimaces.

“Thank You. But I had him under control. The violence wasn’t necessary.”

Her voice has a bite of annoyance, but the relief on her face is evident. She didn’t want to admit it, but she liked being rescued, but I’ll gladly admit that saving her has made my dick impossibly hard. I want to love. Protect, and f**k her until she passes out in equal measure.

Maybe there was a chance of staying out of her life if I hadn’t seen her in the flesh. However, now that she’s within arm’s reach, I know I’ll never let her go.

Her sister steps over the unconscious man, who is now snoring loudly and shakes her head. The man she was with was long gone. “Tessa, are you kidding me? You couldn’t control him, and I swear if I had known he was that disrespectful, I would have never dragged you up here.”

Tears well up in her sister’s eyes. “I’m sorry; I should have listened to you.”

Yeah, she should have.

Tessa gives her a sweet smile and pulls her into a hug. “It’s OK; you didn’t know how bad he could be because I never told you how he harassed me in high school. I was too ashamed and thought I was leading him on or something.”

“This fool harassed you in high school?” I roar. “He doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as you.”

Both women look at me like I’m crazy, but I don’t care. The idea of him hurting my sweet girl in any way makes me want to wake him up to knock him out again.

Tessa looks at me warily. “Umm, thank you, I guess.”

She looks back at Foolio lying on the ground and ponders something before returning to me. I hate the look of worry on her face, and all I want to do is kiss every stress line away.

“Look, Marcus, it’s been a long night. We’re heading home, and you should probably get home before he wakes up. He will be furious, and I’d hate seeing you get into trouble on my account.”

I frown. “I’m not scared of him. Didn’t you see me lay his ass out?”

She rolls her eyes. “Yes, Action Jackson, we all saw you, but do you even know who you knocked out?”

Exasperated, I step closer and breathe her in. She smells like cherries and doesn’t flinch away like she did with the man lying on the ground. Instead, she subconsciously steps closer to me.

That’s because she’s mine.

I brush the back of my knuckles over her arm. “No, sweetheart, I don’t know, and I don’t care.”

Her sister Selene snorts and speaks up. “Well, you should care Romeo because he’s Richard Harris, the Chief of Police. What do you have to say now?”

I give her an incredulous look but say nothing.

This can’t be life.

About Lauren Helms

Lauren Helms is a romance author her nerdy and flirty contemporary words. Lauren has forever been an avid reader from the beginning. After starting a book review website, that catapulted her fully into the book world, she knew that something was missing. While working for a video game strategy guide publisher, she decided to mix what she knew best–video games and romance. She decided to take the plunge and write her first novel, Level Me Up. Several published novels later, Lauren created PR company, Indie Pen PR, to help other authors promote their books.

Lauren lives in Indianapolis, Indiana sharing her love of books and video games with her own Gamer Boy husband and three young kid nerds who will hopefully grow up to share the love of things that united Lauren and her husband on their own happily ever after.

 Facebook | Reader Group | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub | Newsletter | TikTok

About Kate Stacy

Author of emotionally-gripping, contemporary romance, Kate Stacy’s novels feature sassy heroines, swoony heroes, life, love, friendship, and all the angst. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family and friends in small-town North Carolina, Kate can most likely be found nose deep in her Kindle. She stays up too late, swears too much, and loves too hard.

 Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub | Website | Newsletter | Amazon

About Mel Walker

Mel Walker has been writing fiction most of his adult life. Specializing in Short Stories and Contemporary fiction and Romance Novels. A native New Yorker and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan. He loves to write about ordinary people placed in difficult situations, especially as it relates to their closest relationships.

Mel Walker is a rare bird, the male romance author. Specializing in heartfelt small town romance, he enjoys telling compelling romances with all the feels. A native New Yorkers and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan, he enjoys long walks, bike rides and taking in the energy of the city.

 Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Reader Group | Goodreads | BookBub | Newsletter | Amazon | BingeBooks

About Susan Renee

Susan Renee wants to live in a world where paint doesn’t smell, Hogwarts is open twenty-four/seven, and everything is covered in glitter. An indie romance author, Susan has written about everything from tacos to tow-trucks, loves writing romantic comedies but also enjoys creating an emotional angsty story from time to time. She lives in Ohio with her husband, kids, two dogs and a cat. Susan holds a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Music Education and a self-awarded Doctorate in Sass and Sarcasm. She enjoys laughing at memes, speaking in GIFs and spending an entire day jumping down the TikTok rabbit hole. When she’s not writing or playing the role of Mom, her favorite activity is doing the Care Bear stare with her closest friends.

Facebook | Reader Group | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | BookBub | Website | Newsletter | Amazon

About Katrina Marie

Katrina Marie lives in the Dallas area with her husband, two children, bonus child, grandchild, and fur babies. She is a lover of all things geeky and nerdy. When she’s not writing you can find her at her children’s sporting events, curled up reading a book, or binge watching her favorite shows.

Facebook | Reader Group | TikTok | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub | Website | Newsletter | Amazon

About Courtney W. Dixon

Courtney W. Dixon loves to write steamy romance, but in each story, she gives her character’s challenges and struggles. She writes m/f and m/m stories within one series to add a variety to her characters. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don’t always do the right thing. Humans are never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. In the end, she tries to help them grow to be better as they achieve their HEAs.

You can find Courtney working in Central Texas with her husband, two boys, and two crazy dogs, none of whom know how to knock on a door while she’s working.

 Facebook | Reader Group | TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub | Website | Newsletter | Amazon

About Louise Lennox

Contemporary romance Author Louise Lennox is a hopeful romantic writing steamy romances full of heart and healing.

A Spelman College and Georgetown University graduate, Louise provides women with diverse and meaningful representation in romance novel pages. Not seeing enough women like herself headlining positive love stories, she launched #HappyBlackRomance; a community of readers and writers committed to the creation and sharing of positive romance stories featuring Black heroines.

Louise Lennox plots highlight the joys of Black relationships across the diaspora; pushing readers from all cultural backgrounds to admire them for their strength and downright sexiness. In her novels sparks always fly; the sex amazes; and the characters always leave the world better than they found it through their love.

When she’s not writing, Louise is enjoying her work as a school leader, wife, and mother of the two cutest dragons to ever walk the earth!

To learn more about #HappyBlackRomance and to score a free book or two, check out her website www.lovelouiselennox.com.

Facebook | Facebook Group | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Bookbub | Amazon | Website | Newsletter

This promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR

Filed Under: Guest Blogs, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Cover Reveal: Once Upon a Halloween Night

September 7, 2023 By Leave a Comment

 

We are so excited to share the cover for the upcoming Halloween anthology, Once Upon a Halloween Night. We’ve got eight brand-new, sexy novellas just waiting for you to sink your teeth into. Keep reading for more details.

 

Congratulations!
You’ve been invited to attend the exclusive Once Upon A Halloween Night bash. This year, join us in New Orleans Warehouse District on Halloween Night for an evening of fun, costumes and… romance?

Wait. What?
That’s right.
The Indie Pen PR and Beyond the Bookshelf Publishing is proud to host Lauren Helms, Aubree Valentine, Kate Stacy, Mel Walker, Susan Renee, Kartina Marie, Courtney W. Dixon, and Louise Lennox – in this fun Halloween romance anthology.

So, throw on your best costume and get ready to sit back and enjoy eight brand new novellas to celebrate spooky season with a romantic twist.

Pre-Order At
Your Favorite Retailers!

Add to
Goodreads!

 

About Lauren Helms

Lauren Helms is a romance author her nerdy and flirty contemporary words. Lauren has forever been an avid reader from the beginning. After starting
a book review website, that catapulted her fully into the book world, she knew that something was missing. While working for a video game strategy guide publisher, she decided to mix what she knew best–video games and romance. She decided to take the plunge and write her first novel, Level Me Up. Several published novels later, Lauren created PR company, Indie Pen PR, to help other authors promote their books.

Lauren lives in Indianapolis, Indiana sharing her love of books and video games with her own Gamer Boy husband and three young kid nerds who will
hopefully grow up to share the love of things that united Lauren and her husband on their own happily ever after.

Follow: Facebook | Reader
Group | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub | Newsletter | TikTok

About Kate Stacy

Author of emotionally-gripping, contemporary romance, Kate Stacy’s novels feature sassy heroines, swoony heroes, life, love, friendship, and all the angst.
When she’s not writing or spending time with her family and friends in small-town North Carolina, Kate can most likely be found nose deep in her Kindle. She stays up too late, swears too much, and loves too hard.

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub | Website | Newsletter | Amazon

About Katrina Marie

Katrina Marie lives in the Dallas area with her husband, two children, bonus child, grandchild, and fur babies. She is a lover of all things geeky and nerdy.
When she’s not writing you can find her at her children’s sporting events, curled up reading a book, or binge watching her favorite shows.

Follow: Facebook | Reader Group | TikTok | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub | Website | Newsletter | Amazon

About Courtney W. Dixon

Courtney W. Dixon loves to write steamy romance, but in each story, she gives her character’s challenges and struggles. She writes m/f and m/m stories within one series to add a variety to her characters. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don’t always do the right thing. Humans are never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. In the end, she tries to help them grow to be better as they achieve their HEAs.

You can find Courtney working in Central Texas with her husband, two boys, and two crazy dogs, none of whom know how to knock on a door while she’s working.

Follow: Facebook | Reader Group | TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub | Website | Newsletter | Amazon

About Aubree Valentine

Aubree Valentine began her book world career back in 2016 as a virtual assistant for a friend/author and as a book blogger. While working with authors, PR companies, and fellow bloggers, she fell even more in love with the Indie community and decided to launch her own small scale PR company where she continued to hone her skills as a virtual assistant to several authors and studied the ins and outs of what it takes to help succeed in the industry.

Aubree doesn’t always hang out behind the scenes though and has put her business knowledge to good use for herself as well. Her first book, Take
Back My Heart, was released in the fall of 2016, with its follow-up – Come Back to Me launching a year later.

When she’s not working with her favorite clients, you can find her penning fun and flirty stories about all of her imaginary and very smexy alphas. This
includes her current and most popular series, Too Hot To Handle.

Aubree has a degree in sarcasm and resides in Pennsylvania. She enjoys reading, chasing after her twins and her three furbabies, cuddling with her husband, and coming up with new project ideas that often involve power tools.


She’s usually always online via Facebook or Instagram
@authoraubreevalentine.
www.aubreevalentine.com

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
| Goodreads | Bookbub | Amazon | Newsletter | Website | Reader Group | Pinterest

About Mel Walker

Mel Walker has been writing fiction most of his adult life. Specializing in Short Stories and Contemporary fiction and Romance Novels. A native New Yorker and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan. He loves to write about ordinary people placed in difficult situations, especially as it relates to their closest relationships.

Mel Walker is a rare bird, the male romance author. Specializing in heartfelt small town romance, he enjoys telling compelling romances with all the feels. A native New Yorker and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan, he enjoys long walks, bike rides and taking in the energy of the city.

Follow: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Reader
Group | Goodreads | BookBub | Newsletter | Amazon | BingeBooks

About Susan Renee

Susan Renee wants to live in a world where paint doesn’t smell, Hogwarts is open twenty-four/seven, and everything is covered in glitter. An indie romance author, Susan has written about everything from tacos to tow-trucks, loves writing romantic comedies but also enjoys creating an emotional angsty story from time to time. She lives in Ohio with her husband, kids, two dogs and a cat. Susan holds a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Music Education and a self-awarded Doctorate in Sass and Sarcasm. She enjoys laughing at memes, speaking in GIFs and spending an entire day jumping down the TikTok
rabbit hole. When she’s not writing or playing the role of Mom, her favorite activity is doing the Care Bear stare with her closest friends.

Follow: Facebook | Reader Group | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
| Goodreads | BookBub | Website | Newsletter | Amazon|

About Louise Lennox

Contemporary romance Author Louise Lennox is a hopeful romantic writing steamy romances full of heart and healing. A Spelman College and Georgetown University graduate,Louise provides women with diverse and meaningful representation in romance novel pages. Not seeing enough women like herself headlining positive love stories, she launched #HappyBlackRomance; a community of readers and writers committed to the creation and sharing of positive romance stories featuring Black heroines.

Louise Lennox plots highlight the joys of Black relationships across the diaspora; pushing readers from all cultural backgrounds to admire them for their strength and downright sexiness. In her novels sparks always fly; the sex amazes; and the characters always leave the world better than they found it through their love.

When she’s not writing, Louise is enjoying her work as a school leader, wife, and mother of the two cutest dragons to ever walk the earth!

To learn more about #HappyBlackRomance and to score a free book or two, check out her website www.lovelouiselennox.com.

Follow: Facebook | Facebook Group | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Bookbub | Amazon | Website | Newsletter

Filed Under: Guest Blogs, Romance Tagged With: