The Passenger by Joie Lesin – Spotlight and Giveaway

August 20, 2025 By 3 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Joie Lesin will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

She’s a 1940s ghost whisperer.

Burdened with her empathic gift, Elizabeth Reilly wants to be free of it and fit in with normal people. Nevertheless, when the spirit of an old man asks for her help, she travels across the country to help him return home.

He’s the son of a ghost.

Gio Clemente is still angry with his father who abandoned him as a child. To help the father pass on, Elizabeth must persuade Gio to let go of his anger. Though he resents her intrusion, they are both stunned to find themselves fighting a profound attraction.

Elizabeth can accept his headstrong brand of love, but can Gio accept her gift—and believe in her?

The Passenger, a 1940s>njoy ghost story set in the California wine country, tells a tale of family connections, life-changing choices, and love—lost and found.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Elizabeth’s stomach churned in nervous knots. She squirmed on the cloth seat, and her foot twitched. If he heard her erratic heartbeat, he’d realize how frantic she was—and hot. Perspiration built up on her forehead. Grabbing the metal handle, she rolled down the squeaking window, and inhaled the pure air. The fragrances of the forest filled her senses—the resinous scent of pine, the earthiness of soil, and damp detritus of fallen branches and decaying leaves. The surrounding land was alive, vibrant, and something more she couldn’t quite identify. Somehow, the vehicle they drove in and the path it traveled seemed out of place.

Gravel on the uneven road crunched and ground under the truck’s tires. Elizabeth sat straight in her seat and stole stiff, awkward glimpses at Giovanni. A frown marked his lips. His lean, well-defined face held soulful eyes bringing to her mind images of the sad little boy he must have been.

A thin red scar stretched down his right cheek and she itched to run a finger along the faded edges. She’d caress his stubble-shadowed chin and tell him how terribly his father missed him.

Instead, she stared out the truck window.

About the Author:Award-winning, Minnesota-based author, Joie Lesin is a life-long fiction writer and poet. She is most recently the author of The Passenger (The Wild Rose Press, 2024) and her work is also featured in Scribeworth Magazine. She has long been fascinated by anything otherworldly including mermaids and ghosts. Joie writes character-driven, emotional, atmospheric tales about heartache and hope.

Website | Bluesky | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Goodreads

Buy the book at The Wild Rose Press, Amazon, iBooks, Barnes and Noble, or Kobo.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Ghosted by Lori Matsourani – Spotlight and Giveaway

August 15, 2025 By 4 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Lori Matsourani will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour. Also, the author has organized a Goodreads giveaway for the book.

 

 

When her fiancé’s infidelity prompts Bethany Hendren to map out a new path forward, her plans are disrupted by an unexpected encounter with Nick Dorsey, who convinces her to help search for the remains of a troubled eighteenth-century ghost. Nick is the handsome summer boyfriend who ghosted her years ago, and now he wants to rekindle their relationship.

Despite her reluctance to trust him, Bethany discovers he’s still the funny, caring person who captured her heart as a teen, but giving him a second chance is risky—it could lead to love and happiness or result in another devastating heartache.

Although Bethany wants a happily ever after with Nick, does she have the courage to trust him with her future?

Enjoy an Excerpt

He walked toward her as though they were long-lost friends, and she half expected him to pull her into an embrace. Then she recognized the dark chocolate eyes behind the black-framed glasses and her stomach lurched.

Nick Dorsey. He’s Mrs. Snowden’s nephew?

“Aunt Margaret told me you were checking in today.”

Stunned, Bethany stepped backward, bumping into the edge of the desk as her heart thudded. A white-hot flush scorched every inch of her skin as she stared at Nick. Of all the people she could run into, it had to be the first guy to break her heart? And why did he have to be so handsome, with that bit of hair curling over his forehead and late-day stubble?

She inhaled deeply to rein in her composure, hating her can’t-catch-your-breath reaction to him, then dipped her chin in a neutral acknowledgment.

“Hello, Nick.”

His smile morphed into a full-on, lopsided grin. “It’s been ages since I’ve seen you. Ten years, I bet. Not since the summer Zach and I got our drivers’ licenses.”

Mrs. Snowden laid her hand on Nick’s shoulder. “Bethany is staying in the Howard Room. Can you help her with her bag?” Then, turning to Bethany, she said, “Come back down when you’re ready and I’ll give you a tour of the house.”

As Bethany followed Nick to the second floor, the pain, questions, and self-doubts she’d buried years ago reemerged, seeping into her belly like liquid concrete. The last thing she needed was Nick Dorsey invading her healing zone. It had taken her months to get over the summer romance they’d shared—and he’d abruptly ended—when they were teens. And even longer before she could bring herself to date again.

And now he was in her safe space.

About the Author:

Author Lori Matsourani is a romance addict. Give her stories with a touch of heartbreak and a spark of joy, and she’s happy. Throw in characters with a huge helping of heart and soul, and she’s up reading all night in romance heaven! While currently a Texas resident, Lori grew up near Baltimore and often draws on the historical flavor of Annapolis and Maryland’s Eastern Shore to inspire her story settings. She authored her first fiction story at twelve and has been hooked on writing ever since. Early on, her writing career focused on articles for magazines and newspapers before shifting to her first writing love—fiction. For Lori, connecting words to tell a story is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, and she loves the challenge of creating every piece.

Websiste | Facebook | Instagrm | Threads | Twitter | TikTok
Buy the book at your favorite online venue.

https://wildrosepress.com/product/ghosted/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Guest Blogs, Romance Tagged With: ,

Why Writing About a Famous Protagonist is So Much Fun by Patricia Leavy – Guest Blog and Giveaway

August 14, 2025 By 8 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Patricia Leavy will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Why Writing About a Famous Protagonist is So Much Fun
Tess Lee is a world-famous, wealthy novelist. She’s traveled the globe and has a long list of celebrity friends and admirers. She’s good friends with rock stars and has met royalty. This made her a really fun character to write. At the end of the day, in some ways she’s probably not like anyone you know—her life has been “surreal” as her best friend Omar always says. As a writer, penning an aspirational character that’s lived an extraordinary life allowed me to let my imagination take over in all kinds of ways. I was able to imagine all the people Tess has met over the years, the places she’s traveled, and the funny stories that have occurred. Here’s an excerpt:

As much as Tess and Jack loved being together more with each passing day, they also enjoyed spending time with their friends. They had become a close-knit group and spent many evenings together, laughing uproariously. One crisp autumn night at the bar, they were sharing their most embarrassing or entertaining stories. Bobby told them a hilarious story from his time in the academy. When they all settled down, Jack nudged Tess. “Your turn.”
“Hmm. I don’t know,” she replied.
“Oh, I do,” Omar said gleefully. “Jack, you’re going to love this. We were at a gala in London where Tess was being honored . . .”
“I know where this is going, and you’re not telling that story,” Tess interrupted, picking up a pretzel and flinging it at his head.
“Butterfly, I’ll wear that basket as a hat, but I am telling the story,” he said, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
“Fine, but I’m making two objections. First, I wasn’t embarrassed.”
“I know, but you should have been,” Omar said, chucking a pretzel back at her. “But that’s all right, I was embarrassed enough for the both of us.”
She shook her head. “Second, it’s not that funny.”
“If by ‘not that funny’ you mean it’s epically funny, then you’d be right,” he said with a chuckle. “In fact, it may be the funniest thing to ever happen to anyone.”
She tossed another pretzel at him, but he dodged it.
“This must be good,” Bobby said.
“Go on, Omar,” Joe urged.
“You’re all terrible,” Tess protested, looking to Jack for support.
“Don’t look at me, I want to hear it,” Jack said.
She rolled her eyes. “Fine, but my objections stand.” She crossed her arms and put on an exaggerated pout.
“Duly noted, Butterfly. So, Tess was in London, receiving an award for her humanitarian efforts in the arts.”
“Such a ridiculous thing to receive an award for. People shouldn’t be praised simply for being decent,” Tess interjected.
“Nice attempt at deflection, Butterfly. You can give us a diatribe about the absurdity of awards another time,” Omar said.
Tess rolled her eyes.
“Another of the honorees was . . .”
“Don’t you say his name,” Tess warned.
“Let’s just say he was in the greatest band of all time.”
Bobby’s eyebrows arched sky high. “You don’t mean?”
“Yes, Paul himself,” Omar replied. “Anyway, after the award ceremony, Paul was hosting a little party at his place and invited us. He had just purchased a Picasso at auction for something crazy like $30 million and he wanted Tess’s opinion. You have to remember that she had just been honored as a literary genius and artistic visionary. So, Paul and all his guests stood around waiting to hear her profound words of wisdom. What does Tess do? She looks at the painting, cocks her head, and says, ‘Peekaboo, why so blue?’”
They all cracked up.
“You did not say that!” Jack said through fits of laughter.
“I did,” Tess said, turning red.
“Peekaboo, why so blue? What does that even mean?” Bobby asked.
Tess shrugged. “I have no idea; it’s just what came out. The whole situation was so absurd.”
“What did Paul do?” Joe asked.
“Well, that’s the best part of the story. At first, everyone just stood there in a state of shock. After a moment passed, Paul said, ‘Too right, Tess. Peekaboo, why so blue?’ as if she was some kind of genius. Everyone started clapping over this supposedly great insight,” Omar said.
Everyone laughed uncontrollably, practically falling off their chairs.
“I still don’t think it’s that funny,” Tess protested.
Try as he might, Jack was unable to stop laughing.
Omar finally composed himself. “Now, every time Paul wants to buy a piece of art, I mean even a bloody poster for his bathroom, he FaceTimes Tess to get her opinion.”
They all laughed so hard they were holding their stomachs.
“He FaceTimes you?” Jack asked when he could get the words out.
“Not often,” Tess replied.
“When was the last time?” Omar asked.
“About four months ago.”
Omar raised his eyebrows. “And what did he want?”
Tess looked down sheepishly. “He was trying to choose between two Tiffany lamps and he wanted my opinion.”
Everyone laughed so hysterically they could hardly breathe. Even Tess was laughing now.
“She’s like his art oracle,” Omar squealed.
Jack pulled Tess to him. “You’re supposed to be on my side,” she said. “It’s not that funny.”
“I’m always on your side, but sweetheart, it is that funny.”

For fans of Colleen Hoover comes an emotionally charged contemporary romance about a internationally best-selling novelist and a federal agent fighting to heal past wounds.

Tess Lee is a world-famous novelist. Her inspirational books explore people’s innermost struggles and the human need to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel—but despite her extraordinary success, she’s been unable to find personal happiness. Jack Miller is a federal agent working in counterterrorism. After spending decades immersed in a violent world, a residue remains. He’s dedicated everything to his job, leaving nothing for himself.

The night Tess and Jack meet, their connection is palpable. She examines the scars on his body and says, “I’ve never seen anyone whose outsides match my insides.” The two embark on an epic love story, but old traumas soon rise to the surface as Jack struggles with the death of a loved one and Tess is forced to confront her childhood abuse. Can unconditional love help heal their invisible wounds? Together, will they be able to move from darkness to light?

About the Author: Patricia Leavy, PhD, is an award-winning, best-selling author. 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 honors. Recently, her novel The Location Shoot was featured in Ms. Career Girl’s “10 Perfect Books to Get Your Fall Reading List Started” and She Reads in “Novels to Read if You Love Classic Movies” and was the 2024 Best Book Awards First Place Winner in Women’s Fiction. 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.” Patricia lives in Maine and serves on the board of the London Arts-Based Research Centre. In addition to writing, she enjoys movies, art, reading, and travel.

Website

Buy the book at Amazon.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Christmas Watch by Petie McCarty – Spotlight and Giveaway

July 28, 2025 By 21 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Petie McCarty will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.


The Watchers Series
Fallen angels seeking parole for their betrayal . . .

Someone is watching Rachel . . . but who? And why?

Child psychologist Rachel Kelly has her Christmas stocking full of troubles this holiday season, both personal and professional. Recently separated from her boyfriend, Rachel still loves him but has no idea how to win him back. If that’s not enough to cause her sleepless nights, she’s uncertain how to handle her newest therapy client—a six-year-old boy who claims he talks to Watchers. And a Watcher is coming to help Rachel.

Lt. Jake Dillon has his heart broken when his fiancée Rachel, without warning, suddenly calls it quits. Yet when a stalker crashes Rachel’s Christmas party and takes her young clients hostage, Jake is the first person Rachel calls. Now he has a choice to make—stand back and wait for the cavalry to save her, or step in and try to save her himself. Time is running out, and Jake may be their only chance for rescue.

Unless Rachel’s young Watcher spy is telling the truth . . .

This romantic suspense tale with paranormal elements is Book 2 in The Watchers series . . . A captivating tale of small-town Christmas romance that will leave you looking over your shoulder and wondering, Is someone watching me?

Enjoy an Excerpt

“Jake, I came by to see you because of the Buckhead crisis.”

“I figured as much.”

Rachel could’ve sworn he looked disappointed for a fleeting moment. That gave her the courage to go on. “To offer my shoulder—”

“To cry on?” he sneered.

“No! To lean on. Please don’t be ugly.”

“I can’t help it. You broke us up.”

Incredulous, she gaped at him. “Me! Must I keep reminding you? You left me.”

He closed the distance between them, so close she could feel his body heat.

“You let me leave,” he said gruffly.

“I didn’t—”

“You let me leave,” he repeated, his face but inches away.

His unique Jake scent wafted over her. She wanted to smother in it. She wanted . . .

“I didn’t want you to go,” she whispered.

He caught her to him in a fierce embrace. No gentle kiss this. It screamed of need and anger and desperation. His. Hers. She didn’t know for sure. Didn’t care. She wanted to cry from the relief of having his arms around her again.

Knuckling her fists into his warm tee shirt, she tried to yank him closer, but the shirt was old and stretched unmercifully. His lips smiled against hers as he grabbed a breath and then kissed her again, his tongue sweeping in to tangle with hers.

She could die from his wonderful familiar taste. She savored, remembered, and stored for later. Giving up on the shirt, she wound her arms around his neck to tug him closer, to pull him into her if she could.

Suddenly, his hands at her hips pressed her back, and she shamelessly hung on tighter. He reached up and worked her hands free, then kissed each one.

His eyes had gone black. This close, she could clearly see. No doubt a reflection of hers.

“Like coming home, isn’t it?” he rasped, his voice so hoarse it came out as a whisper.

About the Author:
Petie spent a large part of her career working at Walt Disney World—”The Most Magical Place on Earth”—where she enjoyed working in the land of fairy tales by day and creating her own romantic fairy tales by night, including her new series, The Cinderella Romances. She eventually said good-bye to her “day” job to write her stories full-time.

These days Petie spends her time writing new Cinderella series tales, her new The Watchers series, sequels to her regency time-travel series, Lords in Time, and more contemporary romance standalones to go along with her two previous releases—Any Fin For Love and Ambush in the Everglades.

Petie shares her home on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee with her horticulturist husband and an opinionated Nanday conure named Sassy who made a cameo appearance in Book 2 of The Watchers, Christmas Watch.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon Author Page

Buy the book at Amazon or read it for free with KindleUnlimited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Free Book Available + $150 Amazon GC giveaway – sign up before the end of August!

July 24, 2025 By 1 Comment

Patricia Leavy is giving away copies of CINEMATIC DESTINIES, her upcoming romance from She Writes Press. How to get yours? It’s easy… just complete the Rafflecopter below and you’ll receive one from the author! Plus, one lucky entrant will receive a $150 Amazon gift card!

So, what’s the book about? Here’s the info:

For fans of Tessa Bailey and Hannah Grace, Cinematic Destinies is a feel-good, contemporary romance about a trio of adult children searching for love and beauty in the shadow of their parents’ legendary Hollywood fairy-tale romance.

Legendary actor Finn Forrester and his wife philosopher Ella Sinclair Forrester met on the location shoot for Jean Mercier’s film Celebration. The world has been captivated by their fairy-tale romance since Finn famously proposed on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. As the couple now prepares to celebrate their thirtieth wedding anniversary, they wonder if their children will ever find love.

Eldest daughter Betty is excelling in a medical residency program in New York City—and has convinced herself that distancing herself from emotions is the path to success. Youngest son Albert, a recent college graduate, is trying to find his footing in Boston as he struggles with his identity. Free-spirited Georgia, her mother’s spitting image and an actress following in her father’s footsteps, has been cast in Jean Mercier’s final film, mysteriously titled Beauty. When she arrives on set in Iceland and meets her costar, sparks fly. Is history repeating itself? How has growing up in the shadow of the world’s most iconic love story affected each of the Forrester children?

Reviews

“If you’re a romantic with a brain and a heart, this is your jam . . . I closed the book with a full heart and a goofy grin.” Literary Titan, 5-star review

“Cinematic Destinies is a stunning and poignant celebration of romance, the magic of movies, and life itself. The exotic Icelandic film set, well-drawn characters, and smart writing make this book impossible to put down . . . This is a gorgeous novel.” —Laurel Richardson, author of Lone Twin

“Overall, the writing, the characters, the little nods of sizzle, and the brilliant family dynamic make this book a winner. Very highly recommended.”—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review

“Leavy’s latest must-read novel features a trio of romantic storylines about the quest for love and identity in the shadow of a Hollywood fairy tale . . . Cinematic Destinies is a spellbinding ode to love, art, and what it means to live.” —Mary E. Weems, author of Blackeyed

About the Author:

Patricia Leavy is an award-winning, best-selling author. Formerly Associate Professor of Sociology 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 honors. Her most recent novel, Shooting Stars Above, was featured on People “10 Romance Books to Read After Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry.” She has also received career awards from the National Art Education Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, and other organizations. 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.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cinematic-Destinies-Novel-Carpet-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DWNGNM1Z/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0

Patricia Leavy will award a free digital copy of her upcoming book CINEMATIC DESTINIES to the first 7500 people who enter the Rafflecopter and one lucky entrant will receive a $150 Amazon gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Ever Since the Ball by Kate Ellington – Spotlight and Giveaway

July 10, 2025 By 7 Comments

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kate Ellington will be awarding a $20 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Miranda Harlake’s only chance to escape the detestable match her parents are arranging is a sham betrothal to her best friend, Peter, who proposes solely to save her from a loveless marriage. She gratefully accepts, though both know they’ll never wed.

Piqued by her parents’ scheming, Miranda secretly attends a masked ball and dances with a fascinating stranger all night. Upon discovering her partner was the insufferable George Rockford, she tries to forget the romantic evening they shared.

George, lonely despite his popularity and roguish ways, is intrigued by Miranda but she’s apparently immune to his charms.

Miranda must listen to her heart and find courage to be honest with everyone—especially herself—if for once she’s going to fulfill her own dreams.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Miranda fidgeted with her fan as she and Peter made their slow way up the Rockfords’ torchlit drive. Ahead, costumed guests climbed the stairs and disappeared into the elegant manor.

When they at last came to a halt, Peter opened the door and helped Miranda out.

“I’ll meet you inside after I settle the horses,” he said.

Miranda clutched his arm. “No, we’re supposed to go in together.”

“I need to see to the carriage. I forgot about that when I devised this plan.”

“But—”

“You’ll be fine. Arriving alone will give you an even greater air of mystery.”

Not seeing any other option, she reluctantly let go of his sleeve. “Don’t be long.”

“I won’t.” He jumped into the driver’s seat and gave her a wave before driving away.

Miranda hesitated at the foot of the long staircase, debating about whether or not to just step onto the lawn to wait for Peter. But then she realized she was blocking the way for people behind her. Mustering her nerve, she climbed the stairs with the chattering crowd.

Once inside, she looked for a place to wait for Peter. Miranda didn’t want to go too far into the house, as it would be easy to miss each other in the throng. She found an alcove off to the side of the front doors with a window affording a good view of the drive.

Miranda had just turned to look out the window again when she felt someone step into the alcove behind her.

About the Author 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.

Kate wrote her first romance when she was sixteen, then set her pen down for years until another story floated into her head out of the clear blue sky. She jotted it down, just for fun, but soon it took on a life of its own.

Goodreads | Bluesky | Website | Facebook

Buy the book at Amazon.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Feels Like Love by N.D. Jackson – Spotlight

July 8, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Retired at the age of 34, Dylan Parker packed up his life and bought a bar in Mustang Prairie. Small-town life would be an adjustment, or so he thought, until he met Sadie. As a deeply satisfying friendship grows between them, so does their mutual attraction. Readers who enjoy small-town, friends-to-lovers romances will fall in love with Feels Like Love by N.D. Jackson, a steamy, diverse romance.

Blurb

I just wanted to belong…

Sadie had never belonged anywhere other than on stage. A soulful singer and musician, she left home at a young age and never looked back. No one missed her anyhow. Traveling the country with one no good boyfriend after another for work, Sadie settled in New Orleans until another d-bag boyfriend decided she wasn’t enough…and the slutty new bartender was.

She left for Mustang Prairie and the open arms of her half-sister Amelia…or so she thought

I just wanted to protect her…

Dylan Parker retired at the ripe old age of 34. After catching a serial killer who’d tortured Chicago for a decade, he was ready to turn in his homicide detective’s shield.

Needing distance from his high society parents and their social climbing friends he packed up his truck and bought a bar in Mustang Prairie. Getting reacquainted with small town life would be an adjustment…until he met a copper haired amazon with a voice like warm honey.

Sadie was everything he wanted; a friend, a devil’s advocate, a sister, and a confidante. Theirs was a deeply satisfying friendship so Sadie and Dylan fought their mutual attraction.

Can Sadie & Dylan admit that their friendship feels more like love?

Add to Goodreads Here! 

Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! 

Excerpt 

Copyright 2025, N.D. Jackson

“Everyone gets sick.” She didn’t understand his tone but a moment later it all became clear. “What is this Ty? You think I did something to him? Is that what this is all about?”

He opened his mouth to respond but she didn’t want to hear it. She didn’t want to hear him deny it when they both knew it was the truth. So much for being one of them. She didn’t wait for a response, for him to figure out a way to soften the blow and tell her he didn’t meant it like that. She just threw her keys at him. “See for yourself that I didn’t kill your friend for whatever reason you think I’d do such a thing.” She turned and picked up the first box. It needed to go downstairs.

“Sadie I didn’t mean it like that!” He knew it was no use. She wouldn’t listen, so he took the keys and went to see about his friend.

Four boxes later, Karl was gone and Sadie was nearly finished stacking all the boxes downstairs. She would just finish them now. Hopefully, by the time she got home, Ty would be long gone. She wasn’t in the mood to see anyone right now but she needed to check on Dylan. He had to be sick to just skip out on a day like this.

She locked up and made the quick drive to Dylan’s house, running up the stairs and through the door calling out to him. She went straight up to his bedroom where he lay in a sweaty heap of sheets and blankets. Ty stood to one side of the room, looking concerned. “Dylan! Are you okay?” She felt his face, neck, and chest. He was clammy all over. “How do you feel?”

“He’s sick,” Ty said, very unhelpfully.

Sadie glared at him and then turned her back on him. “Dylan, tell me what you’re feeling.” She began stripping the covers back and bringing him to a sitting position.

“I’m feeling mighty glad you came to save me.” His smile was crooked and his words were slurred.

She gave him a tight smile while trying to keep them both upright. “Of course I came for you Dylan. You’re my guy.”

“Always babe. Now can you make the room stop spinning ‘cause it’s making me feel sick?”

“No problem big guy. I’m all over it.” She wrapped her arms around his waist. “Can you stand?” He tried but he was too wobbly, and her jaws clenched. Ty stood back, no help at all but she said nothing to him. “Okay stand again, but this time put as much of your weight on me as you can.”

This time he stood up but with most of his weight pressed against her. “Alright let’s get you in the bathroom.” They limped to the en suite bathroom and she sat him on the toilet while she ran a bath. “We need to bring down your temperature,” she told him as she flew back into the bedroom, stripping the sheets off the bed and tossing them down the laundry chute.

“Sadie,” he sang off-key over and over. “Where did my Sadie go?”

“He doesn’t sound too good.” Ty rubbed the back of head, sounding worried.

She inhaled a long breath and let it out slowly, keeping her mouth shut. Eventually, he would leave and she could feel good knowing she hadn’t caused any unnecessary drama for Dylan. Checking on the water, she tossed in a few aromatherapy balls to help. “Alright, Dylan we need to get you in there, okay? So I need you to help me. Hang on to me and don’t let go.” She removed his boxers, tossed them out the door, and helped guide him down.

“Ah, feels good.” The guttural sound of satisfaction vibrated inside the bathroom, echoing off the walls as he sank into the water.

She smiled. Luckily he was too big to possibly drown since Ty was no help at all. She found the bath sponge she bought for him under the sink. Unopened because according to him it was ‘girly shit’. Dipping the sponge in the water, she rubbed is face and chest. “We need to get you warm and reduce your fever. Stay put.” Inside the bedroom, she breezed past Ty and grabbed the bed spray and clean linens. The window was open, the bedding fresh and now scented. “Okay,” she muttered to herself thinking what else she would need. “Food, meds, juice. Trixie.” She pulled out her phone and dialed. “Hey Trix. Dylan’s got some type of bug or something and I need to keep an eye on him. Can you grab fresh fruit, tons of vegetables for soup, and meds to reduce fever, help sleep and clear congestion? I’m not sure what else he has because he’s pretty incoherent but grab whatever else you think he might need and I’ll pay you back when you get here.” She disconnected and went back to check on Dylan.

“I could’ve gotten that stuff for him,” Ty yelled from the safety of the bedroom.

She said nothing, just helped Dylan quickly wash so she could get him dressed and back into bed. He needed to rest. “Stand up for me big guy.”

“You think I’m too big?” His words were slurred and she smiled despite her worry.

“Naw, I think you’re just big enough.”

“That’s what she said,” he snickered.

“Very funny,” she grumbled as she quickly dried him off. He was a big guy and required a towel that was just as big and heavy. “Okay we need clothes.”

“I’m alright like this,” he swayed, wrapping his arm around her waist. “I only stopped sleeping naked because I didn’t want to freak you out.”

That was an image she did not need to think about now. Or ever. They walked into the room, him naked and talking nonsense and her trying to keep them both from wiping out on the hardwood floors. “That’s sweet of you Dyl, but it’s your house so make sure you’re comfortable.” She sat him on the bed and grabbed flannel pants and a t-shirt. “While you’re sick though, I have to insist on pajamas.”

Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

About N.D. Jackson

Wanderer. Lover of books. Romance author. Vegan. Those are just some of the things used to describe me! When I’m not spinning tales of small town and contemporary romance, I love to travel, cook, and watch/listen to true crime, history & strange documentaries and podcasts. I’m a native Chicagoan currently living in Europe who has been in love with books for as long as I can remember. My first book, Conflict of Interest, was published in 2014, and I’ve been writing books ever since! I’m a full-time writer and part-time author, traveler, vegan blogger, and obsessive fan of Dawson’s Creek.

Follow: Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | Reader Group | Goodreads | BookBub | Website | Newsletter | Amazon This promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR

Filed Under: Guest Blogs, Romance Tagged With:

Cinematic Destinies by Patricia Leavy – FREE BOOK and giveaway

July 3, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Patricia Leavy is giving away copies of CINEMATIC DESTINIES, her upcoming romance from She Writes Press. How to get yours? It’s easy… just complete the Rafflecopter below and you’ll receive one from the author! Plus, one lucky entrant will receive a $150 Amazon gift card!

So, what’s the book about? Here’s the info:

For fans of Tessa Bailey and Hannah Grace, Cinematic Destinies is a feel-good, contemporary romance about a trio of adult children searching for love and beauty in the shadow of their parents’ legendary Hollywood fairy-tale romance.

Legendary actor Finn Forrester and his wife philosopher Ella Sinclair Forrester met on the location shoot for Jean Mercier’s film Celebration. The world has been captivated by their fairy-tale romance since Finn famously proposed on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. As the couple now prepares to celebrate their thirtieth wedding anniversary, they wonder if their children will ever find love.

Eldest daughter Betty is excelling in a medical residency program in New York City—and has convinced herself that distancing herself from emotions is the path to success. Youngest son Albert, a recent college graduate, is trying to find his footing in Boston as he struggles with his identity. Free-spirited Georgia, her mother’s spitting image and an actress following in her father’s footsteps, has been cast in Jean Mercier’s final film, mysteriously titled Beauty. When she arrives on set in Iceland and meets her costar, sparks fly. Is history repeating itself? How has growing up in the shadow of the world’s most iconic love story affected each of the Forrester children?

Reviews

“If you’re a romantic with a brain and a heart, this is your jam . . . I closed the book with a full heart and a goofy grin.” Literary Titan, 5-star review

“Cinematic Destinies is a stunning and poignant celebration of romance, the magic of movies, and life itself. The exotic Icelandic film set, well-drawn characters, and smart writing make this book impossible to put down . . . This is a gorgeous novel.” —Laurel Richardson, author of Lone Twin

“Overall, the writing, the characters, the little nods of sizzle, and the brilliant family dynamic make this book a winner. Very highly recommended.”—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review

“Leavy’s latest must-read novel features a trio of romantic storylines about the quest for love and identity in the shadow of a Hollywood fairy tale . . . Cinematic Destinies is a spellbinding ode to love, art, and what it means to live.” —Mary E. Weems, author of Blackeyed

About the Author:

Patricia Leavy is an award-winning, best-selling author. Formerly Associate Professor of Sociology 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 honors. Her most recent novel, Shooting Stars Above, was featured on People “10 Romance Books to Read After Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry.” She has also received career awards from the National Art Education Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, and other organizations. 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.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cinematic-Destinies-Novel-Carpet-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DWNGNM1Z/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0

Patricia Leavy will award a free digital copy of her upcoming book CINEMATIC DESTINIES to the first 7500 people who enter the Rafflecopter and one lucky entrant will receive a $150 Amazon gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Feels Like Love by N.D. Jackson – Cover Reveal

June 19, 2025 By Leave a Comment

We are excited to share today’s cover for N.D. Jackson’s latest book FEELS LIKE LOVE.

If you love Friends to Lovers Romances, take a look at this sexy, small-town, diverse romance.

I just wanted to belong…

Sadie had never belonged anywhere other than on stage. A soulful singer and musician, she left home at a young age and never looked back. No one missed her anyhow. Traveling the country with one no good boyfriend after another for work, Sadie settled in New Orleans until another d-bag boyfriend decided she wasn’t enough…and the slutty new bartender was.

She left for Mustang Prairie and the open arms of her half-sister Amelia…or so she thought

I just wanted to protect her…

Dylan Parker retired at the ripe old age of 34. After catching a serial killer who’d tortured Chicago for a decade, he was ready to turn in his homicide detective’s shield.

Needing distance from his high society parents and their social climbing friends he packed up his truck and bought a bar in Mustang Prairie. Getting reacquainted with small town life would be an adjustment…until he met a copper haired amazon with a voice like warm honey.

Sadie was everything he wanted; a friend, a devil’s advocate, a sister, and a confidante. Theirs was a deeply satisfying friendship so Sadie and Dylan fought their mutual attraction.

Can Sadie & Dylan admit that their friendship feels more like love?

Pre-Order on Amazon. Free to read on KindleUnlimited

Add to Goodreads Here!

About the Author: Wanderer. Lover of books. Romance author. Vegan. Those are just some of the things used to describe me! When I’m not spinning tales of small town and contemporary romance, I love to travel, cook, and watch/listen to true crime, history & strange documentaries and podcasts. I’m a native Chicagoan currently living in Europe who has been in love with books for as long as I can remember. My first book, Conflict of Interest, was published in 2014, and I’ve been writing books ever since! I’m a full-time writer and part-time author, traveler, vegan blogger, and obsessive fan of Dawson’s Creek.

Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | Reader Group | Goodreads Author Page | BookBub Author Name | Website | Newsletter

Filed Under: Guest Blogs, Romance Tagged With: ,

Shopping for a Highlander’s Elopement by Julia Kent – Spotlight

June 19, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Long and Short Reviews welcomes Julia Kent who is celebrating the recent release of the romcom SHOPPING FOR A HIGHLANDER’S ELOPEMENT.

I didn’t expect to fall for a Scottish footballer so annoyingly sunny you need shades to be around him.

I didn’t expect to say yes to his heart-felt, if loopy, proposal while he lay injured on the pitch, blathering on about banana pudding and sparkly unicorns.

What I definitely didn’t expect?

For our engagement to explode into a paparazzi circus, our mothers to turn into wedding bulldozers, and for our wedding protector’s perfectly reasonable elopement plan to spiral into a road trip escape.

So here we are.

In Love You, Maine, a town that celebrates Valentine’s Day every single day. We’re here to get married. Quietly. No drama. In disguise.

Although good luck hiding a 6’5” ginger Scottish striker wearing a knee brace and a perpetual extrovert smile.

Instead of being subtle and blending in? Our quiet escape is vibrating heart-shaped beds, mirrors on the ceilings, secret identities, interfering mothers, and one suspiciously enthusiastic moose that humps dumpsters.

This was supposed to be a simple wedding. Just me and Hamish. No fuss.

But nothing about us has ever been simple with us.

Still, this is what love is, right? It’s chaos. It’s compromise. It’s crying in a wedding planner’s office, then kissing in a hot spring.

It’s choosing each other again and again, even when everything goes sideways.

No matter what comes next… this is our comeback story, in more ways than one.

And no – that’s not a euphemism. 🙂

Enjoy an Excerpt

Love isn’t a football game.

It’s a feeling.

A feeling that uses instinct as a tool.

I’m smarter than this. When everything felt off, I should have known that it was off for a reason.

“Jody,” I say softly, “I canna do this.”

“Of course you can. You just have the jitters. Amy’s a wonderful woman and–”

“I dinna mean the proposin’ part. That’s fine. I can do that. I mean doin’ it on the pitch.”

His turn to go green.

“You want to cancel the proposal?”

“Aye. Nae. No’ the proposin’. The doin’ it in public part. I love Amy wi’ all ma body and soul.” I frown. “She’d hate to hear me say it that way. Soul and body.” I wink at Jody. “But it’s really the other way around. Ma body knows more than ma mind.”

“I don’t need to hear every thought that pops into your head, Hamish.”

“I only tell ye the important ones.”

“Like not wanting the big spectacle we arranged for you?”

“I’m tellin’ ye now, aren’t I?”

“We have extra cameramen here for this. Your parents and siblings are in the crowd. Declan and Andrew McCormick are here. We doubled the security.”

“Is this about money? I can pay for all that.”

“It’s not–well, yes, some of it is about the money. But it’s more about publicity and planning. A lot of people put forth a huge effort to make today special for you and Amy.”

“And forty thousand of ma closest fans.”

He closes his eyes and sighs through his nose. “A better time to realize this would have been weeks ago. Not a huge US exhibition game.”

“Ma instincts told me then that this was right. Now ma gut says something else. It all feels off.”

“Your gut.”

I pat my flat stomach. “It’s gotten me this far in life. Good gut.”

He’s right. I know how much work all the coaches, teammates, stadium staff and administrators, sponsors–hell, even the car park attendants–have put into helping me today. I don’t have cold feet, and I love Amy to the moon and back, but something feels wrong.

As Amy says, hinky.

I can’t explain it. If I had words for it, I’d use them. It’s a feeling, and those don’t always line up nice and neat in words that make sense.

About the Author New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 2 million books, with 4 New York Times bestsellers and more than 21 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French, German, and Italian, with more titles releasing in the future.

From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men’s room toilet (and he isn’t a billionaire she met in a romantic comedy).

She lives in New England with her husband and three children where she is the only person in the household with the gene required to change empty toilet paper rolls.

She loves to hear from her readers.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Buy the book at Amazon, Amazon UK, Amazon AU, Amazon CA, iBooks, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, Google Play, or BookBub.

Filed Under: Guest Blogs, Romance Tagged With:
« Previous Page
Next Page »