Category: Uncategorized

Overall Grade: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Oh, Diego. I don’t know how you did it, but you won me over. Now, don’t get me wrong. I still struggled with you through the first third of Fighting for You, but Monica Murphy did something that helped you: she humanized you for her readers. That she could take a wildly unpopular character and strip you to your essential self, make you apologetic, and willing to work, or “fight”, for Jocelyn made it easier to love you. I didn’t know if she could do it. I mean, there are still some issues I have with her storytelling. I’m not a fan of the level of details she provides plus there are still inconsistencies in her characterizations. However, she made me LIKE you more than I liked Jocelyn in this book. You were the most consistent character of Fighting for You. In contrast, Jocelyn was like many of Murphy’s characters in the earlier Callahan books: one minute accepting of you and the other minute rejecting you. There was a moment near the end, Diego, when I was ready to tell you to move on because Jocelyn was holding a grudge for far too long. If you had told me that I would have imagined that about you after Eli and Ava’s duet, I would have laughed. But instead, this book, I believe, might just be my favorite in the series of standalones. Jake and Eli are still fairly unlikeable to me. Thank goodness for Hannah and Ava. With you, we see the consequences of early trauma. We recognize the impact of substance abuse on one’s development of character. We recognize the complicated binds of family. You, I think, have redeemed Jake and Eli’s stories for me. 

Now, we really, really need Tony and Jackson’s stories. If you could put in a good word to Monica, asking her to develop heroes that we can like, I’d appreciate it. I mean, if she could redeem you, the sky’s the limit for them. Right?

In love and romance, 

Professor A

P.S. I kind of adore the fact that $ex feels incredibly tangential to this book which is odd given that clearly you and Jocelyn ‘did the deed.” While it does exist, the steam level feels appropriate for your’s and Jocelyn’s journey.

https://www.amazon.com/Defensible-Space-Everyday-Heroes-World-ebook/dp/B08LPD12XD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1I2GLYUK2NK7Q&dchild=1&keywords=defensible+space+lane+martin&qid=1613088852&sprefix=Defensible+Space%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-1

Overall Grade: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

As I’ve explained in other K. Bromberg universe stories, I have not read her three stories in the Everday Heroes universe. I do know that, someday in the near future, I will, if stories such as Defensible Space are any indication. Without having read Grady and Dylan’s story, I was able to pick up easily with Lane Martin’s newest book. Her hero, Carson, and her heroine, Penny, provide you with what I imagine are some of the same feelings and thoughts as K. Bromberg’s Combust, the second book of her Everyday Heroes series. Carson is a firefighter who has run from a tragedy in his hometown to Sunnyvale. Martin’s heroine, Penny, crosses his path when she escapes from the pressures of perfection engrained in her from her childhood. A prodigy, Penny is heralded as a top violinist in the world, but all she has ever wanted is love and acceptance from her family. Like Carson, she runs from the stricture of that life to find a life lived on her own terms. At the core of Defensible Space is the idea that we can be fearful, but we must still face our fears in order to keep moving forward. One of them makes this choice to face their fears, while the other hides from them. It is in that struggle where Martin creates the delicious tension found in the best of romances. 

What did I like?

1. The chemistry between Carson and Penny. It is equal parts sweet, sassy, and steamy. These two meet when Carson’s dog, Rascal, entangles them. From there, Rascal plays more matchmaker, while Carson and Penny fall deeply for each other. They play off of each other well, and they don’t waste any time acknowledging their interest in the other. That’s probably one of the best parts of the book. Their issues lie in later accepting the depth of their feelings and stating them. 

2. The growth of Martin’s characters. Both Carson and Penny struggle with overcoming fear. What I love most is Martin’s willingness to illustrate the gravity of that issue through her heroine. Honestly, it takes Carson most of the story to move beyond the trauma of his past whereas Penny keeps engaging her fears and working through them. It feels powerful to read about a heroine who holds the strength of character in a story. 

3. Obviously, the extended cast of characters brings you back to Bromberg’s Sunnyvale. As you encounter Dylan and Grady, along with the other firefighters and businesses in this small-town, it breeds nostalgia for Bromberg’s stories. Without having read them myself, it piqued my curiosity for them, willing me to pick up Combust to read it. 

4. That fact that this is set in Northern California. As a resident of Southern California, I am an expert on fire season in California. While I haven’t encountered personally this tragedy, I am very familiar with it. I love that Lane Martin is able to connect us to the plight of Northern Californians who have been devastated by fires. It creates empathy in her readers. 

What I might have changed?

1. Martin is fairly “on the nose” with her allusions to the world of music and firefighting. Whether it’s a simile or a metaphor, they seem fairly overwrought in this story. I’m not a personal fan of that. 

2. The moment of tension between Carson and Penny (I won’t divulge their eventual issue) feels contrived. The choices made by the characters doesn’t align, in my opinion, with their overall characterization in the story. 

A defensible space is a space or perimeter around something (a house, some land, a heart) meant to protect whatever sits in the middle. Lane Martin’s newest book does a satisfying job of showing us that this space is meant to be temporary, not permanent. If we don’t remove our protection of that space, we might miss out on saving something bigger than that “thing” in the middle. If you love small-town romance with a dreamy firefighter and his intelligent, independent heroine, then you’ll want to read this book. 

In love and romance, 

Professor A

Fighting For You by Monica Murphy is now live!

Diego Garcia.
Class bully.
Football star.
My boyfriend.

I fell hard and fast for the resident bad boy and he fell just as hard for me too. We were the perfect couple, until things turned sour.
Senior year and we’re both super busy. He has football. I have volleyball. Soon enough, I hear the rumors – Diego’s cheating on me. After everything we’ve been through, I’m devastated. Breaking up with him was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. He doesn’t love me. Besides, only a few more months of school, and then I’m going away to college. And Diego will be permanently out of my life.
Until I find out I’m pregnant. And now we’re forever tied together…

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LvpgzZ

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Meet Monica

Monica Murphy is a New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling romance author. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and have sold over two million copies worldwide. Both a traditionally published and independently published author, she writes young adult, new adult and contemporary romance. She’s also known as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.

A native Californian, she lives on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere with her husband, two kids, one dog, and four cats. When she’s not writing, she’s an assistant coach for her daughter’s high school cheer team, which is a two season sport. Meaning, she’s at practice with a bunch of teenage girls all the time. Or she’s at a football game. Or a basketball game. Maybe someday, she’ll even write about this experience.

Connect with Monica

Website: http://monicamurphyauthor.com

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 Lane Martin’s Defensible Space is a charming performer and firefighter contemporary romance written in K. Bromberg’s Everyday Heroes Worlds project!

Penny

The whole world knew me… but I didn’t know myself. When I wasn’t performing–my life was sterile hotel rooms, lukewarm room service, and binge-watching cooking and home improvement shows on cable. I did what I was told to do and went where I was directed to go. I don’t know what made me get in my car and drive to Sunnyville that day. Was it fate? Destiny? I’m not sure. Maybe. Everything in my life changed that day, and I finally learned who I was meant to be.

Carson

I grew up in a small town. My life was planned–the job, the house, the girl. Even the dog. As a firefighter, I knew how fast things could change, and yet I wasn’t prepared for what began that Thursday. There was no Defensible Space–no buffer that protected me from the loss of everything I thought was my future. Instead of facing my fears, I packed it up and headed to Sunnyville. Some might have said I was running.

Running.

Funny–That’s exactly what I was doing when I ran into Penny Anderson while chasing my wayward dog.

At the time I didn’t know it, but she found me when I was lost.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
https://geni.us/DefSpace

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Defensible Space is written in New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg’s Everyday Heroes World, which is one of two KB Worlds projects. With over 100 authors, who were selected by and are working with K. Bromberg, these stories will be fan fiction at its finest—and sexiest. Devoted fans of the Driven and Everyday Heroes series will have the opportunity to revisit their favorite characters and settings. You can find out more about K. Bromberg and the KB Worlds at kbworlds.com.

KB Worlds Amazon Page: https://amzn.to/3dpfvuX 
KB Worlds Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/2Vez4Aa 
KB Worlds Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2B226Mo

Meet Lane Martin

Lane Martin lives in Northern California with her husband of over twenty-five years. She has two children. Her daughter recently graduated from American University in Washington, DC. Her son is attending the local junior college to become a firefighter. Lane learned about Fanfiction after reading a little trilogy written by E.L. James. After reading many of the stories, she decided to give it a try and posted her first one-shot story in July of 2013. It was the first thing she had written since graduating from college in 1993. She remembered an English teacher had once threatened to beat her up if she wasn’t published by the time she was thirty. She soon had many stories on the site. Blessed with great readers and a supportive family, she decided to write her first book. She wishes she knew then what she knows now, but don’t we all. Lane enjoys reading and listening to romance novels when she isn’t writing her own. She likes traveling to new places to meet other authors and readers.
 
Connect with Lane
Website | www.lanemartin.com
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Second Chance At Us, an all-new friends-to-lovers romance from Stacy Travis is coming March 3rd, and we have the beautiful cover!

In high school, I was the bubbly cheerleader and he was the quiet debate guy I didn’t even know existed.

But Blake Fulton made me believe in love after just one day.

Two weeks after my dad died, I was spiraling out of control and my friends had gone AWOL. Blake had never spoken to me before, but suddenly he was there. We ditched school, he bought me a burger, he made me laugh. And he kissed me better than any of those football guys ever did.

Then he ghosted me and broke my heart.

Fifteen years later, he’s back in my life. He wants to apologize and explain. He wants to prove he’s a better man now.

All I want is to resist.

But there’s something about him… the way his gorgeous gray eyes see me like I’m the only woman in the room, the way he ignites a fire that burns only for him, the way he knows what I need even before I do.

I could fall for him all over again.
I’ve never believed in second chances. Will he be the one to change my mind?

Pre-order your copy today, exclusively on Amazon!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tJ4JJG
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Cover Designer: Shanoff Designs

About Stacy Travis
It’s a rough world out there, and we all sometimes need a good, romantic beach read, even if we can’t make it to the beach. I’ve spent many lazy days walking the streets of Paris and other gorgeous European cities, and if I’m doing it right, I’m bringing you a dash of romance and a vacay fantasy.
I can’t sit still, so when I’m not hiking, biking or running, I’m playing a very average game of tennis. Background music for writing undoubtedly features some U2, Lizzo, Billy Joel, Pink, Taylor Swift, and Led Zeppelin. Not necessarily in that order. And if I could only eat one food group, it would be cheese. Or wine. Or bread. Are those food groups? Whatever.

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Website: https://stacytravis.com

LEAVE HIM LOVED by Harloe Rae
Release date: February 25th

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Blurb:
I’m a city girl—born and raised. A towering high-rise that overlooks the hustle and bustle is where my future should lead.

Living in farm country? That possibility never had a place on my bucket list. Until now.

Bumping into Reeve Colton—local bachelor and shameless flirt—on my introductory stroll down Main Street is a pleasant surprise. The small-town charm of Bampton Valley begins sinking in that afternoon. Maybe this temporary relocation is a blessing in disguise.

What starts as a bit of fun becomes complicated in a hurry. It turns out Reeve and I have more in common than our mutual appreciation of good barbecue.

But that won’t change the inevitable.
When my contract is done, I’ll be leaving him—and Bampton Valley—behind.

About the Author:
Harloe Rae is a USA Today & Amazon Top 10 best-selling author. Her passion for writing and reading has taken on a whole new meaning. Each day is an unforgettable adventure.

She’s a Minnesota gal with a serious addiction to romance. There’s nothing quite like an epic happily ever after. When she’s not buried in the writing cave, Harloe can be found hanging with her hubby and son. If the weather permits, she loves being lakeside or out in the country with her horses.

Harloe is the author of the Reclusive series, Watch Me Follow, the #BitterSweetHeat series, Ask Me Why, the Silo Springs series, and Left For Wild. These titles are available on Amazon.

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 Alison G. Bailey has revealed the cover for Evie Interrupted!

Releasing: March 25, 2021

Cover Designer: Nicole Blanchard

Ben said he loved me, lusted after me, and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. From the very beginning I was honest with him about my complicated life. He promised me the only thing that mattered was our love. I thought the future was set, until…
“Evie, I can’t do us anymore.”
The day Ben walked away was the day my love life went on permanent hiatus. Men were a distraction that I didn’t want or need, until…
Tall, dark, and handsome ex-pro-football-player, Butler Thompson entered the picture, and interrupted my heart.

 Preorder your book today.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oRNORk

Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/EvieInterrupted

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3oZn2Hv

Meet Alison

Alison G. Bailey is an award winning, Amazon and International bestselling author living in Charleston, South Carolina. At an early age she fell in love with writing, reworking scenes from her favorite TV shows and movies with new dialogue. Alison wrote and produced several stage plays before turning her sights on the book world.

Under the influence of a copious amount of Diet Pepsi and nonstop listening to her Spotify playlists, Alison writes unique emotional stories full of love, laughter, and romance.

Connect with Alison

Website: https://www.alisongbailey.com/

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New York Times bestselling author Erin Nicholas is taking readers back to the Bayou with an all-new, fun and flirty small town romance series!

The Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild Series kicks off April 20th with Otterly Irresistible and we have the incredible cover!

Broody wildlife veterinarian Griffin Foster is done. Done trying to save the world. Done getting attached. He’s been fired twice for standing his ground and now he’s going to be content–by God–in small-town Louisiana, in a small veterinary practice, where there will only be small problems.

Quiet and boring, though? Um, no. He’s been adopted by a loud, crazy Cajun family with a tiny petting zoo for him to care for. Hey, it’s not endangered tigers at a nationally renowned zoo, but a family of otters–and all the gumbo he can eat–isn’t a bad deal.

Until she shows up. Again.

The sunny, gorgeous optimist who stole his heart–and his favorite shirt–two months ago. Who clearly hasn’t heard the word “no” enough in her life. And who is the first woman to put even a tiny crack in his don’t-get-attached wall.

Charlotte “Charlie” Landry is the new marketing consultant for the family swamp-boat tour company and petting zoo. It might not have been her plan, but she is all in, ready to grow the business. Whether the hot, grumpy vet likes it or not.

He doesn’t.

Worse, sparring with his unforgettable one-night stand is more fun than he’s had in a long time.

But watching wears-designer-dresses Charlie find her dream job amongst a bunch of goats, alpacas, and otters is a surprise.

And her helping him find his passion again is…well, irresistible.

Dammit.

Pre-order your copy today → https://bit.ly/3cWPWF1

Cover Design: Najla of Qamber Designs
Photographer: Wander Aguiar

About Erin Nicholas

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas has been writing romances almost as long as she’s been reading them. To date, she’s written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as “toe-curling,” “enchanting,” “steamy,” and “fun.” She adores reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines, and happily ever afters. Erin lives in the Midwest, where she enjoys spending time with her husband (who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books), her kids (who will never read the sex scenes in her books), and her family and friends (who claim to be “shocked” by the sex scenes in her books).

Connect with Erin
Website: http://bit.ly/2NkB2uF
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★ ★ ★ FREEBIE ALERT ★ ★ ★
My mother just met Duane and Jessica for the first time a couple of weeks ago. In her words, “I love the bearded man book.” You can love it too…for FREE!

“A hot down-home romance with extra beardy goodness. I loved it!”–Kylie Scott, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

Truth or Beard, a hilarious small-town romance and the first book in the Winston Brothers series from New York Times bestselling author @reidromance is FREE for a limited time only!

Don’t miss out! Grab your FREE copy today→ http://bit.ly/3p3HztU

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Beneath the Stars Excerpt Blitz

A Friends-to-Lovers Rockstar Romance from A.L. Jackson

Coming February 22nd

Beneath the Stars is coming 02/22, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the except blitz. Check out the fire that is coming to you in this friends-to-lovers romance!

“Just how strong are ya, Mag Pie? Think you can sling me on that back and carry me inside?” He managed to only half slur the words.

Droplets of giddiness dripped into my chest. A well gathering fast. “You’re asking me if I can lift a Mack truck?”

“Hell, no. Just if you can tackle a stallion.”

He waggled his brows, though it was sloppy and goofy and kind of adorable, and god, how easily I could fall for this man.

Like slipping into quicksand.

“What would you say if I wanted to try?” I whispered, throat so tight it was difficult to speak.

He grunted. “I’d say that sounds like a mistake.”

“I thought you said I needed to make a few mistakes along the way?” I lifted my chin, my eyes searching his face in the darkness.

He forced a grin that felt wholly faked. “Ahhh…a few mistakes are called for. But believe me, baby, you don’t want this kind of tragedy.”

“Rhys—”

He shook his head to cut me off. “Don’t.”

I glanced back at the house. “I really should get Royce. He can help me get you inside.”

Rhys huffed out a laugh, shoving off the darkness that had gathered around him like a violent storm. He cocked a playful grin. “Think I’ve received my full allotment of death threats from your brother today, thank you very much. I can make it just fine.”

“Death threats?”

“Let’s just say he made our boundaries very clear.” He gestured at the bare space between us. “Just so you know, we’re already crossin’ them.”

I scowled. “When?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

I huffed a sigh.

Freaking Royce.

“Richard?” I offered instead.

“Nope. Good as new. Can’t keep a good man down.” His words were all slurry and mushed together.

He hopped up like he was going to prove the point.

Only he stumbled three feet to the side.

A goliath who swayed.

I jumped up and rushed to his side. “Whoa there, cowboy. You keep it up, and you’re definitely going down.”

He leaned against me, slinging his arm over my shoulders.

The man heavy and hard and pure masculinity.

He staggered a bit, and I struggled to keep him upright, because holy crap, he was made of brick.

Suddenly, his nose was in my hair. “Why you gotta smell so good, Mags? And this dress.”

My brain was short-circuiting with him this close.

With the words that slipped from his mouth so errantly.

With the way his fingertips grazed over the silky fabric in the barest brush.

Wildfire.

It consumed my flesh.

But it was my heart that was at risk.

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Can’t wait for the release? Be sure to vote for BENEATH THE STARS as one of your most anticipated February reads on Goodreads!

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“AL Jackson wrecked me and put me back together with this book. I fell for Rhys and Maggie’s story from page one!”

-Jessica Prince, Romance Author

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GIVEAWAY

Win a Signed Paperback of Kiss the Stars

Join A.L. Jackson’s Reader Hangout to Enter

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A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, and FALLING STARS novels. Watch out for her upcoming stand-alone, BENEATH THE STARS, releasing February 22nd.

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

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