Cover reveal of Lovely Torment by Kimberly Quinn

Lovely Torment
Kimberly Quinn
(Savage Hearts Syndicate, #2)
Publication date: November 18th 2025
Genres: Adult, Dark Romance, Romance, Suspense

He’s cold, calculating, and lethal. A killer.

He’s also my hero.

Finn Decker rescued me from a life in captivity, but not out of mercy. I’m his key to destroying the Bratva leader who shattered both our lives. A pawn in his ruthless game of vengeance.

I should be afraid. I should run.

Instead, I’m drawn to the darkness in his eyes, the craving he ignites, and the promise of retribution he offers. And I realize—I want him to use me in ways that have nothing to do with revenge.

Only, it’s hard to tell if I’m his leverage, his weakness, or something far more dangerous.

His.

Because in a war this savage, there’s no room for mistakes.

Or love.

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Author Bio:

Kimberly is a contemporary romance author, born procrastinator, and lover of morally gray heroes. She enjoys lively conversations, usually with imaginary people, and can often be found daydreaming at work.

She writes gritty, messy, dangerous romances, featuring beautifully flawed characters, pursuing love at all costs. It's romance with rough edges.

When she’s not busy writing, you can find her with a coffee in hand, dog at her side, and exploring the wilds of her hometown in Ontario, Canada… Or on her couch, getting lost in a good story.

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Book Blitz of Handle With Care by Hayden Stone. (#contests- Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card.)

Handle with Care
Hayden Stone
Publication date: October 14th 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

Two rival interns. One art museum. And a missing art museum exhibit.

Dylan Alexander doesn’t need a boyfriend. Having one will only slow him down.

Freshly graduated from university, Dylan’s arrived in London, England from Vancouver, Canada for a summer internship at the London Art & Design Museum. He’s also looking for strings-free fun and a fresh dating scene. This is Dylan’s dream chance to start his career and land a permanent job in London—or else he must return to Vancouver where museum jobs are rare, and the dating pool is old news. Everything’s going great in his new life—except for one thing. Dylan must put up with rival museum intern William Martin-Greene.

Will is everything Dylan can’t stand: flashy, arrogant, and entitled. Forget that he’s too handsome for his own good and knows it. It’s bad luck that they both started on the same internship program. At least they work safely apart in different departments—until one day, they’re forced to work together when Will unexpectedly joins Dylan’s Curatorial team. So much for the avoidance strategy that had worked so far. Will’s arrival on his team is also not helping his unmistakable attraction. When Dylan and Will end up stranded together while collecting exhibits, with only one bed to share, they can’t deny their chemistry.

With only one permanent job on offer at the end of the summer, the competition is on to be the best intern. They both share the blame when an important design exhibit goes missing and risks the unexpected summer romance between them. Then, everything is on the line—including hearts, careers, and a chance at love.

A rivals-to-lovers, opposites attract, only one bed, and boy-next-door romance!

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

Day 1

Keep going, Dylan. I splash along a London street that must be hundreds of years old. It’s lined with brick buildings, a mirrored office tower reflecting the moody sky, and followed by even more brick buildings. Then, at street level, there’re all the glass-fronted shops. The museum’s got to be close. You’ve gotten halfway around the world, after all.

With the help of printed out maps and free Wi-Fi, of course.

It’s not far now.

And I can’t stop smiling. I can’t believe I’m actually here. Forget the rain.

It’s a soggy, blustery London day, which admittedly does no favors for my leather shoes or my styled hair. Or for making a good impression on the first day of a new job in a country I landed in three days ago. And it’s the first day where jet lag isn’t totally kicking my ass.

I get a little lost on my way from London Bridge station somewhere along the modern gray tiled path leading past the Old London City Hall. The problem being something called Old London City Hall looks very modern and new, with its endless windows and curved oval structure, which is part of what got me confused. Because everything old in London’s supposed to be, well, old. Like really old. And this building is anything but. I squint at the building through the rain at the edge of an equally sleek plaza, dotted with leafy trees boxed in with low hedges, concrete benches, and contemporary art installations, all overlooking the Thames.

Old London City Hall looks like it was built yesterday.

This must be some prank to play on the tourists.

I pull out a slightly crumpled page from my pocket with one hand and hold on to the umbrella with my other hand. I haven’t sorted out my phone yet, and I don’t want to pay roaming charges. My printed-out map reliably shows Potters Field Park beside the Thames and the Old London City Hall plaza. Plus, there’s the iconic Tower Bridge nearby as a key landmark, and an X in blue pen marks the museum to the east. Raindrops splatter the page with dark spots before I hurriedly tuck it away.

I’m back on track.

The museum must be straight ahead, past the park—my destination—down at the end of the road or the block or whatever people call it here. I start walking again with purpose. Like I belong here amid the Londoners who happen to know where they’re going.

At least, I think it’s the museum at the end of the street. I haven’t actually seen it before, except on Google Street View.

Distracted, I end up making an unscheduled detour down a side street to see more of the surrounding area, which has one-way traffic. But there’re more modern buildings again down this way, and I work on figuring out how to loop back on course before I’m late.

Look right, then left. I keep repeating my new mantra when I cross the street, then hurry up another street toward the museum as the weather worsens. Everyone drives on the opposite side of the street from what I’m used to.

I grip my umbrella tight against another gust of wind.

A red sports car screams past as a wind gust turns my umbrella inside out.

Then an icy tidal wave hits me like a slap, and I reel.

“What the fuck—” I yelp, the umbrella useless in my hand.

An airborne puddle soaks me. Right from my head down to my now very ruined—rather than partly ruined—new shoes. Leather never deserves a flood of water, never mind my face.

Water pours off me in sheets. I’m left sopping wet, gasping and spluttering.

Me and my wet rage, dressed in soggy smart casual. My light cotton blazer, perfect for actual summer, turns out to be incredible at soaking up water like a sponge.

I stare after the red car rocketing up the road toward the museum, its taillights a sharp dazzle against the soft gray world even through the rain. My fists tighten while I drip.

Too bad I didn’t pack a towel in my bag, but I didn’t expect impromptu bathing today.

Asshole.

Author Bio:

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

 

 

 

 

 

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Handle With Care Blitz

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Cover Reveal of Hustled by Roya Carmen

Hustled
Roya Carmen
Publication date: November 20th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

Fun and Games.
An indecent proposal.
And a whole lot of heartbreak.

Pro billiards player Caine Hall is hot as hell. When he walks into the pool hall I co-own with my husband Reeves, I nearly fall all over myself. Over a few playful games, we get to know each other. He’s smooth and sly, and Reeves instantly hates his guts. He’d kick him out if Mr. Hall didn’t just happen to be our landlord.

He says he wants to help us, and we’re all ears. But when he makes us an outrageous proposal, we can’t believe the gall of the man. Caine wants to spend time with me. It’s innocent enough, albeit very weird. We’re desperate because we’re behind on our rent, so eventually, after much pondering, we reluctantly accept.

Caine treats me like a princess and shows me a whole new world. He takes things slow, just like he does at the pool table. Yet… he scares me — he’s intense and obsessive. And as he abuses his power, his demands and proposals intensify.

Reeves and I are falling apart. We keep telling ourselves we’ll say no next time, but Caine has got us both under his spell, efficiently manipulating us both in very different ways.

I’m anxious about my marriage and my unpredictable, hot-tempered husband. Yet I can’t stop thinking about Caine. He’s in my head. He’s under my skin. Reeves and I have agreed that this is simply a financial arrangement, something we’re doing for our livelihood.

So why have I let Caine hustle his way into my heart?

This novel is a STANDALONE book. It will be part of a series of 3 standalone books, all stories will be related but will stand on its own.

Author Bio:

Mom, writer, bookworm, comic artist, and hopeless romantic.

Author of The Ground Rules trilogy, the One Week series, the Riverstones series, the Orchard Heights series, and the You collection.

ALL my books are standalone reads with the exception of The Ground Rules Book 2 and 3. Although the books are standalone reads, when reading a complete series, it is best to do so in chronological order to avoid spoilers. And if you're a comics fan, check out my comic book: A Romantic Life. :)

 

 

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Book Blitz of Just Friends with a Rockstar by Kitt Henley. (#contests- enter to win an Amazon Gift Card.)

Just Friends With a Rockstar
Kitt Henley
(Soulmates, #1)
Publication date: September 30th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

A second-chances friends-to-lovers redemption story featuring a rockstar hero in need of forgiveness, a jilted drummer heroine craving belonging, and a secret crush revealed.

 

He broke my heart. Now he wants me back.

KACIE: Micah Andrews was my everything—bandmate, best friend, and secret crush—until he replaced me as the drummer in his band.

I was devastated. I moved back home and vowed never to let myself be vulnerable again.

Now he’s begging me to come back to help him record an album on a super tight timeline. Rebecca—his new drummer—left him high and dry, and the label’s given him an ultimatum: Finish the album or they’re canceling his upcoming tour.

I tried to say no. I told him to find another drummer. But Micah doesn’t want another drummer.

He wants me.

I hear the emotion in his voice. I know how much he’s counting on me right now, and I also know how utterly lost I’ve been without him. I can’t walk away from this chance to repair our friendship, but I’d better figure out how to protect my heart—and fast—or Micah might just break it into a thousand pieces all over again, and then I’d lose my best friend. Forever.

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Soulmates: Two bands. Three shows. Four happily ever afters.
Just Friends With a Rockstar is a complete romance novella with no cliffhanger. This story can be enjoyed as a standalone or read as the first book in the Soulmates interwoven rockstar romance series.

Goodreads / Amazon

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Author Bio:

Kitt Henley writes short, spicy contemporary romance with relatable characters, a touch of humor, and tons of heart. Never one to make it through a good romance (or cookie commercial) with dry eyes, Kitt's heartstrings are easy to pull on. When she played in rock bands and crunched numbers in the Seattle tech world, those waterworks weren't an asset, but after a friend suggested she try writing romance, everything clicked into place. From the moment she sat down to write her first novel, she knew she'd found her calling.

When she's not wrangling words in her tiny bedroom office, Kitt loves to spend time with her high school best friend (a.k.a. her rockstar husband) and their two ridiculously funny boys. She's still holding out hope for that family band someday, but in the meantime she'll happily settle for camping trips, board games, long walks with friends, and watching lots and lots of thrillers.

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Just Friends With a Rockstar Blitz

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Read an Excerpt of The Champagne Crush by Caroline O'Connell (#contests- Enter to win some nice prizes- 3 winners.)

The Champagne Crush
Caroline O ’Connell
(Les Femmes Series)
Publication date: September 16th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

 

For fans of The Paradise Problem, a slow-burn romance about a socialite in over her head in a high-stakes job promoting a new sparkling wine with a difficult boss who wants to see her fail—despite the electric sparks flying between them.

Catherine Reynolds has enjoyed a life of luxury, but her diplomat parents have cut her off financially, leaving her flat broke. She is determined to turn things around and gain her independence—so, when an old family friend offers her a lifeline as a PR consultant for his sparkling wine company, she jumps at the chance. But working with Chris McDermott, the company’s sexy, stubborn president, is anything but easy.

A purist at heart, Chris clashes with Catherine’s glitzy marketing flair; still, the chemistry between them is undeniable. As they travel from New York to Napa, Paris, and the Champagne region of France, their partnership blossoms amid high-stakes industry rivalries and a launch that could make or break them.

When sabotage threatens to shatter their dreams, Catherine must dig deep to prove her worth. With the dazzling unveiling of their new sparkling wine in Bordeaux in jeopardy, will she and Chris overcome the challenges of the past and present to secure their future—and find love in the process?

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Also check out Caroline’s other book, Affordable Paris Hotels!
Your Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Trip to Paris is the must-have resource for travelers who want charm, comfort, and location—without the luxury hotel price tag.

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 Read an Excerpt

 

Sightseeing in Paris

(after work trip to Champagne)

As they walked out, Chris asked, “What’s on the agenda for this afternoon?”

Catherine’s eyes lit up. “Shopping, of course, though I’m on a tight budget. Mind if we stop at my favorite lingerie boutique?”

Chris draped his arm around her shoulders. “Far from it. Consider it my duty to assist in your choices—after you’ve modeled the contenders.”

“Sounds like an athletic event,” she said.

“Might very well be after you’re done.” Chris’s arm around her tightened as they found a nearby cab.

“What’s so special about this place?” he asked during their ride over to the Right Bank.

“Family tradition. My French grandma used to take me there. Herminie Cadolle is credited with inventing the bra in the late 1800s. She cut a corset in half and voilà.” Catherine made a cutting gesture across her chest. “Every garment was handmade, called sur mesure, to fit each woman’s body. Now much of their lingerie is ready to wear, prêt à porter.”

“Don’t they sell stuff like this in New York?”

She shook her head. “Not really. Cadolle is still run by Herminie’s descendants—same high standards, top silk and black French lace, quality craftsmanship.”

Ten minutes later, they walked into the boutique on Rue Cambon. A young saleslady welcomed them and directed Chris to a sitting area. Catherine perused ensembles hanging artfully on a partition while Chris was served coffee. Then the ladies got to work.

Catherine had a gift card from her French grandma; she hoped the amount would cover a matching bra and panty set and a silk cami. In her modeling days, she and Vanessa had worn

camisoles as an undergarment for an extra layer to stay warm or as a sexy top under a fitted suit jacket, buttoned up partway with the lace peeking out.

The saleslady understood exactly what Catherine preferred and they had a good selection in Catherine’s small size. Catherine playfully dangled a few lacy nothings in front of Chris on her way to the dressing room. She’d never been to a lingerie store with a man waiting nearby. She found it incredibly sexy. As she tried on each delicate bra and panties set, she envisioned modeling them for him.

Catherine knew she was playing with fire and had some trepidation. Chris had made his intentions crystal clear. No holds barred while they were in Paris. After the trip, they’d go back to their agreement to wait until the launch.

She was intensely attracted to him. Her quandary: She had difficulty letting her guard down when it came to intimacy. She might freeze up. That could nix this love affair before it started. She liked him so much she was willing to take the gamble.

There’s something to this French stuff, Chris mused, while waiting on a velvet settee with a cup of strong coffee. The French didn’t hide their appreciation for sexy lingerie. He’d passed more boutiques displaying lacy bras and barely-there undies on the streets of Paris than in any other city. Of course, the woman who’d captured his interest was all in on this enticing game.

In a dressing room nearby, she was in the process of selecting an ensemble that he hoped to get her to model for him in private, post haste. Fortunately, their hotel was a few blocks away.

Catherine emerged with her purchases in a decorative gold bag and looked pleased with the results. This woman really does like to shop.

They got back to the hotel in record time. Chris suggested a stop at the Costes bar for a late-afternoon cocktail. He managed to find a dark corner where they could sit side by side in a

secluded leather booth with no distractions. After ordering the house specialty—a pitcher of Caipirinha, sugar cane, liquor, and lime—Chris reached for Catherine’s hand.

I’m head over heels for this woman. He hoped she felt the same and it wasn’t a dalliance on her part.

 

 

Author Bio:

CAROLINE O’CONNELL has written five travel guides and numerous travel articles for magazines, newspapers, and websites. Her Romance In Paris guide has won widespread praise: “There is no better person to guide you through Paris than Caroline” — Peter Greenberg, the Travel Detective, radio host, and Travel Editor on CBS-TV. And Library Journal raved — “Reading this breezy but informative guide to Paris is like having a series of conversations with a well-traveled friend…”

Her debut novel, THE CHAMPAGNE CRUSH: A Romance Novel (Spark Press), is due out on September 16, 2025.

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Book Blitz of never marry the best man by Julia Kent (#contests-Win an Amazon Gift Card.)

Never Marry the Best Man
Julia Kent
(Whatever It Takes, #4)
Publication date: September 9th 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

There’s no way the hot relative of a minor British royal is hitting on her. She’s misreading everything, right?

Except there’s no mistaking that proposal.

When 50something Ranney Martini (yes, Nessa’s mom!) finds herself being courted by the very English best man in a minor royal’s wedding she’s managing, she can’t help but laugh. He’s 17 years her junior, smoking hot, and an award-winning architect. The flirting is all in her imagination.

Of course it is.

But when a strange twist of fate leaves them trapped in Las Vegas, and Tom has a sudden need for American citizenship – faster than fast – Ranney proves she’s the consummate professional.

Because when you’re a wedding protector, you do whatever it takes to make the perfect wedding.

Even marrying the very handsome best man.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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EXCERPT:

Tom cleared his throat.

“I know you’re on the clock, and this is a mess, but Jack’s with Chunk and we have no idea what’s happening next. Emergency rooms take hours, so we have some time. What would you like to do? Are you hungry? Shall we get some dinner? I’ve never seen Las Vegas before. Shall we take a look around?”

“From what I’ve seen of your work, I don’t think you’re going to like the aesthetic here very much.” Ranney had only been there once before, with Carmine, for some sort of packaging expo. She’d spent most of her time by the hotel pool and therefore avoided the stereotypical Vegas experience. The desert weather had been lovely, the hotel food was exceptional, and she never set foot in a casino or even pulled a slot machine handle.

“But it’s iconic! Come on, I can’t be here on the ground and not see it, I may never be back!”

“Tom, what about the wedding party? You’re supposed to be hanging out with them!”

“I already explained that. They’re my relatives and a bunch of future in laws of Charlie’s. I can be with them anytime. I can’t be with you anytime. And certainly not in Las Vegas, Nevada.”

And that was the moment when she realized just how much she wanted to go with him. She wanted to see Las Vegas–with him. She wanted to sit next to him in the back of an Uber and listen to him talk. Lean against him, close enough to breathe the scent of his skin. Hear everything that had ever happened to him before they met, even if he told her in that annoying British accent–which was becoming less annoying and more charming by the minute.

Dear God, was this some unanticipated perimenopausal side effect? In all the articles that she’d read on the subject, had this ever been mentioned? Intense and inappropriate lust for a virtual stranger?

Speaking of inappropriate, what exactly was his age, anyway? She needed another look at his profile and she needed it now. Because if he was anywhere near her daughter’s age–if he was young enough, say, to have attended one of Nessa’s childhood birthday parties–she was going to fake stomach flu and get on the next plane home. Claire could have this entire field all to herself, whether she was capable or not.

“Are you all right?” Tom asked. “You’re looking a bit… shaken up. I thought emergencies were your specialty?”

Author Bio:

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 by email at julia@jkentauthor.com, on Twitter @jkentauthor, on Facebook at @jkentauthor, and on Instagram @jkentauthor. Visit her at http://jkentauthor.com

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Never Marry the Best Man Blitz

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Book Blitz of Firelight Days by Savannah Pryce (#contests- Wnter to win an Ecopy of the book.)

Firelight Days
Savannah Pryce
Publication date: August 3rd 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

When wildfires force an evacuation in her small town, baker and loner Penny Ridgeman seeks refuge at the only place she feels safe – Jack Olsen’s family ranch in Eastern Oregon. For years, Penny has seen Jack as just a friend – even if he is, inconveniently, the most attractive man she knows. But just like you shouldn’t mix-up salt and sugar in a cake, she believes that mixing love and friendship is a recipe for disaster.

Jack has always admired and respected Penny’s need for solitude. And, as the town handyman, builder, and cat-in-a-tree-rescuer, he prides himself on being able to fix and figure out anything. But he can’t understand why Penny holds herself back in her work. He can’t see what’s behind those stubborn, thick walls she keeps up. And he can’t work out, for the life of him, why suddenly he can’t stop thinking about her.

As the days stretch into quiet nights on the ranch, Penny and Jack start to see each other in a new light – one Penny is certain can only lead to getting seriously burned. With the world around them on fire and only each other for company, they find themselves in a whirlwind of emotions neither expected.

As the fire threatens to consume everything, Penny and Jack must decide whether to risk their friendship for something deeper… or will that go up in flames, too?

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

Penny had never been in the car with Jack alone for this long. He’d given her rides here and there, of course, a ride home on a rainy day sometimes. But today, the energy felt totally different—of course, they were evacuating. She hadn’t seen him so pensive and on edge since right before he had broken up with Valerie a few years ago. She didn’t like it. She was used to seeing Jack as easily confident, relaxed, and always sure he could take care of anything. And she hadn’t realized until this second how much she’d come to just rely on that, even if they were just friends and saw each other for twenty minutes a day, usually.

He took a long drink from his bottle, relishing the cold washing down his suddenly dry throat. Was it possible that, deep down, maybe she had feelings for him? Was it possible that underneath it all, he actually had feelings for her?
Or was this just what happened to two people who happened to be stuck riding out a natural disaster together?

Penny decided there wasn’t just an elephant in the room between her and Jack. That was too small. It was more like a brontosaurus in the room. No matter how busy she kept herself, nothing distracted her enough from the big, fat, unavoidable presence growing larger and larger in her mind.
Jack.

Author Bio:

Savannah Pryce is a writer hailing from the beautiful Pacific Northwest. FIRELIGHT DAYS is her debut novel.

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Firelight Days Blitz

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Book Blitz of Faking the Pass by Tru Taylor (#contests- Enter to win a print copy of the book.)

Faking the Pass
Tru Taylor
Publication date: September 5th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Fake marry the smokin ’hot NFL quarterback who dumped me in high school? Hard pass.

…Or it would be, if my Hollywood disaster of an ex-fiancé wasn’t trying to destroy my career—and bankrupt me in the process.

Cue Presley Lowe.
Big-time quarterback. Bigger ego. Even bigger… contract.
The boy who broke my heart, then dared to somehow get even hotter with age.

He says a fake marriage will solve both our problems.
I say he’s lost his mind.

But I’m broke, blacklisted, and backed into a corner.
So now I’m wearing Presley’s ring, taking couple-selfies, and sleeping one wall away from the man who gave me my first heartbreak—and my last good kiss.

I pretend not to notice when he walks around shirtless.
He pretends he doesn’t remember exactly how I like to be kissed.

We’re both lying.
But it’s all temporary. Totally fake.

Right?

So why does every look he gives me scream mine?

And why am I starting to feel like there’s nothing I wouldn’t give to keep hearing him say, my wife?

What happens when your fake husband is also the boy you never got over?

Faking the Pass is a fun and flirty steamy small town romantic comedy ideal for fans of Pippa Grant, Lucy Score, Megan Quinn, Melanie Harlow, Lauren Blakely, and Abby Jiminez.

It’s the perfect next read for readers who love these tropes:

Fake Marriage
NFL Quarterback Hero/ high school ex
First love, second chance
Runaway Bride
One Bed / Forced Proximity
Tight-knit family of football-playing brothers
Swoon-worthy, heartfelt, slow burn romance

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Book Blitz of Rekindled Flame by Ella Braeme. (#contests- Enter to Win An Amazon Gift Card.)

Rekindled Flame
Ella Braeme
(Burning Hearts, #1)
Publication date: September 3rd 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

He swore to protect his town—but guarding his heart is the real challenge.

Volunteer firefighter Shawn Miller thought he had his life figured out in small-town Elken Grove. His print shop pays the bills while his real passion—fighting fires—keeps him connected to the community he loves.

Then his new Captain walks through the station doors: Rebecca “Becks” Schwartz, the woman who walked out of his life nine years ago. Now she’s his superior officer, and someone in the department is determined to drive her away—or worse.

As danger closes in, Shawn must balance protecting Becks with respecting her authority. But when sparks fly hotter than ever between them, he realizes some flames aren’t meant to be extinguished—they’re meant to be stoked.

Get REKINDLED FLAME today and feel the heat of this slow-burn second chance romance!

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

“There’s something else you should know before you leave.”

Something in the chief’s tone made Shawn sink back into his chair. “Sir?”

“The new captain is a woman,” Washington said carefully, clearly bracing for resistance. “Rebecca Schwartz from the Charlotte Fire Department. Goes by Becks, according to her application. She’ll be arriving Thursday next week for an informal meet-and-greet at Mr. Jones & Husband, then coming by on Saturday to meet the volunteers during training before officially starting on Monday.”

Shawn nodded, unfazed by the gender revelation. “A female captain? That’s fine by—“

But the words died in his throat as the full name registered. The folder slipped from his suddenly numb fingers, papers spilling across the floor. Rebecca Schwartz. The name echoed in his head like the aftershock of an explosion.

“Rebecca Schwartz?” he repeated, his voice sounding distant to his own ears.

Washington’s eyebrows rose slightly at Shawn’s reaction. “You know her?”

Know her? Shawn almost laughed at the absurdity of the question. He’d known her as Becca back then—sweet-faced but determined Becca with her infectious laugh and fierce ambition. He’d known the curve of her smile and the scent of her skin. Known her dreams and fears. Known the sound of her voice first thing in the morning and the last thing at night.

Until he hadn’t.

“We trained together,” he said finally, the understatement of the decade. “At the North Carolina Fire Academy. When I knew her, she went by Becca, not Becks.”

Washington frowned, clearly surprised by this information. “I didn’t connect the dots when reviewing your files.” He leaned forward, suddenly concerned. “Is this going to be a problem?”

Shawn bent to gather the scattered papers, grateful for the chance to hide his expression. Memories he’d buried years ago resurfaced in vivid detail—Becca’s fierce determination during training exercises, her infectious laugh during rare moments of downtime, the devastating fury in her eyes the last time they’d spoken.

“I never want to see your face again, Miller. Keep six feet away from me for the rest of our lives.”

He straightened, clutching the reassembled folder, his knuckles white against the manila paper. “No, sir. No problem at all.”

Author Bio:

Ella Braeme writes steamy small-town romance where protective heroes and the women who capture their hearts find love in the mountains and marshlands of Georgia. Whether her characters are running toward danger or running from their past, they always find their way to happily-ever-after. When she's not dreaming up new ways for couples to fall headlong into danger (and love), she's in her garden, supervised by a dog who firmly believes digging holes helps the flowers grow. Her quick, satisfying reads deliver the perfect escape, whether you're sneaking in a chapter during lunch or staying up way too late to reach that happily-ever-after.

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