Book Blitz of Same Place Same Stars by Katey Taylor (#contests- Enter to Win An Amazon Gift Card)

Same Place Same Stars
Katey Taylor
Publication date: May 13th 2025
Genres: Adult, Psychological

Twenty-one-year-old Natalia battles a rare parasomnia sleep disorder that propels her to act violently, experience night terrors, and put herself in dangerous situations—all while she’s unconscious.

After waking up covered in unexplained bruises, she lands herself back in a mental facility. Making friends has never been easy, but at Awana, she quickly bonds with her fun-loving roommate Lindsay and falls for Gabriel, a handsome yet severely depressed resident she secretly meets at night.

As Natalia wrestles with the harsh side effects of her medication, her reality unravels, exposing disturbing truths about those she trusts most. Though romantic relationships are strictly forbidden at Awana, Gabriel becomes her lifeline amidst the chaos. To be with him, Natalia must risk everything—including her sanity, and she learns some choices carry devastating consequences.

Filled with shocking twists, Same Place, Same Stars, unpacks the many layers of what happens when you can no longer avoid dark secrets that refuse to be ignored.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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CHAPTER 1:

No sharp objects. Pack light.

My instinct is to run, but I don’t know how far my sore limbs will carry me.

Apathy is my last line of defense.

I reach for a baggy sweatshirt and leggings. This has become my uniform when I go away, not for any fashion statement but its functionality—it can be easily taken off before my body is searched by a nurse’s gloved hands. The pressure from the fabric causes me to hiss in pain. I carefully step each leg in to cover the tender scrapes and deep purple bruises along my pale white shins and thighs. The bruises are a reminder that I’ve messed up again.

I drag my worn leather suitcase that’s on its last leg away from our cottage and into the trunk of Olga’s station wagon. She doesn’t say a word as we head out of our driveway and onto the tree-dense highway. The branches are grayer than normal, though it could be my mood filtering the world in a cloud of indifference.

Olga rolls every window down even though it’s a brisk fifty-two degrees. Long drives make her sweat. I think she would never leave our small town if it were up to her, but I remain her forcing agent.

My eyes wander from the pastures filled with cows and horses to Olga and her wild blowing hair that is unusually more silver than black for someone in their thirties.

“So, what’s this ward like?” I ask, trying to break the tense silence.

“Don’t call it that. That’s not what it’s called. This is a treatment center.”

She turns up her classical piano playlist, the one she plays to calm her nerves, then hands me a folded piece of stock paper filled with smiling faces of young adults—those who, like me, are not teenagers anymore but not quite what I would consider adults either. Much like our mental state, we’re something in between.

The brochure states this center isn’t government funded. By the looks of it, it seems far out of the budget of Olga’s ballet studio salary and my unemployed status, but it claims as part of their philosophy that they take on special cases free of charge. Just my luck, they happened to have room for a last-minute drop-in.

After the stunt I pulled last night, I’m sure Olga would be willing to pay any price.

Author Bio:

Katey Taylor is a San Francisco Bay Area-based author and published poet, with work featured in online magazines such as DarkWinter Lit, SWAAY, and Fauxmoir. She’s recognized for her ability to address complex topics with sensitivity and depth. To find out more about her previous and upcoming novels, visit www.kateytaylor.com

 

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / TikTok

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Book Blitz of The Boy Upon Death by J. Robert Adams (#contests- Enter to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card)

The Boy Upon Death: Reaper’s Last Call
J. Robert Adams
Publication date: April 5th 2025
Genres: Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Supernatural, Young Adult

My existence was as cold as my birth. I was born with both knowledge and will—an inevitability for my kind. Drawn to the final moments of mortal life, we came into being. Some of us became Reapers, tasked solely with ferrying souls to their afterlife. Others craved the power of souls, calling themselves gods of Death—Shinigami. They believed that devouring or absorbing souls granted them greater might, but found that power only deepened their coldness and emptiness. Those gods of Death became husks, bored of their own immortality yet too frightened to end themselves. But being a Reaper can yield the same chill. Though I know the souls would be lost without our guidance, my own existence seems bound to a perpetual winter, drawn to the final beat of each mortal life.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

Prologue: The Cold Existence

My existence is as cold as my birth. I was born with both knowledge and will—an inevitability for my kind. Drawn to the final moments of mortal life, we come into being. Some of us become Reapers, tasked solely with ferrying souls to their afterlife. Others crave the power of souls, calling themselves Gods of Death. They believe that devouring or absorbing souls grants them greater might, but such power only deepens their coldness and emptiness. The Veil—the great boundary between life and the afterlife—exists as the ultimate destination for souls. It does not judge or choose; it simply awaits those ready to cross. Souls unwilling to pass linger in the mortal world, their tether to the Veil slowly degrading. Once that connection is broken, they descend into madness, becoming fragmented and unstable, unable to find peace. For Reapers, our role is clear: guide the souls before they are lost. Yet even for us, there are choices. We are born as extensions of the Veil, tethered to it as both our origin and our end. At any time, a Reaper may choose to return to the Veil, to be reabsorbed into its vastness and find peace. But there is a second path—one far more dangerous and final. A Reaper may sever their tether to the Veil, abandoning their purpose and embracing free will. These fallen ones become what we call Gods of Death. Free from the Veil’s guidance, they face a choice: help lost souls or exploit them for power. Many succumb to the hunger, consuming souls to strengthen themselves. These beings often destroy themselves, transforming into husks—twisted, empty shells driven mad by their own excesses. I have not chosen to rejoin the Veil, though the option tempts me in moments of despair. And I have not severed my tether, though I sometimes wonder what lies beyond that severance. Instead, I remain a Reaper. But the cold emptiness of my existence grows heavier with each passing year. I guide souls to the Veil, knowing that my own tether will never allow me rest. The souls need us, but who guides the Reapers? Who saves us from the weight of eternity? Perhaps the answer lies in the unknown. In the countless eons of existence, I have never questioned my role—until now. The faint stirrings of doubt creep into my thoughts, like cracks forming in the ice. The time will come when I must choose: to remain a servant of the Veil, to seek peace within it, or to become something greater—or perhaps something worse. This is the story of how I began to question eternity. Of how I—a guide to the lost—found myself on a path to becoming something entirely new.

Author Bio:

J. Robert Adams has been building worlds in his imagination for as long as he can remember. What began as a childhood escape quickly grew into a lifelong passion for storytelling. By middle school, he was already scribbling down tales of heroes, haunted places, and fantastical realms—stories that refused to stay quiet.

Today, Adams continues that journey with The Boy Upon Death, a dark fantasy exploring the tension between duty and identity, power and purpose. His work blends introspective character arcs with immersive worldbuilding, often walking the line between light and shadow.

He writes not only to entertain, but to ask the quiet questions—about who we are, what we fear, and what we choose to fight for. Whether you're here for the eerie mystery or the emotional depth, his stories aim to stay with you long after the final page.

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Review of The Audiobook-The Sun's Shadow by Sejal Bad #contests- enter to win a copy of the book and a gift card.)

 

 I would like to welcome Sejal Badani to Books R Us. Sejal is the author of the The Sun's Shadow. She is surfing the Blogosphere with I Read Book Tours. Check out my review below and her guest post posted yesterday on my blog. Don't forget to enter the contest below.

Book Details:

 

Book Title: THE SUN'S SHADOW by Sejal Badani

Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 333 pages

Genre:  Literary

Publisher:  Lake Union

Release date:   January 28, 2025

Book Trailer: https://tinyurl.com/55f83c7a

 

My Thoughts:

The sun's shadow reveals many secrets, illness, and dramatic events throughout the novel. I enjoyed the audiobook version; the narrators did an excellent job bringing the characters and storyline to life. The story focuses on two women facing a difficult situation, conveying deep emotion and sadness. At times, the narrative was a bit drawn out and repetitive, which made me want to fast-forward. Nevertheless, I listened to the entire audiobook. The ending felt predictable and a bit rushed. I give the novel 3.5/5 stars. 

 

Connect with the author:

 Website  ~ X/Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest
Instagram ~ TikTok ~ YouTube ~ Goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:

THE SUN'S SHADOW by Sejal Badani Audiobook & Book Tour Giveaway

Guest Post by Sejal Badani Author of the Sun's Shadow (Contests- Enter to win An Amazon Gift Card or a Copy of The Book)

 

I would like to welcome Sejal Badani to Books R Us. Sejal is the author of the The Sun's Shadow. The author has provided me with a guest post just for my readers. Check back tomorrow for my review of the Audiobook and enter the giveaway below.

 

Book Details:

Book Title:THE SUN'S SHADOW by Sejal Badani
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 333 pages
Genre:  Literary
Publisher:  Lake Union
Release date:   January 28, 2025

Book Description:

“A captivating story… richly woven narrative with vivid characters. A perfect story."

From the bestselling author of The Storyteller’s Secret comes an unflinching exploration of betrayal, forgiveness, and the healing power of a second chance.

Celine’s life is spiraling out of control. She’s in danger of losing the beloved equestrian farm that was her childhood home. Her distant husband, Eric, is devoting a suspicious amount of time to a stunning new colleague. Then her young son, Brian, receives a devastating cancer diagnosis. How much worse can things get?

Felicity has uprooted her career and her teenage son, Justin, to get closer to Eric. She’s tired of keeping his secrets―that Eric’s frequent “business trips” have been spent playing family with them. Felicity is determined to get her happily ever after, even if it means confronting Celine at a delicate time.

But when Brian’s prognosis worsens, and a transplant from Justin becomes his best chance at survival, Felicity must make a wrenching decision about her son’s well-being―and Celine must accept that the “other woman” is her only hope. In another life Celine and Felicity might have been friends. Can they put aside the pain between them to do what’s best for their families―and their own futures?

 

GUEST POST:

Do you battle writer's block? How do you work through that?

Writer’s block is a tough one—and believe me, every writer faces it. If you ever find someone who claims they don’t, please ask them for their secret. Inspiration comes in waves. Sometimes it strikes in the middle of a workday, and other times it jolts me awake at 3 a.m. with a rush of ideas I can barely keep up with. The truth is, I have very little control over when inspiration arrives. And on some days, it doesn’t come at all. My mind feels like a blank page, and I’m stuck—pen in hand, but no words to write.

When that happens, I take it as a sign to pause and realign. I stop what I’m doing, close my eyes, and take a deep breath. I imagine myself bathed in white light, reconnecting with my center. More often than not, it’s life that’s blocking us—stress, distractions, or simply being too caught up in everything else. When that happens, the characters go silent. But when we return to stillness and breathe deeply, we create space for the muse to find us again. Inspiration needs serenity to bloom.

To those who aren’t writers, I know this might sound strange. Characters speaking to you? But they do. Think back to when you were a child, making up stories while playing with your toys. You knew exactly what they’d say, where they’d go, and what adventures they’d embark on. That kind of imagination flowed effortlessly because your mind was open—free from pressure or self-doubt.

As professional writers, we have to return to that place. Stay open. Let the words come. And when they don’t, don’t panic. Most of the time, it just means you’re overthinking. Even if the ideas seem “bad,” write them anyway. Invite that playful, curious child back into your creative process—and let them lead the way. And if all else fails, chocolate helps too.

 

Buy the Book:
Amazon.ca ~ Amazon.com
  Barnes & Noble ~ Audible
Books-a-Million ~ Indiebound
Add to Goodreads

 

Meet the Author:

Sejal Badani is the Amazon Charts, USA Today, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Storyteller’s Secret and Trail of Broken Wings. She is also a Goodreads Best Fiction award and ABC/Disney Writing Fellowship finalist whose work has been published in over fifteen languages.

 

 

 

Connect with the author:

 Website  ~ X/Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest
Instagram ~ TikTok ~ YouTube ~ Goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:

THE SUN'S SHADOW by Sejal Badani Audiobook & Book Tour Giveaway

Book BZlitz of Intimate Secret by D.C. Stone (#contests- Enter to win An Amazon Gift )

Intimate Secret
D.C. Stone
(Empire Blue, #6)
Publication date: April 17th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense

A murder was captured on satellite and multiple law enforcement agencies are trying to solve it. One of the detectives on the case, Jake Gonzalez, is led right to the front door of a local author, Francesca Conti. Sparks fly as Jake realizes he’s insanely attracted to his primary suspect, and her father is one of the most ruthless mafia bosses in the city, and someone he’s been investigating for years.

Francesca wants to escape this life her father has set for her and has been putting money away, looking for her opportunity to disappear. And much to her dismay, lately her father has been pushing her toward marrying his right-hand man, someone no woman has ever been able to say no to.

Just when she thinks she’s getting closer to escaping, Detective Gonzalez lands on her doorstep asking alarming questions, and making her heart race unlike ever before.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Smashwords

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EXCERPT:

There’s only so many times one could say they’d been shot by the woman they loved.

Jake stared at Francesca’s shaking hands wrapped around the butt of a SIG .229. She held the gun with as much confidence as one would expect with someone who had little to no experience with such a weapon. Like a toddler taking their first wobbling, unsteady steps. Or a young child holding a chicken’s egg for the first time and being toldthey could break it if they weren’t careful.

Under the full moon, silver tears trickled down her face. A moderate wind teased at hair that had escaped the messy bun held low at the back of her head. Russet tendrils brushed along her neck and cheeks like phantom fingers. She ignored those things. But he saw it all, as if the world moved in slow motion, tracking the shifting of her eyes and hands from one person to another. Saw the way her finger tightened ever so slightly over the trigger.

The safety was off, so if she applied a touch of pressure to that metal hook, approximately ten pounds for the first shot to go off, the gun would fire the bullet waiting within.

“Frankie,” he called in a soothing yet firm voice, using the

nickname he’d started saying a few nights ago. One he’d discovered she liked when he whispered it in her ear as he sank slowly inside the heat between her legs. Her attention shifted to him for only a fraction of a second before she refocused on Dante, her father’s right-hand man. A man many did not want to fuck with. One who’d killed his fair share of folks both in and out of the city. A man who was known to be one of the most ruthless enforcers around. Dante did things in the most violent way to set examples or make a point.

 It was the only way he communicated. And it was the way he got into the position he did, leading one of the most ruthless organizations in New York City.And lucky, lucky Jake was currently in a three-way face-off, like something from the Wild Wild West, with a woman he loved and a man he’d been hunting for years.

And as if his luck couldn’t get any worse, the two had a serious

history he hadn’t been able to wrap his mind completely around.

He quickly glanced around, wishing for that backup he’d called for about ten minutes ago to show up. But with how deep they were in Central Park, that wish would never come to fruition in time. The dull light coming off the yellow haze of a streetlamp reflected dark shadows of trees in the standing puddles leftover from the rainstorm earlier. The only sound outside the passing cars on the streets lining the park and Frankie’s harsh breathing was that of leaves hitting the ground, the season of fall in full swing.

“Frankie, listen to me,” he tried again, his chest growing tight with unease. “Put the gun down. Let’s talk about this.”

“I don’t want to be a woman you love,” she said, lips trembling.

Her arms shook with either fear or adrenaline, both equally dangerous when holding a weapon.

Jake Gonzalez’s heart clenched at the words, but he pushed them away. He had to stay focused, had to sort through this mess and prevent any additional loss of life. As it was, there’d already been too much.

And if she pulled that trigger, there was nothing he could do. He

wouldn’t be able to protect her. As frustrating as it was, he had an oath to uphold. Even against a woman he loved.

Francesca Conti looked broken, disheveled, and cornered. The first two had him angry and concerned. The last…frightened.

Author Bio:

D.C. “Desi” Stone is a best-selling romance author and full-time fraud investigator. She lives in the northeast with her incredibly supporting husband, two kids, a cat, and the ever-growing family of dogs.

After serving eight years of service with the United States Air Force, she went on to transition into the world of financial crimes and became a lead investigator for many years.

Reading has always been a passion of hers, getting lost in a good, steamy romance is one of her favorite past times. She soon after discovered her own love for writing and recreating stories and characters in her head. Her writing concentrates on romantic with specifics in paranormal, suspense, and erotica.

Now, when she isn’t trying to solve a new puzzle in the world of fraud, she is engulfed with coffee, her laptop, and all those crazy characters in her head. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Hudson Valley Romance Writers, New Jersey Romance Writers, RomVets, RWA Kiss of Death, and the Liberty State Fiction Writers. She served as the 2014 NJRW Vice President and Conference Chair. Come stop by on Facebook, Twitter, or her website and say hello!

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

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Blub Blitz of The Guardian Awaits: Fata Morgana by Pamela Ackerson (#contests- Enter to Win An Amazon Gift Card.)

 

THE GUARDIAN AWAITS: FATA MORGANA

Pamela Ackerson

GENRE: Time Travel/Suspense

BLURB:

Undercover agent, Colin Chase Rand had seen it all, or thought
he’d had.

Cruising down the road, rocking to the radio, Colin came across an ethereal phenomenon, the Fata Morgana. It was no mere illusion. The shimmering surreal glow enveloped him, pulling him through a portal, setting his course to a different era and defying all explanations of reality.

Nothing could’ve prepared him for the next leg of his journey, a journey that would take him to a deceptively quiet countryside in Genoa City, 1935, where a sinister serial killer was lying in wait.

Read An Excerpt:

Undercover agent, Colin Chase Rand had spent a week with his family who had come to visit him in Duluth before he left the area.

His mother had always wanted to stay at the historic Fitger’s along the shores of Lake Superior. His father, as always, was accommodating to her wishes. She was thrilled with the stunning lake-view room they’d reserved.

His brother, Rick, was there for a few days but had to return before the week was up. They were short-handed at the fire station and he had to return to work. His mother and sister, Ilene, took advantage of the hotel spa and lots of shopping.

It was extremely relaxing. He’d been on guard, on high alert for so long he’d practically forgotten how to relax.

His good friends, Keoni and Lizette, came to share the last day with him and his family. It was awesome to have all of them together before he headed out of state to the next assignment.

The shaky goodbyes and the hugs filled him with happiness and love. He had one hell of a family. Colin knew how lucky he was to have them.

With his family, Keoni, and Lizette in the rearview mirror, Colin left Locke Bay satisfied he’d done the best job under the extenuating circumstances.

It was hard saying goodbye, not knowing if all would go well with his next assignment. It was something he learned to accept and live with. He was close to his family and, at times, it was extremely difficult to be without them, especially during the holidays, or missing birthdays.

Or, when Lizette put the gun to his head. All he could think of was how much he’d miss his family; how it’d break his parent’s hearts if she pulled the trigger.

Keoni Nani and Lizette Hill are two of the best friends a person could have. They’d met under the most unusual circumstances. When he’d first met Lizette, he didn’t trust her, knew she was hiding something. She was, absolutely without a doubt.

Funny how things turned out sometimes, he ended up knowing she and Keoni would always have his back.

 

Author Bio:

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Wall Street Journal bestselling, award-winning author, Pamela Ackerson is a time traveling adventurer. She was born and raised in Newport, RI where history is a way of life. She lives on the Space Coast of Florida where everyone is encouraged to reach for the stars!

Her literary journey is as diverse and adventurous as the time-traveling escapades she writes about. With a rich tapestry of genres at her fingertips, she weaves stories that span from the wild frontiers of the Old West to the intricate cultural tapestries of Native American history. Her work doesn't stop at fiction; she delves into the realms of history, self-help, and even marketing, showcasing a versatility that resonates with a wide audience.

Ackerson's presence on the Space Coast of Florida reflects her forward-thinking approach to writing, always aiming for the next big leap in her storytelling odyssey. Her prolific output is a testament to her dedication to her craft, inviting readers to join her in exploring the vast landscapes of human experience and imagination.

Honest reviews of my books are always appreciated.

Absolutely no AI tools were used to create this story or any story I have written.

Thank you and have a good moments day.

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00QY1ARI4

Twitter: @PamAckerson

Facebooks: Facebook.com/pam.ackerson.7

Website: PamelaAckerson.net

Youtube: https://youtu.be/18yWcZv9OS0

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2CNK4N6

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-guardian-awaits-pamela-ackerson/1147184589

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1735229

 

 

Giveaway:

Pamela Ackerson will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

 

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Book Blitz of My Big Fat Beach Wedding by Melanie Summers (#contests- Enter to win An $50Amazon Gift copy and a Signed Copy of the Book)

My Big Fat Beach Wedding
Melanie Summers
Publication date: April 24th 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

The plan was simple: fake the wedding, save her career. Then she met the best man.

Vivian Whitlock’s social media empire is about to crumble. She’s closing in on thirty, and her fans are moving on to their ‘weddings and babies ’era. About to be dropped by her management team, she pretends she and her secret boyfriend are ready to take the plunge.

There’s just one problem: he doesn’t exist.

Enter Dominic James, a charismatic actor working at the idyllic Paradise Bay Resort. He’s got Broadway dreams and the perfect cover story. The two strike a deal—he’ll play her doting fiancé, and she’ll launch him into New York stardom.

But Vivian’s picture-perfect plan takes an unexpected turn when she moves into the beachside bungalow Dominic shares with his brother, Ben—an intense, fiercely-devoted single dad with no time for romance.

Surrounded by swaying palms, ocean breezes, and a precocious five-year-old who steals her heart, Vivian starts to wonder if she’s been chasing the wrong dream all along.

Is she about to lose everything she built—or finally find something that lasts?

My Big Fat Beach Wedding is a STAND-ALONE laugh-out-loud, banter-filled tale of two people who can’t fall in love but do anyway. It’s the perfect heartwarming, feel-good escape from the real world.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Single Dad who would do anything for his young son

Opposites attract
Living in the Same House

World’s most adorable 5-year-old (with cute red glasses)

Loads of witty banter
A slow burn, plenty of steam, and a hint of spice

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Okay, so slight problem. Dominic left for work early for a pre-show meeting, and Josephine has gone to the other side of the island for a two-day solo hiking trip up a mountain (of course she did). I agreed to go for a sunset dip in the ocean with Henry and Ben this evening, which means we’re all frolicking around playfully in the water in our swimsuits, and Mr. Not-Dad-Bod is in a pair of black trunks that are leaving very little to my imagination. And I know I shouldn’t be looking. Like, I actually do know it, okay. No one has to tell me that it’s completely inappropriate to be ogling my future BIL. But at the same time, my eyes are drinking in the sight of him right now as he gets Henry set up on a surfboard laying on his stomach and sends him back toward the shore. Ben’s arms and chest flex as he pushes the board, and I can’t seem to look away. Also, he’s laughing and smiling, and dear God, but he’s got the best smile I think I’ve ever seen. Better than Giancarlo by about ten million percent. I’m in the water up to my ankles so I can catch Henry if needed, but honestly, he doesn’t need my help. The kid is a total pro, and I’m pretty sure he’s been riding a surfboard since he could walk.

Other than us and the odd seagull, the beach is empty. The waves roll gently in toward the shore in white foamy swirls that disappear into the sand. Behind Ben, the sun is about to dip down to reach the horizon, and the only sound competing with the lapping water is that of Henry’s irresistible little giggle. He reaches the shore and I put my foot out to hold the board steady while he gets off, his life jacket clearly making the task a little more difficult. He adjusts his prescription goggles, then grins up at me. “Come on, Auntie Viv, you’ve got to try it!”

“Oh, no, you keep going. You’re having so much fun,” I tell him, picking up the board and holding it under my arm like the real surfers do.

“I get to do this every day. I want you to try it,” he says, taking my hand while we wade back out to Ben against the gentle surf.

Ben grins at me and lifts Henry up onto his hip. “Yeah, why don’t you give it a try? I bet you’ll love it.”

“Do it! Do it!” Henry chants.

Blushing a little, I say, “All right, but I’m not exactly sporty, so try not to laugh.”

Ben takes the surfboard from me with his free hand, his fingers touching mine as he does, sending a thrill right through me to my toes. “I’m sure you’ll be fine. You’ve laid on your stomach before, yes?”

“Yes.”

“Then you can do this.” He holds the board in place for me while I climb on, trying my very best not to think about the fact that he’s so close to my bikini-clad bottom right now. God, I hope she looks good like this. Be perky, bottom.

No, don’t worry about that, silly beans! He’s not looking. He’s a gentleman.

I grip the board with both hands and hold on.

“You ready?” he asks in his deep voice.

“Yup,” I squeak out, even though there’s nothing scary about what I’m about to do.

“Away you go!” he says, pushing the board toward shore.

I squeal and hold on, feeling like a kid again as I zip toward the beach. When I get there, I quickly stand, then turn to Henry and Ben, who are cheering mightily as if I’ve just done something spectacular. I give them a deep bow.

“Again! Again!” Henry says as I walk back to them.

(Okay, so I’m not walking like I normally do. I may or may not be striding toward them with a little extra hitch in my hips and my shoulders back a wee bit more than normal. Bad Vivian. Bad. And yet, still doing it.)

“You know who hasn’t had a turn?” I ask Henry.

“My dad?”

“Yup! Your poor dad, right? I bet he wants a turn.” I give Ben a smile and I have to say, I don’t hate the look on his face right now. All that hip swaying might not have gone unnoticed.

Author Bio:

Melanie Summers also writes steamy romance as MJ Summers.

Melanie made a name for herself with her debut novel, Break in Two, a contemporary romance that cracked the Top 10 Paid on Amazon in both the UK and Canada, and the top 50 Paid in the USA. Her highly acclaimed Full Hearts Series was picked up by both Piatkus Entice (a division of Hachette UK) and HarperCollins Canada. Her first three books have been translated into Czech and Slovak by EuroMedia. Since 2013, she has written and published three novellas, and eight novels (of which seven have been published). She has sold over a quarter of a million books around the globe.

In her previous life (i.e. before having children), Melanie got her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, then went on to work in the soul-sucking customer service industry for a large cellular network provider that shall remain nameless (unless you write her personally - then she'll dish). On her days off, she took courses and studied to become a Chartered Mediator. That designation landed her a job at the R.C.M.P. as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator for 'K' Division. Having had enough of mediating arguments between gun-toting police officers, she decided it was much safer to have children so she could continue her study of conflict in a weapon-free environment (and one which doesn't require makeup and/or nylons).

Melanie resides in Edmonton with her husband, three young children, and their adorable but neurotic one-eyed dog. When she's not writing novels, Melanie loves reading (obviously), snuggling up on the couch with her family for movie night (which would not be complete without lots of popcorn and milkshakes), and long walks in the woods near her house. She also spends a lot more time thinking about doing yoga than actually doing yoga, which is why most of her photos are taken 'from above'. She also loves shutting down restaurants with her girlfriends. Well, not literally shutting them down, like calling the health inspector or something--more like just staying until they turn the lights off.

She is represented by Suzanne Brandreth of The Cooke Agency International.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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Book Blitz of Walk The Line By P. Dombrowiak and N Parker (#Contests- Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card)

Walk the Line
Natalie Parker, Paula Dombrowiak
(Blood & Bone Legacy, #1)
Publication date: April 22nd 2025
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

 

It was supposed to be simple: Film the tour. Build my portfolio. And for Heavens sake, keep it in my pants.

Then I met Felix Krasinski.

The captivating and infuriatingly cocky frontman of Velvet Drift commands attention everywhere he goes—including mine. Am I proud of it? No. I’m supposed to be filming their perfromance, not fantasizing about his perfect abs. I’m determined to be taken seriously, and hooking up with the ridiculously hot rockstar is the fastest way to tank my credibility.

Felix is always in control, and I’m an impulsive rule-breaker. We don’t make sense. But we can’t seem to stay away from each other.

Because, between his uptight habits and annoyingly perfect jawline, there’s more to Felix than his stage presence and legendary last name. He’s protective, vulnerable, and gets me in a way no one else does.

But my career depends on keeping things professional, and his future hinges on staying laser-focused on his band’s success.

Every heated argument, every stolen kiss, makes me want to throw caution—and professionalism—to the wind.

One thing’s certain—this summer tour is about to get a lot more complicated than I bargained for.

Walk the Line is the first book in the Blood & Bone and Turn it Up second generation series crossover. Grab this new adult, angsty, forced proximity, steamy contemporary rockstar romance. Walk the Line can be read as a standalone.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

“What the…?” My voice trails off as I take in the dark, angry bruise on my skin.

A hickey.

And not just any hickey—this is the mother of all hickeys.

It’s a masterpiece of malice, blooming in deep purples and reds, unapologetically high on my neck. No amount of foundation could hide this, and it’s far too conspicuous for even the highest collar. There was no fucking around when she decided to do this. She wanted me marked.

“Maggie!” I call, my voice bouncing off the walls as I step out of the bathroom. Her only response is the sound of sheets rustling and a half-asleep groan. I glance back at the mirror, rubbing at the bruise like it might magically fade. Who even gives hickeys anymore?

When I step out, I find her perched on the kitchen counter, one leg dangling lazily while the other’s tucked beneath her. She’s cradling a mug of coffee—my coffee—the steam curling up around her face. And she’s wearing my Henley, the fabric hanging loose on her but clinging just enough in places to make my brain short-circuit. The soft gray color makes her blue eyes pop, and they blink at me with an innocence that’s so utterly contrived, I almost laugh. Almost. And fuck, she made me temporarily forget about the hickey.

“What is this?” I demand, pointing to the bruise on my neck as I stride closer.

She tilts her head like she’s admiring a painting. She leans in, her lips so close I can feel the ghost of her breath. She presses a kiss to the bruise, and I swear my brain briefly loses all function.

“That,” she says, her voice honey-sweet, “is a hickey.”

“I know what it is, baby,” I snap, though the grin threatening to break free betrays me. “I have press with Ivy today.” My tone is exasperated, but she doesn’t look the least bit sorry.

“I know.” Her lips curve into a slow, self-satisfied smile, the kind that makes her look like a sexy as fuck brat. Lucky for her, I happen to like brats.

I grab her coffee mug, setting it down deliberately and grab her by the waist, pulling her flush against me. She lets out a surprised little gasp, her hands instinctively bracing against my chest.

“You fucking scare me sometimes, Sass,” I murmur before claiming her lips.

Author Bio:

Paula Dombrowiak grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois but currently lives in Arizona. She is the author of Blood and Bone, her first adult romance novel which combines her love of music and imperfect relationships. Paula is a lifelong music junkie, whose wardrobe consists of band T-shirts and leggings which are perpetually covered in pet hair. She is a sucker for a redeemable villain, bad boys, and the tragically flawed. Music inspires her storytelling.

For more ways to learn about Paula and her books, check out her website: @www.pauladombrowiak.com

Natalie Parker resides in the Seattle area with her husband and two rugrats, but is originally a Michigan girl.

She always enjoyed writing and noticed she had a knack for it while earning her Psychology degree and has always been an avid reader, but never thought of becoming an author until one day there seemed to be a story to tell.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, reading, reading to her kids, drinking coffee, reading, occasional yardwork, reading, listening to music, reading and writing.

Stay tuned for more to come for your favorite characters of the Turn it Up series!

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