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Romance

GUEST POST: “Books Over Movies” by Aimee Brown

September 26, 2018 Leave a Comment

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About the author: Aimee Brown is a writer of romantic comedies set in Portland, Oregon, and an avid reader. She spends much of her time writing, raising three teenagers, binge-watching shows on Netflix and obsessively cleaning and redecorating her house. She’s fluent in sarcasm and has been known to utter profanities like she’s competing for a medal.

Aimee grew up in Oregon, but is now a transplant living in cold Montana with her husband of twenty years, three teenage children, and far too many pets. She is a lot older than she looks and yes, that is a tattoo across her chest.

Aimee is very active on social media. You can find her at any of the networks below. Stop by and say hello!

**Contact Aimee:

Facebook   Twitter   Instagram   Pinterest   Website/Blog   GoodReads   Amazon Page   Newsletter

*****

GUEST POST

Books Over Movies

Reading is subjective. You always hear that. It’s the reason why some readers love a book, and some don’t. There was a time back when I first started reading that I didn’t get that phrase. A book is a book, everyone is reading the same words. Right?

Wrong.

Sure, we’re all reading the words in the same order as everyone else but what we’re seeing as we read it is so much different than everyone else. How we’re interpreting the words and sentences is not even close to how anyone else has done the same thing. We use our own backgrounds and personalities, our life experiences or lack thereof, to create a world that is unique to only us.

It’s kind of the same with movies. Movies make me feel, just like books, only not always in their words, but in the vision someone else had. If I relate to the filmmaker and their vision of the story they’re telling, I fall in love with whatever is on the screen. That doesn’t always happen, especially with books to film.

With reading, every single person creates their own ‘vision’ of what a story is. That’s why when books are made into movies, they don’t always settle for everyone who loved the book. Every single person’s vision is different. Maybe you’ll get lucky and share that with the filmmaker or even the author. Maybe your vision is 1000x better than theirs or maybe yours makes sense for you and no one else. That’s so amazing to me. How we can each read the same words and create this world in our head that is unlike anyone else’s even though we’ve read the same words.

I’ll always choose a book over a movie. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy movies, or that I won’t run out and watch a book to film adaption. Take my money. But, I’ve often been hesitant on watching a movie based on a book I loved because there is always the chance that it won’t meet my own vision and let me down in a way that feels like a friend walking away. Maybe I’m overly sensitive but I love these characters as I’ve created them in my own head.

They also say a reader lives a thousand lives and I find that to be true (for writers as well, these characters become a piece of who we are). With books you can create these memories and experiences that otherwise you’d never have had the chance to experience. The feelings that can come with getting to know a cast of characters you’ve never met before can be overwhelming enough to leave you with a book hangover for days, weeks, even months.  Somehow, they stick with you so much longer than a film does. If you fall in love hard enough it can ruin moving on to another book until you can finally let them go. But, you can always go back. You can always jump back into their world, the one where no one else is allowed, the one only you have created with the same words thousands of others have read. You can relive your experience with them anytime you want by just opening the cover of their story. This time, it might be a little different, maybe even better, and that’s a chance I will always take over buying a movie ticket for a chance that someone else’s vision meets my own. If only there were more reading hours in the day.

*****

“The Lucky Dress” by Aimee Brown

Blurb: We all have our lucky dress… an irresistibly hilarious rom-com: perfect for fans of Anna Bell, Jo Watson and Sophie Kinsella.

Emi Harrison hasn’t been feeling particularly lucky lately. Ever since her ex-fiancée, Jack Cabot, successfully shattered her heart into a million pieces. She’s managed to avoid him for a whole year, but all that’s about to change at her brother Evan’s wedding…

She will have to face Jack, Jack’s sister, Jack’s parents, and Jack’s new girlfriend: a mean girl that just won’t quit. What could possibly go wrong?

But with her lucky dress on, she might just find new love, life, and maybe even happiness at last!

**Click HERE to grab your copy of “The Lucky Dress” now!

**Other Info: This book was previously published under the title of Little Gray Dress. Currently the audiobook still available has this title and cover.

Little Gray Dress Audio: Audiobook/Amazon, Publisher: Audible, ASIN#: B077GDDKLX

Filed Under: Aimee Brown Tagged With: Aimee Brown, Authors, Book sale, Books, Books Over Movies, Chick Lit, Guest Post, Romance, The Lucky Dress

NEW RELEASE: “Man of the Moment”

September 17, 2018 1 Comment

New Release: Man of the Moment, by Thea Dawson

    Title: Man of the Moment Series: Gentlemen, Inc. Author: Thea Dawson Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: September 17, 2018

 

Blurb

Need a hot guy? Gentlemen, Inc. is here to serve. Tired of being the “cute one” in a family of glamorous people, Annabelle Winter decides to hire a gorgeous man from the Gentlemen, Inc. Agency to be her date at a big family event. Just once, she wants to be the envy of every woman in the room. And with Archer Carleson at her side, she is. Archer, a struggling actor in Los Angeles, doesn’t mind making a wallflower like Annabelle look good for an evening-he’s getting paid, after all, and it’s a chance to further hone his acting skills. But when he realizes that Annabelle’s family could hold the key to his career, he decides to take their professional relationship to a personal level. But his attempts to boost his career by charming Annabelle backfire when he begins to fall for her. Archer will have to decide which means more to him: Annabelle-or a shot at stardom. Reciprocity is the first book in a new contemporary romance series that revolves around Gentlemen, Inc., an exclusive agency where exceptional men can be hired to staff bachelorette parties, red carpet events, and product launches, and to serve as escorts for high-powered women who need an attractive man on their arm at public events. To find out more about these men and the women who hire them, start with Man of the Moment!  

Excerpt

Archer Just an acting job, I remind myself. No need to be nervous. If there is one thing I’m good at, it’s making women happy. I knock lightly and step into the room. Cassandra is there, looking like the classic Los Angeles executive. The three-inch chocolate brown suede shoes that she wears make her appear taller than she really is. She wears a sleeveless beige sheath dress with a slim belt that matches the shoes and an eye-catching necklace made of highly polished squares of some exotic wood. She is standing by the window talking to the woman I assume has hired me. In contrast to Cassandra, the other woman is younger, probably in her early twenties, and she’s on the short side, barely five feet tall. Her breasts and hips are a little bigger than you usually see on a girl that height, but she has a small waist that gives her a nice little hourglass figure. Her wavy, dark brown hair is cut short in a bob that makes her look even younger. She’s dressed in a retro-style white dress with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt that’s covered in a pattern of what looks like little red cherries. She wears a cropped red cardigan over it and chunky red shoes. She turns to look at me as I walk in and I take a moment to study her face which is dominated by large, slightly anxious green eyes with thick lashes. They’re pretty but somewhat obscured by the geek-chic horn-rimmed glasses she wears. She has a small, upturned nose with a smattering of freckles across the bridge and on her round cheeks. Nice skin, I note as my eyes dropped to her mouth. Her lips are full, lush and pouty, a surprisingly sexy contrast to the girl-next-door rest of her. Finally, I take in her chin, which is small and brings her face to a heart-shaped taper. She’s a long way from the 30-something power player I’d expected. She’s more geek than glamour girl, more quirky than cool. She has her own style, for sure, but it’s a long way from the slender, tan and leggy look that dominates Los Angeles. She’s … cute. Inwardly, I breathe a sigh of relief. Not to sound arrogant, but I’m a pretty good looking guy, and I’ve swept women a lot more sophisticated than she is off their feet. Showing her a nice time, helping her impress her friends or her co-workers for an evening … no problem. This one is in the bag. I lock eyes with her and give her my most charming smile. Cassandra glides toward me with a smile of her own. “Archer, thank you so much for coming in. Annabelle, I’d like to introduce you to Archer Carleson, one of our Gentlemen Attendants. Archer, this is Annabelle Winter.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Annabelle,” I say, making a point of looking deeply into her eyes. Annabelle stares at me. At first, I take her wide eyes and slightly parted lips to mean that she is pleased with what she sees, but then her pretty mouth falls into a pout and her forehead wrinkles in dismay. She shakes her head slightly. “Oh, this won’t do,” she says. “This won’t do at all.”

Buy here:

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From early reviews on Goodreads:

“This story will grab your attention right at the beginning and you’ll find it hard to put down. Annabelle and Archer will grab your heart and take you on a romantic roller coaster.” “A sweet, satisfying story. I cannot recommend it more.” “Ms. Dawson has done it again, Man of the Moment is a great romantic novel and a very enjoyable read.” “ … really great story that will keep you guessing until the very end.” “This is such a sweet story… I read it in one go.”  

Author Profile

Thea Dawson is a world traveler, vegetarian, salsa dancer, film fanatic, lover of happy endings. In an alternate steampunk universe, she travels by dirigible and gets in sword fights with dashing villains. In this one, she lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband/salsa partner, three antic children, and an agenda-driven cat. She writes at the intersection of sweet and steamy, and hopes her stories will melt your heart and brighten your day.

 

 

 

 

Find and contact Thea here:

Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads Amazon Instagram Bookbub Newsletter Giveaway

Filed Under: Man of the Moment Tagged With: Books, Contemporary Romance, Man of the Moment, New Release, Romance, Thea Dawson

BOOK REVIEW: “Go On, Girl”

September 17, 2018 1 Comment

“GO ON, GIRL” by Hilary Grossman

Blurb: Executive, wife, and mother of an outgoing first-grader, Sydney Clayton crushes her day-to-day obligations at work but flounders in the cutthroat world of parental politics.

She manages to avoid the local drama until she’s faced with an ultimatum: join the Forest River PTA or risk her daughter becoming a social outcast. Sydney reluctantly becomes treasurer, and takes the recently vacated position of the president’s sidekick. If protecting the children’s freedom of speech, one best friend ban at a time, isn’t complicated enough, Sydney and her husband receive an unexpected offer for their house they don’t think they can refuse.

Embroiled in the deception and manipulation rife among the elementary school moms, Sydney struggles. Should she sell the home she worked so hard to build in a town where betrayal runs rampant? Or should she stay put to avoid the fallout from uprooting her child? As Sydney focuses on what is best for her daughter, and lets go of her judgments, she finds friendship can develop in very unexpected ways.

Warm, witty, and wise, Go On, Girl dramatizes the dilemmas of life in the suburbs and the bonds shared by women. Perfect for fans of Class Mom and I Don’t Know How She Does It.

Review: If you’ve followed my reviews, then you probably know I have read all of Hilary Grossman’s books and have loved them all! After reading her debut novel, Dangled Carat, Hilary has easily become one of my go-to authors!

“Go On, Girl” was quite different from her previous books and I found it to be quite refreshing. At first, I was a little hesitant because I don’t have kids and didn’t think I could relate, but the drama between Sydney and other moms from her daughter’s school was not only entertaining but a page-turner, too! There were times I told myself that I’d read one more chapter and then go to bed…but, of course, I kept on, so there were plenty of late nights with this one.

I don’t give spoilers, but if you’re one who enjoys reading about drama mamas and school politics, then I recommend this book to, (you will not be disappointed!) Also if you’re looking for something to distract you from the carpool line, it would make for a great timekiller.

“Go On, Girl” was one of my favorite books I’ve read this year, so I’ll be adding it to my top of 2018 list.

I give “Go On, Girl” 5 stars!

**Click HERE to grab your copy of “Go On, Girl” now!

*****

**About the author: By day, Hilary Grossman works in the booze biz. By night she hangs out with her “characters.” She has an unhealthy addiction to denim and high heel shoes. She’s been known to walk into walls and fall up stairs. She only eats spicy foods and is obsessed with her cat, Lucy. She loves to find humor in everyday life. She likens life to a game of dodge ball – she tries to keep many balls in the air before they smack her in the face. She lives on Long Island.

**Contact Hilary: Facebook   Twitter

Filed Under: Book Review, Go On, Girl Tagged With: Book review, Books, Chick Lit, Girl, Go On, Hilary Grossman, New Release, Parenting, PTA, Romance, School drama

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: “Pumpkin Everything”

September 1, 2018 7 Comments

Happy release day to Beth Labonte! Her new sweet romance/romantic comedy, PUMPKIN EVERYTHING, is available now!

Promo Signup || Beth Labonte – Pumpkin Everything
Pumpkin Everything by Beth Labonte
Published by Beth Labonte on September 1, 2018
Genres: Sweet Romance, Romantic Comedy

After calling off her fall wedding, horror novelist Amy Fox is left with a broken heart, a mega case of writer’s block, and a serious aversion to all things pumpkin spice. When she receives news that her grandfather has broken his wrist driving through a Dunkin Donuts—literally straight through the front windows—five hundred miles away, in her hometown of Autumnboro, New Hampshire, Amy has no choice but to return to check on him. If she doesn’t make sure that he’s back on his feet, Grandpa may be moved into assisted living, and Amy’s beloved childhood home will be put on the market.

Knowing she must return, Amy worries about the only thing worse than pumpkin spice—a reunion with Kit Parker—her childhood best friend, first love, and entire reason for skipping town in the first place. As the two reconnect, a second chance seems possible…if only Kit weren’t holding on to a secret that just might unravel everything.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the White Mountains, New Hampshire, Pumpkin Everything is a small town, sweet romance, and the perfect way to kick off the fall season! A pumpkin spice latte wouldn’t hurt, either.

About Beth Labonte

Beth Labonte received a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She worked as an administrative assistant for fourteen years, turning to writing as her creative outlet in an excruciatingly mundane corporate world. Beth now writes full-time and resides in Massachusetts.

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


Release Blitz organized by:

Filed Under: Pumpkin Everything Tagged With: Beth Labonte, Books, Contemporary Romance, New Release, Pumpkin Everything, Romance, Women's Fiction

BOOK BLITZ: “Counting on You”

August 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

Counting on You banner
This is my stop during the book blitz for Counting on You by Laura Chapman. Read on for more information about this book and there’s an US only giveaway. This book blitz is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 27 August till 2 September. See the tour schedule here.

Counting on YouCounting on You (Amarillo Sour #1)
By Laura Chapman
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 28 August 2018

Blurb:
Is love worth the risk?

Math teacher Haleigh Parde has no desire to change her single status until she receives an invitation to her high school reunion. With her ex spreading rumors she needs a date and fast. Desperate times call for desperate measures and Haleigh finds herself meeting a blind date at a neighborhood bar called Amarillo Sour . . .

After watching Haleigh crash and burn, app developer Ian Henning makes her a proposition. If she’ll provide honest feedback on his new dating app, he’ll guarantee her a date to knock the socks off her former classmates. Even better, he—and the other Amarillo Sour regulars—will help her navigate the rocky road of dating.

Through setups ranging from awkward to absurd, Haleigh discovers her matchmaker might just be better than the matches. And Ian wonders if she’s the answer to everything he’s worked for professionally. Or is she something much, much more . . .

*****

EXCERPT:

She must be crazy. While she’d cut someone out of her life for calling her that, it was the only logical explanation Haleigh could come up with as she downloaded a beta copy of XO On Demand onto her phone.

Only the day before she’d been set up on her first blind date ever. Now, here she was, giving online dating a shot.

What a difference a day made.

She’d been completely serious about never considering online dating. She knew people who had tried it—and successfully. Not that she judged, but it seemed like such a direct and confrontational way to meet someone. By putting your profile out there, you were proclaiming to the world that you were on the prowl.

In another five minutes, she’d be one of those people. After she finished the setup and the survey Ian assured her would be fun, she’d have her first string of potential dates. Brought to her through the magic of technology.

All because she couldn’t stand the idea of her classmates judging her.

If she was one of her own students, she’d tell them it didn’t matter. That after high school, no one cared what people thought. And she’d be lying.

The download completed, and the app opened on her screen. She followed Ian’s directions to create her account. His play-by-play wasn’t entirely necessary. The directions were pretty self-explanatory, but he seemed eager to help. It eased her nerves. Some.

“This where it gets interesting.” Ian clicked a button, taking her to the next page. “Instead of having you answer fifty questions about who you are and what you want, we’ve created a quiz of sorts. Would you rather go camping or stay in a five-star hotel? Which breakfast looks most appetizing? What—”

“I’ve got it.” She flashed him a grin to soften her tone, but she needed to concentrate.

There were so many questions. None of them were too complicated or earth-shattering, but she had to choose correctly. Her future lineup of men depended on it.

Question One: Which of these dishes would you order right now?

She selected a basket of chicken strips with fries.

“That’s what I’d pick, too,” Ian said. “What do you use for dipping?”

“Honey mustard.”

“Barbecue.” He shook his head. “I knew there had to be something wrong with you.”

At least his teasing made this a little less nerve-racking. “You guys aren’t going to use these answers and sell my information to restaurants now, are you?”

“Of course not.” But he tapped his chin thoughtfully. “It isn’t a bad idea, though.”

Question Two: Where would you rather spend a Saturday afternoon?

She didn’t even have to consider this one. She picked “Binge-watching TV in my bed.”

“What’s your go-to show?”

“You heard that one last night,” she reminded him. “Doctor Who. But I’ve been known to do a Lord of the Ringsor Star Warsmarathon from time to time”

“Which episode is your favorite?”

“Five.” That’s what everyone always said. There was probably something about the bad knocking down the good at the end of the Empire Strikes Backthat made a person seem deep. After Greg had explained that to her years ago, she’d made it her customary response.

Only when she was being totally honest, she’d admit she liked Return of the Jedibest. She loved those Ewoks.

*****

You can find Counting on You on Goodreads

You can buy Counting on You here:
– Amazon
– Barnes & Noble
– Kobo
– Google Play
– iTunes

Laura ChapmanAbout the Author:
Laura Chapman is the author of sweet and sexy romantic comedies. A born and raised Nebraska girl, she loves watching football, traveling, crafting, and baking. When she isn’t writing her next story, she is probably working at a museum by day and binge-watching Netflix with her cats Jane and Bingley at night. So, basically, she’s living large.

You can find and contact Laura Chapman here:
– Website
– Facebook
– Twitter
– Goodreads
– Amazon
– Instagram
– Newsletter

Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Counting on You. One winner will win a Amarillo Sour Starter Kit, that includes two shot glasses, two coasters, a bottle opener and pens with the bar’s logo on them plus a $10 Amazon card. US Only.

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Filed Under: Counting on You Tagged With: Book Blitz, Books, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Counting on You, Laura Chapman, New Release, Romance

BOOK BLITZ: “All That Doesn’t”

August 21, 2018 1 Comment

All That Doesn't banner
This is my stop during the book blitz for All That Doesn’t by Tracy Krimmer. This book blitz is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 20 till 21 August. See the tour schedule here.

All That Doesn'tAll That Doesn’t (All That #2)
By Tracy Krimmer
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Women’s Fiction
Age category: Adult
Release Date: August 20, 2018

Blurb:
After a devastating end to her marriage, Dory Walker has rebuilt her life in her hometown of Sycamore Bay. She’s left her music career behind and is only looking forward to her future with her rekindled love, Harris Malone.

Single dad Harris is doing his best to guide his young daughter and take the reins of his soon to be retired dad’s hardware store. With Dory by his side, he can do anything.

But just when Dory thought she had it all, a surprise visitor turns her world upside down with a revelation that threatens to tear her family apart. She turns to Harris for help, but he’s caught up trying to save his relationship with his daughter. Can the bond between Dory and Harris survive these turbulent times?

*****

Excerpt

She had some nerve calling me a liar. This woman was a stranger, and she had no insight into my life or my grandmother. What made her think she could walk in off the street and make such a proclamation? Only one thing came to mind. “Are you looking for money?”

“What?”

“I don’t have any if that’s what you want.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Sure, she did. She was probably an ex-fan who thought she’d had this elaborate scheme to blackmail me for money. Well, the joke was on her since Dylan took everything I had. Now I brought home a respectable and realistic paycheck. I saved my money—and did an awesome job of it—and maintained a budget. I lived a normal life, and I finally loved it.

“If you haven’t been following the news, I don’t sing anymore, and I can’t give you anything.”

Chandra nodded, grasping the point I was making. “Oh. Yeah, I’m aware of who you are. I swear that’s not why I’m here, though.” She stood from the chair and buttoned up her jacket. With a swing of her head to the right, her hair flung behind her back. “Don’t brush me off. I came to you first, hoping you could prepare Stella. I plan on coming to the house the day after tomorrow.” I prevented myself from gripping the scissors when she approached me, reaching past me for a pen and a sheet of paper. “Here’s where I’m staying, and here’s my cell number. Call or text if you want to talk. Otherwise, I’ll see you in two days.” She slid the paper next to me, and I didn’t move.

I didn’t know what to say, so I didn’t say anything at all. I stood at the counter until she unlocked the door and left.

I somehow knew that wasn’t the last I’d seen of her.

*****

You can find All That Doesn’t on Goodreads

Don’t miss the special release day price of $2.99!
You can buy All That Doesn’t here:
– Amazon
– B&N
– Kobo
– iTunes
– All vendors

First book in this series
All That Glitters
“A has-been country music star. A divorced dad from a small town. Almost a decade of bottled up passion…”Links:
– Goodreads
– Amazon
– B&N
– Kobo
– iTunes
– All vendors link

All That series graphic

Tracy KrimmerAbout the Author:
Tracy Krimmer loves coffee, popcorn, Drew Barrymore, and the movie Saving Silverman. She enjoys reading great books (of course) and writing realistic characters for you to enjoy. When she listens to music she prefers the 80s and 90s music she grew up on. In a typical day you’ll find her writing at one of her favorite spots–on the couch, at the kitchen table, or at her favorite hometown coffee shop.

You can find and contact Tracy here:
– Website
– Twitter
– Facebook
– Reader Group
– Goodreads
– Amazon
– Bookbub
– Instagram
– Newsletter

Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of All That Doesn’t. One winner will win a Bath & Body Works gift set. US Only.The set contains:
– 1 Hello beautiful Shea & vitamin e shower gel
– 1 Hello beautiful fragrance mist
– 1 Hello beautiful Shea butter & coconut body lotion
See picture below
Giveaway Prize

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Filed Under: All That Doesn't Tagged With: All That Doesn't, Book Blitz, Books, Chick-Lit, Contemporary Romance, New Release, Romance, Series, Tracy Krimmer

BOOK FEATURE: “Four Last First Dates”

August 20, 2018 2 Comments

Promo Signup || Kate O’Keeffe – Four Last First DatesFour Last First Dates by Kate O’Keeffe
Series: Cozy Cottage Café #4
Published by Wild Lime Books on August 9, 2018
Genres: Romantic Comedy

What do you do when you’ve agreed to a pact with your friends to get married, but neither you nor the guy in your sights is quite ready to fall in love?

Bailey De Luca is the last of her friends to complete the Last First Date pact—to marry the next guy she dates. But lady luck must be in a bad mood, because so far, it’s all come to nothing.

Everywhere she looks people are in love. Everyone except her. Is she fundamentally unlovable? Or is it that she’s already found—and lost—The One? Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure: Bailey never expected to be alone at thirty.

When one of her friends announces her engagement with a rock that could eclipse the sun, Bailey throws herself into a new business. Starting up Cozy Cottage Catering seems like the perfect way to bury her head in the sand. But fate has other ideas, and soon Bailey is swept off her feet by the oh-so cute Ryan Jones.

Ryan may seem like the perfect combination of Prince Charming meets Thor (without the hammer), but is Bailey ready to be with him?

Or will the ghost of her past love prevent her from finding happiness again?

Escape to New Zealand in this fun, feel-good sweet romance.

Books in the Cozy Cottage Café series:
Book 1: One Last First Date
Book 2: Two Last First Dates
Book 3: Three Last First Dates
Book 4: Four Last First Dates

*****

EXCERPT

The next “speed date” was so nondescript and dull, not even my list of probing and unusual questions helped. And I wasn’t here for nondescript and dull. I was here to find “The One.”

Well, that was the plan at least.

As I sat half listening to Nondescript Guy carry on about how important his health was and how he liked to have granola each morning to keep himself “regular”—talking about bowel movements on a date? Really?—I did my best to stifle a yawn.

I scanned the room. I could see Fake Jamie-slash-Fabio chatting up some new victim, and Adam talking with Perky Blonde at the adjacent table. Marissa waved at me from the bar, catching my eye. She shrugged, her palms face up as she nodded at my current “date.”

I gave my head one shake to indicate Nondescript Guy was a non-starter, and she scrunched her face up.

I stole another glance at Ryan. He and Paige were deep in conversation, and he didn’t look my way.

“. . . and you see, that’s why the flora of your gut is so important,” Nondescript Guy said, an earnest look on his face. “Not a lot of people know that, but it’s vital for good health.”

“Absolutely,” I replied, having no clue what he was talking about. Wasn’t flora a word scientists used for plants? I thought remembered it vaguely from high school biology.

“I’m glad you understand. That’s important to me, to have a partner on the same health journey as me.”

I blinked, unsure how to respond. A “health journey” didn’t exactly sound like something I could get on board with. You see, I had a bit of a cake habit. Baking, eating, the lot. And I had a great excuse—my café was known for its cakes. We always had a variety to suit most tastes, even offering a couple of gluten-free options lately, too.

Although I’m not sure Nondescript Guy and his “health journey” would approve of even those.

Fortunately, the bell sounded, so I didn’t have to pass comment. Instead, I smiled and said, “Nice to meet you.”

He got up and moved on to Perky Blonde. I heaved a sigh of relief.

“Hello.”

I looked up to see a small, bespectacled man standing by my table. He was dressed in a button-down shirt and khaki pants. He looked more than a little nervous.

“Hi,” I said brightly, trying to put him at ease. Although he didn’t look like they type of guy I’d dated in the past, I knew I needed to keep an open mind. “Please, take a seat.”

“Oh, I err  . . . okay.” He pulled a pad and pencil out from his back pocket and sat down opposite me.

I glanced at his name tag. “Your name is Reg? Is that short for Reginald?”

He nodded. “Lieutenant Reginald Barclay the third, actually.”

Lieutenant? Very formal. He didn’t look much like a military man, with his slim frame and lack of stature. But who was I to judge?

“Nice,” I said with a smile, trying not to let on what I was thinking.

“It’s not ‘nice.’” He scowled at me as though I’d insulted him. “Lieutenant Reginald Barclay is the most underrated member of the Starship Enterprise.”

The what now?

“Oh.” Not for the first time tonight, I didn’t know quite what to say.

“It’s all Captain Kirk and Spock, the superstars of the series.”

“This is a Star Warsthing?”

“Star Wars?” he spat, his features forming a disapproving scowl.

You’d think I’d insulted his mother.

“Star Trek.” He shook his head, his lips forming a thin line. “Reginald is a crew member of the Starship Enterprise.”

“Gotcha.” I didn’t at all.

“He needs his time in the spotlight, too, you know. He was a technical genius, not one of those ‘look at me, I’m an alpha male’ types.” He glared at me as though I was personally responsible for this Reginald Whatshisname’s lack of superstar status. “Beta males are just as important for the procreation of the species.”

I cleared my throat. Is this guy for real?

I glanced down at his notepad, landing on a way to move the conversation on. “You’ve come prepared.”

“Yes, I . . . have some key questions I’m looking for answers to.”

“Okay,” I replied, steeling myself for what was to come.

He flipped the notepad open and studied his notes.

I waited and waited.

And waited.

I shot my friends a desperate look I hoped they could read. It went something like “get me the heck out of here!”

“Ah, excuse me, Reg?”

He looked up at me as though I were some sort of irritation to him. “What?”

“We only have four minutes together. You know that, right?”

“Yes, yes.” He waved his hand in the air at me.

I knitted my eyebrows together. This was feeling less like a date and more like a visit to the school principal.

“Aha!” he exclaimed, making me jump.

“You’ve found your question?”

“Yes, I have.”

“Great.”

“What is your bust measurement?”

My mouth dropped open. “My bustmeasurement?”

“Yes.” His tone was matter-of-fact tone. “Your bust measurement, otherwise known as the circumference of your . . .err chestal area.” He made a circular motion in the air with his hands.

I crossed my arms on the table in front of my “bust.” I cleared my throat. “Why do you want to know that?”

“Because I assessed you as you arrived, and you have the proportions I am most invested in.”

What? Invested? Proportions? What was this guy, a freaking mad scientist? Or, worse yet, a serial killer?

“Invested in for a date?” I asked, really not wanting to know the answer.

“Of course!” he replied a little too loudly. “Why else would I be here? There isn’t any other explanation. I’m here for the dating. I want to meet someone to date.”

I wasn’t buying it. I glanced down at his notepad. There were numbers scrawled over the page. I let out a laugh, hoping to lighten the mood. “I don’t know. Maybe you’re doing some research or something?”

He pursed his lips and glared at me. “Who said that?” His eyes darted around the room in accusation.

I shifted in my seat. “Ah, me?”

He let out a puff of air. “I’m here for the dating, and as part of that, I would like to know what your bust measurements is, thank you.”

To my astonishment, he half-stood and reached into his front pocket, pulling a blue plastic measuring tape out in a long coil.

“You’re serious?” I guffawed. I shot a nervous look over at my friends. They all had incredulous looks on their faces, watching the bizarre speed date with “Reg”—allegedly the most underrated of the Starship Enterprise crew—unfold before their eyes.

“I thought I’d made that clear already. Do you have an objection?”

I crossed my arms. “Actually, I do.”

His glasses slid down his nose, and he pushed them back up his face with his index finger. “Well, in that case, I will need to hug you.”

“Hug me?”

This was getting more and more perverse.

“Yes. That way I can assess you, since my measuring tape appears to be so abhorrent to you.” His tone suggested I was slow on the uptake and he needed to explain things more clearly. “It won’t be as accurate, of course, but if you won’t provide me with your consent, I shall have no choice.”

That was it. I’d had enough. I placed my hands palm-down on the table. “Look, Reg—or whatever your actual name is. I’m not interested in being assessed or measured or anything. So, can you please refrain from asking me again?”

He slumped in his chair. “But you’re the best one.”

“The best one for what?”

Why oh why did I have to ask?

He let out a puff of air. “I’m designing something, even if Fatherthinks it’s a ‘waste of my education.’” He did air quotes, his face contorted in bitterness.

“What are you designing?”

My mouth was clearly disconnected from my brain at this point.

“The perfect woman, only robotic so she won’t have any of the challenges of a real woman.”

Oh, no.

“She’s going to be incredible. Beautiful, loving, flexible, do whatever you want . . .”

I held my hands up. “Stop!” I’d heard more than enough. I slid out of my chair and stood up.

Reginald BarclayIII looked up at me in surprise. As I stepped around the table, he also stood and attempted to swing his measuring tape around me.

I grabbed a hold of one end of it and snapped it away from him. “You have gotto be kidding me.” I smacked the tape down on the table, turned and walked away, just as the bell sounded for the next round of “dates.”

But there would be no more “dates” for me. I’d had more than enough Jamie wannabes and sicko mad scientist guys to last me a lifetime. I was done.

*****

About Kate O’Keeffe

Kate O’Keeffe is a bestselling author of fun, feel-good romantic comedies. She lives and loves in beautiful Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand with her family, two scruffy dogs, and a cat who thinks he’s a scruffy dog too. He’s not: he’s a cat. When she’s not penning her latest story, Kate can be found hiking up hills (slowly), travelling to different countries, and eating chocolate. A lot of it.

Kate has written the Amazon bestsellers the Cozy Cottage Café series, the popular chick lit stories, the Wellywood Romantic Comedy series, as well as some standalone titles.

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Filed Under: Four Last First Dates Tagged With: Chick-Lit, Four Last First Dates, Kate O'Keefe, New Release, Romance, Women's Fiction

RELEASE BLITZ: “Seven Days to Paradise” by Karan Eleni

July 13, 2018 Leave a Comment

Happy new release to debut author Karan Eleni! Book three in the Launching Love series, SEVEN DAYS TO PARADISE, is out now!

Release Blitz Signup || Karan Eleni – Seven Days to ParadiseSeven Days to Paradise by Karan Eleni
Series: Launching Love #3
Published by Kindred Ink Press LLC on July 11, 2018
Genres: Sweet Romance, Romantic Comedy

From debut author Karan Eleni comes book three in the Launching Love novella series from Kindred Ink Press – a sweet romance about making time to relax, letting love find you, and dealing with trouble in paradise.

Lorilynn Matthews has been in the same dead-end job for six years and is ready for a break. When her recently-dumped best friend suggests a girls’ week on a cruise through the Caribbean, Lori is hesitant but accepts the invitation.

As his brother’s best man, Clayton Weldon agreed to co-organize a joint bachelor/bachelorette party. What he didn’t agree to was reliving his honeymoon with his ex-wife. When someone else’s drama lands in his lap, he wants to avoid it, but it gives him an opportunity to escape his own, if only for a moment.

Will a chance meeting, seven days on a cruise ship, and drama at every turn make for the excursion of a lifetime or create the need to reach for life preservers to ride out the end of the trip?

About Karan Eleni

In no particular order, Karan Eleni is a bookworm, blogger, reviewer, publisher, author services wizard, former band manager and merch girl, crocheter, proud auntie to two mini bookworms, momma to two spoiled black cats, and newly published author.

She lives in Central Minnesota and spends a majority of her time living in the book world until her family drags her kicking and screaming from her house (unless they bribe her with tacos).

Follow Karan on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Goodreads at @karaneleniwrite. If she ever logs in, she’ll thank you and follow back.

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About Kindred Ink Press

Kindred Ink Press is an independent publisher of (almost) all things romance. From romantic comedy to cozy mystery, historical to contemporary real-life romance, we’ve got a bit of romance for just about everyone. Our books range from quick reads to those of epic length and can be found in digital and print formats with audiobooks coming soon.

Sign up for the Kindred Insider email newsletter to receive new releases, sales, and exclusive content in your inbox! http://kindredinkpress.com/insider

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Filed Under: Seven Days to Paradise Tagged With: Books, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Karan Eleni, New Release, Release Blitz, Romance, Seven Days to Paradise, Women's Fiction

RELEASE BLITZ: “All You Need is Love”

June 26, 2018 Leave a Comment

Happy release day to Melissa Baldwin. Book two in the Love in the City series, ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE, is available now!

Release Day Blitz || Melissa Baldwin – All You Need is LoveAll You Need is Love by Melissa Baldwin
Series: Love in the City Series #2
Published by Melissa Baldwin on June 26, 2018
Genre: Romantic Comedy

CJ Evans has worked hard to overcome many of the devastating challenges that life has thrown at her, and she has come a long way. Despite the aftermath of her broken engagement and the strained relationship with her mother, she has recently mended lost friendships and has become a successful entrepreneur of a business she is truly passionate about. But could all of this progress be lost when her mother presents her with a blindside she never would have expected?

CJ realizes she can no longer avoid her past, and she must finally face the heartbreak, inadequacy, and unresolved events to continue to move forward. This includes embarking on a new career path and opening her heart to a love she’s always been hoping for.

CJ’s journey is one of growth, trust, and taking risks. And in the end she may realize that to be truly happy—all you need is love.

About Melissa Baldwin

Melissa Baldwin is an avid runner, planner obsessed, and has always had a love for writing. She is a wife, mother, and avid journal keeper who took her creativity to the next level by fulfilling her dream with her debut novel, An Event to Remember…or Forget. Melissa writes about charming, ambitious, and real women and is now a published author of ten Romantic Comedy novels and novellas.

When she isn’t deep in the writing zone, this multi-tasking master organizer is busy spending time with her family, chauffeuring her daughter, traveling, running, indulging in fitness, and taking a Disney Cruise every now and then.

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Release Blitz organized by:

Filed Under: All You Need is Love Tagged With: All You Need is Love, Books, Chick Lit, Melissa Baldwin, New Release, Romance, Women's Fiction

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