11.11.2022

Book Blitz: Savoring Christmas by Shanna Hatfield

Savoring Christmas by Shanna Hatfield
(Rodeo Romance, #10)
Publication date: November 10th, 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

He’s a former rodeo star who gave up his career to run the family ranch.

She’s an aspiring chef with a food truck, a dream, and no interest in another man coming along to ruin her plans.
Troy Lucas walked away from his winning rodeo career to run the family ranch after the death of his grandfather. Now, being a rancher, a farrier, and even team roping just for fun can’t seem to keep him satisfied. He didn’t think he’d miss his glory days in the rodeo when he came back home – in fact, there’s nowhere else he’d rather be. Still, he can’t deny the hole inside that keeps reminding him he’s longing for something . . . more.

Chef Lark Gibson has only one thing on her mind: opening a restaurant in Portland. Until that day comes, Lark will take her food truck to as many events as possible and make sure her customers are always begging for more. The last thing she expected was to find herself distracted by a knight in dusty Wranglers, until a handsome cowboy comes to her rescue and catches her off-guard.

Will the approaching Christmas season lead this hungry cowboy and ambitious chef to realize that what they think they want isn’t what they really need? Find out in Savoring Christmas, a sweet romance full of humor, heart, and holiday fun.

Goodreads / Amazon

**Until December 24th, 10% of the proceeds from every book purchased (any Shanna Hatfield book including ebook, audio, paperback and hardback formats) will be donated to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. (Find more info here!)

EXCERPT:

Jay started putting away the supplies she’d brought and glanced over his shoulder at her. “Tell me more, Lark.”

“More? About what? I told you all there is to know about the runaway steer.”

Jay shook his head as he filled the napkin dispensers. “I don’t care about that. Tell me about this cowboy who caught your eye.”

“He didn’t catch my eye,” she huffed. Her protest seemed a little rushed and forced even to her.

When her brother chuckled, she knew he was aware of her interest in her cowboy-hat-wearing hero.

“Fine,” she admitted. “He may have earned a second glance.”

“Or fourth, from the way you were studying him.” Jay looked over his shoulder at her. “Admit it, you like him.”

Lark shot a hair band at her brother. “I’m not admitting anything, bro. I just met him. I don’t know enough about him to like or dislike him.”

“Keep telling yourself that,” Jay muttered.


Author Bio:

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes sweet romances rich with relatable characters, small town settings that feel like home, humor, and hope.

Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

When this farm girl isn’t writing or indulging in rich, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. She also experiments with recipes, snaps photos of her adorable nephew, and caters to the whims of a cranky cat named Drooley.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her website http://shannahatfield.com or find out more about her here: linktr.ee/ShannaHatfield

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11.10.2022

Book Blitz: Never Gonna Happen by Linda Kage

Never Gonna Happen by Linda Kage
Publication date: November 8, 2022
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Peyton’s mom and my mom were best friends.

You’d think that should cover the gist of it. But, no… Oh, no./

Not even close.

You see, Mom and Aunt Donna (as I’d always called Peyton’s mother) were not simply just best friends; I’m saying they were the-same-person-inhabiting-two-different-bodies kind of best friends.

And thus, Peyton Royce had been forced on me since the moment she was born.

We were treated like twins, yet always expected to fall in love one day and get married. The only problem with that was I didn’t love Peyton. And I’m fairly certain she didn’t even like me in return.

Don’t get me wrong. I adored our moms—swear to God—but they had to let this stupid notion go, because one thing had become abundantly clear to me over the years. I would never marry Peyton Royce. I think it was my one goal in life, actually.

So… Sorry, Mom and Aunt Donna, but you two just weren’t going to get your way on this.

Peyton and I? It was never gonna happen.

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EXCERPT:

Aria took her turn next. When she immediately turned toward me and Peyton, my stomach dipped with dread.

“York,” she smirked snidely. “Truth or dare?”

“Uh…” Damn. I shrugged, not sure what would be worse from her. I ended up going with, “Truth,” only to hold my breath and hope she didn’t ask about why I’d really broken up with her. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings and admit that I just didn’t feel any sparks.

But she glanced calculatingly between me and Peyton instead, then asked, “You two have known each other your whole lives, right?”

I frowned in confusion. “Uh, yeah. That’s your question?”

“No. My question is if you two have ever kissed before.”

“What? No!” I frowned at her for wasting her truth question on that and then glanced toward Peyton, shaking my head to let her know my group of friends was clearly insane.

She merely blushed and shrugged back.

And Wes took his turn next in the game.

“York!” he cheered. “Truth or dare?”

“Seriously?” I threw up my hands. “Why is everyone picking on me all of the sudden?”

“Truth or dare?” Wes repeated, lifting a challenging eyebrow.

I didn’t like where Aria had been heading with her question about Peyton, so this time I said, “Dare.”

Wes looked at me with victory, letting me know I’d chosen wrong, right before he said, “I dare you to kiss Peyton.”

Author Bio:

Linda writes romance fiction from YA to adult, contemporary to fantasy. Most Kage stories lean more toward the lighter, sillier side with a couple meaningful moments thrown in. Focuses more on entertainment value and emotional impact.
Published since 2010. Went through a 2-year writing correspondence class in children's literature from The Institute of Children's Literature. Then graduated with a Bachelors in Arts, English with an emphasis in creative fiction writing from Pittsburg State University.

Now she lives with hubby, two daughters, cat Holly, and nine cuckoo clocks in southeast Kansas, USA. Farm girl. Parents were dairy farmers. Was youngest of eight. Big family. Day job as a cataloging library assistant.

Harry Potter House Gryffindor, Patronus White Stallion, character match Hagrid. Supernatural Team Dean. Game of Thrones Team Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister. The Walking Dead Team Daryl. Outlander Team Jamie Fraser. Teen Wolf Team Stiles. Avenger Team Thor...or Hulk (can't decide). Justice League Team Flash. Arrow Team Stephen Amell. Stranger Things obsessed. Heard Laurel, not Yanny.

Started out reading with the Baby-Sitters Club. Then moved to Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, and LaVyrle Spencer in high school. Now all over the place with her romance reading tastes.

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11.09.2022

Blog Tour: Miles and Miles of You by Jennifer Bonds

Miles and Miles of You by Jennifer Bonds
Published by: Entangled: Amara
Publication date: November 7, 2022
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Get on board with @SoSavvyTraveler!

Lucy Gonzalez might have once been a stressed personal assistant, but now she’s hitched up her grandma’s bitchin’ vintage Airstream and hitting the road with all the best places to find cheap eats and see the sights on a shoestring budget.

And she has company along for the ride. If those thirst-worthy abs seem familiar, it’s because they belong to billionaire Miles Hart. True story, he used to be Lucy’s boss until she quit on him. Something about not being appreciated? Anyway, you will appreciate Miles—and his groveling—plenty on this trip.

Now, you have front-row seats to the hottest trip of the year. Sparks! Fireworks! Unexpected smooching! And you won’t want to miss the jaw-dropping surprise that will make this destination totally worth the hilarious journey…

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Excerpt

Lucy’s gaze locks on the luggage at my feet and her umber eyes go round. “Why do you have a suitcase?”

I flash her a winning smile. “I’m coming with you.”

Her jaw drops, revealing a row of straight white teeth, but she recovers quickly, snapping her mouth shut.

“No.” She shakes her head vigorously. “Absolutely not.”

I’d expected resistance, but I’ll win her over. I always do.

Not always.

I wouldn’t be in this mess if that were true.

“What do you mean ‘no’? This was your idea,” I remind her. “You’re the one who said ‘watch me.’ I’m just taking you up on the offer.”

Her mouth opens. Then closes. Then opens again.

I wait a beat, but still no words come. She’s literally speechless.

That’s a first.

“I need your help. If the only way to get it is to join you on this little adventure,” I say, nodding toward the camper, “then so be it.”

“Little adventure?” she echoes, planting her hands on her hips. “There’s nothing little about what I have planned.”

“Of that, I have no doubt.”

But if life has taught me anything, it’s that having dreams and making them reality are two very different things. My brothers and I poured everything we had to give into Triada, knowing full well that success was a long shot. And while I believe Lucy can achieve just about anything she sets her mind to, I’m not convinced her life’s dream is to be a travel influencer.

Hell, I’m pretty sure she plucked the idea out of thin air that day in my office.

“What about Triada?” she challenges, eyes glinting with triumph. “In the two years I’ve worked for you, you haven’t taken a single vacation.”

Has it really been so long since I took time off?

Focus, asshole.

“Who said anything about a vacation?” I wink at her. “I can work remotely. All I need is my laptop and hotspot.”

The little skeptic arches a brow and I chuckle.

“Okay, fine. I need you too.” That, at least, earns me a smile. Thank Christ for small favors. “Besides, I want to be there when you come to your senses and ditch this ridiculous plan.”

Annoyance flashes across her face, but it’s gone in an instant.

“You’re serious?” She pinches the bridge of her nose. “You really mean to join me on this trip?”

“Yes.” Despite the fact that I’m going to catch hell from my brothers when they find out.

Ask forgiveness, not permission.

It’s a mindset that’s always served me well.

“And you think this is a better solution than simply hiring a new assistant?” she asks, words dripping with sarcasm.

“Hell, yes.”

The corner of her mouth twitches at my obvious desperation, but I let it roll off my back. The only thing that matters now is her answer. Our eyes lock and she stares at me for a long moment, probably weighing her options and the outcome of each.

Meticulous, as always.

I’d expect nothing less.

“All right,” she finally says, voice taking on a sly edge. “I’ll let you tag along. If you agree to travel as I do. No upgrades. No five-star hotels. No Michelin star restaurants.”

That’s it? The lack of strings is a pleasant surprise.

“Done.” I snort. “What kind of snob do you take me for?”

Lucy laughs, and it’s a light, airy sound reminiscent of better days. Days when I wasn’t up to my ass in problems.

“I mean it.” She pokes me in the chest. “The whole point of this trip is to show real people travelling on a budget. The world doesn’t need another Lifestyles of the Rich and Photoshopped brand designed to make the masses feel inferior.”

“Fine.” After the week I’ve had, I’ll agree to just about anything. “How hard can it be, anyway?”

“For a guy used to room service and luxury accommodations?” She smiles up at me sweetly. “I imagine it’ll be quite challenging.”

The hell it will. Despite my current wealth, I’m no stranger to rough living conditions. I may enjoy the finer things in life—who doesn’t?—but I don’t need them to survive.

“I didn’t get where I am by caving under pressure.” I lean in close, pitching my voice low. “I can handle it. Can you?”

Indignation flares in her dark eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” I say, choosing my words carefully, “that I don’t think you’ll last two weeks.”

“Ha.” Lucy crosses her arms. “I won’t last two weeks? You won’t last two days without your gourmet coffee and Egyptian cotton sheets.”

“Want to bet?”

Author Bio:

Jennifer Bonds is the USA Today bestselling author of sizzling contemporary romance with sassy heroines, sexy alphas, and a whole lot of mischief. She’s a sucker for enemies-to-lovers stories, laugh-out-loud banter, and over-the-top grand gestures. Jennifer lives in Pennsylvania, where her overactive imagination and weakness for reality TV keep life interesting. She's lucky enough to live with her own real-life hero, two adorable (and sometimes crazy) children, and one rambunctious K9. Loves Buffy, Mexican food, a solid Netflix binge, the Winchester brothers, cupcakes, and all things zombie. Sings off-key.

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11.07.2022

Book Blitz: Let There Be Snow by Charlotte Rains Dixon

Let There Be Snow by Charlotte Rains Dixon
Publication date: November 3, 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

Christmas isn’t Christmas without snow.

So Dixie Dunham believes.

But she’s about to experience a Christmas with nothing but cold, gray rain after taking a job at the Starlight Winery in Pineview, Oregon, smack in the middle of wine country. Dixie likes her new job at the winery and she’s hoping owners Jamie and Ernest will soon name her to the position of national sales manager. She’s certain the proposal she’s working on for a city-sponsored contest will cement her claim to the job. That would be something to impress the friends and family she left behind in New York.

And Dixie is desperate to impress them, seeing as how she fled after her fiancée jilted her at the altar in favor of her maid-of-honor best friend. Now as the December days shorten and darken and Pineview celebrates the season with lavish decorations and festive events, it’s hitting Dixie hard how much she’s lost. All she has left besides her job is the company of her loyal dog, Bo. And a Christmas without snow.

When Jamie and Ernest introduce her to their good friend Max Pettigrew, who has just moved from Paris back to Pineview after a wrenching divorce, she’s instantly attracted to him. But Max Pettigrew never met a woman he didn’t want to flirt with. All in the strictest of innocence, of course. Too bad what he thinks is charming flirtatiousness is off-putting to Dixie. Ridiculously handsome he may be, but he’s also ridiculously annoying. And she does not need more annoyance in her life. When the two of them turn out to be vying to win the same city contest, her annoyance turns to anger. But Max grows more determined to win her over, inviting her to the Pineview Christmas parade and holiday parties, and turning to a stream of self-help books to help improve himself.

Can Max mend his entitled bro ways? Will Dixie get her promotion, and perhaps more important, her snow at Christmas in rainy Oregon? Let There Be Snow, a novella, launches November 3, 2022. Stay tuned for pre-order information.

Goodreads / Amazon

SNEAK PEEK:

Two steps remaining, someone appeared at the bottom of the stairs and startled Dixie. Her foot slid and she missed the step, landing awkwardly in front of the human who stood waiting to walk up.

The human who was a male in a brown wool coat dripping with water. The human who had rich brown eyes that smoldered as brightly as the tasting room fire, a graceful long nose, and a mouth that was now wreathed in an ear-to-ear smile. The human who had a thick head of chestnut hair, with one lock that fell over his forehead in a boyish way. The human who now reached out a hand to steady her and said, “Oh, I’m so sorry, I startled you. Are you okay?”

He was tall, really tall. She batted away the comparison to Tate, who had been short, shorter than Dixie herself, and for whom Dixie was always slumping so as not to be taller. Beneath this man’s overcoat a starched light blue shirt draped his broad shoulders and chest in a perfect fit, and his tan slacks fell from his waist in a sleek line.

He was ridiculously handsome. Stupidly handsome.

Except then she realized. He was Jamie and Ernest’s next appointment. Most likely a rival candidate for the marketing director job. Her job. She shook off his hand. “I’m fine.”

“You sure are,” he said.

Oh, for God’s sake. Really? Had he really just said that? She rolled her eyes.

But he still gazed down at her. “Really, really fine.”

“What are you, a relic from the dark ages?” she snapped. This man was totally riling her, despite his good looks. Maybe even because of his good looks.

His smile didn’t waver. “Just a man who appreciates the finer things in life.”

“Me too, which doesn’t include jerky men.” Dixie moved to step around him. She had to get away from him. She was being rude, and that was unprofessional. If her bosses heard her, it would be another black mark against her.

“Oh, don’t go without an introduction.” Unfortunately, his voice was as rich and deep as his eyes. He held out a hand. “Max. Max Pettigrew.”

She sighed and shook his hand, then withdrew it as quickly as possible. “Dixie. Dixie Dunham. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”

Luckily, Ernest’s voice called from the top of the staircase. “Oh, there you are, Max, you’re just in time.”

“For what, the vampire ball?” Dixie asked.

Damnit, she’d done it again.

“Oh now, do we have to be so harsh?”

The words came out of her mouth before she could stop herself. “Oh now, yes. Yes, we do.” She couldn’t help it. She’d had enough of men, especially those of the handsome, entitled, arrogant variety, to last her a lifetime. “We really do.”

Footsteps sounded on the steps and Ernest called down. “You ready?”

“I thought I was but now I’m not so sure,” Max said, then zeroed in on Dixie again. “I’ll have you know I’m attending the Christmas play that the Mapson twins are appearing in.”

“Try not to spoil the holiday cheer. I’m outta here.” Dixie made her escape.

“Was it something I said?” Max called after her.

“Damn right,” Dixie muttered as she stomped away. Air, she needed air. “Taking a quick break,” she called to Kate, and grabbed her coat and Bo’s leash. Outside, the rain had stopped but judging by the black clouds along the western horizon, it looked to be a brief respite. She led Bo up the path that snaked alongside the vineyard plantings to the top of a small rise. For the moment she could catch a glimpse of the spectacular view from the winery—green rolling hills, many covered with now-brown vineyards, others featuring farmhouses snuggled into them. It was a view she never tired of, even if she did wish the green would turn to white once in a while.

She inhaled the fresh Oregon air. Damnit, she’d done it again—gone apeshit irritable over nothing important, just a stupid man. Stupidly handsome man. She swatted the thought away. Dixie took another deep breath, trying to shake off the stress that her therapist said activated her PTSD. If one believed she had PTSD, which for sure Dixie didn’t. Nope, she wasn’t going there. Not a chance. No way. She’d tried, she really had, but Dixie couldn’t help thinking that all that psychological self-help crap was just mumbo jumbo. What she needed was some good old-fashioned revenge.


Author Bio:

The great-granddaughter of pioneers who walked across the Oregon Trail, Charlotte Rains Dixon considers herself a westerner through and through. Many of her stories are set in her home state of Oregon, where her characters reside in fictional versions of her favorite wine area and coast towns, as well as Portland, where she lives.

When not writing fiction, Charlotte teaches writing in England, the south of France, and around the Pacific Northwest. She also coaches writers privately. She is Director Emeritus and a current mentor at the Writer's Loft, a certificate-in-writing program at Middle Tennessee State University. She earned her MFA in creative writing from Spalding University and is also the author Emma Jean’s Bad Behavior.

Charlotte lives with her husband in Portland, Oregon, in a multi-generational home that is by turns boisterous and exuberant but seldom quiet. She believes no breakfast is complete without a crossword puzzle to work and no Happy Hour can actually be happy without popcorn. (Wine goes without saying.) Despite frequent stays in France, she regularly fractures the language. She is, however, fluent in Carney.

Charlotte writes stories about places you long to live filled with people you’d love to know.

Learn more about Charlotte at her website, charlotterainsdixonauthor.com and be sure to sign up for her author newsletter here.

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