May 2019

May 2, 2019May 2, 2019

New Release: Well Suited

Well Suited, the final standalone in the Red Lipstick Coalition Series from Staci Hart, is available now!

Chemistry is my love language.

I’ve always been able to separate feelings from chemosignals. A shot of dopamine, a dash of serotonin, and a sprinkle of oxytocin—and bam. You’re in love.

And when egg meets sperm, you’re pregnant.

I couldn’t even be surprised as I stared down at the little blue plus sign, because I knew exactly when and how, and with whom it happened.

When: approximately five weeks ago. Who: one night stand. How: prophylactic malfunction.

The upside? I don’t have to go looking for a suitable mate.

Genetically, he’s the cream of the crop. His musculature is a study in symmetry and strength, his height imposing and dominant. He is a man who thrives on control and command, a man who survives on intelligence and resourcefulness. A perfect male specimen.

And the whole package is wrapped up in a flawlessly tailored suit.

I’m having this baby, and he insists we’re well-suited to have it together. And what’s worse? He wants more, in the way of love and marriage.

But love isn’t real. It’s just a product of chemistry.

And if he changes my mind about that, we’re both in trouble.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2V07dpi Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/WellSuitedSH

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2JjTzbd

About the Author

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life — a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can’t forget that. She’s also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She’s been a wife, though she’s certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She’s also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she’s been drinking whiskey.

From roots in Houston to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.

Connect with Staci:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2hv5OA5 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacihartnovels Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quirkybird/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/imaquirkybird Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/imaquirkybird/ Website: http://stacihartnovels.com Stay up to date with Staci by joining her mailing list: http://stacihartnovels.com/get-the-newsletter/ Join Her Reader Group Here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stacihart/

May 2, 2019May 2, 2019

Excerpt: Nothing But Trouble

Excerpt from NOTHING BUT TROUBLE by Amy Andrews CC blasted a superior look in Wade’s direction. He was eating cookies, and crumbs had stuck to his lips. The sudden urge to lick those crumbs off those lips hit her out of the blue. Who knew farmer porn got more interesting with the addition of cookie crumbs? She knew they made ice cream better, but… Oh, for crying out loud—what in hell was with her today? Was she delirious? Or did every woman who entered the Credence town limits suddenly develop a thing for the town’s number one son? Like he needed any more adoration. Welcome to Credence, Colorado, population 2,134. Birthplace of Wade “The Catapult” Carter. That’s what the welcome sign had said on the way in today. She’d thought it kinda funny and had given him some shit about it, but maybe it had been some kind of portent? A warning to poor, unsuspecting females. Beware, all ye who enter here, estrogen hazard ahead. “We don’t name them, anyway,” Wade said, breaking into her analysis. Cal nodded. “That’s right, darlin’. Mighty hard to eat something that’s going to end up in burgers and sausages when it has a name.” CC gasped, horrified, looking down into Wilburta’s—she’d already feminized the name, despite her earlier insistence—pretty face. “What, all of them? Don’t you…” She glanced between Wade and his father. “Keep some? Like for…kids’ parties and…petting zoos and stuff?” Wade laughed again. “Hell no. But dibs on suggesting it to Wyatt.”

Honestly, if you haven’t run to get this yet….WHY NOT?!?!??

May 1, 2019May 1, 2019

Book Review: The Invited

I have started putting notes into books as I read them, so I can remember what I was thinking or feeling at a certain point. It helps me with reviews later, especially when my mind is a jumble of all of the things I want to say – like it is right now with The Invited by Jennifer McMahon. I requested this one on NetGalley, and boy am I glad that I received approval!

One of my first notes in this book was “I am Helen.” It makes me so much more invested in the story when I can instantly identify with a character. Everything Helen did in this book, from her attitude about events to her motivations for her actions, was something that I could see myself doing. I loved her tenacity, her desire to find the truth and especially her love of history.

The foreshadowing and omens in this book were plentiful and entirely natural in the course of the plot. None of them were overtly apparent or seemed out of place as a way to play “gotcha” with the reader. The suspense built gradually and kept me turning pages quickly. There were nods to real historical events (Salem Witch Trials; Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire) that intertwined seamlessly with the mystery plot.

Most of all, I really liked how the author tied everything together. There were no loose ends, and the puzzle was solved piece by piece. I did guess a few points or at least had suspicions confirmed, but they weren’t totally obvious; it took some sleuthing on my own.

If you like twisty mysteries with a hint of the paranormal, you will love this book. My Goodreads review is below.

NOW AVAILABLE

The Invited by Jennifer McMahon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this book, which was kind of cool because the book kept surprising me at every turn. At times haunting and mysterious but always compelling, the story kept me riveted. The mood created by the author with the opening scene sets the tone for what is to come while making the whole story seem timeless. (The concept of a Salem, MA type of attitude in 1920s Vermont was genius!) It was a pleasure to be able to draw parallels and find connections as Helen uncovered information, and there were many “aha!” moments. This was a page turner that I cannot recommend highly enough. Visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for more details. This review was written based on a pre-release digital ARC provided by NetGalley.

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May 1, 2019May 1, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: Nothing But Trouble by Amy Andrews

If you read enough books in any genre, they eventually all start to blend together. So, when you find one that stands out for any reason, it’s kind of like finding a diamond in the rough.

That’s how I feel about Nothing but Trouble by Amy Andrews. Even though it could easily fall into both the Sports Romance and Boss/Employee Romance categories, it’s much more than either one of those.

Cecilia (CC) has been the PA for former quarterback Wade Carter for nearly six years. As her contract is expiring, she is more than ready to leave the on-call 24/7 life behind and start a new life in California. Wade, however, has other plans. Fate probably has a little something to throw in as well.

I loved this book because it was different in quite a few ways. First, Wade is not the usual absolute monster/a-hole/jerk of a boss – more like just oblivious (which he eventually appropriately acknowledges). CC isn’t pining for him; she wants her contract to end so she can get on with her life. Both characters are thoroughly strong individuals.

I also liked the backstory that the author created to bring CC and Wade closer together. The plot point involving his home town was clever and unique. Even though I kind of sided with Wade initially, I loved how the author made her points about the strengths of females subtly. It all made sense when put into practice.

Some of my other favorite aspects of the novel:

The subplot concerning Wade’s brother, Wyatt, and a newcomer to town was poignant and well-written, adding a nice subtext to the overall story.
The snappy dialogue between CC and Wade. Their understanding of each other was apparent from the beginning and made me chuckle almost every time, especially during the “Gone With the Wind” references.
The author’s ability to create a picture for the scene at hand. A particularly moving passage was when Wade and CC were walking home from a party. The description of the streetlight and the sounds around them stands out.
The piglets

As I looked up the book for a reference, I noticed that it says “Credence, Colorado Book One.” I can only hope that we will get to follow Wade’s friends and some of the women in future books because Credence is a place I would love to revisit.

My Goodreads review is below.

NOW AVAILABLE!

Nothing But Trouble by Amy Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been on a roll lately, finding some excellent romances that have interesting characters and well thought-out plots. Nothing But Trouble is the latest that fits the bill. Wade is a former pro quarterback; CC has been his PA for the past five+ years. It’s a trope that has been used many times (the boss finally realizes feelings for employee), but this story seemed different to me. One thing that made this book stand out is that the romance doesn’t take center stage; it almost occurs in the background as other events occur – I loved this aspect because it allowed me to get involved with the plot and other characters, which made the story more interesting. I especially enjoyed the plan for his hometown. The counterpoint sub-story of Wade’s brother Wyatt was well done and touching. All motivations and character actions seemed natural, and the events were enjoyable to read. I highly recommend this book. Please see my blog at firefliesandfreekicks.com for a more detailed review. This review was written based on a digital ARC provided by NetGalley.

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May 1, 2019May 20, 2019

FUNDRAISER: Buy a book for a good cause

Presents : 7th Annual Keith Milano Memorial Fund

Welcome the 7th Annual Mental Health Awareness Month Book Fundraiser benefiting the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

For the 7th year, an amazing group of authors have generously agreed to donate a portion of their May sales to the Keith Milano Memorial Fund.

Here is how you can help raise money and awareness for mental health:

You can purchase a book from the amazing books listed below! We hope you will #1click4charity a number of these amazing books! Please note that although below are Amazon Kindle links, the portion of sales is from any platform: digital, print and audio.

Share the image below or any of the custom photos the participating authors share on social media to raise awareness and to show your support.

Make a tax-deductible donation directly to the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at AFSP.

Thank you in advance for your support as we work to bring mental illness out of the darkness.