Blog Tour: Love Next Door by Helena Hunting + Excerpt!

 

Love Next Door, an all-new sweet and endearing romance from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is now live!

When Dillion Stitch left her hometown, she had no intention of going back. But when her brother gets into trouble, Dillion reluctantly agrees to return home to take her place at the family business.

Being back in Pearl Lake after all these years feels familiar, but also brings a few surprises. She’s quick to notice that someone new has shown up at the cottage next door. Dillion gets more than an eyeful when she goes to check out the newcomer and meets Donovan “Van” Firestone—her beloved neighbor’s grandson—in all his unclothed glory.

Having gotten off to a rocky start, it’s not long before they begin bickering with each other all over town. All that back and forth inevitably sparks an undeniable attraction. But Dillion’s family has issues, Van’s family resents him, and neither Dillion nor Van feels truly at ease in the small town. For these Pearl Lake exiles, home isn’t just where the heart is—it’s where things get complicated.

Grab your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oFVab6
Amazon Worldwide: https://geni.us/LoveNextDoorHH

Add Love Next Door to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2MbXVTP

Excerpt

I turn on the flashlight and trudge through the brush and past the campfire, which incidentally has been left unattended. It’s down to a smolder, but Van has left out hot dog sticks and a bag of buns.

I keep going, toward Bee’s front porch and the blinding spotlight. Standing in front of the cottage is Van. Shirtless. Sweaty and shirtless. The bright light shines directly on him, accenting the dips and ridges, the smooth planes of muscle.

Van is ripped. Probably because he spends a lot of time at the gym, staring at his own reflection in the mirror. He lifts his ball cap from his head and runs a hand through his deliciously sweaty dark hair before he flips his cap around and replaces it, backward this time.

I roll my eyes at myself. What the hell is wrong with me? Deliciously sweaty. “Hey!” I bark.

He startles and the hammer in his hand goes flying, but he was on the back swing, so it heads in my direction. I sidestep it, and it manages to miss me by about six inches. He spins around, eyes wide as they land on me. “What the fuck?”

“Do you realize what time it is?”

“Do you realize that you scared the living shit out of me and I could’ve hurt you, or myself?” He motions to the hammer lying on the ground next to me.

“Wouldn’t that have been a pity,” I snap.

“What the hell is your damn problem?”

“You.” I point a finger at him. “You are the problem. It’s after ten. There’s a bylaw in place around here that stipulates all construction takes place between the hours of seven a.m. and nine p.m. from June to August, and you’re violating that. And for what? It’s not like whatever you’re doing is going to matter when your damn plan is to parcel out the property!” I’m yelling now, and heaving. And my nipples are peaking under the white tank I wore to bed. I hug myself to hide them.

“This is the second time you’ve said that. What the hell are you talking about?”

“What do you mean, what am I talking about?” I flail for a second and then cross my arms again. “You called me about it. Bee wasn’t gone a couple of weeks, and you were already asking about acreage and subdividing. It doesn’t take a genius to know what your plans are!”

“I don’t even know what you mean by subdividing, and I never called you.”

“Yes, you did!” He’s just so infuriating.

“No. I didn’t. Believe me, I’d remember dealing with someone as hostile as you.”

“I am not hostile.”

“Really?” Van props a fist on his hip. His narrow hip.

I follow the movement, which leads my eyes to his waist, that enticing V of muscle dragging my gaze down farther. Of course, because my brain is a jerk, the image of him naked pops back into my brain.

As if he’s reading my mind, his brow arches. “You’re picturing me naked right now. Aren’t you?”

“What? No!” My eyes snap back up to his.

“Yeah. You are.” His lip curls, somewhere between a smirk and sneer, his tone needling. “You were staring at my crotch, probably thinking about the last time you visually molested my junk. Is that why you stopped by? To check me out again? This whole fake phone call thing is an excuse for you to come back over here and get a look at the goods again.” He runs a hand down his chest.

“You’re an egotistical asshole. I realize that this might be some kind of fun holiday for you, and that you’re probably sleeping until noon every day, but some of us have to be up at the crack of dawn. Bylaw hours are seven a.m. to nine p.m. Next time you break them, expect to get a visit from the sheriff.” I spin around and stomp over to the extension cord, find the place where it’s joined to the lamp, and break the connection, submerging us in darkness. “Next time I won’t be so nice about it.”

“Hate to break it to you, but you weren’t very nice about it this time,” he calls after me.

It drives me crazy how easy it is for him to push my buttons.

A few seconds later I hear an oof and a clatter, which means he’s tripped over something in the dark. I smile to myself. Hopefully this time he’ll get the message.

About Helena Hunting

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

Connect with Helena

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2kN5wdZ
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2mloUim
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Facebook Fan group: http://bit.ly/2kN5yCD
Website: http://www.helenahunting.com/

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New Release: Love Next Door by Helena Hunting + Review!

 

Love Next Door, an all new addictive small-town romance from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is now live!

When Dillion Stitch left her hometown, she had no intention of going back. But when her brother gets into trouble, Dillion reluctantly agrees to return home to take her place at the family business.

Being back in Pearl Lake after all these years feels familiar, but also brings a few surprises. She’s quick to notice that someone new has shown up at the cottage next door. Dillion gets more than an eyeful when she goes to check out the newcomer and meets Donovan “Van” Firestone—her beloved neighbor’s grandson—in all his unclothed glory.

Having gotten off to a rocky start, it’s not long before they begin bickering with each other all over town. All that back and forth inevitably sparks an undeniable attraction. But Dillion’s family has issues, Van’s family resents him, and neither Dillion nor Van feels truly at ease in the small town. For these Pearl Lake exiles, home isn’t just where the heart is—it’s where things get complicated.

Grab your copy today!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oFVab6
Amazon Worldwide: https://geni.us/LoveNextDoorHH
Amazon Audible: https://amzn.to/3x0qMvG
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/3iMn8R3

Add Love Next Door to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2MbXVTP

Review:

3.5 stars

***

 This was a pretty good read, but I felt it lacked the usual Helena Hunting spark. Love Next Door is a stand alone book and is Dillion and Van's story. Dillion is from a small town that she couldn't wait to leave after high school and move to a big city. When her younger brother is having problems, she loses her apartment and goes through a breakup, she returns home to that small town to help with the family business and regroup. Van is in town because his grandmother died, who happens to be Dillion's next door neighbor. He is also having job and family problems, so he too is in town temporarily to fix up his grandmother's house and regroup. When the two meet they do not get a long, but they soon see they have misjudged each other and romance ensues.

The story in this book was pretty good. I did think the first half of the book dragged a bit, but I liked the second half more. At first, I felt like Dillion rubbed me the wrong way, having tantrums and acting like a teenager. She wasn't very nice to anyone or likeable. There were some plot holes that left me with questions and I felt the conversations were illogical at times. In fact, I wasn't sure if I liked either Van or Dillion at first, but by the end, I did like them and thought they were sweet together. I definitely felt a lack of chemistry. But I did find the story entertaining. I liked the way the book ended, even if I didn't love the way it began. Overall, this was not a bad book, but it wasn't my favorite Helena Hunting book.

About Helena Hunting

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

Connect with Helena

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2kN5wdZ
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2mloUim
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/Zt1xm5
Facebook Fan group: http://bit.ly/2kN5yCD
Website: http://www.helenahunting.com/

Never miss an update! Subscribe to Helena's mailing list:
http://bit.ly/2MlRKq6

New Release: Witches Get Stitches by Juliette Cross + Review!

 

Witches Get Stitches by Juliette Cross, Author is now available! I am loving this fun, witchy romance series!

Blurb:

Violet Savoie has a plan. A dream, rather. To open her own tattoo shop, which caters to supernaturals in need of permanent charms. As a powerful Seer, she has the potent magic to cast every kind of spell. Except the kind to give werewolves control over their beastly side. And her business partner Nico needs help in the worst kind of way.

Nico Cruz has a secret. A motive, rather. To subtly stalk and seduce Violet until she finally recognizes they are fated to be together. Ever since their heated encounter in Austin on New Year’s Eve two years earlier, he’s been dying to get his hands—and his tongue—back on her body. He knows a woman like Violet can’t be courted in the usual way. Luckily, Nico has no scruples about misbehaving to get what he wants.

But when his former pack roams into town, and an old friend is far too interested in Violet, his focus shifts to the threat venturing into his territory. Nico may come across as the quiet, broody one, but the intruders are about to regret stepping foot in New Orleans. And when Violet goes missing, no charm or spell can keep Nico’s wolf at bay.

*** Get ready for a fun, flirty paranormal romance in the STAY A SPELL world:

Friends to lovers

Protective alpha werewolf

Snarky, potty-mouthed witch

Loads of pining

Low angst, high humor

Super steamy (and a magical supply closet)

Links:

AM: https://amzn.to/37SBA5E

AM UK: https://amzn.to/3xbm8M0

AM AU: https://amzn.to/3vayGll

AM CA: https://amzn.to/2SqMScp

B&N: https://bit.ly/2Sm9T0d

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3vdoJDA

Google: https://bit.ly/2SqXacu

Review:

4.25 stars

****

 This was really good! Witches Get Stitches is book three in the Stay a Spell series and is the third Savoie sister, Violet and Nico's story. Violet is a witch who owns her own tattoo shop. Nico is a wolf and singer/songwriter. The two met a few years ago when Violet was visiting Austin, where Nico lived. He knew right away when he met her that Violet was his mate, but he doesn't tell her because she doesn't seem ready and open to it yet. He follows her and moves to New Orleans to be close to her. Violet feels a definite connection to Nico, but something makes her doubt that he is the person she is meant to be with forever. So Nico becomes her good friend and Violet eventually gives in to the connection they share. They have to deal with some trouble from Nico's past and the curse put on werewolves many years ago, but they manage to make it through, fall in love and come out together stronger in the end.

These books get better and better! The writing is excellent. I love the world building. Nico and Violet were great characters and so good together. Their story was a little slow burn, but they were super sexy together with awesome chemistry and connection. Nico knows they are meant to be together, but Violet has doubts and makes him work for it. But the second half of the book made up for the wait. Once Violet and Nico get things sorted between them, they are so good together. This was a really fun, entertaining story. I loved all the side characters and the tattoo shop in New Orleans setting too.

Overall, Nico and Violet's story was so enjoyable. I am really loving this series. I love the fun witchy atmosphere, the sisterly bond, the chemistry, wittyness and cool New Orleans setting. There is so many possibilities for books in this world. I hope the series goes on for a long time. I can't wait to read the rest of the sisters' stories!

New Release: Waylaid by Sarina Bowen + Review & Excerpt!

 

Waylaid by Sarina Bowen is now available!

It’s a tale as old as time: the bad boy meets the good girl. He makes a daring proposition. Then the boy gets a mysterious head injury and loses a year of his life…

The first time I meet Rickie, I don’t know what to make of him. The second time we meet, he doesn’t remember the six hours we spent together. Or standing me up afterward.

I’m not the same, either. I’ve got secrets. I’ve told lies. Bad boys aren’t my type, anyway. Even the ones with troubled gray eyes.

But now we’re roommates. Cue the awkward moments in the hallway when he’s wearing only a towel and a smile. He’s determined to win me over, and his talented hands weaken my resolve.

It’s all fun and games until my past rears its ugly head and his secrets come to light, shaking our fragile connection, maybe even breaking it…

Note: this is Daphne Shipley's story. Contents include Vermonty ice cream flavors, nerdy awkwardness, tattoos, and a playboy grandpa.

Links:

Amazon: https://geni.us/AmazonWaylaid

Apple: https://geni.us/AppleWaylaid

Kobo: https://geni.us/KoboWaylaid

Nook: https://geni.us/NookWaylaid

Google: https://geni.us/GoogleWaylaid

Audio: https://geni.us/AudibleWaylaid

Review:

3.5-3.75 stars

***

 This was a good, but emotional read. Waylaid is book eight in the True North series and is Daphne and Rickie's book. Daphne is the last single Shipley sibling. She and Rickie met several years before and had a connection. But something happened and he stood her up, never contacting her again. Currently, Daphne has had a bad experience at college with an ex who threatened her college career and future, so she has transferred to Moo U for her senior year, where her twin brother, Dylan, goes. Rickie is Dylan's friend who is working at the Shipley farm for the summer. He is interested in Daphne right away, but he doesn't remember meeting her in the past. There is a lot more to it than that but I can't give anything else away. I will say Rickie and Daphne's story is an emotional read and not an easy story, but they survive and come through it together stronger in the end.

I found this book to be hard to read at times. Both Daphne and Rickie have been through a lot, seperately. They have hard, emotional pasts that they needed to heal from. The book had a darker tone that some of the others in the series. I liked Rickie, who came off as fun and flirty, but struggled with Daphne's prickliness and how focused she was on her own problems. I wanted to see firsthand a bit more healing from them and a few more happy times or lighter moments so that I could feel like they had moved on from their tough pasts. Rickie and Daphne were a good couple and a good match. But I didn't feel like they got completely comfortable and secure in their relationship with each other. Still, I found the book to be well written and engrossing. I enjoyed reading Daphne and Rickie's story.

Overall, this was a pretty good book, despite not being my favorite of the series. I have very much enjoyed the True North series and I really hope this is not end. I look forward to whatever Ms. Bowen comes up with next!

Excerpt:

I read all the way to the highway exit, but I only get halfway through the first article. It’s dense and full of statistical analysis that’s over my head. 

By the time Rickie rolls down the exit ramp, I feel the onset of a full-blown case of imposter syndrome. Dr. Drummond is expecting me to be sharp. What if they ask me to work on this type of analysis, and I can’t do it?

“I see the ice cream place,” Rickie says. “But there’s no entrance back onto the highway. What the hell?”

“Doesn’t matter,” I mumble. “It’s three miles down a side road to exit 6.” I close the journal with a sigh. I feel so panicky right now. I’ve always tried to be the smartest girl in the room. But it’s all an act. I’m obviously the worst kind of dunce—the kind that can’t see her own mistakes until it’s way too late. (See: the last twelve months of my life.)

Is it normal to have a midlife crisis right before your twenty-first birthday?

Rickie rolls into the gravel parking lot of the Dreamy Creemee and puts the truck in a shady spot. He rolls down the windows before killing the engine. It’s getting toward dinner hour, so there aren’t many people here. Just a couple of moms pushing toddlers on the swing set.

And I’m quietly having a panic attack in the passenger seat.

I take a slow but shaky breath. Do I even want ice cream? Is there a flavor on that signboard that could take me out of my own head? I reach for the door handle, but Rickie stops me. 

“Look," he says. "About that time we shared a ride home from Connecticut...” 

“No,” I say forcefully. If he makes me relive that embarrassing experience, I might lose my cool. “Just forget it, okay? So what if you ghosted me?”

His eyes widen. But my rant is only picking up steam. 

“None of that matters. I didn’t even blame you. And the only way I'm going to make it through this year is if I put Connecticut behind me, okay? Just leave it alone.” 

My voice cracks on that last word, and I realize that I might actually cry. Which is a thing I never do. But Harkness College was my dream, and I blew it. My damn eyes get hot and my throat constricts. 

“S-so just forget it," I squeak. “It's already in the past. It can just stay there.” 

Rickie's gray eyes are soft now. And they're moving closer. To my utter surprise, he leans forward and presses a kiss to my lips.

So soft, my brain sputters. 

“Shh,” he says against my lips. His kiss is warm and unhurried. Like a ray of sunshine when you’re shivering. 

For once, my squirrel brain forgets to scurry. And I just let it happen. He kisses me again. It’s still gentle. His bright eyes measure me. I don’t know what he sees. But whatever it is, he decides he likes it. 

Those soft lips brush and press. Again. And I'm only human. Rickie's surprisingly tender kiss has caught me at a vulnerable moment. I lean in, experimenting with the slide and pressure of his mouth against mine. A sizzle of heat flashes across my skin. It’s the strangest sensation—as if he’s transferred an ounce of that devil-may-care attitude across the steering column and right into my soul. I drink him in, lips parted. Ready for him to take it further.

But then it ends. Rickie sits back, his head cocked to the side, as if in deep contemplation.

I’m bereft. “Wh-what was that for?” I stammer.

I expect a smirk. But his expression remains soft. “You seemed a little freaked. So I brought you to an ice cream place on a hot summer’s day. But that wasn’t enough, apparently. You needed even more distraction. So I gave it to you. And I’m good at that. A real specialist.”

Replying is impossible. All I can do is sit here and try to process that kiss. That lovely kiss. 

He really has some nerve.

New Release: The Bet by Max Monroe + Review!

 

The Bet by Max Monroe is now available!

Blurb:

When it comes to life’s fun and games, always know:

The rules.

What’s at stake.

When to quit.

Wise words from…well…my fortune cookie. But wise words, nonetheless.

I just wish the Fortune Cookie People had considered how hard the whole “knowing when to quit” would be to carry out when a woman like me is gambling with her feelings.

Heart-palpitating, vageen-tingling, butterflies-in-my-belly feelings for a noncommittal, hot-as-sin player by the name of Jude Winslow.

After a crazy night where we were both pretending to be someone else, I’ve found myself immersed in the fun of the fling.

The thrill.

The irresistible charm.

The pleasure of being with a man like him.

Problem is, I’m positive he’s the exact opposite of husband material, and that is a serious issue for someone who is fixated on finding her happily ever after.

I know the rules and I know the stakes, oh wise Fortune Cookie.

Now I’d just like to know how close to self-destruction I have to get before I find the will to quit Jude Winslow.

Goodness knows, when your heart is on the line, you can’t ante up your bet with an IOU.

***THE BET is LIVE NOW + FREE IN KU!***

★Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TheBetEbook

★Amazon Paperback: COMING SOON!

Review:

3.5 stars

***

 This book was pretty good and is definitely a departure for Max Monroe. The Bet is the first book in the Winslow brothers series and is Jude and Sophie's story. Jude is Winnie's brother and a club manager and consultant. He happens to be at a club working when he makes a bet with his friend, a male stripper, that he can take the stripper's place for the evening. He ends up stripping for a bachelorette party group. Sophie's twin sister is the bride, but she is shy and hates being put on the spot. So she and Sophie switch places for the night, landing Sophie in the hot seat getting a lap dance from Jude, who thinks she's the bride. Which is very awkward when they have a connection and chemistry. But when later on Jude finds out that Sophie is not the bride and is single, all bets are off. Jude is not the settling down type. He is the guy who only has one night stands and nothing serious. But he is drawn to Sophie, even though she is definitely looking for a long term relationship. Things get complicated when they embark on a no strings fling, but feelings develop and they fall in love.

I give Max Monroe points for going into more serious and sexy territory in this book. It is less silly and wacky and definitely hotter. I enjoyed the story and appreciate a different side of this author duo. I liked Sophie. She was sweet. But I didn't totally love Jude and found him to be a tough sell. He came off kind of smarmy at times. His manwhore history and commitment phobia was a turn off. I hated that he called her babe, almost like he couldn't remember her name. I didn't hate Jude, but I found him insincere. There were a lot of sexy times in this book, but I didn't find a ton of chemistry there to back them up. I was happy that Jude and Sophie got their HEA, but I didn't really feel the love between them, even though they ardently professed it. Still, the story was good and entertaining. It kept my attentioon and I enjoyed it. So, overall, I did enjoy this book. I am really looking forward to the other books in the series and Jude's three brothers stories!