Tag Archives: sports romance

Blog Tours, Fiction, New Releases, Romance

BOOK TOUR!! –> My Life as a Country Album & My Life as a Pop Album by LJ Evans

April 2018 writinstuff 1 Comment

Title: My Life as a Country Album ~ My Life as a Pop Album

Series: My Life as an Album

Author: LJ Evans

Genre: Coming of Age Romance

Tomboy Cam Swayne is determined that football hero Jake Phillips keep his eyes firmly on her. After all, she’s been his since before she was born.

Cam has grown up literally next to Jake. They live next door and share a treehouse. They’ve played together on the street and at the lake since she could walk. Plus, they’ve saved each other in some pretty miraculous ways that even their parents find hard to believe. So, it’s only natural that when hormones kick in, Cam feels like Jake belongs only to her. And heaven help anyone that stands in Cam’s way.

Jake doesn’t admit it to anyone, but he’s only himself when the girl next door is at his side. Even though he’s three years older than her and there’s a whole string of reasons for them not to be together, he can’t seem to walk away from the one girl who makes him feel whole.

What does get in their way? Different schools and different sports as they grow into their teen years. His long line of “gaggling geese” that follow him like he’s a boyband superstar. And the illness Jake hides from everyone until his devotion to Cam makes it an impossibility. Will Cam and Jake ever get their happily ever after?

Inspired by Taylor Swift songs, this is a story of aching love and loss and learning to live through life in all its pain and glory.

What if you are my dream?

From award winning author, LJ Evans, comes a novel inspired by Ed Sheeran love songs about forgiveness, love, and healing.

Good Girl Mia feels guilty for her brother’s death and four years later she still isn’t really living life. But then a soulful musician enters her world and she inexplicably sets aside everything for an adventure she never saw coming. For some reason, she wants this gorgeous man to know her story. The story of a girl who gave up a body part to save a brother who everyone wanted to survive more than the girl herself. And how that hadn’t worked out.

Derek Waters and his band have just signed on with a major record label and are touring the country. He has his own set of baggage that he hides behind a huge smile and a famous Johnny Cash quote. He definitely isn’t looking for any kind of female distraction. But once Derek walks into Mia’s life, he finds he can’t leave unless she comes with him.

Will Derek and Mia be able to find a path to forgiveness and healing? Or will they be left with hearts more torn apart than before?

LJ Evans lives in California’s Central Valley with her husband, daughter, and the three terrors called cats. She’s been writing almost as a compulsion since she was a little girl where she was both inspired and spurred on by her older sister. While she currently spends her days teaching 1st grade in a local public school, she spends her personal time writing, of course, as well as being a voracious reader, binge watching original shows like The Crown, Stranger Things, and Downton Abbey, and traveling with her family. She is the author of several completed screenplays that have gone to the quarter and semi-finals of such contests as The BlueCat Screenplay Competition, The International Screen Writing Awards, and the Writer’s Network Screenplay & Fiction Competition.

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COVER REVEAL! –> Quit Your Pitchin’ by Lani Lynn Vale

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Title: Quit Your Pitchin’

Series: There’s No Crying in Baseball

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Sports Romance

Release Date: July 20, 2018
Cover Model: Chase Ketron
Photographer: FuriousFotog

What’s wrong with my butt?

She means those words to be directed toward the woman beside her, not him. But he can’t stop himself

from answering. Not when her ass is the most magnificent thing he’s seen in his life.

Apparently, answering her with ‘not a damn thing’ wasn’t what she was expecting.

She likely wasn’t expecting the baseball she took to the face at his next at bat, either.

All it takes is one ill-fated foul ball, and George Hoffman, Lumberjacks center fielder, falls head over

heels in love with Wrigley Field—and yes, that is her real name.

From that point forward, George and Wrigley fall into a fast whirlwind love that ends with them eloping

to Vegas. And he has his potty mouth, titty bar owning, pain in the ass grandmother to thank for it.

Not that he’s complaining or anything.

Who wouldn’t want to be married to a woman that made his heart race like he was in the final game of

the World Series?

The only problem is trying to convince her of that.

I’m a married mother of three. My kids are all under 8, so I can assure you that they are a handful. I’ve been with my paramedic husband now for ten years, and we’ve produced three offspring that are nothing like us. I live in the greatest state in the world, Texas.

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NEW RELEASE ~ Execution by Lucia Franco ~ with EXCERPT!!!

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Title: Execution

Series: Off Balance #2

Author: Lucia Franco

Genre: Forbidden Romance Over 18 years

Publication Date: April 23, 2018

The move to World Cup Academy of Gymnastics is the greatest challenge Adrianna has encountered. Punished for Coach Kova’s overwhelming desires, she’s reeling with resentment while she sits out the first meet of the season. As Adrianna fights to regain her focus, he pushes her body to the extreme, leaving her mentally and physically exhausted.

Kova underestimates Adrianna’s endurance, and gravitates more toward her, despite his internal battle raging within to stay away. They try to disentangle themselves, but the tension between coach and gymnast mounts, engulfing them both in a forbidden world of deception and passion.

The one place where they should never feel alive, is where they find complete absolution. But one slip, one wrong landing, a missed grip, and everything they built can come tumbling down, damaging both their professional and personal lives.

“Tighten up, Adrianna. Squeeze your thighs and butt. Everything needs to be firm so you do not sway. The tighter you hold yourself, the less you fall. You cannot loosen for one second. I do not want to see anything jiggle on you. Keep your focus.” He paused. “By the way, your mother gave me a ring yesterday. Such a lovely woman she is. So caring of her daughter.”
I stopped and looked down at him, letting out a gush of air I hadn’t realized I was holding.
“Uh huh. Start over.”
I ignored him. I couldn’t believe Mom called him. “What did she say?”
“Start over.”
“What did she say, Kova?” I pushed, snapping at him. I probably looked like a psycho to him, but he held firm and wouldn’t speak until I started up again. I huffed under my breath and jumped. Typical Kova. He always had to get his way. My coach was an exasperating man.
“Just that she wanted to know how her precious daughter was doing. I told her you were getting there but still had a long way to go.”
I lowered my eyelids. “Of course you did. What else?”
“She said she was concerned about your diet and wanted to make sure you were eating nutritious meals. She mentioned when you went home for the holidays you let go and ate everything in sight. She wanted to make sure you are not still on that same path. Something about you had to buy new clothes because your old ones did not fit.”
My heartbeat sped up, and my lips parted. The animosity in her words rang like a siren in my head of things she’d said to me that I did wrong in her eyes. Moisture beaded above my top lip. I gripped the jump rope handles tighter, my skin burning against the plastic. I jumped faster and harder.
Kova was still speaking but I only caught the tail end of a few words. I wasn’t processing any of it; all I could focus on was the fact that my mom had called him and fabricated lies and he listened like a good little sheep. She took vindictive to a whole new level and I had to wonder why she was trying in vain to sabotage my gymnastics career. She wanted to ruin me for the sake of ruining me. It was the only plausible reason I could come up with and a side of her I hadn’t yet seen. I was her daughter, she was my mother. I didn’t understand her attitude toward me.
A prickling sting deflated my chest and my breathing grew strenuous. I slowed down until I stopped completely. My arms dropped to my sides, and I stood with one foot positioned slightly in front of the other, staring in a blank trance at nothing but feeling everything.
A muffled cry burst from my lips and I threw the rope to the floor. Kova jerked back. Tears filled my eyes and my heart ached, not because I was sad, I was, but more so because I was so irate and filled with resentment that my own mother would purposely set out to hurt me. I hopped down, formed a fist, and dropped it down on the balance beam as hard as I could. I shoved at the side of it trying to push it over, shoving my weight against it, which could never happen. It was too heavy, but it felt good fighting against something.
“God! I hate her! Hate her with a passion!”
“Hey,” Kova said softly, coming up behind me, but I couldn’t stop.
“I can’t stand her! No matter what I do, it’s never enough. I never over ate anything, and I bought new clothes because I lost weight. Because we had stupid parties she forced me to attend. She is such a liar.” I kept my back to Kova so he wouldn’t see the tears in my eyes. “And you played right into it, making me sound like I’m hopeless, like an amateur who still needs years of work, and even that might not be enough. You gave her exactly what she wanted and she fed off that, I know she did. She has it out for me, always has, always will. Nothing I do will be right for her.”
A fat tear slipped from the corner of my eye, and I walked away. I didn’t take more than a few steps when Kova clutched my arm in his hand.
“Stop,” he said gently. “Ria, I told her you still had a way to go because the truth is I am not ready to let you go yet.”
I didn’t know how to respond to that.
“Just give me a few minutes, Kova.” I yanked my arm away and pushed at his chest. “I’ll be right back.”
Kova grabbed my wrist. “Stop. Listen to me.”
I shook my head. “Please, just let me be for a sec and I’ll be fine.”
“Adrianna.”
“Kova! Just leave me alone!” I screamed.
But he didn’t. Kova pulled me to his chest and I immediately fought against him.
“Get it out,” he said. I shoved at him and cried harder, giving him everything I could. I hated that he was doing this to me and appreciated it at the same time. “Fight harder, hit me if you have to, just get it out.” I struggled between crying and shoving, but Kova didn’t let go, and something in me cracked.
My efforts slowed, and I covered my face and let the tears flow. I poured everything out against his chest. Everything I held in over the past year. From my mom and her backhanded compliments, to the rigorous training I demanded of my body, to the illicit affair I had with my coach. I cried over everything, and he let me.
“Shhh… just let it out,” Kova said, rubbing soothing circles on my back. “It is okay.”
When my cries and hiccups subsided, I sniffled and expelled a huge breath. I felt like a burden had been lifted from my shoulders and I could breathe again.
Stepping back, Kova tried to lift my chin, but I kept my gaze cemented to the floor. I was too embarrassed. I didn’t like crying to begin with, and I sure as shit didn’t want to show him my tears. Tears showed weakness, and I wasn’t weak.
He tried to lift my chin again, and when I didn’t budge, he sighed and got down on one knee so he was eye level with me.
“Jerk.” A sad chuckle escaped my lips. “You always find a way to get what you want.”

A competitive athlete for over ten years, Lucia Franco currently resides in sunny South Florida with her husband and two boys. Paranormal romance was her first love, but she has a soft spot in her heart for small-town and reunion romance stories.

When Lucia is not hard at work on her next novel, you can find her relaxing with her toes in the sand at a nearby beach.

Find out more about Lucia at authorluciafranco.com. Make sure to join her newsletter to receive exclusive updates and more!

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SALE BLITZ!!! –> Balance by Lucia Franco (with excerpt!)

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Title: Balance

Series: Off Balance #1

Author: Lucia Franco

Genre: Forbidden Romance Over 18 years

Publication Date: February 15, 2018

Adrianna Rossi is no stranger to the rigorous demands required of her body. Years of pain and determination make her one of the best. Olympic glory is the ultimate goal, and she’ll do anything to achieve it. Even if that means leaving home to attend World Cup Academy of Gymnastics, a training center that serves one purpose–producing champions.

Perfection, precision, and dedication are required of his athletes. When two time Olympian Konstantin Kournakova is persuaded into training the young hopeful, he immediately regrets it. She doesn’t come close to his high standards. As the relentless pursuit of her dream keeps her striving, a passion is ignited within him.

Kova’s power and domination, coupled with Adrianna’s fierce tenacity, reveal there is more for her body to learn. Every interaction can be misconstrued, but there’s no mistaking the darkening of his gaze, the lingering of his touch, or the illicit image of his bare skin pressed against hers. Integrity is on the line. One toe off the beam and their forbidden desires could ruin everything they’ve worked for, throwing it all off balance.

The smell of chalk permeated the air and my stomach quivered at the first intake of the aroma into my lungs. It was a distinct scent, and taste, to a gymnast, practically part of our food groups, difficult to explain to anyone not involved in the sport. Similar to baby powder, but chalkier smelling. Muffled music blaring through the speakers, a spring board rebounding, and the sound of uneven bars ricocheting as they’re released, grabbed my attention. It was music to my ears. The kind of sound that got my adrenaline moving and my pulse thumping, beckoning me to drop everything and wrap my hands around the bars or feel the spring floor beneath my bare feet.

Taking another deep breath, I exhaled, unable to hide my splitting grin. My heart was ready to explode. Finally, I was where I was supposed to be.

Glancing around the empty lobby, I wasn’t sure where to go, but the window to my right showed a view of the huge facility. It was completely deceiving from the outside…cue the anxiety. Intimidation definitely hit hard in that moment.

Gymnasts, both male and female, were scattered about, white chalk dusting their skin. I could see not just one, but two floors, three sets of uneven bars, and seven balance beams, along with two vaults. There was also a tumble track, various equipment for men, and a high bar with a foam pit and resi-mat, a huge mat on top of a foam pit used for practicing softer landings. Farther back were a bunch of doors. I had no idea what they were for, but I was curious to what they led to.

Even my parents seemed to be in awe of the gym, if their wide eyes were any indication. A shiver shot down my spine and goose bumps coated my arms in enthusiasm, as a rush of adrenaline began beating through my veins at the sight before me.

The sound of a slamming door from behind me shook me out of my trance, compelling me to look over my shoulder. My parents followed the sound and I spotted a tall, fit man. With his hands on his hips, his eyes surveyed the lobby and connected with my parents’ before trailing down and locking with mine, his narrowing gaze holding me in place. All the air left my lungs. His powerful presence demanded attention, and without a doubt, he had all of mine.

Never in my life had I seen someone so unbelievably gorgeous. There was no other word I could use to describe him. His commanding eyes made me think it was possible he could be a coach, but no coach I’d ever seen had been so attractive. Come to think of it, none of them had ever been under the age of forty without a potbelly and receding hairline. This man was solidly built and full of muscle.

A silent breath escaped my lips as he stalked toward us with power and poise. My heart nearly hurdled into my throat as I stared like he was some sort of Adonis. Dark stubble dusted his square jaw, full lips that begged for attention, straight as an arrow nose. Combined with inky black hair and olive skin with golden undertones, sweet baby Jesus, the man was perfection.

Crossing the room, he extended a hand.

“Frank, it is good to see you again.” His forearm flexed, the veins signifying the muscular strength he wielded. It was incredibly difficult to tear my eyes away as he gave my father a firm handshake. He was absolutely, drop-dead gorgeous. Avery would call him fucking hot. My best friend loved to add “fucking” to the beginning of everything.

“Kova.”

This was my dad’s friend, and he owned this place. Interesting. He looked like he was fresh out of college, no more than twenty-five max. Dad didn’t have very many young friends I was aware of—I could count on one hand the friends I had met who were younger than him. They typically had graying hair, crow’s feet, and overworked, aging skin. The complete opposite of what was standing right in front of me.

When Lucia is not hard at work on her next novel, you can find her relaxing with her toes in the sand at a nearby beach.

Find out more about Lucia at authorluciafranco.com. Make sure to join her newsletter to receive exclusive updates and more!

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BOOK TOUR!! ~ Something So Unscripted by Natasha Madison (EXCERPT & REVIEW!)

April 2018 writinstuff Leave a comment

Something So Unscripted is a story about two people–and an adorable little boy–who need each other but can’t seem to see it. NHL player Zack Morrow is on the move with his sick son after finding his wife in bed with another man. He heads east, to New York and a doctor who just might be able to save his litte boy’s life.

Dr. Denise Horton has a tough job. Healing kids ravaged by cancer means more wins than losses and she takes each one as hard as you’d expect. She’s not a melancholy character by any means, but a serious woman who appears closed off at first. But meeting Zack changes her in ways I don’t think even she was sure it happened. At first.

Natasha Madison crafted a fun, emotional story with plenty of characters to love. I loved Jack, the little boy. He was so full of life despite his illness and his disgustingly awful mom. I loved the way he and Denise connected, all three of them really. Like they were meant to be a little family.

Zack and Denise were so different, it was a wonder they ever got along at all. He grew up with loving parents who would do whatever they could to make sure he was safe and happy while she grew up neglected and abused. Forgotten. Denise had given up while Zack had finally decided to start thinking about his son and what was best for him. Even though I didn’t read the book before this one, I didn’t feel lost at all and I enjoyed many of the secondary characters.

Something So Unscripted really surprised me and in the best possible way.

Title: Something So Unscripted

Author: Natasha Madison

Genre: Sports Romance

Release Date: April 2, 2018
Cover Design: Melissa Gill at MGBookCovers

One of the most EMOTIONAL romances I’ve read this year! Natasha Madison continues to AMAZE ME with every new release! – Shayna Renee

Something so Unscripted is so much more than a love story, it is an all-encompassing, engrossing and engaging novel about, love, life and all the moments that make life special. – Denise Shh Mom’s Reading

Something So Unscripted is positively the most amazing book I’ve read. It gives the most heart wrenching story that will leave breathless. – Book Haven Book Blog

Zack

Finding my teammate in bed with my wife made the decision I had been fighting with for years easier.

It’s time to move on.

A fresh start and a new NHL team in a big city. Most importantly, it’s my son Jack’s best shot.

It would be both of our best shots.

Denise

After a bad childhood, I made sure I would succeed, so I lived for my job.

The problem is I die a little with each patient I lose. It’s part of my career at Hudson Children’s Oncology Hospital, but it doesn’t make the sting of loss any easier.

Seeking anything other than a life saved isn’t on my agenda until a NHL player walks into my hospital with his son.

We’re officially off script the moment we meet.

If this love is anything, it’s unscripted.

“Zack.” I hear her voice and just look at my wife. The woman who said she would love me in good times and in bad yet is currently holding a sheet to cover her naked body. The four-carat engagement with matching eternity wedding ring glistens in the light. “It’s just …” she starts to say, and I look over at the man in bed next to her. In our bed.

“It’s over.” I say the two words I swore I wouldn’t say no matter how hard it got. No matter how much I saw her push me away, no matter that I always suspected she was cheating on me. Then I look over at the man who I called a brother, the man who stood by my side on and off the ice. “You’re scum.”

“It just happened,” Colton says, getting out of the bed. At least he’s wearing boxers. His knee is still wrapped from the operation he had last month, which is why he wasn’t on the road with us, which is how I surprised them.

We were on the road for the whole week and due back tomorrow, but I hightailed it out of there to get home to my family and my son. “It just so happened you walked into my house and slept with my wife?” I ask him, and I have to wonder why I’m not more pissed, why I’m not more angry with them. “You come here and sleep with my wife with my son under the same roof.”

“Zack,” my wife says, and I look over at her again. Tears are rolling down her cheeks, her perfectly made up face now streaked with the black mascara she always wears. “Please let’s …”

I shake my head, putting my hands in my pockets. “Let’s what? Let’s talk about this?” I throw my head back and laugh. “Let’s talk about the fact that our son is in his room dying. Let’s talk about the fact that instead of helping him, you’re just helping yourself. Let’s talk about the fucking fact that instead of being there by his side with me, you chose to escape the fucking reality that our son won’t make it to six years old.”

“No.” She shakes her head, and I know that I’ve about had it.

“I’ll give you an hour,” I tell them both. “One hour and I want you packed and at the door when I come back.”

“But—” she says.

“But nothing, Chantal. You did what you had to do for you, and now I’m doing what I need to do for our son.”

I turn and walk out of our bedroom, then down the winding staircase that leads to the big brass front doors. Once outside in the warm Arizona air, I take my phone out of my pocket and call the only person I know who has my back no matter what. My agent and best friend, Jamie.

He answers after one ring, and it doesn’t surprise me he sleeps with his phone in his hand. “What’s up?” he says, his voice sleepy since it’s four a.m. in New York.

“I want out of Arizona, make the trade. Call the powers that be; I want out,” I tell him, getting into my Range Rover.

“You can’t just demand that,” he says, and I hear sheets rustle.

“Just walked in on Colton fucking my wife, so you can bet your ass I can. Make it happen. Call New York because it’s the only place I’ll go. I don’t care if I take a pay cut.”

“That fucking scumbag,” he says. “I’ll call them now.”

“Jamie, there is a top-notch doctor who specializes in cancer in New York. Max Horton’s sister,” I tell him quietly and slowly drive out of my gate.

“I’ll make it happen,” he says softly. “I’ll let you know what they say.”

“Jamie, I’m leaving here in a week regardless of what they say,” I tell him and disconnect the call.

“One week,” I say to myself. “One fucking week.”

When her nose isn’t buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she’s in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It’s a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn’t listen to her…

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BOOK TOUR!! ~ Mackenzie by M.A. Foster

April 2018 writinstuff Leave a comment

Title: Mackenzie

Series: Heritage Bay Series

Author: M.A. Foster

Genre: NA Romance (Stand alone)

Release Date: April 6, 2018

For every action, there’s a reaction.

Or in my case, a consequence.

One night.

One party.

One girl.

One time.

One unforeseen tragedy.

Two shattered hearts.

Two lives changed forever.

*Not recommended for readers under the age of 18 due to language, sexual situations, and language.

Standalone in a series.

Amazon Review – “Don’t miss this hidden gem of a book!”

Amazon Review – “This story blew me away”

Amazon Review – “Beautiful cover, beautiful story ❤”

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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M.A Foster was born and raised in Tampa, Florida and is currently suffering from empty nest syndrome in Land O’Lakes, Florida with her husband and her crazy dog, Rocky. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s searching for chocolate.

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COVER REVEAL! –> Our Worlds Series by Lindsey Iler ~ With EXCERPT!

April 2018 writinstuff Leave a comment

Series: Our Worlds Series

Titles: When Our Worlds Collide ~ When Our Worlds Fall Apart ~ When Our Worlds Stand Still

Author: Lindsey Iler

Genre: Mature YA/NA Romance

Cover Designer: Lindsey Iler

Kennedy Conrad is everything he needs.

Graham Black has two rules in life. Play baseball, so he can get the hell out of Tennessee, and leave your shirt on when you drop your panties.

He’s a typical all-American pitcher with the world at his fingertips. His devilish good looks and charm help him crawl into the beds and hearts of the girls at his high school. With secrets no one knows, he has every intention of running away from his hometown the minute he graduates. Nothing can get in his way. Until poor choices collide him into Kennedy Conrad.

Graham Black is everything she wants.

Kennedy Conrad has her own set of rules. Dance with your whole heart, and make it through each day without being noticed.

She’s sweet and reserved, everything Graham’s not. After one fated night, she can’t stop him from noticing her anymore. She knows there’s a chance of heartache by letting him in. When the unthinkable happens to Kennedy, Graham realizes what he’s been fighting is what causes Kennedy to end up hurt.

Can their love survive one more thing that is meant to pull them apart?

Love is complicated. Add in high school and it’s bound to get worse.

Kennedy Conrad spent her summer hiding from the world, leaving her plenty of time to relive every moment spent with Graham Black. Now at the start of her senior year, she has one goal. Avoid the boy who broke her heart. He seems to be everywhere she turns.

Letting go isn’t always the easiest thing to do.

Graham Black spent his summer parading around with nameless girls at endless parties. At the start of his senior year, he pretends to be okay with his choices and masks his pain, but Graham can’t escape the reminder of his own broken heart. Every time he turns around, she’s there.

Sometimes people come into your life for different reasons.

Someone new reminds Kennedy what she deserves, leaving Graham two choices: be pushed back into the shadows or fight for the only girl who’s ever understood him.

Can they find their way back as their worlds fall apart?

Time is said to heal all wounds.

Kennedy Conrad embraces survival. Group therapy, friends, and dance are helping her find the person she was. Overcoming the darkest period of her past is getting easier every day. Still, the ache in her chest tells her something is missing. Him.

The more precious something is, the harder you fight for it.

Graham Black embraces change. Baseball, mentoring, and school are helping him leave behind the person he once thought he was. Hiding in plain sight is what gets him through each day. Still, he questions the decisions he makes because of her.

Whoever said all good things must come to an end doesn’t know their story.

When everything in their lives seems to be settling down, Kennedy and Graham once again collide. Misconceptions are corrected. Secrets are revealed. Choices are forced. Broken pieces are scattered, and only these two have the power to put things back together.

Faced with the decision of their lives, what will they do when their worlds stand still?

Excerpt From When Our Worlds Collide

I walk into her bedroom and close the door, but’s Kennedy’s not there. The messy bed reminds me of what happened earlier this morning.

“Whatcha thinking ‘bout, Black?” Kennedy sings as she hobbles into the room.

She walks across the room wearing nothing but a towel around her body. The small piece of purple fabric barely covers her, but I don’t mind. If she pulls it up any higher, her ass will be exposed, but if she pulls it down, her tits will pop out. Despite the crutches, she somehow manages to hold the fabric in place. I secretly pray for it to drop to the ground. Her smile tells me she knows exactly what she’s doing to me.

“Hasn’t anyone ever told you it’s not nice to tease others?”

Kennedy grabs shorts, a tank top, and a pair of black lacy underwear from her dresser drawers, and walks back into her bathroom. Perfectly in tune with every move she makes and everything her hands grace with her gentle touch, I follow in her wake.

“I don’t think anyone’s ever called me a tease, Mr. Black.” The towel drops to her feet. She bravely turns to face me. Her smile is innocent even though we both know she’s anything but. “Whoops!”

With a loud bang, the door slams in my face. I can feel myself begin to wind up. The only thing that can fulfill my appetite is on the other side of that damn door, covering her body with far too much clothing.

What happened to the naïve, shy Kennedy who shudders under my very touch? She’s been replaced with this strong, confident, flirtatious girl who openly teases me.

I’ve created a monster.

With no complaints from me, I’ll go along with her game of cat and mouse. If she’s going to torture me all day, then I can play until she begs me to touch her.

Lindsey Iler is the author of the Our Worlds series. She’s had her feet planted in the state of Michigan since she was born and she still lives there with her husband and four kids.

When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with family and friends, listening to music, reading (obviously), and hopefully just enjoying every moment in life. She has a twisted sense of humor, tends to speak honestly, and her mind tends to feel most comfortable in the gutter.

Lindsey writes mature young adult/new adult contemporary romance. She falls in love with every character that pops into her head and is notorious for writing long chapters in her notes on her iPhone. It’s embarrassing how many started/unfinished projects are on that thing. She finds inspiration from music and the people around her.

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NEW RELEASE ~ Jag by HJ Bellus

April 2018 writinstuff Leave a comment

Title: JAG

Series: Diablo’s Throne MMA #2

Author: HJ Bellus

Genre: MMA Romance

Publisher: Crave Publishing

Release Date: April 17, 2018

Jag

No matter how fast he runs, there’s one thing Jag can’t escape.

His past.

It has the power to destroy the man he’s worked so hard to become.

Jag is slated to be the next MMA champion. It’s been years in the making. The hype surrounding his prized fight is ignited by his charismatic personality and smoldering good looks.

But it’s all a shield protecting the storm brewing inside of him…

And now, there’s a new girl in town Jag can’t seem to stay away from. She’s quiet, mysterious, and sexy as sin.

His demons. Her secrets. They collide when least expected.

The announcer booms over the speaker. “Your hometown boy. The one your momma warns you about and the same one who can charm you out of your panties and knock your lights out. Jaaaaaaaaag the Punisher.”

Before the announcer’s deep booming voice ends, the crowd goes fucking wild. Sweat beads form on my forehead, and my stomach dips and dive bombs at the sound of his name.

“The fuck?” I whisper to myself, looking all around the gym.

Did they really just fuck up his music? The tune to SpongeBob SquarePants begins playing. I turn to Layla, who is bobbing her head to the music with a smile plastered on her face.

The crowd chants each word to the SpongeBob theme, not missing a beat. Layla screams each word right with them. I’m confused as hell. A sudden screeching sound serenades the gym. The song mixes up, cutting right into the middle of “Straight Out of Compton,” and I find myself shouting each word without second thought. I recognize the song from Jag’s playlist when he’s done cardio in his apartment. The only thing missing is the thumping of his sneakers on his treadmill.

I glance over to Layla with mysterious tears in my eyes as I shout the words. Her expression mirrors mine. Then I spot him. A bobbing black hood trimmed in vibrant teal. Boss and Cruz flank each of his sides. Other Diablo fighters follow right behind. The symbolic image of a family breaks the tears free from my eyes. The amount of pride surging through me is off the charts.

Jag keeps his head down as he strides to the ring. Halfway there, he picks up his pace into a jog. I giggle, knowing it’s pure Jag. The man has one gear, and that’s overdrive. His crew doesn’t pick up the pace with him, letting Jag take the lead. He leaps into the ring, tearing off his black robe and thrusting his fists into the air.

He beats his chest with his face tilted to the heavens. His mouth is wide open, and by the way his throat bobs, I know he’s screaming at the top of his lungs. Jag has always been a force to be reckoned with, but in this environment, he’s a king. He owns the entire arena. I don’t recognize the man he is right now, but holy hell he owns my heart even though this Jag is a stranger.

He glances down to me, winks, and then takes his corner. I have no doubt he knew I’d be right by Layla. Everything is the same as Trick’s fight. Boss is large and in charge, slapping Jag around and screaming in his face. My chest tightens at the sight. Boss is Jag’s father, and the love expressed between the two is enough to bring the cruelest person to their knees. Boss doesn’t have to love Jag because of a blood bond. No, he chooses to love Jag without judgment. And that’s something you don’t find every day.

“Layla,” I scream over the buzz of the crowd. “I’m scared.”

She smiles brightly back at me. “You should be.”

I crane my head in question.

“As hard as he fights in this ring tonight is as hard as he’ll fight for you. You should be scared for your heart, Sunni, because once Jag owns it you’re screwed, and I know he loves you.”

It takes me a few seconds to absorb her message. Once it sinks in, the crowd roars to a deafening state. My head whips back to the octagon. Jag and the other man are already dancing around each other. The long hair on the top of Jag’s head bounces back. It’s then I see his opponent connect a punch to his nose.

The blood dribbles down his face. The other guy gets three more punches in, whipping back Jag’s head. All of my former excitement evaporates. My heart plummets to the cold cement ground, watching the man I love get the shit kicked out of him. Not once does Jag’s jackass grin fade as he takes his punishment. It does nothing to the turmoil brewing inside of me.

“I can’t,” I scream, turning to Layla and burying my face in her shoulder.

Her hand comes up to the side of my head, bracing me in comfort. The sounds of the gym echo around me. Layla’s steady grip keeps me grounded even though the bone-crunching sounds continue. I can’t. I just can’t watch the man who brought me back to life get the shit beat out of him. I squeeze my eyes shut, remembering his knee-weakening grin before his gorgeous face dipped between my legs. I focus on all the good memories that warm my belly.

Layla jumps, causing my head to bounce off her shoulder. Her screams reverberate through my skull. She’s long gone as a post to lean on. Her body bounces up and down, which gives me the courage to look up.

I glance up. It’s all flashes of black, teal, and red until my vision narrows on Jag. His flexing calves come into view first. Then it’s his taut ass in spandex. It pains me to look at my safe place, his chest. When I do, all I see are his bulging and flexing muscles. A long arm comes out with a brutal force. Jag’s fist connects with the other guy’s jaw. He stutters back. Jag doesn’t stop throwing both arms, one after the other, some connecting and some not.

HJ Bellus is a small-town girl who loves the art of storytelling. When not making readers laugh or cry, she’s a part-time livestock wrangler that can be found in the middle of Idaho, shot gunning a beer while listening to some Miranda Lambert on her Beats and rocking out in her boots.

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AUDIO TOUR!!! –> The Best Ever by Deanna Wadsworth (Audio sample below!)

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Title: The Best Ever: A 1NightStand Story

Author: Deanna Wadsworth

Genre: M/M Contemporary

Release Date: February 14, 2018

Jason Lewis is a self-proclaimed nerdy guy who hates his red hair. Bullied most of his life, at 22 social situations still make him awkward. On a trip to the World Video Game Expo in Las Vegas, Jason decides to enlist the help of Madame Eve in his failed romantic endeavors. While at the con, he runs into sexy, professional baseball pitcher Blake Huntington, the guy he tutored in high school. Blake invites him to a party and after hanging out with his high school crush, Jason begins to regret booking his 1NS “encounter” later that night. But Madame Eve may have planned the best night ever.

Deanna Wadsworth might be a bestselling erotica author, but she leads a pretty vanilla life in Ohio with her wonderful husband and a couple adorable cocker spaniels. She has been spinning tales and penning stories since childhood, and her first erotic novella was published in 2010. She has served multiple board positions at her local RWA chapter and is the current President 2017 for Rainbow Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing books or brainstorming with friends, you can find her making people gorgeous in a beauty salon. She loves music and dancing, and can often be seen hanging out on the sandbar in the muddy Maumee River or chilling with her hubby and a cocktail in their basement bar. In between all that fun, Deanna cherishes the quiet times when she can let her wildly active imagination have the full run of her mind. Her fascination with people and the interworkings of their relationships have always inspired her to write romance with spice and love without boundaries.