Tag Archives: Xpresso Book Tours

Giveaway – A Viscount For The Spinster by Samantha Holt @XpressoTours @samholtwrites

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A Viscount for the Spinster
Samantha Holt
(Spinsters and Rebels, #1)
Publication date: July 27th 2023
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance

Some sinners deserve a second chance. Not this one, though…

Miss Maisie Beaufort has no intention of running away ever again. She’s more than ready to return home after a decade in the midst of society and take charge of her life as a spinster businesswoman. Nothing will distract her. Especially not her first love, the rebel who destroyed her young heart…

Apollo Everly always knew Maisie was too good for small town life…and for a spare heir like him. He never stopped wanting her, though. Not that it matters. Even though he’s reformed and a viscount, his lingering reputation is still a threat to her. He should stay away. But fate—and Mother Nature—seem to have other ideas…

If Maisie and Apollo want to rebuild their village after a devastating flood, they’ll need to work together. The only question now is whether they can trust each other when it matters most. And if they can avoid heartbreak this time around…

If you love second chance romance, spinsters, and a hero who will prove he isn’t beyond redemption set amongst a village of unusual and eccentric characters, A Viscount for the Spinster is perfect for lovers of steamy historical romance!

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

The fierce beat of Apollo’s heart thudded against her palm. Warmth seeped into her fingertips and left her breathless. She glanced briefly to the side, spying the tile embedded inches into the ground.

That could have been her.

She met Apollo’s gaze, his pupils dark. His breaths were ragged and whispered through her hair. She smelled sweetness on his breath for a moment until it gave way to a soapy fragrance that wrapped about her.

His arms framed her against the wall, a protective cocoon that should have slowed the pounding of her pulse. But he was so close. Inches away. And he was so warm. Her fingers remained splayed upon his chest. She couldn’t move them even if she wanted to.

And she didn’t.

The firmness of his chest and thump, thump of his heart eased away the breathlessness and brought her back to the world. A breeze tousled her hair, sending a curl tickling around her neck. Somewhere in the village a baby cried. And the tingle of awareness that came with touching Apollo continued, rippling through her and leaving her feeling as though her entire body was aflame.

When she met his gaze, everything but the awareness dissolved. Gone were the sounds of life in the village. She swore she could hear the raging hammer of his heart which had yet to slow and each thick inhale she took.

Maisie dragged her gaze over his features, lingering upon the white scar then to the slight stubble on his jaw and up again to meet a gaze that remained intense. All she needed to do was push him away. To utter a quick thank you for saving her life and retreat inside.

Neither her legs nor her arms would obey such a command.

His gaze flicked down and up again. He twisted the golden ring on his index finger, his body swaying ever so slightly forward.

Her breaths quickened, rasping in her throat. A single word would stop him. All she had to do was force one from her throat and it would put an end to the inevitable.

Perhaps she’d known this would always come, even from the moment she’d first spotted him. Perhaps that was why she’d hidden from him. Apollo had always held sway over her, and years apart hadn’t changed that. If anything, it was worse. She liked the man he had grown into far too much.

“Maisie,” he murmured, his tone guttural.

She blinked. Her name echoed in her ears, and a flash of recollection flared. He’d uttered her name in exactly the same manner when he’d sent her away. A word tinged with regret.

Well, she wasn’t giving either of them anything to regret now.

She ducked under his arm and backed up by several steps. He offered a rough curse and pushed away from the wall.

“That was a mistake.”

He scrutinized her, his face giving nothing away. Could he not at least show regret at his actions? It would make escaping what had to have been a near kiss easier—if he did not really want it either.

She knew what she wanted, and it wasn’t a kiss from Apollo.

Was it?

Author Bio:

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Samantha Holt is known for fun, witty, and usually steamy historical romances. She’s been a full-time writer for longer than she ever thought possible having originally trained as a nurse and an archaeologist. She’s a champion napper, owner of too many animals, mum to twins, and lives in a small village near the very middle of England.

She’s usually writing (or napping) but when she’s not, Samantha is plotting (books of course!) with her husband, drinking coffee, climbing hills that are far too high for her fitness levels or visiting stately homes and pretending she’s posh.

You can claim a free book by signing to to her newsletter www.samanthaholtromance.com

If you’re not sure where to start, why not try:

Capturing the Bride (The Kidnap Club #1). A fun Regency read full of spice and an unusual heroine trying to escape an arranged marriage and a hero who has no idea how to keep his hands off her!

You’re the Rogue That I Want (Rogues of Redmere #1) is a longer read with heat, witty dialogue, a feisty heroine and adventure. All books in the series are standalone.

There Are Plenty More Dukes in the Sea (The Inheritance Clause #1) is a fun, steamy read focused on the Templeton family as they fight to save their inheritance.

Wake Me With a Kiss is a sweet, fairytale romance. Twists on Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella are also available if you love a clean, fun read.

To Steal a Highlander’s Heart is a full length dive into the world of sexy highlanders. For those who love braw Scots, some steamy scenes, and medieval romance, this series is a perfect escape.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter


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—

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  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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Giveaway – The Hate Date by Kaylene Winter @XpressoTours @kayleneromance

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The Hate Date
Kaylene Winter
Publication date: July 24th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

When a man who has everything & will do anything—including pole dancing—to redeem himself to the feisty woman who could care less about power or money.

Clover Callahan took my client’s money and I’m not going to stand for it.
I’m taking her down, and if I play my cards right, she won’t even see me coming.
Everything’s going exactly to plan…
Until an elevator malfunction has us trapped for an entire night. Alone.

I mean, she’s hot. I’m hot.
What did you expect was going to happen?

Yeah. It did. And it was spectacular.

I can admit, I was wrong about Clover—she’s all I think about.
Unfortunately, after what I did, she hates me and everything I stand for.
But I’m no quitter…I’ll wear her down.
With a proposition even she won’t refuse:

One night.
One date.
Don’t be late!!

The Hate Date is a sweltering, standalone, billionaire, enemies to lovers, age gap, forced proximity, workplace, HEA romance.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble


EXCERPT

Prologue

I sink down into the oversized chair in my living room. Stare at my phone in disbelief.

What the actual fuck?

My heart thunders as I press the button to repeat the video. Call me a masochist. Call me an idiot. Call me devastated.

Call me anything you want, but I have to see it again.

Just to be sure.

Yep. It’s my bedroom. Yep. There he is. My husband, Harrison Finklestein splayed naked across the pure-white linens on our three-hundred-thousand-dollar Hästens Grand Vividus custom bed.

His cock is flush against his belly. His black-brown eyes widen as the camera gets nearer. He licks his lips. His thick, black eyebrows furrow. The camera pans down to his hand stroking his erection. Yuck.

When did the dark hair on his fingers get so visibly bushy?

“Stop fucking around, we don’t have much time,” Harrison snarls.

The angle changes abruptly. A shard of glass pierces my heart. There she is. My best friend since I moved to Los Angeles, Solange Brown, who pouts then smiles widely into the lens. Her pearly-white veneers gleam, reminding me of shark teeth. She holds her phone out wide so I get a good view of long, blonde extensions brushing against her perfectly round silicone double Ds. I watch her straddle my husband and impale herself on his bare cock.

Harrison groans, “Shit, Solly. Your pussy is like fuckin’ heaven.”

She giggles.

Then the screen goes black.

I toss my phone on the couch in anger. I want to throw it against the wall and watch it shatter.

I’m not stupid, though. No matter how much this hurts—and it fucking hurts so badly I can barely breathe—I can’t risk losing incriminating evidence. Because I’m divorcing my husband. No question. The ironclad prenup I signed is void if either of us cheats, so…

I stare out the window. Attempt to process. Try to come up with a plan. My brain is so jumbled, I have no idea how much time passes. All I know is at some point, despair takes over.

How could they do this to me? I trusted them both implicitly. Solange and I have been friends for so long. Harrison and I have been married for almost a decade. I’ve never detected an iota of attraction between them.

Or so I thought.

Omigod. I’m going to be sick.

The betrayal is overwhelming.

Tears stream down my face. How could Harrison have been sleeping with my best friend behind my back without me knowing about it? My mind whirls. Trying to figure out if I missed any of the signs.

God. I trusted her with him. Implicitly. I confided so much about our relationship to her.

Now, I feel so fucking stupid. Naïve.

Harrison has always been somewhat controlling. A bit of a pompous ass at times, sure. But in the decade we’ve been together I’ve never known him to be dishonest. The man prides himself on integrity.

Which is rich.

If I’m brutally honest with myself—which is important if I’m going to survive this—our story is a true Hollywood cliché.

By my early twenties, I’d been acting for a while and had some success dabbling in pop music. We met at one of my concerts. He was charming, rich, and fifteen years older than me. I got caught up in a whirlwind romance. Never, in my entire life, had someone focused their energy on me in that way.

It was intoxicating.

So, when he asked me to marry him and start a family, I said yes. A few months later, when he complained about my work schedule, I gave up my career. For him. So I could support him the way I thought he was supporting me.

It’s funny how the years sneak up on you. The kids never happened—he kept wanting to postpone “one more year” because I was still young. To keep from being bored, I immersed myself in charity work, which fulfilled me on many levels and kept me busy. We never fought. He always showered me with gifts and public displays of affection.

I wasn’t overwhelmingly happy, but I loved him and was content with my life.

Comfortable.

For the most part, I thought we had a decent relationship even if our love life has always been a bit—meh. Well, at least for me. He, on the other hand, bragged about my blow jobs to anyone who would listen, much to my embarrassment.

But, I guess that was a lie too.

Because it never, ever—not once—occurred to me that he’d cheat.

Oh God. This is really happening.

I take a deep breath. No matter how much this sucks, I’m no weakling. I can’t let them get away with this.

I won’t.

After I stop crying, I take a deep breath, wipe my tears and vow not to shed another tear for Harrison.

He doesn’t deserve my tears.

I get up. Grab my phone from the couch. Locate the video and save it to my private Dropbox. As a backup, I email it to myself. A girl can’t be too careful. 

Retreating into the bedroom, I open the safe and gather my jewelry and pack it in one of my small Louis Vuitton suitcases. I fill the rest of my luggage with designer clothes and shoes, my toiletries, cosmetics, and skincare products. Load my belongings into my Cayenne Turbo GT.

Next, I head into Harrison’s home office, log into our bank account and transfer five hundred thousand dollars into my personal account. I’m able to locate a folder of our important documents and upload copies into the Dropbox. It takes a while, but I’m patient. Diligent.

It feels good to take charge. I like being in charge.

Glancing at my phone, I see I’ve missed a text from my soon-to-be ex-husband reminding me to be ready for a dinner I’m supposed to attend. Apparently, he has some bigwig financiers he’s trying to woo for his next investment project.

Fuck that.

Let him take Solly.

Once I’ve taken care of business, I sit at the kitchen counter with a full glass of Harrison’s most-prized bottle of wine, a 2015 Hundred Acre Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. I’m admiring the dark garnet color of two-thousand-dollar grapes swirling around in my crystal goblet when the door opens and footsteps approach.

“What the fuck, Clover?” Harrison stands before me with his hands on his hips. “You’re not ready? We’re going to be late.”

I casually grip the glass of wine and hold it out over the stone floor. “I’m not going.” I deliberately drop it and the fine crystal shatters in a puddle of red liquid.

Harrison storms over to me. “Are you crazy?”

“No. But, I think you are.“ I swipe the bottle with my arm, sending it crashing to the ground where it explodes.

Harrison looks horrified. “What the hell are you talking about?” he hisses.

”I know.“ My voice is quiet. Lethal.

He doesn’t get it. His face is red with anger. “Know what?”

“I know about you and Solange. I hope you have a happy life together because you and I are through.” I stare him dead in the eye. Cock my head.

Harrison wilts but recovers quickly. “Sweetheart, no. I’d never do that to you.” He reaches out to touch my arm.

I yank away from him, disgusted. “I don’t want to hear it. She recorded a video and sent it to me. I saw her riding your dick with my own eyes. There’s nothing you can say. I told you cheating was a hard no for me, and it still is.”

Harrison looks at me, his eyes blazing with fury. “You can’t do this to me. You’ll leave with nothing. You’re a lazy washed-up actress, one-hit wonder. I’m the best you’ll ever get.”

I laugh bitterly. “That’s where you’re wrong, Harrison.” My voice is cold as ice. “I was someone long before I met you and I’ll be just fine without you. This is your loss, not mine.”

With that, I hop off the stool, grab my purse and keys and walk out the door. Hurriedly jump in my car and head to the Chateau Mormont, where I’ve booked a suite for a month to sort out the mess of my life.

It’s not the first time I’ve had to pick up the pieces and start over.

But, after this latest debacle, I’m determined it’s going to be the last.

I’ll never play second fiddle to a man again. Especially one who is rich, powerful, and controlling. Arrogant, entitled assholes aren’t capable of truly loving someone. From what I’ve experienced, they expect you to drop every one of your own dreams to support theirs and thank them for the opportunity.

Never. Again.

God. I’m so done with him. With anyone like him.

I’m making some big changes. I’m not sure what I’m going to do or how I’m going to do it, but I’m giving myself one year to figure it out.

Author Bio:

When she was only 15, Kaylene Winter wrote her first rocker romance novel starring a fictionalized version of herself, her friends and their gorgeous rocker boyfriends. After living her own rockstar life as a band manager, music promoter and mover and shaker in Seattle during the early 1990’s, Kaylene became a digital media legal strategist helping bring movies, television and music online. Throughout her busy career, Kaylene lost herself in romance novels across all genres inspiring her to realize her life-long dream to be a published author. She lives in Seattle with her amazing husband and dog. She loves to travel, throw lavish dinner parties and support charitable causes supporting arts and animals.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram


GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Giveaway – Saving Piper Moonlight by Joann Keder @XpressoTours

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Saving Piper Moonlight
Joann Keder
(Piney Falls Mysteries, #2)
Publication date: July 13th 2020
Genres: Adult, Thriller

Piper has lived her entire childhood on the run. She’s about to uncover the deadly reason why…

In the second book of the Piney Falls Mysteries series, Piper Moonlight is tired of constantly looking over her shoulder, afraid of the remaining Fallen Branch cult members. She decides the best place to land is in Piney Falls, Oregon, where the cult originated. At least everyone there knows her story and she’ll be safe.

When she arrives, she finds employment under the watchful eye of Cosmo Hill, also a former Fallen Branch member, at his bakery. Cosmo doesn’t trust Piper or her story. He enlists the help of his fiancé , marketing wonder and super sleuth Lanie Anders to uncover the truth of Piper’s past.

Lanie and Cosmo soon discover there are still shocking secrets buried within the layers of the former cult. As those secrets come to light, those who keep them will stop at nothing to stay hidden. The ugly truth of Fallen Branch will force Lanie, Cosmo and Piper to make unthinkable choices to save themselves and the life they know in Piney Falls.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“Can I ask–did you ever love me?”

There is laughter from the other room and a chill runs down his spine.

“I assumed we’d already discussed the uselessness of emotions. They get in the way. Imagine if I let that interfere during the last two decades. We wouldn’t be where we are, on schedule for the metamorphosis.”

“YOU wouldn’t be on schedule. The rest of us–well, me–would be fine. You don’t remember those times we were gardening at Fallen Branch, talking about the future? You said then you couldn’t picture anyone else by your side.”

“I couldn’t. That didn’t mean I loved you, though. You were the perfect partner…for a time. As you’ve said: you didn’t have control of your emotions and I could direct you easily. I gave you a list. You accomplished every bullet point.” The Killer stalks closer. “Is there anything you want them to know? I’m giving you this gift that we never gave the others. A thank you for your service. Let’s call it my ‘emotion’ for today.”

“Tell them I’m sorry. I wasn’t strong enough to continue by your side and I wasn’t smart enough to survive on my own.”

“That’s not at all what I thought you would say.”

“What did you expect? A lengthy speech? I’ve always left those to you.”

“I thought you might want them to know you were a brave soldier in our war. Kind of make them proud, at least.”

He throws his hands in the air. “I give up. You’ll make it your own story no matter what. I learned long ago that it’s impossible to please you. They’ll learn that soon enough.”

“I hope not.”

“Tell them…I tried. Just get on with it now. I can’t bear to think about it anymore.”

His killer hands him a cup. “Cheers, my friend. It was a good ride while it lasted.”

His hand brushes his killer’s and without looking up, he lifts it to his lips.


Author Bio:

USA TODAY bestselling author, Joann Keder spent most of her years in the Midwest, growing up and raising a family on the Great Plains of Nebraska. She worked for sixteen years as a piano teacher before returning to school to receive a master’s degree in creative writing. A mid-life move to the Pacific Northwest led her to re-examine her priorities. She now creates stories about life and relationships in small towns while her ever-patient husband encourages her on.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram


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  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Giveaway – Golden Cord Of Light by Heidi Skarie @XpressoTours

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Golden Cord of Light
Heidi Skarie
(Star Rider, #6)
Publication date: June 17th 2023
Genres: Adult, Science Fiction

When darkness descends can a few courageous heroes save their planet?

Princess Morisa’s world is turned upside down. She planned to be a priestess living at a monastery for the rest of her life. But now she’s being sent to a foreign country and is expected to use her special powers to entice the prince to marry her. How can she seduce him when it goes against everything she’s been taught?

Prince Everette is embroiled in the world of politics and rebellion. With his father leaving for war and his mother ill, he’s the regent ruler and head of the military. As if that isn’t enough, he’s expected to be polite to the feisty Princess Morisa, who is staying at the palace for the summer.

Everette and Morisa’s stormy relationship intensifies as the warring world around them erupts. Can they put aside their differences long enough to keep the most dangerous sorcerer in the galaxy from destroying their planet? Or will the galaxy plunge into darkness?

Golden Cord of Light is the thrilling sixth book in the Star Rider Universe. If you like bigger-than-life heroes and heroines, evil sorcerers, space battles, romance, and mysticism, you’ll love Heidi Skarie’s exciting novel.

Buy Golden Cord of Light for an amazing adventure full of passion and excitement set among the stars.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

A dark shadow moved somewhere above them. Morisa looked up, thinking it was an animal or perhaps a guard who’d followed them. The shape left the cliff top and came flying down toward Baymond. It happened so fast she didn’t have time to react. The being landed on Baymond and they both fell to the ground. Baymond’s head slammed against a rock and he lay still. The other figure, a man, rose and turned to her. In the moonlight, Morisa’s knees weakened as she stared at the huge man before her. His cold eyes held dark power and she instantly knew he was a sorcerer.

She moved past her fears and readied herself for battle.

His fist flew toward her face. She twisted aside and slammed her heel into his gut. He gasped, doubling up, and she kneed him in the chin. Her robe hampered her movements as she dodged away from him.

He came after her and dealt her a forceful kick, sending her sliding across the rocky shoreline. She rolled with the fall, then sprang up and defensively put her fists in front of her face.

The sorcerer sent out a blast of psychic energy that knocked her to her knees. The spell held such power that she couldn’t escape. In agony, she focused on breaking his incantation. Her whole body began to feel hot as she chanted a counter spell. When her power hit his spell, they both flew backward.

Trembling, Morisa rose and pulled her crystal out of her pocket. She held it in front of her, calling upon its energy. Before she could activate it, the sorcerer hit her wrist. The crystal flew out of her hand and onto the sand. He slammed his fist into her temple and she collapsed onto the ground. She rolled onto her stomach, trying to ignore her throbbing headache as she searched for her crystal. He kicked her in the ribs and her side exploded in pain. A cold chill went through her — this was a real fight, not a match. Her life and Baymond’s depended on her skills and training.

Morisa expected to be struck again as she hunted in the dark for her crystal. Instead, she heard movement behind her. Glancing up, she saw Baymond had regained consciousness and fought the sorcerer. She turned her attention back to her search and spotted a gleam of violet light where the moonlight touched her crystal. She crawled forward and grabbed it, then drew on its healing energy to give her strength. Still weak, she looked back toward Baymond and watched the fight in fascination. Baymond moved with a grace, skill, and fluid control she’d rarely seen. He fought on a level beyond mind and body. His strength radiated out from the center of his being as he delivered forceful blows.

The sorcerer’s foot slammed into Baymond’s chest and the youth staggered backward, barely retaining his stance and breathing raggedly. He looked like his body couldn’t withstand much more abuse. Blood flowed from a wound on his forehead and dripped into his eyes. He wiped it aside and blocked another kick, then slammed his fist into the sorcerer’s throat. A killing blow if delivered with enough force, but with Baymond’s declining strength it only knocked the sorcerer to the ground.

As he fell the sorcerer stuck out his leg and hooked it against Baymond’s. The youth fell to the sand, landing hard enough to knock the wind out of him.

The sorcerer was instantly on him and closed his hands around his throat. Baymond struggled frantically to pry open the man’s hands. Morisa concentrated on the power of the crystal. The psychic powers surrounding them had caused it to turn black in her hand. She visualized the crystal clearing as she called on the Lady Mother for help. Soon, she felt vibrating energy and the crystal glowed violet again. She pointed it toward the sorcerer and sent out a beam of light.

The sorcerer cried out in agony as if he’d been stabbed in the back, then he collapsed across Baymond. The crystal’s power sliced back into Morisa’s hand and went through her being like a bolt of electricity. She collapsed.

When she regained consciousness, she saw Baymond’s anxious face above her. “Get up quickly,” he said in a rasping voice. When she pushed her blistered hand against the sand to rise, she winced in pain.

The sorcerer stirred next to them. Baymond grabbed Morisa’s arm and pulled her to her feet. “Let’s get out of here!”

The sorcerer also rose, standing between them and the pathway up the cliff. He raised his hands in the air, drawing on dark powers.

“Get to the ocean. Swim back,” Baymond yelled. When she hesitated, he said, “Run! Now.”

Author Bio:

Heidi Skarie’s life as a writer began when she had a dramatic dream about a futuristic world at war. The vivid dream was like watching an action/adventure movie. Excited about the dream, she recorded it upon awakening. That night the dream continued where it left off. After six nights, Heidi had a hundred-page journal recording the series of dreams. This awakened her interest in writing, which continues to be one of her greatest passions today.

Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter


GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Giveaway – Stalked By The Devil by Stacy Deanne @XpressoTours @stacydeanne

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Stalked by the Devil
Stacy-Deanne
Publication date: June 3rd 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Fear is the name of his game.

Nothing’s going right in Melody Carter’s life right now. She’s broke, unemployed, and living in the shadow of her successful fashion-model sister Sahara. But that ain’t even the half of Melody’s problems, the biggest one is Keith Taylor, Sahara’s new boyfriend who’s slowly worming his way into the sisters’ lives.

Keith’s perfect to everyone else: successful, gorgeous, and at 35 he’s the co-CEO of his family’s billion-dollar company. But Melody feels she has every reason to hate him from his arrogance, his controlling ways, and how every woman he’s had a relationship with seems to disappear.

While everyone else seems blinded by the silver-tongued bachelor, Melody will do anything in her power to prove that Keith is the devil himself.

Tropes: Billionaire, stalking, interracial, love triangle, office romance, first love, second-chance, opposites attract

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Every woman knows fear. When your knees knock, your forehead sweats and you get that feeling in your stomach as if you’re falling off a cliff.

Melody Carter felt undeniable fear as she stood in her bedroom, bare-breasted and all in front of Keith Taylor, her older sister’s boyfriend.

Keith was weird. He was hard to read, and he was sneaky, but she never, ever thought he’d do something like this.

And he just stood there, his natural lavender eyes penetrating her.

“You are so beautiful.” His raspy voice blanketed Melody’s bedroom, the same way his overpowering cologne did. “I shouldn’t have come in here, but I couldn’t help myself. Should I apologize?”

Melody pressed her lips together, fuming.

“I guess I could apologize.” Keith chuckled. “But that would be bullshit. We both know I came up here because I wanted to.”

“And you think this is okay?” Melody’s orange-size breasts spilled from under her arms. “How dare you? This time you’ve gone way too far.”

“Please, Mel. You should be flattered a man like me would find you so attractive.”

Keith was right. Melody should’ve been grateful for his attention. A man like Keith Taylor didn’t just grow on trees. They fell off of private planes and into multimillion-dollar mansions, which he had plenty of all around the world.

At only 34, Keith was a bona fide billionaire. Yes, a real life billionaire stood in unemployed Melody Carter’s room. A guy that only existed in romance books or women’s wet dreams. Co-CEO of Taylor Industries, a worldwide marketing firm that handled accounts for some of the biggest brands in the world, Keith and his family owned Lapeka, Florida. His mother was the mayor, for God’s sakes, and his family was the richest in the area. There wasn’t one entity in this fun-loving, hipster seaside town that Keith didn’t have his hands or money in.

“I think I’ve figured you out.” Melody grabbed her Black Girls Do It Better T-shirt from the bed and slipped it on.

“Oh, don’t do that,” Keith teased. “Can’t I have another peek first?”

“I know your game now.” She straightened her shirt. “I couldn’t understand why you act the way you do when Sahara’s not around. Now I got it.”

The overhead light bounced off the diamonds in his Rolex. “What are you talking about?”

“You’re not interested in me.” She crossed her arms. “Why would you be?”

“I don’t know.” Hints of red shot out from his copper-brown hair, cut in the chic comeback all the actors were now wearing. “Maybe because you’re so goddamn sexy, Mel. You intrigue me.”

“Cut the bullshit, Keith. I think this is about something else. You wanna control me like you do Sahara.”

“There you go with the holier-than-thou routine. Always trying to read someone else when you’re mooching off your sister like some pathetic waif.”

“Are you kidding me?” Melody laughed. “You haven’t done a day of work in your life, Keith. You sit on your ass, taking credit for a company your grandfather built. If you weren’t a Taylor, you’d be nothing.”

“But I am a Taylor, Melody.” His trimmed eyebrows lifted. “And it’s best you

remember that.” He pursed his lips. “You got some great tits, Mel. Not as nice as Sahara’s, but yeah, you got some nice ones.”

“What the fuck do you want?”

“How about a quickie?” He leaned forward, grinning. “Before Sahara gets back?”

Hell, she couldn’t lie. A part of her wondered what rolling in between the sheets with Keith Taylor would be like. Fuck, she was human and would be lying if she said she didn’t find him irresistible. But she would never, ever do anything to hurt Sahara and Keith’s charm, gorgeous smile, and money wouldn’t change that.

“You and me will never happen, Keith.”

“I was kidding about the quickie. Trust me, there is nothing quick about fucking me.”

“If you do anything like this again, I’m telling Sahara.”

“Mm…” He wiggled his hypnotic lips. “You think she’d believe you? She already knows you don’t like me, even though I’ve been nothing but nice to you.”

“She doesn’t know the shit you’ve been doing behind her back.”

He rubbed his clean-shaven, diamond-shaped chin. “And what have I been doing?”

“Stop playing with me! The little flirty remarks? Or how you look at me or even coming into my bedroom? If she knew you did this, you’d be gone.”

“Or she’ll just think you tried to run me off like you did all her other boyfriends. This is a pattern with you, Mel, remember? You’ve never liked Sahara’s boyfriends because you’re jealous of her because she’s better than you. Isn’t that right, little sister?”

“Get out of my room and get out of this house.” She pointed toward the hall. “Get out!”


Author Bio:

USA TODAY FEATURED AUTHOR

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Stacy-Deanne (Dee-Anne) is an award-winning author of romantic suspense, romantic thrillers, contemporary romance, historical romance, and erotica books featuring BWWM pairings. Her books have been bestsellers in stores worldwide including Amazon, Apple, and Barnes and Noble. Her work has been praised and reviewed in USA Today numerously. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree and is a 2011 and 2012 African-American Literary Award Nominee. She also is a winner of the Swirl Award (an award dedicated to authors of multicultural/interracial works).

Stacy is known for bringing versatile stories to her readers. With her, you never know what you’re gonna get, which separates Stacy’s work from the pack.

Stacy’s books are full of passion, thrills, intriguing characters and so much emotion you can’t get enough! If you want something different and unpredictable then definitely check out her work.

With Stacy every book is an adventure.

Want to receive book updates? Sign up for Stacy’s mailing list:

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Website: https://www.stacy-deanne.com/

Stacy is a proud member of ALLi, the Alliance of Independent Authors.

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Giveaway – Shattered Dreams by Abbie Roads @XpressoTours @Abbie_Roads

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Shattered Dreams
Abbie Roads
(Beautiful Nightmare, #3)
Publication date: July 11th 2023
Genres: Adult, Dark Romance, Romance

A crooked cop. Corruption. A woman convicted of murder. A man determined to prove her innocence.

When Helena Grayse is released from prison, all she wants is to say a final goodbye to her old life. But when a man finds her trespassing on his property, instead of turning her in, he takes her in. Accepts her. Loves her.

But someone decides to serve Helena with a death sentence.

Shattered Dreams is the third book in Abbie Roads’ Beautiful Nightmare Series of dark romantic thrillers. It features a felon heroine who never thought she deserved love. If you devour true crime and romance novels then you’ll love a series that combines both in a roller-coaster ride of danger, mind games, and swoon worthy love.

Buy this dangerously dark romance today!

Trigger warning: Depictions of SA and violence.

Previously Published under the title Never Let Me Fall.

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order


EXCERPT

Thomas burst through the back door on a dead run. Each footfall a jackhammer of sound. Stealth didn’t matter as much as getting to Helen.

He didn’t remember running through the house and up the stairs, but suddenly, he burst into the bathroom she’d been using. He skidded to a halt. Helen lay in the bathtub, curled on her side. Water rained over her nakedness. She wasn’t moving. Didn’t seem to be breathing. A garish river of scarlet gushed from the massive wound in her chest, pooling as it waited to slip down the drain.

Her face was an abominable shade of blue and gray and devoid of life. Water rained over her, swirling the blood leaking from her chest in mesmerizing streams. The wound was massive. Destructive. Deadly. Something no one could survive.

Despair emptied him out. He became a shell of skin with nothing on the inside.

He reached for her, but even though he stood as close to the tub as he could get, she seemed so far away, as if miles and miles stretched between them. Water rained over his head, drizzling down inside his coat, but he barely noticed.

His hands didn’t seem like they belonged to him as he scooped her out of the tub. Her skin was slick and slippery. Her body limp and lifeless. “Helen.” His voice contained a vast desolation. Her head lolled awkwardly to the side, and wet strands of hair clung to her face in fat tentacles. Ribbons of blood leaked from the gaping wound over her heart, sliding over and around her breast, pooling in the bend of her stomach.

A sick sense of dread filled all his empty places. The wound should be gushing, not dribbling. He was too late. She’d lost too much blood.

No. No. No. Goddamn it. She couldn’t be dead. He wouldn’t let her die. Not now. Not when he’d just found her. Helen needed to be alive. Even though they’d just met, he couldn’t live in a world without her in it. Didn’t matter if they were together or not, she just needed to be alive. That would be enough for him.

His legs folded beneath him. He sat on the floor, leaned against the old tub, and held her. He grabbed her chin and shook her head gently, “Helen. Oh God. Helen, wake up.” This was wrong. So wrong. None of this should be happening. Not now.

Never taking his eyes off her, he reached into his coat pocket for his phone and then dialed the number he called the most. Work. He pinched the phone between his ear and shoulder while it rang.

“No news yet.” Lanning said when he picked up the call.

Thomas opened his mouth. Only one word came out. “Helen.” His brain had clogged up, allowing only a trickle of thought at a time.

“What?” Confusion dominated Lanning’s tone.

“Helen.” It was just a name to Lanning, but to Thomas, she was everything. “Helen’s been shot. I need an ambulance. The police.” He let the phone drop and distantly heard Lanning shouting.

Nothing in his whole life seemed as important as Helen. “You’ve got to fight.” A lump of some unnamed emotion rose in his throat. He struggled to swallow it back down. “You hear me? You have to fight to stay here with me. I know we just met. But you and me— there’s something between us. I knew it the moment I saw you. And you need to stay so we can explore this thing. Because it feels powerful. It feels destined. Like we are supposed to be together.”

His voice hitched, and he struggled to keep talking around the fear and grief bubbling up inside him. “Just listen to my voice.” He smoothed wet hair from her face. Chilled skin met his fingertips. She was too cold. The tang of her blood sickening in the damp air. “Follow my voice. Don’t let it go.”

Thomas shifted Helen’s body until she was settled in the crook of his left arm. Blood pooled on her stomach, seeping into his coat.

Without any reason or rationality, he pressed his hand over the bullet hole. A zap of static electricity blazed through him at the contact. Her body jolted, and then his hand suctioned to her chest.

Everything changed.

Inside his torso, a cool and pleasant sensation gathered, then rolled down his arm to his hand and poured into her. His eyes rolled back in his head under the waves of bliss pouring from him into her. Holy shit. Maybe he was losing his grip on reality, but some vital part of him—his essence, his strength, his soul—flowed into her. The ultimate act of giving. And it felt amazing. “You feel this? You feel me inside you? Making you better?” He sounded crazy. He’d worry about his sanity later.

Underneath her delicate eyelids, her eyes rolled. For the first time since he’d picked her up, he noticed the subtle rise and fall of her chest. Blood no longer trickled from the wound. He stared at his hand mashed against her chest. Were his eyes playing tricks on him? Making him see what he wanted to see instead of reality?

Did it really matter what was happening as long as Helen seemed to be improving? Everything inside him that had been so devastated perked up as if spring had arrived.

She wasn’t dead. He knew that now. Knew it as surely as he knew he was alive. He slumped back against the tub and sucked in a giant breath.

“You’re going to be all right. I’m with you. I’m inside you. I’m a part of you now.” His gaze traveled beyond his hand over her heart to her body. All the horror he thought was behind them reignited.

Her chest and stomach were covered in scars. Her body told a story of misery unimagined, of incomprehensible suffering. And from last night, he knew there were more on her back that he couldn’t see.

“Oh, Helen.” He hugged her tighter to him. What on earth had done that to her? “This is it. After this, all your pain is over. I won’t let anything hurt you ever again.” He kissed her forehead, sealing the deal.

In the distance, sirens sounded—a reassurance that everything was going to be okay. He just needed to keep his hand on her. Keep himself flowing into her. The sirens pulled into his driveway, then cut off midwail.

Thomas whispered to Helen. “You’re gonna hate this, but there’s no getting around it this time. You’re going to the hospital.” He paused, waiting for some reaction from her. But she kept breathing, and her heart kept beating, and that was enough for him. “But don’t worry. I’ll be with you the whole time. You don’t have anything to be afraid of. I promise.”

Footsteps sounded on the staircase, then treaded down the hallway toward them.

“In there,” he called.

Two EMTs entered the bathroom. Thomas didn’t look at them; he just kept his attention on Helen. Her color was better, and he knew in the way-down-deep parts of himself that she was going to be all right.

“Dddaaammmnn…” One of the EMTs stretched the word out long and low.

Thomas’s attention snapped up to the guy. What was he…

The guy had his gaze glued to Helen’s face. “That’s Helena Grayse.”

Thomas knew that name. Everyone in Sundew, Ohio, knew the name.

He looked back down at Helen. She looked so fragile and damaged. Nothing like a murderer.

Author Bio:

Abbie Roads is the best-selling author of the Fatal Dreams Series and the Fatal Truth Series. Her novels have been finalists in many prestigious contests including The Golden Heart, The Greater Detroit Booksellers Best, The Oklahoma National Readers’ Choice Award, The Write Touch, The Strut Your Stuff Contest, The Aspen Gold Contest, The Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, The Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award, The Midnight Sun, The Kathryn Hayes Contest, The Chanticleer, The Daphne du Maurier, The National Readers’ Choice Award, The New England Readers’ Choice Contest, The Beverly Award, and The Maggie Award. Her debut novel Race the Darkness was Publishers Weekly Top 10 Pick for Fall and Never Let Me Fall is an Amazon Editor’s Pick.

By day Abbie Roads is a mental health counselor always focusing on the bright side. By night she writes on the dark side, putting her characters through the wringer before she gives them their happily-ever-after. She loves a good inspirational quote and is a fan of true crime.

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Giveaway – The Ripple Effect by Cally Jackson @XpressoTours @callyjackson

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The Ripple Effect
Cally Jackson
Publication date: September 14th 2023
Genres: Adult, Romance, Time-Travel

The Time Traveller’s Wife meets The Butterfly Effect in this touching, heart-felt love story.

When Caitlyn Richter turns twenty-one, she begins having strange, unsettling episodes: pins and needles in her hands, a rushing noise in her ears, and a blinding light obscuring her vision. After a bad episode, Caitlyn finds herself somewhere different, with no idea how she got there. To her horror, Caitlyn learns she has inherited a disorder that causes her to travel back and forth in time uncontrollably, and to make matters worse, one small change to the past can have massive consequences for the present.

Caitlyn quickly realises she must do whatever it takes to leave the past unchanged. But that’s easier said than done, especially after she meets Toby Beech, an attractive 1980’s carpenter who wants to spend as much time with her as possible, and who she finds herself falling in love with.

Caitlyn has two choices. She can force herself to stay away from Toby and keep her life in the present intact. Or she can follow her heart and risk the ripple effect wreaking havoc on everything and everyone she loves.

An impossible decision. An ill-fated love.

An incredible story you don’t want to miss.

Add to Goodreads


Author Bio:

Cally Jackson grew up in the small country town of Gatton, Australia. Her passion for fictional writing first emerged in grade two when she got in trouble for penning her own tale instead of copying directly from a story book as she was supposed to be doing – it was a handwriting exercise, after all.

Cally now lives in Brisbane with the two loves of her life – her husband, Mark, and their dog, Lucy. The Big Smoke is her first novel.

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Giveaway – Heartless by Grace Goodwin @XpressoTours @LuvGraceGoodwin

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Heartless
Grace Goodwin
Publication date: June 27th 2023
Genres: Adult, Romance, Science Fiction

Warrior. Doctor. Spy. I am Commander Helion, a heartless terror, relentless and unforgiving. Merciless.

My destiny is not to claim a female, to have a family, to be rendered helpless by love.

Despite this, I am matched. A beautiful human female is now mine. Despite my warnings, she is determined to leave her mark on me, body and soul.

Honor demands I resist. I tell her the truth. I will not place a mating collar around her neck. I cannot protect her—especially from me—my choices—the horrors I face every day.

Just one moment of weakness and she gets under my skin, makes me want things I cannot have. She is everything I am not—and the most dangerous creature I have ever faced.

Claiming her—keeping her—is not possible with my pivotal role in this never-ending war. There is no place in my duties for desire. For need. Too many innocents count on me for protection. Too many lives are at stake, including hers.

The enemy is always ready and waiting, but I never expected her to be among them.

For the first time in my hardened life, I question my sanity. My dark soul. I begin to understand exactly what my enemies have stolen from me—and realize there is no limit to what a heartless warrior will sacrifice for love.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Oh, heck yes. I was ready for lots of mind-blowing private time with two hot mates. Sooooo, ready. My body had been willing for a while. My mind had taken its sweet time catching up.

Now every part of me was fully on board. Heart. Mind. Body. Two mates? So very, very naughty. I squirmed, just a bit. I couldn’t keep the restless need from escaping. I hadn’t been touched by a man in so long. I tried to recall the last time—before the—before that. I couldn’t remember clearly, but I was pretty sure it had been years.

“The transport window is closing, my lady. If we wait much longer, I will need to delay your departure.” The Prillon warrior in control of the transport pad interrupted our long goodbye.

“Of course. So sorry.” I gave Makayla one final, super-tight hug, and walked up the few stairs to join my soon-to-be transported suitcase so we could be flung across the galaxy.

The officer nodded, his large hands moving competently over the controls.

Would my mates touch me with that level of intense concentration?

Were their hands that big? That skilled?

What was wrong with me? I was thinking like a horny teenager.

“Are you ready, my lady?” The transport officer had kind eyes. He knew where I was going. And why. I nodded. The hum of the transport pad rose up from the floor like an electricity bath. The extra energy building up for my jump through space made me squirm like a shelter puppy about to be released from its cage. Finally free.

Oh, yes. I was ready to meet my new mate.

Commander Zarren Helion.

Even his name sounded formidable.

I just knew he was going to be one hundred percent perfect.

***

Commander Zarren Helion, Intelligence Core, Black Fleet, Sector 438

The Prillon warrior sitting before me bled from multiple wounds, none fatal, each strategically placed to inflict maximum pain. Lieutenant Oberan Arcas of Prillon Prime.

I have to break him.


Author Bio:

Grace Goodwin is a USA Today and international bestselling author of Sci-Fi and Paranormal romance with nearly one million books sold. Grace’s titles are available worldwide in multiple languages in ebook, print and audio formats. Two best friends, one left-brained, the other right-brained, make up the award-winning writing duo that is Grace Goodwin. They are both mothers, escape room enthusiasts, avid readers and intrepid defenders of their preferred beverages. (There may or may not be an ongoing tea vs. coffee war occurring during their daily communications.) Grace loves to hear from readers.

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Giveaway – The Rise Of Yezurkstal by Joseph P Macolino @XpressoTours @Evorath

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The Rise of Yezurkstal
Joseph P. Macolino
Publication date: July 11th 2023
Genres: Adult, Fantasy

He’s lived a sheltered life. But after his village is destroyed, will he be able to find his way in Evorath without the guidance of his own kind?

Zelag, an inexperienced shapeshifter lived a life free of strife or conflict. But when a new spell brings humans to Evorath, his village finds itself in the path of destruction. The sole survivor of the attack, he must now face the realities of life on his own.

Rescued by Evorath’s Avatar, Zelag joins with the heroes who drove back Yezurkstal last year. While they struggle to gather enough support of their own, their enemy continues to grow stronger. Together, they must fight to protect the vulnerable humans from being enslaved by Yezurkstal.

Will Evorath’s heroes have enough strength to overcome Yezurkstal and his growing undead army?

The Rise of Yezurkstal is the second book in the Evorath epic fantasy series. If you enjoy mythical creatures, magic, and exploring an expansive fantasy world, you’ll love Joseph P Macolino’s fast-paced adventure.

Buy The Rise of Yezurkstal today and see if Evorath’s heroes can hold this growing evil at bay.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Artimus squeezed Savannah’s hands, gazing adoringly into her sweet eyes as the priestess spoke.

“…And after this day, these two shall no longer be separate individuals, but instead are to be united as one. As they embark on their journey and enter into a new life, they must learn to act as one. Evorath has blessed us with all that we could desire, and now these two shall become one and bless one another with all they have…”

Some of the smoke from the incense crept past his nose, causing Artimus to turn his gaze downward and squelch a cough. The smell of pine filled his nostrils as he cleared his throat and returned his attention to Savannah.

“…Like a seed planted in fertile ground, the connection that is established today will still need to be nurtured and cared for. Love must act like water. Trust, like sunlight. Commitment, like compost. Only by truly accepting one another can these two spirits be joined in matrimony.”

Artimus noticed Savannah’s smile expand, her eyes glimmering with excitement. He could not help but reciprocate, a foolish grin coming over his face.

“So, Artimus Atyrmirid, will you devote yourself wholly to this woman, protect her, love her, and provide for her?”

“It is Evorath’s will and mine as well. She shall be of my own flesh.” Artimus felt as if he was observing himself as he incanted these words, a tangible excitement running down his spine and filling him with energy.

“And Savannah Sylvanas, now to be Savannah Atyrmirid, will you devote yourself wholly to this man, support him, love him, and bare his children?”

“It is Evorath’s will and mine as well. He shall be of my own flesh.” Savannah looked as if she might burst with excitement as she spoke, her voice higher pitched than usual.

“And so it is, and ever shall be. Once Evorath has willed it, it cannot be unwilled.” The priestess spoke with force now, her voice booming throughout the clearing.

“Henceforth, Artimus and Savannah Atyrmirid shall be united as one. Through times of abundance and times of scarcity, they will have a bond beyond the physical realm. Their spirits are intertwined and shall remain as such for all eternity. Let everyone bow their heads now and observe the song of Evorath.”

The bard in the east continued playing the harp, the melody of his tune slowing to a modest rhythm. He played four consecutive notes in a simple meter, progressively moving from a low pitch to a higher one. This simple melody continued for a few measures before the western bard pulled out a wooden recorder and joined in.

Tapping his foot to the rhythm of the first bard, the woodwind player started with a soft and calming melody. Each note worked to propagate the romantic atmosphere. Like most aspects of the ceremony, this traditional song was simple but effective, the soothing melody instilling a palpable feeling of love and commitment.

Artimus stood cradling Savannah’s hands, peering deep into her eyes. The entire crowd stood listening in silence, affected by the contagious feeling of bliss. Artimus could feel his skin tingling as if he was being influenced by magic as the music rose in intensity, the recorder playing louder and more pronounced notes.

After the crescendo, the music lulled back into a soothing tone, a feeling of completeness overcoming him. Artimus was not a musician, but as he stood watching tears of joy well up in Savannah’s eyes, he felt a connection to the music. Though he had heard this wedding song a few times in the past, it was different experiencing it from the center. This was a day he had been awaiting, and this song signified that the wait was over.


Author Bio:

Husband, father, and seeker of truth, Joseph Macolino has a passion for nature, philosophy, and all things fantasy. An unwavering Christian and self-declared anarchist, he dreams of a future human society where people can truly cooperate and voluntarily exchange ideas, goods, and services.

When he’s not writing Evorath, he’s likely outside gardening, spending time watching a show with his family, or reading a book on philosophy. Considering himself a lifelong student of humanity, Joseph enjoys meeting new people and being exposed to new perspectives. He believes each person’s unique gifts can help contribute to stronger communities and hopes his work encourages others to embrace their gifts.

Evorath introduces a rich world full of magic, adventure, and diverse characters trying to find their place in the world.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram


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Giveaway – The Book Of Alys by Alan Gold @XpressoTours

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The Book of Alys
Alan Gold
Publication date: May 31st 2023
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance

King Henry II, exhausted from everlasting conflict with France and the bad habit of his sons rebelling against their father finds love, solace, and passion after falling for the youthful beauty of Alys and makes her his mistress.

Alys’ father, King Louis VII of France was a man in desperate need of an heir. Alys was his fourth daughter from two wives. After divorcing Eleanor, he married Alys’ mother Constance.

The desperate need for a son meant that King Louis was striding down the aisle just five weeks after Constance’s death (not to say that he wasn’t grieving, it was said he was deeply affected by his loss), this time with Adele of Champagne who was twenty years his junior. Alys was finally joined by the longed-for brother when she was five years old, and then another sister named Agnes.

Long before Alys came on to the scene her father had been at war, on and off, with Henry II of England. While Louis needed a son to inherit his throne, his daughters were also important as diplomatic tools. Alys first played her part in January 1169, when Louis and Henry met to sign the Treaty of Montmirail near Le Mans.

The treaty set out Henrys plans for his lands. His eldest son also Henry would inherit the English throne (he had been married to Alys’ sister Margaret in 1160). His second son, Geoffrey, was already betrothed to the heiress to the Duchy of Brittany, Constance.

As the third son Richard would inherit Aquitaine. The treaty formed the official betrothal of Alys to Prince Richard and agreed that she would be raised as a ward of King Henry, in the household of Queen Eleanor.

At this point Alys was never considered to be a future English queen. Richard was third in line to the throne, his older brothers were both healthy and had survived the worst dangers of infancy, and their marriages would take place before his.

Although she was only eight years old at the time, Alys was handed over to the English court to be raised alongside her anticipated future sister-in-law Constance of Brittany, and her own sister Margaret.

How much time she spent with her betrothed isn’t really known. Especially since Richard and his brothers then got into the bad habit of rebelling against their father.

As Alys grew up and the wedding with Richard didn’t take place, rumours began to circulate that she had become mistress to King Henry, and thus could not marry his son. Henry’s wife Eleanor of Aquitaine had been imprisoned in 1174 after supporting her rebellious sons. Henry reportedly was considering getting an annulment for his marriage to Eleanor so he could marry his mistress ‘Fair Rosamund’. However, one chronicler claimed that Henry was actually considering marrying Alys himself.

She was young, she was the daughter of a King of France, and her sons might have a potential claim to the French throne. It was even rumoured that Henry would disinherit his sons by Eleanor and replace them in the line of succession with any sons he might have by Alys. It was even stated that Alys already had at least one child, possibly two, by Henry in the time she was his mistress.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

—

EXCERPT:

Queen Eleanor of England and Aquitaine gripped the arms of her seat in fear for her safety, waiting for the coming onslaught. Although she was seated on the periphery of the dais, she knew from painful experience that when her husband’s temper was roused, anybody within range of his fists or feet or sword could suffer imminent death.

Accustomed to his explosive temper, and known to give as good as she received, even the Queen was shocked by his sudden violent outburst against the cardinal. The fat pompous cleric, looking more like a throbbing red pustule about to erupt than a Prince of the Church, was acting as though he, rather than King Henry, had been anointed by God as ruler of the nation.

Author Bio:

Alan Gold began his career as a journalist, working in the UK, Europe, and Israel. In 1970, he emigrated to Australia with his wife, Eva, and now lives in St. Ives, Sydney, where he divides his time between writing novels and running his award-winning marketing consultancy.


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