BOOK BLITZ w/EXCERPT - CONTEMPORARY LGBTQ+ - LOVING LOVE (In Midsummer, #7) by Jessica Frances

Loving Love

In Midsummer, #7

by Jessica Frances

Publication date: March 5th 2021

Genres: Adult, LGBTQ+, Romance

BLURB

One friendship. One heartbreak. One messy past. One open-ended future. One chance to fix regrets. Multiple hurdles to jump.

Rian:
I knew returning home was never going to be easy. I hurt people when I abruptly left seventeen years ago. I hurt my brothers. I hurt the woman I loved. I lost touch with everyone and have missed so much. But running away can’t last forever. It’s time to face my demons and fight for the one person I can no longer live without.

Love:
Everyone knows me as the lovable, bubbly, happy girl. It isn’t untrue. Years ago, I had my heart broken and have hidden just how much that moment destroyed me. Every day that we have been apart has felt like a piece has been missing from me. But when Rian returns, I can’t bring myself to trust her. I can’t pick up the pieces of me that she carelessly broke and pretend everything is okay again.

However, when a story drifts into dangerous territory and someone important gets caught in the crossfire, sometimes you have to let the past stay where it belongs and forge a new future. There will be missteps, and maybe some tears, but fate cannot be stopped.

So, what does fate have in store for us now, and what are the chances we will survive it?

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—

EXCERPT:

“Sounds like you want to hang around here.”

“I do. I know I’m incredibly late on coming back here, but I do want to make Midsummer my home again. I’ve missed this place. I’ve missed you.”

I watch the impact my words have over Love, and they aren’t necessarily good. She looks gutted by my admission.

“I have to get back.” She holds up her hands that just have tape and no fliers left. “Thanks for keeping me company.”

“Of course. It’s been good to see you. I don’t suppose you’d be interested in hanging out again? I know I hurt you by leaving, but I’d appreciate the chance to tell you my story and, if you are open to it, becoming friends again.”

I want much more than friendship with Love, but I know I have to tread lightly. I have to gain Love’s trust again before I promise her more. If we don’t get this new foundation right, then we’re doomed before we get a chance to start.

Love doesn’t immediately respond, which has my heart jacking up in tempo, but soon, a smile graces her soft lips.

“I’d like that. I’m sure we can make some time next week. I’d love to hear about how the teaching goes. I might have a favor to ask of you.”

“Anything!” I quickly agree, knowing I would still do anything for Love. “And let’s lock next week in. Do you still have my number?”

Over the years, we emailed to keep in touch, though those emails turned few and far between in recent years.

“Will you actually leave your phone on? From memory, you were notorious for letting it die for weeks on end.”

“I traveled far and wide, often in places where electricity wasn’t common. I got used to living without it,” I admit, knowing I wasn’t the best at it when I was a teenager, either. I had to hide even having it from my parents, which meant I couldn’t always leave it out charging.

“Luckily, The Last Resort boasts electricity!”

“Yes, I was very impressed to see many outlets in my room. Very fancy.” I lightly elbow her and smile when she laughs.

“Yeah, I have your number. I’ll text you when I’m free.”

“I look forward to it.” I don’t exactly keep the wistful note out of my tone, and Love sure doesn’t miss it, given her widening eyes and the way they dart to my lips. She looks away quickly, but I catch it.

“It’s good to have you back.” She gives me another hug, though it’s less surprising, and I’m able to focus more on how it feels to have her in my arms and to have her body against mine.

I probably hold on too tightly and certainly for too long, but I can’t help it. I missed Love more than I ever realized, and being back, close to her, is like finally feeling fiery warmth after being out in a wintery storm for years.

She pulls away, and then I watch her walk back in the direction of the hotel. I get the feeling she wants some space, so I let her have it. I have a date to look forward to next week, and I need to make sure it goes off perfectly.

For now, I’m going to go off in search of Reed and tease him relentlessly about the fact that he’s going to be a father to twins.

 

Author Info

Jessica lives in Adelaide, South Australia. When she is not writing, you can find her reading, napping or watching excessive amounts of TV. Connect with her on Facebook and Goodreads.

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BOOK BLITZ w/EXCERPT - MYSTERY LGBTQ+ - SAFE (In Midsummer, #5) by Jessica Frances

Safe

In Midsummer, #5

by Jessica Frances

Publication date: January 8th 2021

Genres: Adult, LGBTQ+, Mystery, Romance

BLURB

One big day. One missing groom. One answer. One life-changing event. One life-threatening disaster. Multiple targets.

Conner:

I never pictured myself getting married, but then I met Rocky and knew I found my perfect match. So, why are so many people determined to ruin our happiness? Why can’t we just have some peace and quiet? And why has Rocky disappeared on our wedding day?

Rocky:

I never thought I would get married again, but that was because I never knew what true love really was until Conner. I never had a true partner who was always there for me. And now I can’t wait to be married to him. I can’t wait to start the rest of our lives together. But, just like our entire relationship has had hurdles, why should this event run smoothly for us?

Between sabotage, grabby fans, exes, and an unwanted wedding planner, our wedding is looking more impossible by the minute. However, we’re both determined enough to get down that aisle and say I do. We will be married, and not even a crazed killer will stop us.

I hope. Hell, are we going to survive this wedding?

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—

EXCERPT:

“Rocky.” Conner moves onto his knees and faces me, cupping my face. I instantly rest my hands on his hips to prevent him from losing his balance and painfully knocking our heads together. “I love you so much that anyone can come through that door and say they want me, and I won’t even think about the offer for a second. You’re the one I want now, the one I’ll always want. None of my exes even begin to come close to how amazing you are. Henry Prince is someone universally considered to be the full package and even he didn’t compare to you. You’re perfect to me, and I will never want anyone else. You believe that, right?” His tone is pleading, as is his gaze.

I do see what he’s saying. I know how truthful it is. And while I’ve always known Conner would never cheat on me and that he loves me, there is something that clicks into place for me. A final piece that solidifies that we’re so solid that nothing that comes at us during this wedding or after it is going to rock us.

I lean forward and rest our foreheads together, our noses brushing. Then I wrap my arms around him so he’s forced to rest his body over mine. “I believe you, Conner, and I love you so damn much. You’re all I want, too. I cannot wait to call you my husband. Let’s do this tomorrow.”

Conner snorts out a laugh, but when I don’t break into so much as a grin, his smile fades and he pulls back just as much as my arms around him will allow.

“You’re serious? Tomorrow?”

“Yes. I don’t want to wait any longer. And I don’t want the charade that June Fuller is planning to be our day. I want it to be on our own terms. I want you to myself. I don’t want to share you on our wedding day.”

“But … tomorrow is Wednesday!”

“You call Love and, under oath of secrecy, she can come. I’ll call Reed and Bell, and they can come, too. We’ll pull River out of school. Then Bell can take River back to hers, Love can take Ryder back to her parents’ for the night, and we have one night to ourselves.”

“What about work?”

“I’ll get Abby to cover for me. Or, hell, I’ll just call in sick. I’ve got hundreds of those days I’ve never used.”

Conner gasps, but I get the feeling it’s slightly mocking. “You didn’t even call in sick when you were shot!”

“Just marry me tomorrow,” I plead, knowing I can’t bear to wait any longer now that I put it out there.

Author Info

Jessica lives in Adelaide, South Australia. When she is not writing, you can find her reading, napping or watching excessive amounts of TV. Connect with her on Facebook and Goodreads.

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BOOK BLITZ w/EXCERPT - LGBTQ+ SUSPENSE - SECRETS (In Midsummer, #4) by Jessica Frances

Secrets

In Midsummer, #4

by Jessica Frances

Publication date: November 6th 2020

Genres: Adult, LGBTQ+, Romance, Suspense

BLURB

One storm. One Santa Claus. One stalker. One secret. One surprise. One question. One answer.

Christmas is meant to be a jolly time of year, right? So, why is everyone acting like the plague is around the corner? Every year, I’m always the grumpy guy. Yet, this year, I might as well be sunshine personified.

Conner is definitely hiding something from me, River is unusually moody, and the townspeople have clearly lost their minds. Unfortunately, I can’t arrest everyone in my life and demand they explain themselves … can I?

Since my relationship with Conner is becoming more vital to me than ever, I need to find out what has everyone acting so strange. This Christmas will be the first for Conner and me together. I need to make it special. That means I have to ensure nothing can come between us. Not a Hollywood hunk, not a creepy stalker, and definitely not a snowstorm.

So, will we make it through our first Christmas together? Or will this end up being the worst day of the year?

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Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

I pull up to the unmanned front gate and park, since the boom gate won’t open without power. Then I exit my vehicle, check to make sure my weapon is secure at my side, and make my way toward the front entrance.

“This is Sheriff Green! Anyone here?” I shout, receiving no response.

I tread carefully, not wanting a broken ankle on this icy ground, and head to the front door. I try the handle and find it’s locked. Then I move to the first window and take a peek inside, but it’s too dark to see anyone. I consider radioing Abby, but I don’t want to distract her or give her presence away in case she’s still in pursuit.

When I then round the building, I see what looks like blood spilled along the icy ground.

“What the …?” I crouch down to it. It’s either real blood or fake from a movie set. Then again, they’re not filming here right now; Prince confirmed that.

I get back to my feet and keep alert as I continue to move around the house, trying windows and doors as I come across them. Everything is locked up, and nothing looks disturbed. But where is everyone? Where are the guards? Where are my deputies?

I freeze as I make out sounds close by. I then continue moving and find they’re growing louder. I can’t hear the words being said, but the panic is obvious.

I draw my weapon, unsure what I’ll find as I move around to the back part of the building and take a quick peek around the corner.

 

Author Info

Jessica lives in Adelaide, South Australia. When she is not writing, you can find her reading, napping or watching excessive amounts of TV. Connect with her on Facebook and Goodreads.

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BOOK BLITZ w/EXCERPT - CONTEMPORARY LGBTQ+ - STAY (In Midsummer, #3) by Jessica Frances

STAY 

In Midsummer, #3

by Jessica Frances

Publication date: September 4th 2020

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

BLURB
One screaming baby. One too many diaper disasters. One surprise shooter. One victim. One perpetrator. One blast from the past.

Having a surprise baby dropped at your doorstep has to be the worst kind of relationship buzzkill in history. Instead of dating, now Rocky and I have shifted into becoming exhausted parents with zero time for any kind of fun. Everything is moving so fast that something has to give. I just hope that something won’t be us.

Then, when a shooter comes after Rocky and their aim is a little too close for comfort, important questions need to be answered. Who wants Rocky dead? How far are they willing to go to make it happen? How much luck can one person have before it runs out? And where on earth did Rocky put those spare baby diapers?

With someone gunning for not only Rocky but also our relationship, one has to wonder just how many hits we can take before it all falls apart.

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—

EXCERPT:

“Is he still peeing over your face?” He says this so casually, as though this is a completely normal question to be asking your partner. Although, I suppose it probably is completely normal for many parents.
“Unfortunately, I’m fun to aim at.”
I stand up and watch Rocky point his finger at Ryder. “Please stop peeing over Conner’s face. I’d rather like my boyfriend pee-free if possible.”
Ryder grabs ahold of Rocky’s finger and wipes his slobber over it.
“Thanks for standing up for me. You really told him,” I drawl, rolling my eyes. It seems everyone listens to Rocky except for his kids, who seem immune to his commanding tone. Ryder isn’t even biologically his, and he still isn’t affected.
“Fine, how about this?” He turns to face Ryder again. “You give us one night completely uninterrupted, and I’ll give you one night free pass when you’re older to skip vegetables.”
I shake my head again. “Think you gotta know your audience.”
“Fine, how would you do it?”
I lift Ryder up and turn him to face me. “Ryder, I promise you this will be much funnier if you pee on him instead. So, try that from now on, got it?”
“Hey!” Rocky gives me a gentle shove while I laugh.
Ryder seems to sense the mood and grins.

Author Info
Jessica lives in Adelaide, South Australia. When she is not writing, you can find her reading, napping or watching excessive amounts of TV. Connect with her on Facebook and Goodreads.

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BOOK BLITZ w/EXCERPT - LGBTQ+ MYSTERY - SEPARATED (In Midsummer, #2) by Jessica Frances

SEPARATED

In Midsummer, #2

by Jessica Frances

Publication date: July 3rd 2020

Genres: Adult, LGBTQ+, Mystery, Romance

BLURB
One jealous sheriff. One pushy Hollywood hunk. One threat. One undeniable attraction. One messy situation. One chance to fix it.

I’ve guarded my heart the same way that I’ve guarded my hometown of Midsummer—with unwavering compromise and integrity. I’ve never even once been tempted to let my guard down. That is … until I met Conner Sherwood.

It didn’t matter that I swore off all romantic relationships. Or that I wasn’t interested in opening myself up and likely getting hurt. Like a moth to the flame, I can’t resist him. I can’t stop myself from wanting something I shouldn’t. Even pushing him away didn’t stop me from wanting him. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who wants Conner. He has caught the eye of a Hollywood heartthrob. How can I compete with that?

But when Conner starts to receive death threats and an attempt is made on his life, I begin to realize that there is more at stake here than having my heart broken. Conner is in danger being in Midsummer, and whoever is threatening him won’t be satisfied until Conner is no longer breathing.

What I know for certain is that I won’t stop until I catch the person responsible for harming the man I’m coming to realize that I cannot live without.

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—

EXCERPT:

“I’m sorry I haven’t been able to figure out who is threatening you.” Even I hear the frustration in my voice.
Why can’t this one just be easy? Why can’t I have this cleared up for Conner so he doesn’t have to keep suffering?
“I know you’re doing your best.”
“But it isn’t good enough.”
“Rocky,” he breathes my name, and I hate how much I love hearing it caress his lips. “Unless you can read minds, then I’m not sure there is any catching whoever it is. Everything they’ve done so far has led to a dead end.”
He’s not wrong. There was zero evidence to be found on his car that could lead us to anyone. The generic black spray paint could have come from multiple stores in any town or city. There was nothing unique about it, and whoever did it had worn gloves, since there were no foreign prints and the few smudges indicated as much. Of the very few security cameras in the area, nothing caught a thing out of place. And no one saw or heard anything.
The one thing I was able to narrow down from a witness recalling Conner’s vehicle without the vandalism is that it happened sometime during the night after eleven, which gave the perpetrator a blanket of darkness to keep themselves hidden from easy view.
“Still, this is my town, and I hate that someone is trying to drive you out of it.”
“According to you, I’m not staying anyway, right?”
My heartrate picks up immediately, dread settling inside me, despite expecting this. “Is that your way of saying you’re leaving?”
“I have no plans to leave anytime soon, Rocky. I like it here. Well, apart from being threatened and living in fear; that is.”
I’m not sure I’m ready to face Conner leaving, mainly because I know it means facing a lot of things I’ve been ignoring, but I’m unable to feel any relief, because outrage boils through my bloodstream that he’s being made to live in fear.
“I don’t care how long it takes; I’ll make whoever is doing this pay. I’ll bring them to justice.” I have to take several deep breaths to calm down.
Conner doesn’t comment, but when his hand brushes mine, the connection is enough to ease my anger.
“I’m glad you’re staying.”
I hear a rustle as I assume he turns to face me. My eyes haven’t adjusted to the darkness enough yet for me to know for sure.
“I’m staying. Not even death threats have run me out of here. It makes you wonder what else I would have been willing to stay for.” There’s heat behind his words, an anger that is justified.
“You’re saying that I misjudged you as someone who would just travel through town and leave me?”
“Yes.”
“And, are you also saying I’m too late now?”

Author Info
Jessica lives in Adelaide, South Australia. When she is not writing, you can find her reading, napping or watching excessive amounts of TV. Connect with her on Facebook and Goodreads.

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BOOK BLITZ w/EXCERPT - MYSTERY LGBTQ+ - STRANDED (In Midsummer, #1) by Jessica Frances

STRANDED

In Midsummer, #1 

by Jessica Frances

Publication date: May 29th 2020

Genres: Adult, LGBTQ+, Mystery, Romance

BLURB
One small town. One hot sheriff. One night of passion. One massive cold shoulder. One murder. One suspect. One chance.

I’m furious when my car breaks down in the small, quiet town of Midsummer, Arkansas. Then I meet the incredibly hot town sheriff and hope that things might be looking up. Unfortunately, that encounter sours fast, leaving me ready to put this town in my rearview mirror. That won’t be easy though, since my car has left me stranded here. Now I’m trapped in a town that has nothing to offer me.

Or does it?

When an opportunity presents itself that could see me staying longer than expected, I begin to notice Midsummer’s charm. I start to wonder if maybe staying won’t be such a bad thing. Even the sheriff is beginning to thaw toward me.

That is until someone commits murder and I become the number one suspect.

Can I convince everyone I’m not the murderer? Or will the real killer walk free?

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Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“What was the deal with his father then?”
“Sheriff Stone Green was a tough son of a bitch. I don’t remember him too well, but the times I saw him, I remember being scared of him.”
“Wait, wait!” I gasp, holding my hands and making us stop walking while I stare at her in open amazement. “You’re telling me his father was named Stone?”
“Yeah.”
“And he named his son Rocky?”
Love laughs. “Yep.”
I shake my head in laughter as we begin walking again. “What the hell did Green name his daughter? Pebbles?” I gasp, chuckling hard at my own joke before I find myself tumbling over a boulder. Except, I can’t stop my fall, and when I land, I realize whatever I’ve landed on feels soft.
And squishy.
And it stinks.
“What the hell?” I mumble, using my arms and elbows to shift myself up before I realize just what broke my fall.
Or, more accurately, who.
A freaking body.
A freaking dead body!

Author Info
Jessica lives in Adelaide, South Australia. When she is not writing, you can find her reading, napping or watching excessive amounts of TV. Connect with her on Facebook and Goodreads.

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