BOOK BLITZ w/EXCERPT - CONTEMPORARY - THE ART OF ALMOST LOSING IT (Richmond Brothers, #3) by Alina Jacobs

The Art of Almost Losing It

The Richmond Brothers, #3

by Alina Jacobs

Publication date: August 4th 2026

Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

BLURB

There comes a time in every almost-thirty-year-old woman’s life when getting kidnapped off the street is preferable to admitting that the hot, rich boyfriend you’ve been bragging about for months does not, in fact, exist.

Yes, it’s terrifying being stuffed in the trunk of a Mercedes, but I would rather be locked in a stranger’s penthouse than sleeping on the floor of my parents’ apartment like the loser daughter I am.

Honestly?
It’s nice to get some alone time. And my own bathroom.

He bribes me with money not to call the police.

I scream at him for forcing me to go to brunch as his prisoner at the hottest restaurant in New York.

Now everyone in my parents’ aggressively posh Manhattan neighborhood thinks we’re dating.

Buckle up, buddy.
I have a full wedding itinerary to attend, and congratulations—you’re my fake boyfriend.

Unfortunately, my kidnapper is the worst fake boyfriend in the history of fake boyfriends.

He’s mean.
Aloof.
Emotionally unavailable.
And deeply offended by how much time I spend on my phone.

Meanwhile, I’m trying to ignore how yummy he smells, all muscular and tall as he fumes next to me in bed, furious because I asked him when the sexy portion of the kidnapping is going to happen.

It’s a fair question, though, right?!? I thought kidnapping came with benefits!

Guess my kidnapper didn’t want me that much after all.

Men lying about their desire for a relationship. Story of my life.

Now I’m trapped.
He’s miserable.

And somehow, this is starting to feel dangerously like a relationship.

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EXCERPT

The one time a hot guy shows interest in me… and he’s a violent kidnapper.

My screams cut off as he tosses in my laptop case. It lands on my ribs, knocking the breath out of me. He shoves my legs fully into the trunk, then tosses in the barking Lulu, then slams the door.

I assume it’s a mistake.

The expensive German car. The bespoke suit. The cologne that smells like money and expensive scotch—Men like him don’t grab women like me.

So why did he just shove me, in all my pizza-sauce-stained, Costco-clothes glory, into the trunk?

I needed a boyfriend, sure, but I did not expect him to arrive via a felony crime.

The engine purrs.

Wait.

Am I really being kidnapped?

Like… for real?

Sleet rattles against the roof as the realization hits.

Oh.

Oh no.

I’m trapped in the trunk of a stranger’s car. A dangerous man. Being driven God knows where.

Sure, he’s attractive—but that is deeply unhelpful information right now.

I’ll never see my family again. Never eat a dollar slice of pizza again—

Wait.

I squint.

Window.

This isn’t a sedan. This is an SUV.

I’m not trapped.

I haul myself up and pop my head over the back seat.

“You’re a crappy kidnapper!” I scream.

“Shit!” he yells—and nearly plows into a parked truck. “You—!”

The car jerks to a stop at a stop sign. He throws it into park and starts climbing over the seats toward me.

“You can’t kidnap me,” I say, panic creeping in. “You don’t want me. I’m not a girl anyone kidnaps.”

My dog barks.

Emerald-green eyes catch the light.

“Sit down,” he commands.

“My mom is going to be really upset if I don’t come home tonight,” I blurt. “Let me go.”

The doors lock.

I fumble in my purse. Find my pepper spray.

“Yes!” I whisper. “I’m a strong, independent —”

I spray… myself.

“Water,” I gasp, coughing, wheezing, blind.

I suck in a lungful of peppery air and yank at the door handle, begging it to open.

Too late.

“Stupid fucking girl,” he snarls, grabbing my jacket and dragging me forward.

“You didn’t even handcuff me!” I wheeze.

He pauses. “You really don’t know when to shut up, do you?”

He loosens his tie.

I gulp.

“I cannot believe,” he sneers, “that I kidnapped the most unattractive woman in Manhattan.”

Oh.

So… not the future love of my life after all.

 

Author Info

I write the kind of books I love—romantic comedies featuring snarly guys with hearts of gold, kick-ass heroines, and a swoon-worthy happily ever after! Also wine. And cupcakes.

When I’m not writing I can be found drinking tea, surrounded by my massive to-be-read pile! So many books...

You can connect with me on social media or find information on my books at my website.

Sign up for my newsletter so that you can get information about new releases, giveaways, and more!

http://alinajacobs.com/mailinglist.html

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Presented by

COVER REVEAL w/EXCERPT - ROM-COM - BURNOUT (Love Burns, #7) by Isobel Reed

She thought chemistry only existed on the page, then he set her world on fire.

Burnout
Love Burns, #7
by Isobel Reed
Genre: Small-Town Romance, Romantic Comedy

She thought chemistry only existed on the page, then he set her world on fire.

The only men in Lucy’s life are fictional. Which is fine. So fine. At thirty, she is happy with her life. She has a ride or die best friend. A cute little ginger cat to snuggle with. And an apartment full of books. What more could she possibly want? Well, before Jack Jones swaggered into town, with his designer suits and British accent, the answer was nothing. But now, here he is, showing up where she works, calling her beautiful and making her question everything.

Jack Jones had it all. High-powered job in the city. Fancy apartment. Women offering to warm his bed every night. Then he blew up his life. Now, he’s in small town Wyoming, doing damage control while babysitting his sister’s kids. There is one silver lining though… Lucy Mills. He felt a spark during his first visit to Woodvalley Pines, when he’d shamelessly flirted with her at the diner where she worked. Three years on, she’s somehow even harder to ignore. She’s everything he’s been searching for. If only she’d just let him in.

Return to Woodvalley Pines one last time with this swoon-worthy opposites attract romance packed full of chemistry, charm and Isobel Reed’s signature witty banter. Burnout is perfect for fans of Book Lovers by Emily Henry and The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary. Whether you’ve already devoured the other books in the Love Burn Series or are enjoying it as a standalone, you won’t want to miss this final book.

**Releases Sep 8 – PreOrder Now!**

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Bethany was shouting at the TV yet again while Lucy and Daisy-Mae curled up under her giant knit blanket trying not to fall asleep.

She was dangerously close to drifting off when her doorbell rang. The sound was odd enough for even Daisy-Mae to lift her cute little ginger head.

Bethany and Lucy exchanged looks. The only visitors Lucy ever had was her best friend. And she was already here. Though she supposed it could be Benny.

One way to find out.

Reluctantly, Lucy removed her blanket and padded out of the room. But as she approached the closed door, she suddenly regretted not having a peephole.

“If you’re here to murder me, you should know that I have weapons. Lots and lots of weapons,” she yelled at the door for some crazy reason.

A deep chuckle vibrated through the wood, and just like that, she was nervous for an entirely different reason.

Flinging the door open, she was met with that dangerous freaking smile. The one she couldn’t stop thinking about. Jack’s signature smart trousers and shirt had been replaced with dark jeans and a gray sweater. It was a more casual look for him. She liked it. And paired with a long charcoal fitted jacket, she was reminded that he was the finest man she’d ever seen.

“What kind of weapons are we talking about here?”

“Um. Big ones …? Knives mostly.” Wait. What are you saying? “A bow and arrow.” Oh my God, stop!

She could see him trying not to laugh, but it only made his smile wider. Even his eyes sparkled with amusement. “A bow and arrow?”

“What are you doing here?”

“What, I can’t stop by my girlfriend’s place on a Saturday night?”

“Funny. What are you really doing here?”

He tilted his shoulder until he was resting casually against the doorframe. “I figured we could work out the logistics of this new relationship. Maybe get to know my girlfriend a bit more. Feed her. Possibly grab her phone number.”

That was when it struck her … “How did you know where I live?”

Jack rubbed the back of his neck, and for the first time, he looked nervous.

He is human after all.

“Now, I’m gonna start by saying, I’m not a stalker. So no need to go grabbing your bow and arrow just yet.”

She felt herself smile, enjoying him squirm a little too much. “That’s exactly the kind of thing a stalker would say.”

“Well, I wouldn’t know that, seeing as I’m not a stalker.” That confident grin was back. “I just so happened to remember a conversation with my sister some time back where she might have mentioned her new friend Lucy. And how she lived across from Molly’s.” Why is my heart beating so fast? “I don’t know if you know this, but your apartment is the only apartment across from the diner.”

She knew. She just couldn’t believe he did. That he’d stored away passing information about her. Like a stalker.

“I’m getting my bow and arrow,” she teased as she pointed a stern finger at him.

As usual, that smooth laugh had her goosebumps causing chaos.

Still smiling, his hands came up defensively. “Is it wrong that I kind of want you to get the bow and arrow?”

A snort slipped out as she opened the door wider, making space for him to enter. When he brushed by, she absolutely did not inhale every drop of spicy vanilla, and internally whimper.

Lies. 

Don’t miss the rest of the Love Burns series!

Find them on Amazon

Isobel was born and raised in London. While she’s a city girl at heart, she loves daydreaming about running away to a charming small town—though she’s not entirely sure her husband and son would share her enthusiasm for the move. When she’s not writing small-town romantic comedies or growing unhealthily attached to the characters in her books, you can find her reading, chasing after her very active toddler, or attempting to channel her inner domestic goddess in the kitchen (with varying degrees of success).

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Presented by

BOOK BLITZ w/EXCERPT - ROM-COM - YOU HAD ME AT MEOW by Gracie James

You Had Me at Meow

by Gracie James

Publication date: July 7th 2026

Genres: Adult, Comedy, Romance

BLURB

Some girls get fairy godmothers. Abby Thompson gets a talking cat with a British accent and absolutely zero chill.

After her latest blind date—arranged by her loving (but relentless) mother—ends in a concussion, a wine-soaked dress, and enough humiliation to power Manhattan, Abby decides she’s done with dating. Forever.

Too bad her cat, Mr. Whiskers, has other ideas. And he’s suddenly sharing them. Out loud.

“Honestly, Abby, your taste in men is almost as concerning as your taste in sweaters.”

His mission? Fix her train-wreck love life and help her land her dream job. His qualifications? None. He’s a cat. His methods? Questionable at best.

But somewhere between the disastrous first dates, ruthless office politics, and the unexpectedly charming veterinarian who might actually be worth shaving her legs for, Abby starts to wonder…

Is Mr. Whiskers a miracle? Or a catastrophe with whiskers?

Either way, her opinionated feline isn’t backing down. And if Abby wants her dream life, she might have to trust the one life coach she never asked for. Her cat.

You Had Me at Meow is a sweet, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about finding your voice, risking your heart, and one very determined cat who refuses to let his human settle for anything less than purr-fection.

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Amazon

EXCERPT

Before I even reach the fridge, Mr. Whiskers has settled into his favorite spot on the couch while I gather the essentials of a proper pity party: a pint of mint chocolate chip, my largest spoon, and one of Dottie’s cosmic brownies. Ahhh, perfect.

Curling up next to my furry little roommate, I pull our softest blanket over my legs and queue up one of our favorite movies. Maybe watching someone else’s embarrassing moments will make me feel better about my own.

As the opening credits roll, I crumble Dottie’s brownie over my ice cream, letting out a contented sigh. At least dessert never disappoints.

“Why can’t I find love like in the movies, huh, buddy?” I ask, running my fingers through his soft fur. “You know, the kind where tripping in front of your dream guy leads to true love instead of a concussion.”

Mr. Whiskers blinks up at me, his eyes reflecting the TV’s flickering light.

“I mean, look at tonight,” I continue, digging into my brownie-ice-cream creation and regretting nothing. Well… except maybe going out in the first place. “Mom sets me up with someone who’s supposedly perfect for me, and he turns out to be a complete jerk. And then when I finally meet a genuinely nice guy, he’s my cat’s veterinarian and he’s already taken.”

I scratch under Mr. Whiskers’ chin, earning a faint purr.

“Maybe I should just give up on dating altogether,” I muse. “I mean, who needs romance when I have you, anyway? We could be two crazy cat ladies together. Well, one crazy cat lady and one crazy cat, but you know what I mean. No more terrible blind dates, no more falling head over heels, literally, for the wrong guys. Just us, some yummy snacks, and the sweet escape of a good movie night. What do you think, huh, buddy? Sound good?”

“Darling, that sounds like the best idea I’ve heard all night.”

 

Author Info

Gracie James lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their sweet rescue cat, Pinky, and absolutely loves the rain. When she’s not writing swoony, laugh-out-loud rom-coms sprinkled with a touch of magic, she’s usually hiking up a mountain or eating chocolate like it’s a personality trait. Her creative peak occurs somewhere between “I should go to bed” and “well, it’s basically morning now,” and she considers sunrise more of a suggestion than a deadline.

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You Had Me at Meow Blitz

Presented by

RELEASE BLITZ - ROM-COM - SCRUM ON (Stormhaven Rugby, #1) by Madison Taylor

  But rugby is nothing compared to the game they’re playing with each other.

Scrum On, an all-new sports rom-com, and book one in the Stormhaven Rugby series from Madison Taylor is now available! 

BLURB

He’s Stormhaven’s golden boy, big, broad, and entirely too confident for his own good.

She’s the team’s newest physio. Smart, sharp-tongued, and absolutely unimpressed.

When a clash of egos turns into late-night treatments and lingering touches, the line between professional and personal blurs fast. He thrives under pressure. She doesn’t back down.

But rugby is nothing compared to the game they’re playing with each other.

Because when sparks fly this hard, somebody’s bound to get tackled.

And this time? It won’t be on the field.

Start reading today!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon:   https://a.co/d/04hPLNjR  

Add Scrum On to Goodreads:  

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252050319-scrum-on

Presented by

BOOK BLITZ w/EXCERPT - ROM-COM - HOTT HOTTER HOTTEST (Hott Springs, #5) by Serena Bell

Hott Hotter Hottest

Hott Springs Eternal, #5

by Serena Bell

Publication date: June 9th 2026

Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

BLURB

Real bodyguard. Fake boyfriend. Unexpected benefits. Trouble guaranteed.

Tucker: Autumn Sato is a happiness influencer. And I’m…well, let’s just say my brand is more big gray stormcloud. If life were going to plan, the closest I’d get to her would be scrolling past her posts as fast as my thumbs could fly.

But my sister needs help, so I agree to bodyguard Autumn at her sister’s wedding. One thing leads to another, and suddenly I’m pretending to be her new boyfriend in front of all her friends and family.

It’s a hot mess, made worse because I swore I’d never do this again. Never get close to someone I was guarding. Never fall for someone whose safety was in my hands. Never let distraction get in the way of my job.

Unfortunately, this entire week is nothing but distractions: trapped in a car with my smoking hot client, only one bed in our hotel room, only one tent on the wedding camping trip… all before the bachelor–bachelorette prom. Meanwhile, someone seems to have it out for Autumn… or my family… or both.

As things heat up between us, I’m left with one question: Can I keep my heart—and the people I care about—safe?

A spicy, small-town, bodyguard, fake relationship, grumpy-sunshine romantic comedy with a hint of danger and a lot of heart.

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EXCERPT

There’s a knock on the door behind us, and it swings open, and—

Wow.

Yeah, this guy is not a blend-into-a-crowd type. He’s gotta be at least six five, and he fills up the doorway—weight-lifter muscles under a lovingly clinging tee, a torso that tapers from broad shoulders to a trim waist, and tree-trunk thighs beneath snug-fitting jeans. His jaw is a hard line to a well-defined chin; his eyes are flecks of pale blue ice; his nose is Roman-warrior-worthy, and his mouth is lush.

Did I say wow? Let me reiterate: Wow.

“Autumn, this is my brother, Tucker; Tucker, Autumn.”

I stand up. Giant White Guy grunts and extends a hand. Mine disappears into his, into heat and calluses and thick fingers that make me wonder—

Nope. Not wondering.

“Thanks so much for being willing to do this on short notice,” I say.

He grunts again.

Okay, so not a conversationalist. We’ll have to work on that because there is zero chance I would date a guy who isn’t a talker. My sister would never believe that.

“Anything you two need from me?” Hanna asks. “Or can you take it from here? I have to run a couple of errands.”

“That’s fine!” I say, hoping to warm him up a bit by being extra friendly, definitely one of my superpowers. “We’ll be great, right, Tucker?”

A grunt.

Not warm yet, but I can work on it.

She gives both of us a look that says she doubts we’ll be great, shoots Tucker another look that I interpret as Behave, and slips out the door.

“So!” I say brightly. “This is gonna be a cinch!”

He raises both eyebrows but doesn’t respond.

“Hanna told you about the discretion thing, right? That my sister can’t know that you’re a bodyguard, because she can’t know that my dad thinks there might be danger at her wedding?”

The grunts clearly have different meanings. I’m taking this one as a yes.

“But I don’t see that as a problem! Because”—I pause for effect—“you can pretend to be my date for the wedding week!”

 

 Author Info

USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.

Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.

When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.

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COVER REVEAL - ROM-COM - YOU HAD ME AT MEOW by Gracie James

You Had Me at Meow

by Gracie James

Publication date: July 7th 2026

Genres: Adult, Comedy, Romance

BLURB

Some girls get fairy godmothers. Abby Thompson gets a talking cat with a British accent and absolutely zero chill.

After her latest blind date—arranged by her loving (but relentless) mother—ends in a concussion, a wine-soaked dress, and enough humiliation to power Manhattan, Abby decides she’s done with dating. Forever.

Too bad her cat, Mr. Whiskers, has other ideas. And he’s suddenly sharing them. Out loud.

“Honestly, Abby, your taste in men is almost as concerning as your taste in sweaters.”

His mission? Fix her train-wreck love life and help her land her dream job. His qualifications? None. He’s a cat. His methods? Questionable at best.

But somewhere between the disastrous first dates, ruthless office politics, and the unexpectedly charming veterinarian who might actually be worth shaving her legs for, Abby starts to wonder…

Is Mr. Whiskers a miracle? Or a catastrophe with whiskers?

Either way, her opinionated feline isn’t backing down. And if Abby wants her dream life, she might have to trust the one life coach she never asked for. Her cat.

You Had Me at Meow is a sweet, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about finding your voice, risking your heart, and one very determined cat who refuses to let his human settle for anything less than purr-fection.

Add to Goodreads

Pre-order

 

Author Info

Gracie James lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their sweet rescue cat, Pinky, and absolutely loves the rain. When she’s not writing swoony, laugh-out-loud rom-coms sprinkled with a touch of magic, she’s usually hiking up a mountain or eating chocolate like it’s a personality trait. Her creative peak occurs somewhere between “I should go to bed” and “well, it’s basically morning now,” and she considers sunrise more of a suggestion than a deadline.

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You Had Me at Meow Reveal

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BOOK BLITZ w/EXCERPT - ROM-COM LGBTQ+ - HOW TO LOVE A PRINCE (Being Royal, #2) by Hayden Stone

How to Love a Prince

Being Royal, #2

by Hayden Stone

Publication date: June 1st 2026

Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

BLURB

What happens when a playboy prince must find a respectable husband to redeem himself and secure the monarchy’s future when he unexpectedly inherits the throne?

When London-based playboy Prince Theodor learns he’s about to inherit the Danish throne, he must clean up his scandalous image by finding an appropriate husband. But his planned redemption arc to audition fake boyfriends to fake marry creates another set of problems, until a fateful trip to Corfu, Greece, leads him to Greek Prince Stefanos, of the former Greek monarchy, and challenges his guarded heart as sparks fly.

It’s too bad they accidentally sink a yacht, which inevitably leads to more scandal, and they must start apart. However, Theodor and Stefanos can’t stop thinking of each other, leading to heated, secret encounters between Greece and England guaranteed to set the tabloids alight once their secret is revealed…

How to Love a Prince, Book 2 in the Being Royal Series, is a light-hearted royal rom-com featuring fake dating, opposites-attract, and forbidden love.

For fans of Red, White & Royal Blue, Boyfriend Material, and The Unlikely Heir.

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EXCERPT

When I pause long enough to go to the bar and get some water, I bump unsteadily into someone. “Sorry,” I manage, clapping a hand on the tall man’s shoulder in apology. It’s solid muscle under my fingers. He’s even more built than I am, and I’ve kept in good shape since my military service years ago and more recent modeling work after that. Before I settled into working with my business partner on our design projects.

The man turns around, frowning, his mouth open to complain. Then his eyes widen in recognition, beneath a tumble of dark, wavy hair.

Of course he’s hot.

I grit my teeth. A hot man is what got me in trouble to begin with tonight. Or, more like, said hot man got himself caught up in the tabloids and then caused me problems.

Also, I might be staring at the stranger.

Not being a British royal usually has its advantages in London. Less recognition, for starters. I’ve lived in London for years now, away from Denmark. I get less than I would get back home anyway, unless on the off chance I come across a Dane or a Danish monarchy enthusiast. Which, surprisingly, happens more often than one might think.

Except I’m hardly being subtle tonight. I want to be seen. Straightening to my full height, I stand my ground in defiance.

Let them photograph me. I insist.

I want Aidan to know what he’s missing. He’ll be sorry then, him and his wretched groom.

Except it doesn’t make things any better, and then it dawns on me I’ve still been gawping openly at a gorgeous man, with olive skin and black hair and blue eyes. Which, I’ve got to say, is a stunning combination known to do a number on me. He’s mesmerizing. I gawp like a tourist taking in one of the wonders of the world. Believe me, he’s one of them. Usually, I’m a shade more coy, to my credit, but I’ve had a lot to drink tonight, and my filter is off. In fact, my filter’s probably tossed somewhere deep in the Thames, like a votive offering right alongside some Bronze Age weapons and Roman coins.

“Prince Theodor?” He has an accent that I can’t quite place. It’s totally hot, though.

“Guilty,” I say flippantly, recovering in an artful facade of manners. I run a hand through my hair. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to crash into you. Shockingly rude. Would you like me to get you a drink to make up for it? Please.”

“No need. Already have one.” The man holds up his cocktail, complete with little umbrella and some fancy garnishes. His eyes dance. “You don’t know who I am?”

If I hadn’t been busy staring at his face like I was trying to etch it into my memory for all time, I would have maybe looked at his hand with its cocktail. Confession time. “To be honest, I barely know who I am right now.”

“Fair.” The grin he gives is spectacular, easy, almost familiar. His white teeth match his white shirt. I shiver. “I can see why you might want to forget tonight. Bad luck about the news.”

Now he looks sympathetic. My face burns.

Oh, hell.

Does everyone follow the tabloids? God, has everyone seen my embarrassment coming before I did?

Even so, do I want to forget this stranger? The probability in truth is at around nil. Around us, the dance music thumps on, people laugh and carry on around the bar where we stand in the shifting strobe lights from the dance floor, all purple and pink and blue.

And then, everything comes crashing down again as his words belatedly register in my brain. My mouth hangs slightly open. So much for finding the evening’s prospect. He’s murdered my opening.

“Ouch, man.” My suaveness has gone right out the door of the club and died on the Soho street. Probably by drowning in a well-trodden puddle. “You had to remind me about the news.”

“Sorry.” He looks contrite. Then he searches my eyes, with amusement lingering in his. There’s no malice that I can see, which makes for a refreshing change, at least. “You really don’t know who I am?”

“How rude, I should have asked your name. I’m sorry, my manners have vanished. Terribly sorry. What’s your name, then?” I ask.

He laughs easily, shrugging. “It’s Stefanos.”

I go back to staring. Something is at last clicking into place through an absinthe-induced fog. No wonder he looks a little familiar. “As in, Prince Stefanos?”

That would be Prince Stefanos of the former Greek monarchy. The Greek Royal Family remains, but in exile outside of Greece, spread across Europe.

“Yes.” Stefanos bows his head. There’s something completely charming in the gesture, almost shy. Certainly self-effacing. “And I’m very sorry about the reminder of the tabloids. I know they’re a pain for all of us.”

“You just re-reminded me,” I complain, but I’m smiling, despite the miserable night he seems to insist on reminding me about, like he’s delighting in a few more twists of the knife. And despite my best efforts to forget about Aidan. A stab wound is like that. My gut twinges. Or maybe it’s the drinks protesting in my stomach.

At any rate, I’m distracted by Stefanos, the moment of his glossy hair as he laughs again, ducking his head down as he breaks my riveted gaze.

“I’ve got to say, the prince-per-capita rating in this club is off the charts tonight.” I gaze openly at him, leaning ever so slightly in. Yes, he’s hot. Confirmed. As if there were any question about his hotness. The evening’s at last starting to look better and better. Thank fuck.

“Absolutely—”

Then, in turn, someone careens into me—and my flirting is officially cancelled.

Because it’s officially messy o’clock at the bar before last call.

And I’m drunk enough to not have my bones left for balance—and I crash hard, my drink splashing him first—and I fall hard right into Stefanos’s chest.

 

Author Info

More animal than mineral, Hayden Stone is a writer of fun queer fiction, especially with kissing. He currently lives in Victoria, Canada, and has previously lived in Vancouver, Canada and London, UK. He likes strong coffee and is owned by two cats. You can find out his latest news on Twitter or Instagram, or at his website: haydenstonebooks.com

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How to Love a Prince Blitz

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SPOTLIGHT w/EXCERPT - ROM-COM - MURPHY'S LAWS by Terry Newman

30 Days.

7 Rules.

1 Undeniable Attraction.

Murphy’s Laws

by Terry Newman

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy 

Thirty days. Seven rules. One undeniable attraction.

After her fiancé skips out on her wedding, Murphy Clarke buries herself in her life-coaching career and develops seven rules to protect her heart. Number one? Never take vacations.

Oops. We find her on a month-long vacation in North Carolina, where she’s alarmed by the sparks flying between her and an arrogant yoga instructor. She’s confident, though, that she’ll be able to keep her other six rules... until she isn’t so sure. Of anything.

Noah Andrews’s name was once synonymous with the San Francisco tech industry, but his heart broke - both physically and emotionally. After a heart attack sidelined his career, his long-time girlfriend dumped him. Why is he now so attracted to this woman who seems to embody the life he left behind?

Witty and full of heart, MURPHY'S LAWS is a story of second chances, small-town charm, and the beautiful chaos that comes when you stop following your own rules... and start following love instead.

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Chapter 1

Murphy

It looked as if the yoga class was about to end. Thank you, Jesus. And not a moment too soon. Murphy Clarke hadn’t intended to spend the third anniversary of her un-wedding in a yoga class some six hundred fifty miles away from home. But somehow her annoyingly perky sister, TC, had worn her down.

As a life coach, she couldn’t just take a month off, like her sister, the teacher, could. Her responsibilities didn’t end at the beginning of summer. She had developed a set of rules, and here she was, breaking the first.

That’s how she found herself in Summer’s Beach, North Carolina, staring at the boyishly handsome instructor who had a penchant for torturing his students with contortionist poses.

She sat up and was nearly standing when—

“It’s time for our ending meditation. Take the stillness and peace of this session as well as the silence into the world with you today.”

Murphy sighed as she sat back down. Apparently, rather loudly. Not only did her sister and their friend, Eli, scowl at her, the instructor fixed a spine-chilling stare at her with his steel-gray eyes. Again. She had walked in ten minutes late—through no fault of her own. Well, her client, Amelia, had a crisis and she couldn’t leave her hanging. She had to take the call. He had flashed her one of those if-looks-could-kill stares  .

Grimacing as she assumed the half-lotus pose, she placed her index fingers to her thumbs and slowly breathed out an om. She checked on her sister. Full lotus. Show off.

“Ommmm.” The instructor breathed out. The students followed with their own om, strung out so it felt as if the entire room was vibrating.

Brrnng! Brnng! Murphy’s cellphone broke the silence. Damn it. She reached into her tote bag and fumbled for it.

Brnng! Brnng! Her cheeks burning, she rooted around the large vacation bag and grabbed it.

“Murphy here. How may I help you…Josh…wait a second.”

She rose, gave the instructor a shrug, and walked to the back of the room.

“No, I don’t think so. I think at this point in your life you’re exactly where you need to be. Don’t you feel it?”

Josh Millcreek was one of Murphy’s first life coach clients. His level of self-confidence fluctuated over the three years of their relationship. This most recent crisis would end soon. She just needed to be there for him. And vacation or not, that’s what she intended to do.

She held the phone in front of her, nearly parallel to the floor as she talked. “You’re not your old—”

A shadow hovered over her phone. She blinked. Frowning, she looked up to see the yoga instructor. His eyes bore into her. He snatched the phone from her hand. She shivered as a spark of electricity skittered up her arm. She swallowed hard.

“What the…?”

The yoga instructor grabbed her phone? The tall, handsome instructor? The one with broad shoulders? And loosely curled caramel-colored hair? She imagined if he’d ever smile, he’d probably have adorable laugh lines. For a split second, she was lost in his penetrating eyes and those shoulders—far too broad to belong to a yoga instructor.

Earth to Murphy. That, however, didn’t excuse him from stealing her phone. She glowered at him.

“What the hell are you doing?” The nerve of this man.

“Ma’am” —Ma’am? He called me ma’am?— “we’re in meditation. Silent meditation. Who are you talking to?” He nodded toward her phone.

“My client, as if it’s any of your business.” She held one hand out, the other on her hip as she waited for him to return her phone. Instead, he raised it to his ear. What?

“Ms. Murphy is in meditation at the moment. I’m sure she’ll return your call later.” He clicked the phone off and tossed it to her. It bobbled in her hands before she clutched it in her palm.

“Let’s continue our closing routine.” He pivoted and walked to the front of the room, leaving her to stare at his nicely formed butt. “Now that I’ve put Ms. Murphy’s phone on airplane mode.”

“How dare you.”

Murphy grumbled to herself but returned to her spot and sat down next to her sister. She placed her left ankle over her right thigh and huffed.

“What is your problem?” TC kept her gaze on the instructor.

“I told you I didn’t want to go on vacation, but—”

“Ladies, are we ready? Ms. Murphy, you can talk about your fear of vacations after the session.”

“I’m not afraid of—”

“Everyone take a deep breath. Think peace and stillness. This is the attitude you’re taking with you as you leave the class.”

 

Terry Newman is an award-winning author who writes romantic comedy with a splash of fantasy.

Fueled by coffee, peanut butter, and popcorn, she writes stories set in fictional towns in northeast Ohio. Terry loves to place her characters in improbably situations, then allows them to take over…uhm…guide the story.

She lives in a small apartment with overflowing bookshelves, her muse, Moose, and all her characters, in North Lima, a real town in northeast Ohio. And, yes, it does get crowded at times.

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