Blog Tour: Review of Buttercream and Second Beginnings by C.K. Darling

Author: C K. Darling 
Publisher: Sassy Press

Published: January 2025

Life is sweet for Callie Jones: a booming bakery, amazing friends, and her first love safely in the past far away. Until Macon Everette rolls back into Peachwood Grove with an adorable daughter and a body-by-gym, and Callie's world starts to crumble faster than day-old scones.
 
Suddenly, Callie's mixing more than just batter as she and Macon rediscover a connection hotter than her ovens. But with their painful past of him leaving and her staying behind, can they build a future now? Can they find the perfect recipe for love? Can Callie trust herself to give her heart to him one more time?
 
Get ready for a sweet and steamy ride through small-town Georgia, where second chances are served up with a whole lot of heart. 'Buttercream and Second Beginnings' is a short romance and the perfect treat for readers craving a romance that's equal parts sugar, spice, and everything nice.

 Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YgpkoK   
 
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4e428zM 

My thoughts:

Buttercream and Second Beginnings is a really cute and short second chance romance. Callie and Macon were a hot couple in high school, but college and time had them drifting apart.  Macon is back in town and he has a secret that he has brought with him. I enjoyed watching Callie and Macon get to know each other and realize they still have intense feelings.  I only wish that the book was a little longer.  I would have liked to see Callie interact with Macon's daughter more. There isn't any real angst here, which was refreshing.  I do recommend it.

About the author:

C.K. Darling crafts witty, spicy contemporary romances set in the charming town of Peachwood Grove, Georgia. Specializing in quick reads for busy romance lovers, C.K.'s stories deliver all the emotion and satisfaction of a full-length novel in under two hours. Away from her desk, C.K. is either concocting the next heartwarming tale in Peachwood Grove, dabbling in arts and crafts, or enjoying the charms of Southern life with her family and beloved pets.
 
Connect with C.K.
Website | https://ckdarling.com/    
Goodreads | https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52132694.C_K_Darling
Amazon | https://bit.ly/3UB5cwz  
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ckdarlingauthor      
Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/ckdarlingauthor        
Newsletter |  https://subscribepage.io/ckdarling   
 

Release Blitz: Excerpt from Shadow by Aubree Valentine

 

Ten years away has taught Lindsey Addington to go after what she wants and her sights are set on Garrett Everleigh. Lindsey will do whatever it takes to break down Garrett’s walls and convince him to take a chance on love. Fans of Yellowstone and Heartland will fall in love with this best friend's little sister/forbidden romance that sets the tone for this new, exciting, and highly anticipated series from Aubree Valentine.
 

Welcome to Addington Ranch… where the cowboys steal hearts and the women tame wild stallions.
Garrett Everleigh has been waiting (and half heartedly dreading) the day that Lindsey Addington, an heir to the Addington Ranch, returned home from chasing her horse show dreams.
Lindsey is everything the rugged, determined ranch hand has ever wanted—and everything he can't have. Especially if he wants to keep his job and the ‘family’ that chose him. The only family Garrett has.
Ten years away has taught equestrian royalty, Lindsey Addington, exactly what - and who - she wants. Far more stubborn than Garrett ever gave her credit for, Lindsey won't let his reservations - or his secrets - keep them from having the relationship they deserve.
Putting a decade of training with thousand pound animals to good use, Lindsey turns her insight and training on Garrett and breaks down every ounce of his resolve until he breaks.
Fans of Yellowstone and Heartland will fall in love with this best friend's little sister/forbidden romance that sets the tone for this new, exciting, and highly anticipated series from Aubree Valentine.
Add to Goodreads Here!
 Buy Now on Amazon or Kobo/Kobo Plus!
 

Excerpt
Copyright 2025, Author Aubree Valentine
“What are you doing out here, Linds? You’ve got a party going on, you know?”
“I know. I came out here to see you,” she gently elbowed him.
“You should get back to your party.”
“Maybe later,” she turned up the dial on what little of sex appeal she thought she had and moved so that she was kneeling on the ground beneath his open thighs. “Right now, I came out here because I wanted to tell you something.”
“Don’t,” Garrett grunted and stood, trying to put space between them.
Lindsey stood just as quickly and grabbed ahold of his biceps. “Garrett, will you atleast look at me, please?”
Garrett squeezed his eyes closed. “I can’t, Linds. I can’t look at you because if I do, all of my resolve will break.”
That confession was a tiny reassurance that at least Garrett had some kind of feelings for her too. It was all the encouragement she needed to keep trying.
“Then let it,” she begged. She wanted to see his resolve break. She wanted him to give into whatever it was that he was fighting and give in to her.
Garrett opened his eyes and put his hands on Lindsey’s shoulders. This time she could see the hunger lingering in his eyes. “Is that really what you want, Linds? Do you really want me to give into temptation?”
That was exactly what she wanted. What she’d been longing for. She was eighteen now after all. Nothing was stopping them from letting the attraction take over. “Of course,” she whispered in return.
“Tell me exactly what you want, Linds,” Garrett brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
“Kiss me.”
“I shouldn’t,” he argued.
Lindsey could think of a million reasons why he should.
“But you will,” she batted her eyes and bit her lip, “won’t you?”
“Damnit,” he cursed under his breath.
Then his lips were on hers.
She half expected Garrett to be gentle, or to immediately back away again. But he didn’t. Once his lips touched hers, he devoured her like he was a man starved for far too long. And with every ounce of experience that came with kissing a man and not the desperate nervousness of Lindsey’s first kiss and former high school boyfriend.
Everything about Garrett’s kisses were better than she could have ever imagined. They were all-consuming. Promising. And for a split second, she let herself believe that they really could have it all. That the two of them could be so much more someday soon.
“Shit, Lindsey,” Garrett broke their kiss like she was a flame and she’d just burnt him. “I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry,” he said as he started pacing around.
She should have walked away then. Took the victory of winning a kiss and walked away. Forgotten about her feelings and the happily ever after she thought included Garrett. Except she couldn't.
“Garrett,” she moved toward him, countering every step he took backwards until he bumped into a tree. With his body pinned against the hard bark, she wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his shoulder, soaking in as much of Garrett and the moment as she could.
“Linds, I…we shouldn’t. You’re getting ready to leave for college. You don’t need a man like me holding you back.”
“Garrett,” she looked up into his eyes. “I really need you to kiss me again. Let me have this. Let me have you. All of you. Even if it’s just for tonight.”

 
About Aubree Valentine

Aubree Valentine is a masterful storyteller who weaves tales of passion, heartbreak, and happily-ever-afters that leave readers swooning and coming back for more. A hopeless romantic at heart, Aubree channels her boundless imagination and appreciation for the complexities of romance into every book she writes. Her characters are as real as they are irresistible—flawed, relatable, and unforgettable—taking readers on journeys filled with sizzling chemistry, emotional twists, and moments that tug at the heartstrings. Whether it’s a steamy small-town romance or a friends-to-lovers tale, Aubree’s stories always promise: love, laughter and happily ever after. When she’s not penning her next novel, Aubree can be found binge-reading romance novels, borrowing her husband’s power tools for some over the top project, or spending quality time with her family and their fur babies. Connect with Aubree Valentine on social media, through her website, or sign up for her newsletter to stay up-to-date on new releases, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her writing
 
Follow: Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | Reader Group | Goodreads | BookBub | Website | Newsletter | Amazon

This promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR

Release Blitz: Review of Shamrock Kisses by Serena Pier

Author: Serena Pier
Publisher: Serena Pier, LLC
Publication Date; December 2024

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4d7gzT5       
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3ZZklKX  

Am I going to get lucky? Maybe if the hunky nerd I met yesterday takes me up on my invite to attend High Five's St. Paddy's Day party ...

Rachel Wagner, who's sworn off dating apps, is the last single one in her friend group. Focused on running her thriving cleaning business in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, the thirty-one-year-old is caught off guard when she stumbles upon a bearded nerd while cleaning her biggest client's lake house.

Patrick Nowak, a reclusive cat-loving hacker, prefers code to conversation and planned to spend the St. Patrick's Day weekend out of Chicago enjoying a digital detox at his friend's lake house. But when Rachel, a confident brunette who seems way out of his league, invites him to a local bar's St. Paddy's party, his anxiety just might prevent him from taking her up on the offer.

In a game of attraction and vulnerability, neither of them is prepared for just how much their lives can change in a day.

(This is Book #3 in an interconnected series. It is encouraged, but not essential, to read Santa's Coming and Cupid's Shot before reading Shamrock Kisses.) 

My thoughts:

Shamrock Kisses is the third novella in the High Five series. The series involves three friends who find love on the holidays.  St. Patrick's Day is around the corner and its Rachel's turn.  I thought this was a adorable story.  Being a novella, it is a bit of insta-love.  But it is an adorable one.  I loved Patrick.  He was nerdy and very sweet.  I won't spoil it, but I think you will love watching them fall for each other. I highly recommend it.  

About the author:

Writing under the pen name, Serena Pier is a wine lover, coffee snob & wife. With Midwestern roots, her stories are primarily set in and around Chicago. Serena is deeply fascinated by power dynamics; her stories always explore unequal social status. 
 
Connect with Serena
Website 
Goodreads 
Amazon 
Facebook     
Facebook Group 
Instagram 
Bookbub 

Pinterest        
Newsletter 

Spotlight: Willful Parties by Liz Ellyn

Willful Parties
Liz Ellyn
Published by: The Wild Rose Press
Publication date: January 1st 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

Seth is the vibrant bisexual marathoner who sparked the relationship with Kat and Dylan. He remains undeterred in pursuit of their perfect love, even when confronted with a devastating blow. Kat, their sharp-witted pixie, treasures good moments as gifts due to past experiences. She hesitates to wholeheartedly commit based on a deep-rooted fear of heartache and pressing her luck. Dylan exudes irresistible confidence and brilliance and is marked for an impressive political future. However, his internal struggle with identity and career decisions poses a significant hurdle in committing to their love affair.

They share a sizzling three-way passion but are destined to part ways after graduating from their Chicago law school. Legal battles, heart-wrenching losses, and mounting obligations challenge the prospect of reclaiming their love.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Author Bio:

INDULGE IN LIFE'S GUILTY PLEASURES!

Liz Ellyn nourishes people’s cravings for the irresistible. Like the decadent desserts she delivers, she creates alluring characters deserving of happy endings.

With degrees in both engineering and law, she argues that the positive energy gained by indulging in one’s guilty pleasure appropriately counterbalances the serious forces of daily life.

When she isn’t writing or devouring steamy romance books, she spoils her family, including her two dogs, Boomer and Tanner.

Bon Appetite and Happy Reading!

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / X / TikTok

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

Release Blitz: Review of Devoted Enough by Kelly Elliott

Author: Kelly Elliot

Publisher: K. Elliott Enterprises, INC

Publication Date:  January 2025

Nathan Shaw has been keeping a secret since high school. It was so tightly intertwined with someone else's that exposing the darkest facts meant he couldn't keep the other to himself. 
He's had years of holding onto those truths. This also means he's had to push away the one person who means more to him than anything--and in the process, all it does is make her think that he despises her like all of the other people in her life. 

But that's so far from the truth about his feelings that he holds so close to his heart. 
Haven Larson has had an awful childhood growing up with an abusive father and a mother who tries her best, but sometimes the best can't protect you from the monsters that hide in darkness. 
One night, protecting her from those monsters, fell on the one boy she had loved for as long as she could remember. And now she knows that he can't stand to be around her after discovering her secrets--or can he, because every time they are together, the sparks ignite and threaten to combust. 
But it will take their darkest secrets being exposed in order for their feelings to come to light.

Devoted Enough is the last book in the Love in Montana series. 

Reading order of the Love in Montana series.
1. Fearless Enough
2. Cherished Enough
3. Brave Enough
4. Daring Enough
5. Loved Enough
6. Forever Enough
7. Enchanted Enough
8. Perfect Enough
9. Devoted Enough

 Download today!
Amazon: https://geni.us/DevotedEnough  
Amazon Worldwide: https://geni.us/DevotedEnough     
Goodreads: https://geni.us/DevotedEnoughGood 

My Thoughts:

  I have only read the first two books of this series and then jumped right to the last one, Devoted Enough.  I think they can really all be read as stand alone books.  That being said, Devoted Enough is definitely the favorite of the three.  I really enjoyed reading Nathan and Haven's story.  I loved watching Nathan realize he really did love Haven.  Everything he did for Haven was super sweet,  She deserved the best.  Their HEA was super sweet.  I also loved the epilogue with a flash forward that showed all of the siblings and where they were in their lives.  I highly recommend this one.

About the author:

Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Lost Love, and Never Enough, to name a few.
Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, Gus, her chocolate lab, four cats, and endless wildlife creatures. When she's not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.
www.kellyelliottauthor.com
 
Connect with Kelly
Website | https://www.kellyelliottauthor.com   
Goodreads | https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6581091.Kelly_Elliott   
Amazon | https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00EUIN5XC    
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/KellyElliottAuthor/     
Facebook Group |  https://www.facebook.com/groups/721597611216307      
Instagram |  https://www.instagram.com/authorkellyelliott/    
Bookbub |  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kelly-elliott     
Pinterest |  https://www.pinterest.com/authorkellyelliott/       
Newsletter |  https://www.kellyelliottauthor.com/newsletter   
 

Review: Protecting Melody by Susan Stoker

Author: Susan Stoker
Publisher: Self
Publication Date: August 2015

She swore she’d never use the phone number he gave her, but considering what was lying on the floor in front of her, she knew she needed help.

Tex gave everything he had to his country and his SEAL teammates. When an IED took away part of his leg, and his career, he devoted himself to his country and friends from behind his computer. He’s always been the man that can find anyone, that uses his computer skills, legal and illegal, to keep people safe and to put the bad guys behind bars.

But behind a computer is a lonely place to be. While he might put on a good front, Tex can’t help but feel he’s missing out when he sees how happy his friends are. But when the woman he’s been talking to online for the last six months suddenly disappears without a word, Tex knows it’s time to step up, and use his skills for himself this time.

Protecting Melody is officially my favorite of the series.  It's the seventh book and the most believable one.  Tex and Melody have been conversing over the internet for months.  They are the couple that I felt knew each other the most before they met face to face.  So, when they finally met, the attraction was a lot more believable than the insta-love with the other six couples. 

What I loved most about this one was the way Melody helped Tex realize his missing leg  did not make him less of a man or a SEAL.  I also loved that she had a family and a best friend.  The rest of them seem to have no one in their lives other than their new man.  Baby was adorable, I always love a book with a cute dog.  As for the series overall, The writing did get better as the books progressed.  I would recommend it over all.

Autumn's top 2024 Reads

 Here are Autumn's top books and series of 2024:

Kari's Top 10 of 2024

 Here are the top 10 books that I read in 2024:

Release Tour: Excerpt from Release You by Diana A. Hicks

 

Former con artist Nikki Swift swore she'd never return to her hometown, but she made a promise to her sister and finally has a way to set things right. Henry Cavalier wants nothing to do with Nikki, especially since the last time he saw her, she skipped town with his money. But, if he wants to rescue his mom and steal his fortune back, Henry will have to put his trust in the thief who once broke his heart. Readers who enjoy second-chance, grumpy sunshine romances will want to sink their teeth into Release You by Diana A. Hicks, a steamy, small-town romantic suspense.

 
Read Now!
Add to Goodreads!

Former con artist Nikki Swift swore she'd never return to her hometown. But she made a promise that is long overdue. Fifteen years after her sister went to prison for a murder she didn't commit, Nikki finally has a way to set things right. She will do whatever it takes to bring her sister home, including living in a condemned hotel with hot-as-hell Henry.
 
Architect by day, poker player by night, Henry Cavalier wants nothing to do with bombshell Nikki. Hell, last time he saw her, she skipped town with his money. But after his family disowned him, Nikki's particular skill set is exactly what he needs to rescue his mom and steal his fortune back.
 
To keep her promise to her sister, Nikki will have to come out of retirement and swindle one last time. But can Henry trust the thief who broke his heart once upon a time with a con that means everything?
 
Note: This is a steamy romance with explicit sensual scenes, happily ever after, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.
 
 
Excerpt
Copyright 2024, Diana A. Hicks
 
“I know what you are.”
Something hot rushed through me. He didn’t say who. “You first.” I braced my hands on my hips. “What did this town do to you? Maybe there’s a way we can help each other.”
He clenched his jaw. The effort made him look dangerous. Not at all like the Henry I remembered.
“I don’t know what brought you here. What I do know is that everything that comes out of that pretty mouth of yours is either a lie or a half truth.”  His dark gaze darted from the condemned hotel, to the broken street, and me. “I see you. You’re full of tells, and you’re a horrible liar, but somehow people buy your act. My guys certainly did.”
My heartbeat picked up the pace at his words. “What am I, Henry?” I stepped closer.
“A thief.”
There it was again, a rush, a bubble in my chest. “I prefer con artist.” I rested my hand on his neck, and he let me.
His pulse throbbed fast and hard against my fingers. He was affected by my touch, even when his face remained blank.
“Same difference.” He met my gaze. “The question is: what are you here to steal?”
“Enough about me.” I jiggled his car keys in front of him.
“What?” He patted his pocket before he snatched the key fob from me.
“Now that we’ve established I have certain skills you could use, tell me about you. What do you want with this place?”
“We haven’t established anything.” He put his keys back in his front pocket. “I’m just an architect who happens to be good at poker.”
I nodded. That explained a lot—why he could read me like some sort of FBI agent. Whatever he was, I didn’t care. I was done here. “Fine. Five hundred Gs and the place is all yours.”
Lisa would have to listen to me. We never should’ve strayed from our original plan of winning her appeal and getting her out of jail. The money from my last con was supposed to pay for that. Instead, Lisa had struck a deal with that old-dude lawyer to purchase this place.
“Right. Except that’s not how much you paid for your half of the hotel.” He shook his head, a half smile pulling on his lip.
I crossed my arms. How did he know that? “How can you tell?”
“You scratch your nose when you lie.” He tapped my nose.
“No, I don’t.”
“Do too.”
What the hell? Did I scratch my nose? “Four hundred.”
“Is it really that hard to tell the truth?” He grinned, cocking his head.
“I didn’t touch my nose.” I was sure I hadn’t that time.
“Your hand twitched…because you wanted to touch your nose.” His chuckle sent an electric current through my body.
“Two hundred fifty.” I took a deep calming breath.
“Was that so hard?” He smiled, and a little wrinkle appeared around his right eye.
“You have no idea.” I grabbed my purse and took out my phone. “When can I get my money?”
He glanced at the hotel, biting the inside of his lip. “About that.”
“You don’t have the money, do you?”
“Not with me, no. I need a few days.”
 
 
About Diana A. Hicks

Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy romantic suspense and science-fiction romance.
When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.
Praise for Diana A. Hicks:

"Hicks' first installment of her Desert Monsoon series is confident and assured with strong storytelling, nuanced characters, and a dynamic blend of romance and suspense...A sexy and irresistible tale for fans of contemporary romance." - Kirkus Reviews

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Reader Group | Goodreads | Pinterest | BookBub | Newsletter | Website | Amazon
 
 This promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR

Mini Musings: Books 3-6 from the SEAL of Protection series by Susan Stoker

Protecting Fiona: If I thought the second book in the series was emotional, this one was even more intense. What Fiona went through was horrific and I did like the way the character was written. Her fall for Hunter was a bit fast given what she went through though.  I thought her "break" toward the end was realistic.  I loved how the guys on the team banded around her. One other thing I do like about this series the women do get the therapy help when they need it.  I do recommend third one, but it could be a little triggering for some

Protecting Summer: This was is my least favorite of the series so far.  I love Mozart, but the way he and Summer met just kind of gave me the ick.  I can't exactly put my finger on why.  Maybe because he called her his and then just left her for months.  And she just stayed there.  Very weird.  I didn't love Summer much in the beginning.  She grew on me over time.  Again, there were too many coincidences in this one.  Not a bad story, but not my favorite.  

Protecting Cheyenne:  I wasn't sure I would like this one. But Dude ended up being one of my favorite of the crew.  Cheyenne was is perfect match.  I really liked their story. Cheyenne on pain meds was hilarious.   I also liked that they finally realized all of the women need trackers.  

Protecting Jessyka:  I was happy to see Jessyka and Benny finally got a story.  Out of all of the couples, these two have the most history or at least have "known" each other the longest.  They are definitely my favorite couple.  The best part of this whole series is the way the guys rally around the women.  This one does deal with suicide, so let that be a trigger warning. 

2 in 1: Reviews of Protecting Caroline and Protecting Alabama by Susan Stoker

Date of publication: September 2014

Matthew “Wolf” Steel hated flying commercial. Luckily his job as a Navy SEAL meant he didn’t have to do it very often. He’d been unlucky enough to be assigned a middle seat on the cramped jet, but fortunately for him, the woman next to him was willing to switch seats with him. Hoping for a relaxing flight, Wolf was pleasantly surprised at the good conversation and sense of humor the woman had as they flew 36,000 feet over the countryside.

When Caroline boarded the plane to Virginia to move across the country for her new job she never expected to be seated next to the hottest guy she’d ever seen. She also never expected he’d be so easy to talk to. She knew he’d never be interested in talking to her if he hadn’t been trapped in the seat next to her, but it was a nice way to spend a long plane ride.

Neither Wolf nor Caroline were prepared for a terrorist hijacking of their plane, but if Caroline thought that would be the last time she’d see, or need, Wolf, she’d be sorely mistaken. 

Protecting Caroline is the first book in the SEAL of Protection series.  For the most part, I enjoyed this one.  You really have to suspend a LOT of disbelief to buy into this scenario.  The three SEALs just happen to be on the same plane as terrorists and one of them just happens to sit next to the one person that can smell a chemical in the ice.  It's a reach but it was entertaining.  This was also very much a love at first sight story. They did have mad crazy chemistry and I liked that part of the story.  The suspense part of the book did have me hooked enough to finish.  What I loved more was the friendship between the guys.  I'd recommend it.

Publication date: October 2014

Alabama didn’t have a good start to life. Emotionally and physically abused by her mama, Alabama spent her high school years in foster care. People let her down, time after time, and she’d learned to rely on only herself.

Christopher “Abe” Powers earned his nickname because he tolerated nothing less than absolute honesty from the people around him. Finding the bar scene stale and having watched his friend and teammate, Wolf, find the woman of his dreams, Abe was determined to find someone to share his life with too.

Alabama and Abe had no idea their paths would cross and their prayers would be answered, but like most things in life, nothing is ever as easy as it seems at first. Two words would change both their lives and they’d have to fight hard for their happy ever after.

The second book in the series, Protecting Alabama is really intense.  While reading, I swear I was put through the gambit of emotions. Alabama's past was heartbreaking and it was easy to see why she was as quiet as she was.  Abe was kind of a dumbass and I think Alabama should have made him grovel a bit more in the end.  But, they were ultimately good for each other and I did ultimately like their story.  Each of these books can be read as stand alone books and I do recommend them.