Fifty years ago, the Supreme Court of the United States finally ruled that laws prohibiting marriage and intimate relations between races were unconstitutional. There is no human right more fundamental and basic than the right to your family.
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The Billionaire’s Fake Fiance by Annika Martin
Back in high school, I would go to the local Woolworth’s and buy up all the Harlequin Presents. I was a sucker for their romance novels featuring millionaires and beautiful heroines— despite the fact many of the love stories were dysfunctional and toxic. Time marches on. I got older, a lot older, and romances now feature billionaires. I no longer have an appetite for romance novels featuring billionaires. I never was a big fan of Cinderella, and most of these stories are newer, sexier versions of Cinderella.
But I am going to read everything Annika Martin writes. She never fails to entertain. She has written three standalones, yet connected romantic comedies featuring billionaires. The first two, Most Eligible Billionaire and The Billionaire’s Wake-Up-Call Girl, were laugh-out funny. I recall scenes and chuckle. With the Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée, Annika Martin entertains us with a mystery as well as romance and humor.
Rex O’Rourke is a self-made billionaire (all the best billionaires are). To keep an important client, he must join the client and her wealthy family on their mega yacht. Socializing with old money wealthy on their mega yacht is Rex’s version of hell. He would instead be working. Even more unfortunate, to quail the entirely true rumors about Rex’s never date the same model/actress twice lifestyle, Rex’s assistant made up a story about a fiancée. Now Rex had to spend two weeks on a yacht with a fake fiancée. Of course, Rex’s greatest fear is the gorgeous fake fiancée will throw herself at him. (Gorgeous women throwing themselves at you is one of the downsides of being a hot billionaire. And you think you have problems.)
So, Rex describes the one woman that he would never be tempted by…bubbly, loves soap operas, impoverished, colorful hairstreaks, loves Hello Kitty, and turns pop songs into ditties about her pet. Rex might be oblivious that he is describing Tabitha, his hairdresser, but his assistant recognized her immediately.
Tabitha is in high demand as a mobile stylist in New York City. She has a waiting list of clients. But she must rest her wrist for six weeks or risk more severe consequences. The resulting loss of income had her worried. So, the offer to be a fake fiancée is tempting. So, despite her dislike of dishonesty, she agrees to the job.
The job requires a makeover. She has a dull, expensive wardrobe suitable for a yacht vacation. Her colorful hairstreaks are covered up. But no makeover can change the irrepressible force that is Tabitha. Due to her expansive knowledge of soap operas, Tabitha knows that the newly discovered, long lost nephew of the wealthy client is an imposter! She sets out to uncover the fraud. This behavior does not please Rex, who does not want to upset his client.
Rex just wants to work in his cabin. But he cannot ignore Tabitha and her wild soap opera conspiracies. And maybe, just maybe, Tabitha is not everything Rex hates and despises.
The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée is a delightful read. It has lots of humor and sexy romance. If I had to describe Martin’s writing in one word, it would be joy-filled. So, take time for yourself and indulge in some joy.
Creative: Michele Catalano
Photographer: Wander Aguiar
Model: Thiago
Meet the Author:
Annika Martin loves fun, dirty stories, hot heroes, and wild, dramatic everything. She enjoys hanging out in Minneapolis coffee shops with her writer husband, and also likes birdwatching at her bird feeder alongside her two stunningly photogenic cats, especially when she should be writing. She’s heavy into running, music, saving the planet, taking long baths, and consuming chocolate suckers. She’s worked a surprisingly large number of waitressing jobs, and has also worked in a plastics factory and the advertising trenches; her garden is total bee-friendly madness and her most unfavorite word is nosh or possibly fob. A NYT bestselling author, she has also written as RITA award-winning author Carolyn Crane.
Connect with Annika:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnikaMartinBooks
Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AnnikaMartinFabulousGang/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Annika_Martin
Stay up to date with Annika by joining her mailing list: http://www.annikamartinbooks.com/newletter/
The Billionaire’s Fake Fiance
The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée, a sexy romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author, Annika Martin, is coming April 28, 2020!
My instructions were simple: scour the city for a fake fiancée who’s not my type at all. Have her on my jet Monday morning, dressed appropriately for a yacht vacation.
I need a woman believable enough to convince a certain client that I’ve changed my playboy ways…yet nothing like the supermodels and socialites I usually have on my arm.
Somebody too annoying to tempt me—no emotional entanglements, thank you very much. This is business only.
If she’s unfazed by my looks and wealth, all the better.
Should be easy. Right?
Apparently not, because my people go and hire Tabitha. My hairdresser.
What were they thinking? Yes, I said annoying, but I didn’t mean her, the most frustrating woman in the world.
Tabitha is sunshiny. She has a pet hamster. She loves Hello Kitty, and she gets under my skin like nobody else.
As if that’s not bad enough, the minute we step on deck, she thinks that certain people on the yacht are up to something shady—based completely on her soap opera knowledge.
She won’t listen when I tell her she’s being ridiculous.
But as the days go by, I find that we’re actually having fun. And our fake kisses are heating up. And suddenly her wild theories aren’t sounding so strange after all…
Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086SMBMR2
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/BillionaireFakeFiancee
Apple Books: https://geni.us/nCpIs
Nook: http://bit.ly/2FQgkAM
Kobo: https://geni.us/9OkrMoW
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/39XpK80
Creative: Michele Catalano
Photographer: Wander Aguiar
Model: Thiago
Meet the Author:
Annika Martin loves fun, dirty stories, hot heroes, and wild, dramatic everything. She enjoys hanging out in Minneapolis coffee shops with her writer husband, and also likes birdwatching at her bird feeder alongside her two stunningly photogenic cats, especially when she should be writing. She’s heavy into running, music, saving the planet, taking long baths, and consuming chocolate suckers. She’s worked a surprisingly large number of waitressing jobs, and has also worked in a plastics factory and the advertising trenches; her garden is total bee-friendly madness and her most unfavorite word is nosh or possibly fob. A NYT bestselling author, she has also written as RITA award-winning author Carolyn Crane.
Connect with Annika:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnikaMartinBooks
Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AnnikaMartinFabulousGang/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Annika_Martin
Stay up to date with Annika by joining her mailing list: http://www.annikamartinbooks.com/newletter/
Smoke Bitten by Patricia Briggs
Shockingly, I was disappointed when I first learned that Patricia Briggs was going to write urban fantasy instead of fantasy. I was already a fan and read her fantasy novels. The urban fantasy market was bloated and repetitious in my mind. But Patricia Briggs is a superior writer, and she has a fresh, exciting urban fantasy series. Smoke Bitten is the twelfth book in the Mercy Thompson series, and I eagerly anticipate more books. The series that has not grown stale with age. The characters grow and develop. The plot is full of action and twists. There is both European and Native American mythology invoked. Then there is Mercy Thompson, who has a unique style.
Mercy Thompson is an auto mechanic with an unusual genealogy. Her father is Coyote, the eternal trickster. As a result, Mercy can change into a coyote at will. This development came as a major shock to her mother, who found a coyote puppy in the crib. Feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of raising a baby who can turn into a coyote, her mother took Mercy to be raised by a group of werewolves.
Being raised by werewolves didn’t make it any easier for Merry when she married Adam, the alpha of the tri-city pack. Many of the pack still resented Merry. Merry could handle the cranky werewolves, but something is bothering her husband. He had shut down their mating bond. Mercy must manage the more resentful members of the pack and figure out what is bothering her husband.
But in the meanwhile, she must deal with a supernatural invader from Underhill. This creature can take the form of smoke. Its bite enables the monster to control the body and mind of the victim. The supernatural escapee then murders in the body of its victims. The casualty rate is rising. Worse, it can control more than one victim at the same time. Even worse, it can attack the supernatural as well as humans. Mercy must handle it. For some reason, Mercy is immune to the bite of the smoke monster. Yet Mercy has no superpowers, other than she can only turn into a coyote and engage in some mischievous payback.
Throughout this series, there have been challenges and resulting character development for the main characters. Mercy is hard-working and compassionate. She is respectful, but she takes no guff. In this book, Mercy has marital issues, but she doesn’t share this information. It is refreshing to read about a romance involving mature adults. But this book isn’t about Mercy so much as the other around her. Adam, the alpha wolf, has an issue. Mercy can help him only so far with this issue. In the end, he must resolve it.
The action is non-stop and fascinating. There are hints concerning the future of other characters in the book. In particular, I am expecting some exciting developments for both Tad and Jessie. By the end of the story, the reader has enjoyed a satisfying mix of adventure, action, mystery, and romance. Patricia Briggs could write twelve more books in this series, and I will gladly read them all.
My collection of Patricia Brigg novels are below. I can’t locate my copy of Smoke Bitten. I had to hide from my cat which was chewing on it. 
Broken Knight
“Everyone needs to read this book. ”
I have been seriously neglecting this blog. I will be posting some reviews in the near future, including one for Broken Knight. It is sitting on my kindle, demanding to be read.
– Harloe Rae, USA Today bestselling author.
Broken Knight, an all new standalone about first loves, betrayal and loss from USA Today bestselling author L.J. Shen, is available now!
Not all love stories are written the same way. Ours had torn chapters, missing paragraphs, and a bittersweet ending.
Luna Rexroth is everyone’s favorite wallflower.
Sweet.
Caring.
Charitable.
Quiet.
Fake.
Underneath the meek, tomboy exterior everyone loves (yet pities) is a girl who knows exactly what, and who, she wants—namely, the boy from the treehouse who taught her how to curse in sign language.
Who taught her how to laugh.
To live.
To love.
Knight Cole is everyone’s favorite football hero.
Gorgeous.
Athletic.
Rugged.
Popular.
Liar.
This daredevil hell-raiser could knock you up with his gaze alone, but he only has eyes for the girl across the street: Luna.
But Luna is not who she used to be. She doesn’t need his protection anymore.
When life throws a curveball at All Saints’ golden boy, he’s forced to realize not all knights are heroes.
Sometimes, the greatest love stories flourish in tragedy.
Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
$2.99 for a Limited Time Only
Amazon: https://amzn.to/31NUvca
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/BrokenKnight
Pre-order the Audio edition now
(Available 8/25)
Amazon Audible: https://amzn.to/2HdgKQH
Amazon Audible WorldWide: http://mybook.to/BrokenKnightAudio
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2YbCrun
Excerpt:
Right now I wanted to just be here in silence with my best friend. And somehow, I don’t know how, but Luna sensed it. So we sat there for what felt like two hours but was probably a lot less, until I opened my eyes again. Her eyes were closed, too. I watched her for a while.
When she opened her eyes, it felt like she took something away from me.
“Let’s jump,” she said.
“I’m quite fond of my limbs, Moonshine.”
“Stop being such a big baby.”
“Big, quarterback baby who just finished a football season in one piece and would like to keep all his body parts intact.”
She crawled out of the treehouse and settled on the branch. It was thick, but I doubted it could carry my muscular ass for more than a few seconds before snapping. I rolled my eyes and settled next to her. She slipped her hand in mine.
“Three, two, one.”
It was a short, sweet way down.
About LJ Shen
L.J. Shen is a USA Today, Washington Post and Amazon #1 Best-selling author of contemporary, New Adult and YA romance. Her books have been sold to nineteen different countries.
She lives in California with her husband, son, cat and eccentric fashion choices, and enjoys good wine, bad reality TV shows and catching sun rays with her lazy cat.
Connect with L.J. Shen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorljshen/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lj_shen
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorljshen/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorljshen/
Stay up to date with L.J. Shen by signing up for her mailing list:
Website: http://www.authorljshen.com/
Sleeping Beauty? Romeo and Juliet? The Kiss Thief by L.J. Shen Is A Sexy Romance Full of Evocative References to Classic Themes.
The Kiss Thief took me by surprise. This is partly due to my mistaken belief that it was a historical romance. It is not. It is set firmly in the 21st Century. But there is definitely a Romeo and Juliet vibe with the sweet, first love between Francesca Rossi and Angelo Bandini. Like Romeo and Juliet, this story begins with a masquerade. Francesca is a sleeping beauty. Sheltered and controlled by her mafia father, she is a good, obedient Catholic school girl, waiting for her first kiss.
But there are more romances tropes in which to delight. This story has a forced marriage, a plot for revenge, and an obsessive love. There is even a nosy housekeeper, who knows everything ala Rebecca. There are several betrayals. This story had few surprises, but it did provide a delightful, fresh twist on old themes.
Two men want Francesca, her childhood friend and first love, Angelo, and Senator Wolfe Keaton. Senator Wolfe Keaton drags this story into the dark romance realm. Unlike Angelo, Wolfe is far older and more jaded than Francesca. His feelings for Francesca are not sweet. Yet neither rival could be described as a villain.
This book has all the sizzle and sexual tension that a reader can expect from Ms. Shen. Her characters will evolve. The only criticism I have is Shen’s failure to develop a sense of place for Chicago. It is a minor complaint. But as a former Chicagoan, I was disappointed by such a bland description of the city that works. But as I said, this is a minor complaint. Otherwise, this is a satisfying romance.
The Kiss Thief by L.J. Shen
Release Day!!!!!
The Kiss Thief by L.J. Shen
THE
KISS THIEF
by L.J. Shen
Release Date: January 9th
Add to Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41450662-tk
This is a must read for me. L.J. Shen is a fabulous writer and this is her first historical romance. So far, everything about this book is perfection. The title is enticing. The cover is beautiful. Need I say that the romance trope of an arrange marriage is one of my favorites.
Blurb
They say your first kiss should be earned.
Mine was stolen by a devil in a masquerade mask under the black Chicago sky.
They say the vows you take on your wedding day are sacred.
Mine were broken before we left church.
They say your heart only beats for one man.
Mine split and bled for two rivals who fought for it until the bitter end.
I was promised to Angelo Bandini, the heir to one of the most powerful families in the Chicago Outfit.
Then taken by Senator Wolfe Keaton, who held my father’s sins over his head to force me into marriage.
They say that all great love stories have a happy ending.
I, Francesca Rossi, found myself erasing and rewriting mine until the very last chapter.
One kiss.
Two men.
Three lives.
Entwined together.
And somewhere between these two men, I had to find my forever.
About the Author
L.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.
Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets peoples’ birthdays and never sends Christmas cards.
She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends, reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.
Connect with L.J. Shen
Website: http://www.authorljshen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorljshen/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lj_shen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorljshen/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorljshen/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/l-j-shen
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13531492.L_J_Shen
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KSFkad
Strong by Kylie Scott My Review
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kylie Scott comes a new story in her Stage Dive series…
When the girl of your dreams is kind of a nightmare.
As head of security to Stage Dive, one of the biggest rock bands in the world, Sam Knowles has plenty of experience dealing with trouble. But spoilt brat Martha Nicholson just might be the worst thing he’s ever encountered. The beautiful troublemaker claims to have reformed, but Sam knows better than to think with what’s in his pants. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to make his heart fall into line.
Martha’s had her sights on the seriously built bodyguard for years. Quiet and conservative, he’s not even remotely her type. So why the hell can’t she get him out of her mind? There’s more to her than the Louboutin wearing party-girl of previous years, however. Maybe it’s time to let him in on that fact and deal with this thing between them.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
LINKS:
US – https://amzn.to/2N6LVlN
Aus – https://amzn.to/2CLhrkp
UK – https://amzn.to/2QlaQ2V
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013 & 2014, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet. You can learn more about Kylie from http://www.kylie-scott.com/
Links:
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kyliescottwriter/
FACEBOOK FAN GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/599197093487040/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/KylieScottbooks
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kylie_scott_books/
GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6476625.Kylie_Scott
Available now:
Direct link: https://video214.com/play/J81ia4hKl1Gr0NVmECh5oQ/s/dark
My Review
If you have read the Stage Dive series (and if not, you should read the Stage Dive series), you are aware that Martha is a nightmare. Martha was on top of the world, the beautiful girlfriend of world-renowned songwriter and musician. Then she cheats on her famous boyfriend with his bandmate and brother. Fortunately, she doesn’t manage to break up the band and the ex-boyfriend, Davie, writes a hugely popular album about his heartbreak. But Martha isn’t done. In the first Stage Dive novel, Lick, she tries to break up the marriage of her ex-boyfriend with the help of her brother, Ben. Since Ben is the bass player of the band, this also causes tension in the band again. Yet Martha is unstoppable. In Deep, Martha tries to stop the marriage of her brother, Ben, to his pregnant girlfriend. Clearly, Martha has a destructive streak.
It would take a strong man to love Martha with her destructive tendencies. Fortunately, for Martha, Sam, the former Navy Seal and current bodyguard for the band, is just that man. He has been in love with Martha for ten years. But he has been waiting for her. He doesn’t state it, but he is waiting for her to mature.
After being gone for years, Martha is back on the West Coast. It is time for her to mend the damage done by her earlier antics. There is a sense of shame and awkwardness. Strong is a hot sexy romance about two strong-willed characters. It also highlights the power of redemption and forgiveness. Moreover, it has everyone’s favorite characters from the series. I highly recommend this novella.
Dirty Headlines-Another Teaser
L.J. Shen’s latest novel is out September 7, 2018. Here is yet another teaser.
Every day in the newsroom is a battle.
Every night in his bed, war.
But it’s my heart at stake, and I fear I’ll be raising the white flag.
Dirty Headlines, an all-new sexy, enemies-to-lovers romance from USA Today bestselling author L.J. Shen is coming September 7th and we have a sexy new teaser just for you!
Add to GoodReads: https://bit.ly/2GuCKIB
To be notified when DIRTY HEADLINES is live, sign up here: http://bit.ly/2ASd8mA
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