Release Tour - On Circus Lane, by Lily Morton

 

RELEASE TOUR - On Circus Lane by Lily Morton

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a festive romantic comedy about enemies to lovers and the magic of Christmas.

Length: 70,000 words

Series: The Wright Brothers, book 1

Genre: contemporary

Tropes: Holiday Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity

Trigger/Content Warnings: Description of child neglect but it's off page and happened years ago

BLURB

The first time Bee Bannister met Tom Wright, he couldn’t stand him.

Everything about the man aggravated him—his perfect hair and body, his confident arrogance, and the way he looked straight through Bee. 

Which is why it’s such an unpleasant shock to find that he’ll be sharing space with him while on a Christmas holiday with friends in Scotland.

However, as the days fly by and snowy Edinburgh begins to work its magic on him, Bee discovers that sometimes first impressions can be very misleading. Tom is kind and funny, and somehow, rather than looking through Bee, he actually sees and likes all of him.

The two men grow closer, but will Bee follow his heart or his head when the holiday ends? And can relationships that start so badly ever lead to love?

This is the first book in the Wright Brothers series

EXCERPT:

Mariah Carey is fully embracing her time in the festive spotlight, as “All I Want for Christmas Is You” pumps out over the pub speakers. Even so, she’s barely managing to compete with the noise of party revellers. It’s one week before Christmas, and everyone seems to be throwing their all into the festive cheer.

I relax back in my chair and lift my drink to my mouth while idly looking around the converted Victorian warehouse. The bar is part of a big chain, and opened only last year. The heavy use of company colours in the space makes it look like an uneasy mash-up between Christmas and their annual general meeting. However, even their version of corporate holiday chic can’t stop the happy atmosphere. 

A red-headed man leans over the bar, watching me with a sultry expression. I drop him a wink, and he brightens and immediately makes his way over. 

“Hi,” he says.

I smile at him. “Hey.”

“Fancy a drink?” he asks, coming closer and gifting me a waft of his expensive cologne.

I look him up and down. “I’d love one. Rum and Coke, please.”

Smiling, he wanders over to join the huge queue.

My best friend heaves a heavy sigh next to me.

“What’s up with you?” I ask.

Ivy grimaces at me. “Well, look at you. It’s just not fair.”

“My combination of looks and brains?”

She rolls her eyes. “And your modesty. Don’t ever forget that.” I laugh, and she nudges me. “I can’t believe you. You only looked at each other once, and now you’ve pulled. Meanwhile, I can’t even get a bloke to give me a second glance.”

I drain my glass. “You’d have loads of blokes giving you third and fourth glances, but they don’t fit in with your marital timetable.” 

“I told you. I don’t want casual one-night shags anymore. I’ve been there and done that, and now I want someone to spend the next fifty years with.”

“That’s alarmingly precise. What happens if he lasts beyond the time scale? Will he wake up and find you’ve chucked him in the dustbin?”

She grimaces. “I just want a bloke with a few years of monogamy in his tank. I know you don’t understand.” 

“I don’t. I just want a man who’s capable of maintaining an erection for twenty minutes.”

There’s a sudden silence at the table next to us where a group of women wearing sparkly veils have been celebrating a hen party. Either that, or they’re contemplating entering a nunnery. They look at me and then immediately hoot and holler.

I grin at them, and Ivy rolls her eyes. She says, gloomily, “Good luck with your Erection Plan.”

“Is that a thing?” I ask, amused.

“By midnight, most of the men in here will be drooping like a daffodil on Mothering Sunday.”

AVAILABLE NOW

http://getbook.at/OnCircusLane

MEET THE AUTHOR

Lily lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven’t had a proper conversation with her since she bought her first Kindle.

She has spent her life with her head full of daydreams and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing, because how else could she get to spend her time with hot, funny men!

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations – chocolate Baileys! Her lifetime’s ambition is to have a bath in peace without being shouted by one of her family.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008647656545

Facebook Readers Group: www.facebook.com/groups/SnarkSquad

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LilyAuthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lilymortonauthor

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/LilyMorton-Newsletter

Release Tour - Moody's Grumpy Holiday by Lane Hayes

 

RELEASE TOUR - Moody's Grumpy Holiday

The geek, the cowboy, and a not-so-grumpy holiday…

Release Date: December 12
Length: 39,000 words
Series: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Tropes: Grumpy-sunshine, Bisexual, Holiday, Rom-Com, Small-Town
https://geni.us/MoodysGrumpyHoliday

Moody

Living in Christmas Town hasn’t made me a fan of the holidays. Quite the opposite. In fact, eleven months of the year, I’m perfectly happy running my bookstore in peace and quiet. Of course, that changes in December when it’s mistletoe madness and mayhem. Ugh.

But this year, there’s a new cowboy in town and it’s not as easy to grumble about…anything. I admit, Hudson is handsome and hunky, but everyone knows I’m not myself till January, so he’ll have to buzz off and charm someone else. 

Bah humbug. 

Hudson

Moving to California wasn’t in my plans. I could use the change of scenery, though, and the Oak Ridge Ranch is a good investment. That’s not a sneaky way of saying I’m hiding from my past—no siree. I’m following a new path to a new town, that’s all. 

So far, so good. Except…my attraction to the nerdy bookstore owner is throwing me off my game. 

Look, I’m not interested in anything other than a casual hookup. But Moody is a mystery, and I want to know more about the adorable geek with a sunny disposition who turns into a holiday grump every year. 

For some reason, he feels like home away from home. December may be the last month of the year, but something tells me this is our beginning.

Moody’s Grumpy Holiday is an MM grumpy-sunshine, romantic comedy featuring an adorkable geek, a hunky cowboy, and a little seasonal magic.

AVAILABLE NOW

EXCERPT:

“Honestly, I’m just passing through town. The soup next door looks good, but I thought

I’d check out your shop first. I could use a good book. Can you recommend anything?”

He cocked his head and pursed his lips. “Of course. What are your interests? Are you in

the mood for fiction, nonfiction, historical, contemporary, mystery-suspense, romance,

biographies—”

“Okay, okay.” I set the book I’d tucked under my arm onto the shelf and held my hands up

in surrender. “I get it. Lots of choices.”

“An abundance,” he agreed in a prim and proper tone that seemed more suited to someone

closer in age to the old ladies he’d scolded.

Not gonna lie, I was intrigued.

I pointed at the large M affixed to the wall behind the register. “You’re Moody?”

“I am. Louis R. Moody, PhD, MA, amateur ornithologist, and bookseller at your service,”

he pronounced, extending his hand.

“Hudson. Nice to meet you.”

We established that I was a big guy, right? Well, my palm practically swallowed his. He

glanced down at our joined hands and cleared his throat, blushing as he raked his teeth over his

plump bottom lip.

Fuck, he had a pretty mouth. Perfect for sucking dick or—

Whoa! Wait up. Where the hell did that come from?

Yes, it was true. Moody was pretty in a nerdy, kind of adorable way, but it was weird that

his brand of hot registered with me at all. Christ, but I couldn’t recall the last time I’d noticed

anyone new. Male or female.

I’d been afraid my shocking lack of libido would take a year or two to rebound after recent

events.

Well, I guessed this was me rebounding.

Huh.

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Hudson,” Moody replied, oblivious to my

pervy internal sidebar.

“Actually, Hudson is my first name,” I corrected for no apparent reason. This guy didn’t

need details. I was a potential customer, nothing more, so I should shut up already. Too late. I

was yappin’ again. “Hudson Babineaux, rancher and occasional mystery novel fan…at your

service.”

I winked.

Holy crap, I was flirting now too.

Me.

I couldn’t believe I still knew how to do that. Remarkable. Amazing. It needed to stop

immediately, but hey…this was progress.

https://geni.us/MoodysGrumpyHoliday

About the Author:

Lane Hayes  lives in sunny Southern California with her amazing husband, who thankfully doesn’t mind cooking, and their fabulous fox red Labrador, George, who’s pure mischief. Both provide oodles of inspiration for the low-angst, humorous books Lane loves to write.

She’s been telling stories about sexy, funny, sometimes geeky and quirky men who find love for a dozen years now and loving every minute. In her previous life, she sat at a desk and dealt with numbers, so yes…romance is much more satisfying!

Lane loves tea, travel, and chocolate…in any order. Add a book and she’s set!

AUTHOR LINKS

My Readers’ Group, Lane’s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYg
My Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3cICfaK
Website: www.lane-hayes.com
Twitter: twitter.com/LaneHayes3
FB: facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthor
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/lanehayes
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayes
Instagram: instagram.com/lanehayesauthor/
Goodreads: goodreads.com/LaneHayes
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@lane_hayes

Blog Tour - Deck the Hulls by Kat Cassidy

RELEASE TOUR: Deck the Hulls by Kat Cassidy

"This Christmas, he’s hiding more than his identity…

Length: 25,000 words
Series: Silver Shoals, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary, Small Town Holiday Romance.
Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Small Town, Holiday Romance.
Content: Brief mentions of unsupportive family, past relationships, addiction and enabling, light gore.
Heat: 2 out of 5

https://getbook.at/DeckTheHulls

Fresh from a life tangled with the Greek mob in LA, Adam Sgouros is starting over in witness protection—but he feels unmoored in his new small-town existence. When a sudden need to dispose of a body without drawing attention arises (Not his fault! He can explain!), Adam realizes his first Christmas in the sleepy, wintery little town of Silver Shoals is shaping up to be anything but merry.

Elijah Jensen has always been an optimist, but this year, even he’s struggling to keep his head above water. A head-cold from hell and a boat that’s falling apart at the seams seem determined to sink his holiday spirit, and all he wants is to get through the season without any more complications. Complications like a musclebound ex-gangster hijacking his boat (Accidentally! He can explain!)—and taking him along for the ride.

Stranded on the water by a snowstorm, this unlikely pair must navigate through a holiday filled with danger, unexpected warmth, and enough secrets to sink them both. Can Adam's tough exterior thaw under the force of Eli's unyielding optimism, or will the storm—and Adam’s past—prove too much to weather?

Set course for a low heat, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity MM novella with a comedic noir twist. Featuring a relationship between a cisgender male and transgender male main character, Deck the Hulls promises a small-town holiday romance full of festive mayhem, surprising sparks, and a love that just might break through even the iciest of hearts.

EXCERPT:

“What’s on your mind?” U.S. Marshal Gillian Reynolds, his WITSEC handler, asks with her signature blunt style of concern that always makes Adam squirm. These check-ins aren’t just about ensuring he’s keeping his nose clean and being a productive member of society; they also want to make sure he hasn’t wandered off the deep end. The shrinks say he’s ‘emotionally volatile,’ and he knows if he said half of what he was thinking, they’d haul him back to the proverbial couch faster than he could say ‘antisocial tendencies.’

Amidst the clatter of plates, the rattle of coffee cups, and the shouts of “order up,” Adam seizes the opportunity for a deflection. “Just wondering if Santa will have any trouble finding my new chimney.”

Reynolds carves into her egg-white omelet with surgical precision, her brow furrowing just a touch. “As I tell the kids, Santa has special dispensation from WITSEC. So he can find you, just as long as nobody else does this time,” she shoots back, a reminder of his less-than-stellar record in witness protection. She’s got him there. He hasn’t exactly been the poster child for low-profile living.

Of course, it wasn’t his fault they stashed him in the same Idaho backwater as some washed-up enforcer from the Iwamoto crime family. A week in, and they’d both reached for the last gallon of milk at the only supermarket in town. The guy was jumpy and assumed anyone he recognized had to be here to kill him. One thing led to another, which, naturally, led to a fistfight in the frozen foods section, and the next day their faces were splashed all over the local paper. Adam finished the fight, but he hadn’t even started it.

AVAILABLE NOW

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY NOW:

https://kingsumo.com/g/3eovlkm/deck-the-hulls-release-giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kat Cassidy is a queer romance author. She’s a dreamer, a schemer and, above all else, a believer in true love. She lives in Canada with her family and her lovable mutt, and she likes loud guitars and strong IPAs.

Website: https://www.katcassidyauthor.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/katcassubcribers/
Instagram: katcassidyauthor
Newsletter signup: https://katcassidyauthor.squarespace.com/newsletter

Read Around the Rainbow - Retellings

It's that time of the month when a group of like-minded authors discuss the chosen topic of the month. #readaroundtherainbow. And yes, it does appear that I'm here two months in a row. Shocker!

The topic this month is retelling. But what is a retelling? 

Mark Twain quote: “There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations. We keep on turning and making new combinations indefinitely; but they are the same old pieces of colored glass that have been in use through all the ages.” 

If we accept this quote from Mark Twain, then everything is a retelling. Or to paraphrase that comedy legend, Eric Morecombe, I'm using all of the same ideas, just not necessarily in the same order. And yes, that is a valid argument but it's not what we're going for. 

As more and more classic reads fall out of copyright, then an influx of books about that character by new authors become available. You only need to look at the number of new Sherlock Holmes stories that have flooded the market in recent years. But again, I'm not here to discuss the morally grey area of riding on a dead author’s coat tails, especially since I'm not 100% certain where I sit in this particular argument. 

The purpose of these posts are to discuss direct reworkings of other authors' stories. By this I'm talking about taking the plot and certain character traits and changing it up. How do we do that? Oh let me count the ways: 

• Genderbend the characters. 
• Make it contemporary. Or set it in the future. 
• Or add vampires, witches, werewolves, zombies.

Alternatively the option is there to use the characters before you but in a totally different way. 

• Take two random side characters and give them their own story. 
• Rewrite fairy tales or bring the the Gods of Myths and Legend to life and settle them on our mortal plane. 

Which of these takes do I prefer as a reader? Probably the last one. But let's consider them all. 

If it's a classic book and you're going to make it queer, then quite often you'll need to genderbend one of the leads. This is done effectively in Anyta Sunday's Love, Austen series, where she writes Jane Austen novels with male leads and in a contemporary setting but loosely follows the plot and various traits of the characters. The first book in the series is a retelling of Emma, with misunderstandings and an oblivious MC, just as you'd expect. Of course, a retelling of a story with two male leads often just requires removing the obligatory female love interest. Where these style of stories sometimes fail for me, is when the author sticks too closely to the source material. These can then be bland and predictable without any flair. Maybe those stories need Twain's kaleidoscope twisting a bit more. 

Adding the supernatural. Recently Rebecca Cohen has been retelling her own Crofton series but putting a supernatural twist on it. I'm thoroughly enjoying the darker versions of familiar characters as vampires and fey.

Giving side characters their own story. Well, don't we all do that as soon as we write a series but obviously in this case the characters aren't our own. The first work that came to mind is actually a play not a book, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard. Stoppard takes these two characters and creates the story of what they are doing while they aren't on stage in the main play. I must admit that I struggled with applying this concept to gay romance until I remembered the swashbuckling, evil doings of The Henchmen of Zelda by KJ Charles. Telling the tale from the morally dubious pov of the henchmen of the ‘tache-twirling bad guy, certainly puts a new spin on a classic Victorian pulp novel. A Romance with a capital R it is not, but it’s a cracking read, especially if you cast Rupert as the ever gorgeous Douglas Fairbanks Jr. 

So, we come to my favourite type of retelling, fairy tales and myths. Whether it’s Clare London’s take on Little Red Riding Hood in her new Christmas story, or Eli Easton’s Beauty and the Beast retelling, ‘Billy & the Beast. Or maybe it’s the more complex world of Greek gods and demi-gods who walk the Earth, falling in love, and fighting for humanity in Sam Burns & WM Fawkes Lords of the Underworld/Sons of Olympus series. Why do I like this type of story so much? It’s hard to say. Maybe it’s because the source material goes back hundreds or even thousands of years, that we’re far removed from the word of mouth origins. Maybe it’s because the source material is somewhat dark and yet favourite authors turn them into Romances with that capital R and multi book series full of action and swoon-worthy heroes. 

Have I written any retellings? Well, yes, but none that you’ll find for sale. Back in my fanfic days I turned both Around the World in 80 days and The 39 Steps into stories from my fandom of choice. But I know that several of my fellow RATRs have turned their hand to a retelling or two. Check out their posts to find out. 

Nell Iris - Read Around the Rainbow: Retellings

Ofelia Grand - Read Around the Rainbow | Retellings

Fiona Glass - Read Around the Rainbow: retellings

Ellie Thomas - Read Around the Rainbow: Retellings

K. L. Noone - read around the rainbow: retellings

Addison Albright - READ AROUND THE RAINBOW :: Retellings #RAtR

Release Blitz - Deck the Hulls by Kat Cassidy

 

RELEASE TOUR: Deck the Hulls by Kat Cassidy

"This Christmas, he’s hiding more than his identity…

Length: 25,000 words
Series: Silver Shoals, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary, Small Town Holiday Romance.
Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Small Town, Holiday Romance.
Content: Brief mentions of unsupportive family, past relationships, addiction and enabling, light gore.
Heat: 2 out of 5

https://getbook.at/DeckTheHulls

Fresh from a life tangled with the Greek mob in LA, Adam Sgouros is starting over in witness protection—but he feels unmoored in his new small-town existence. When a sudden need to dispose of a body without drawing attention arises (Not his fault! He can explain!), Adam realizes his first Christmas in the sleepy, wintery little town of Silver Shoals is shaping up to be anything but merry.

Elijah Jensen has always been an optimist, but this year, even he’s struggling to keep his head above water. A head-cold from hell and a boat that’s falling apart at the seams seem determined to sink his holiday spirit, and all he wants is to get through the season without any more complications. Complications like a musclebound ex-gangster hijacking his boat (Accidentally! He can explain!)—and taking him along for the ride.

Stranded on the water by a snowstorm, this unlikely pair must navigate through a holiday filled with danger, unexpected warmth, and enough secrets to sink them both. Can Adam's tough exterior thaw under the force of Eli's unyielding optimism, or will the storm—and Adam’s past—prove too much to weather?

Set course for a low heat, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity MM novella with a comedic noir twist. Featuring a relationship between a cisgender male and transgender male main character, Deck the Hulls promises a small-town holiday romance full of festive mayhem, surprising sparks, and a love that just might break through even the iciest of hearts.

EXCERPT:

“What’s on your mind?” U.S. Marshal Gillian Reynolds, his WITSEC handler, asks with her signature blunt style of concern that always makes Adam squirm. These check-ins aren’t just about ensuring he’s keeping his nose clean and being a productive member of society; they also want to make sure he hasn’t wandered off the deep end. The shrinks say he’s ‘emotionally volatile,’ and he knows if he said half of what he was thinking, they’d haul him back to the proverbial couch faster than he could say ‘antisocial tendencies.’

Amidst the clatter of plates, the rattle of coffee cups, and the shouts of “order up,” Adam seizes the opportunity for a deflection. “Just wondering if Santa will have any trouble finding my new chimney.”

Reynolds carves into her egg-white omelet with surgical precision, her brow furrowing just a touch. “As I tell the kids, Santa has special dispensation from WITSEC. So he can find you, just as long as nobody else does this time,” she shoots back, a reminder of his less-than-stellar record in witness protection. She’s got him there. He hasn’t exactly been the poster child for low-profile living.

Of course, it wasn’t his fault they stashed him in the same Idaho backwater as some washed-up enforcer from the Iwamoto crime family. A week in, and they’d both reached for the last gallon of milk at the only supermarket in town. The guy was jumpy and assumed anyone he recognized had to be here to kill him. One thing led to another, which, naturally, led to a fistfight in the frozen foods section, and the next day their faces were splashed all over the local paper. Adam finished the fight, but he hadn’t even started it.

AVAILABLE NOW

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY NOW:

https://kingsumo.com/g/3eovlkm/deck-the-hulls-release-giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kat Cassidy is a queer romance author. She’s a dreamer, a schemer and, above all else, a believer in true love. She lives in Canada with her family and her lovable mutt, and she likes loud guitars and strong IPAs.

Website: https://www.katcassidyauthor.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/katcassubcribers/
Instagram: katcassidyauthor
Newsletter signup: https://katcassidyauthor.squarespace.com/newsletter

Release Blitz - Arcane Entanglement by Ava Marie Salinger

 

Release Blitz- Arcane Entanglement by Ava Marie Salinger

Pride and Prejudice meets Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell in this steamy MM historical fantasy romance!

Length: 82,000 words
Series: The Mage and His Brute, Book 1
Genre: Historical, Fantasy Romance.
Heat: 4 out of 5

He thought he had to choose between duty and desire.

But what if he could have both?

In an alternate Victorian London where magic reigns supreme, Duke Evander Ravenwood hides a dangerous secret — he is an Archmage of unparalleled power. When a brutal murder throws him into the path of Viggo Stonewall, the notorious leader of the underground information guild Nightshade, Evander’s carefully constructed world begins to unravel.

Forced into an unlikely alliance, Evander and Viggo find themselves drawn into a web of conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of their society. With tensions rising between the magical elite and the oppressed thralls, they must navigate a treacherous landscape of politics, prejudice, and forbidden desire to find a common enemy.

But in a world where magic divides the haves from the have-nots, their growing attraction could be their greatest weakness — or their most powerful weapon. Can Evander and Viggo’s burgeoning relationship withstand the storms to come? Or will the shadows of the past and the dangers of the present tear them apart?

The Mage and His Brute is an MM Fantasy Romance series of passion, power, and the unbreakable spirit of those who refuse to be subjugated. Strap in for a wild ride filled with scorching romance, breathtaking magic, and a struggle for justice that will keep you on the edge of your seat in Arcane Entanglement, Book 1!

Excerpt:

Shaw watched Rufus leave with a conflicted expression.

“What’s the matter?” Brown asked.

“I’m wondering if I should go out there and secure one of those lost melons.”

Brown squinted. “They ain’t lost, Shaw. And what you’re describing is theft.” The alchemist glanced at Evander. “Help me out here, your Grace.”

“Mr. Brown is right, Miss Shaw,” Evander said as he wandered deeper into the alley. “You’ll get in trouble with the law.” He paused and arched an eyebrow at the forensic mage. “I’ll bring you a melon next time my cook buys some, so please refrain from accidentally nicking one of those unfortunate cantaloupes on your way out of here.” 

Shaw brightened and fist-pumped the air. Brown muttered under his breath.

Something clinked against Evander’s boot. He frowned and lifted his foot out of the puddle he’d just stepped into. Water dripped into the dirty spill, spreading ripples across the brown surface.

A faint blue light flashed weakly beneath it. 

Evander’s pulse quickened. He squatted and carefully moved aside the rock his boot had dislodged, exposing a small object.

Shaw and Brown joined him as he picked it up and brought it to eye level.

“What is that, your Grace?” the alchemist asked curiously.

Evander stared at the small crystal vial. It had a slim body and two tapering ends, fitting easily in the palm of his hand. A clear, sparkling azure liquid filled the hollow chamber within. 

It didn’t look like the sort of thing you’d find in the East End. 

Evander’s heart slammed against his ribs. 

His intuition was telling him the object was a magical item. One linked to the victim. 

His gaze shifted to the dead man, gauging the distance between the body’s point of impact and the location of the vial.

Was it on him when he fell? 

The hairs lifted on the back of Evander’s neck in the next instant. 

The air in the alley thickened with a suddenness that made his ears pop. Dread chilled him when his breath misted in front of his face. 

Dark magic!

Shaw and Brown doubled over before he could shout a warning. Their hands rose to clutch their temples even as their faces contorted in expressions of pure agony, the suddenness of the invisible attack robbing them of breath and stealing their cries before they could form. 

The only thing that protected Evander from the debilitating effect of the spell that incapacitated his associates was his powers.

AVAILABLE NOW

Direct from the author

Add on Goodreads

About the Author:

Ava Marie Salinger is the romance pen name of an Amazon bestselling author with a passion for writing addictive tales. Known for her action-packed and thrilling urban fantasy novels, she has expanded her repertoire with the introduction of the M/M urban fantasy romance series Fallen Messengers.

Additionally, she has penned the scorching hot contemporary M/M romance series Nights and Twilight Falls as A.M. Salinger.

When not immersed in her writing, Ava can be found curating inspiring music playlists, indulging in her love for nature, marveling at the latest gadgets, and savoring Chinese cuisine.

Connect with Ava:
https://linktr.ee/avamariesalingerauthor

Release Blitz - Winnie Takes Paris by Lane Hayes

RELEASE TOUR - Winnie Takes Paris by Lane Hayes

The fabulous stylist, the absentminded professor, and a Parisian adventure…

Length: 54,000 words
Series: Love and Travel, Book 2
Genre: Contemporary
Tropes: Age-Gap, Opposites Attract, Humor, RomCom, Travel Romance.
Heat: 5 out of 5

Winnie

Hey, I don’t regret taking an oddball assignment to assist a British professor abroad. I could use a break from my life as an aspiring hair and style guru in LA. The only worrisome snag is that the professor is determined to do everything on his own.

Not acceptable. I’m here to help the impossibly smart geek with mismatched socks who just happens to be my best friend’s boss.

Alistair

Paris calls. And somehow, I have a new temporary assistant. 

Winnie is a technicolor, whirlwind American with a wicked laugh and the subtlety of a steamroller. He’s brash and ridiculous and…funny, warm, lovely, and—

Oh no. 

Winnie can take Paris, but he can’t take my heart.

Winnie Takes Paris is an MM romantic comedy featuring a fabulous diva, a nerdy professor, and the Parisian adventure of a lifetime!

EXCERPT:

“To Paris!” 

I tapped my cup to his flute awkwardly. “To Paris.”

Winnie watched me cautiously. “Did I get your tea right? Raine said you like a smidge of milk and sugar.”

“Uh, yes…brilliant. Thank you.”

He grinned. “You’re welcome. What should we do now?”

“Wait for the train,” I replied evenly.

Winnie threw his head back and laughed, drawing a few curious glances our way. The lounge wasn’t exactly a library, but there was an unspoken acknowledgment that this was a quiet zone. 

“Got that. I meant, what about work? I’m your assistant. If you need me to do anything, just say the word and I’m there.”

“Thank you. I appreciate your diligence, but there’s no need. Enjoy your champagne,” I said in a tone that clearly marked the end of the conversation. 

Winnie didn’t take the hint. “Do you like champagne?”

“No, I don’t.”

He flattened his hand over his heart. “Why not? Champagne is the elixir of the gods, sunshine in a flute, bubbles for the soul.”

I shrugged. “I’m afraid I don’t care for bubbles at all. I don’t want to drink them, anyway.”

“Mm, you’re missing out. I would bathe in champagne bubbles if I could.” He hummed indulgently. 

“That sounds…sticky.”

Winnie’s lips twitched. “You’re right. It also sounds like a waste of a good thing, and I wouldn’t sacrifice a single sip of this stuff.” 

I wasn’t sure how to respond or if I was supposed to, but this was probably a good time to remind Winnie that I didn’t need him to entertain me or vice versa. Or perhaps this was an opportunity to ask him a few questions and be done with prerequisite niceties. 

What sort of questions, though? I had no clue. This was the sort of thing Raine usually handled for me. 

I set my cup on the side table, pulled my cell from my pocket, and typed, Questions for a new acquaintance.

Google suggested the following: Number one, ask personal information—likes, dislikes, favorite color, hobbies. Not a chance. In my admittedly limited experience, that line of inquiry invited reciprocity, and there was no point in pretending we shared any common interests. 

Number two, comment on something pleasant, such as the weather. I glanced out the rain-streaked window and quickly abandoned that suggestion. Too dire. 

Number three, pay a compliment. That seemed like a safe option. Winnie was very…winsome. He had beautiful olive skin, perfectly coiffed hair, a flair for fashion, and—

“You have lovely eyes,” I blurted. 

Winnie froze midsip, quirking his head as he slowly lowered his glass. “Are you flirting with me, Professor?” 

“I—no! No, I…no,” I sputtered, wrinkling my nose, licking my lips, and blinking in rapid succession. “That was a statement, not a flirtation. I don’t do flirtations, so you’re quite safe there.”

“Am I?” 

He was teasing. The spark in his eyes held pure mischief, but I didn’t know the rules of engagement at all. Was I supposed to say something clever in return? Possibly, probably. Witty banter wasn’t my strong suit, so I went with the truth instead.

“I couldn’t help noticing that you’re wearing makeup and…you look quite smart.”

His megawatt grin hit me like a bolt of lightning. “I do? How so? I’ve never been told my application of Chanel Stylo Yeux in espresso gave collegiate vibes.”

“Uh, no. I didn’t mean smart in that sense. That is to say, I’m sure you’re very intelligent, but I meant that you look…nice.” 

His smile didn’t waver. “Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome.” Well done, old chap. Now, leave it alone. Unfortunately, I couldn’t shut my gob. This was bad…very bad. “Ancient Egyptian men wore cosmetics, and depending on their rank and social class, they wore a lot of it. The kohl liner they used had practical purposes, too. It shielded one from the sun’s rays and repelled insects. They used animal fats and oils to create moisturizers, shampoos, and even to prevent baldness. Interesting, isn’t it? They’d rub fat from a snake or a—”

“Okay.” Winnie held his hand up. “That’s a lot of information.”

“That’s hardly the tip of the iceberg,” I assured him. 

“I bet.” He gestured to the corner of his eye. “I made a last-minute trip to Sephora for this stuff. Much easier than wrangling a snake.”

“Sephora, derived from the Greek sephos, or beauty.” 

Oh, bloody blooming bollocks. What is wrong with me?

About the Author:

Lane Hayes  lives in sunny Southern California with her amazing husband, who thankfully doesn’t mind cooking, and their fabulous fox red Labrador, George, who’s pure mischief. Both provide oodles of inspiration for the low-angst, humorous books Lane loves to write.

She’s been telling stories about sexy, funny, sometimes geeky and quirky men who find love for a dozen years now and loving every minute. In her previous life, she sat at a desk and dealt with numbers, so yes…romance is much more satisfying!

Lane loves tea, travel, and chocolate…in any order. Add a book and she’s set!

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