Monday, October 30, 2023

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Next Season By Lane Hayes

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Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Next Season
By Lane Hayes

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The Elmwood Stories, Book 2

The injured hockey player and the grumpy chef…

Riley

My time playing pro hockey will be up soon. I can feel it. And I’ve heard the rumors: he’s too old, he’s had too many injuries, he’s lost his edge. I don’t want to admit it, but they could be right. Next season might be my last.

Or this season. Because of course, this is when the universe decides I need another concussion. It’s a doozy too—the kind that’s going to keep me off skates for a while.

Which is how I end up in a small New England town in the middle of nowhere Vermont, eating every meal at a diner where a grumpy chef from Quebec makes haute cuisine…and burgers. Jean-Claude is funny and charming and—

Okay, I have a crush on a gay man.

This is a new one.

Jean-Claude

Confused straight men are entertaining. But Riley is…fascinating, sexy, and curiously vulnerable. His injury has rocked his confidence a bit, so perhaps he’s in need of a friend. Any friend. Even moi.

I’m an unlikely choice, but maybe he just likes my tuna salad.

No…I think it’s me.

And though I’m happy to help him explore his bisexual curious side, I have career concerns of my own. See, the things I love most about Elmwood seem shaky and uncertain, but not Riley. He’s solid and genuine. Suddenly, this temporary secret liaison feels more real than anything in my life.

I need more than this season. I want it all. With Riley.

Next Season is an MM bisexual-awakening romance featuring a grumpy chef, an injured hockey player, and a big HEA in a small town where anything can happen.

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Excerpt:

I hadn’t known it was possible that someone’s voice on a cell phone could make your heart skip a beat. What kind of sorcery was that?

And it was even worse when Riley walked into a room.

Like now.

“Practice was good. It was a tough workout, but the juniors are coming along and I didn’t feel like I was going to puke afterward. In fact, if it hadn’t been so stormy, I’d planned on jogging over here.”

“That is not a storm. It’s little baby snowflakes and wind,” I taunted.

Riley snorted. “You just said my lips were cold. I could test them on your dick.”

“I accept your challenge, but we’re at a crucial moment with the dough. We have to knead the dough, proof it, knead it again, and bake it. You leave the dough for too long, you get bad bread.”

“I thought all bread was good.”

“Meh, not quite. If it’s over-proofed, your bread will look funny. It will collapse or go lopsided and the flavors may be off. That won’t be a problem for us. I don’t make bad bread.”

“I believe you. I’ve never attempted to make bread. Out of my wheelhouse.”

“I don’t know what that means, but today is your lucky day. Come, Riley. You can take over while I stare at your ass.”

He barked a laugh and shook his head as if to protest. “Actually, you know what? Put me in, Coach. Show me how to knead your dough.”

Riley hopped off the counter and sidled behind me, squeezing my ass as he tilted his hips suggestively. An electric current zinged through me at the contact and just like that, my cock swelled in my sweats. A rogue vision of Riley inside me took me by surprise. I hadn’t been on the receiving end in years—not my thing. But I might be persuaded…for him.

Crisse, where had that come from?

I refocused, tossing a spare apron his way without making eye contact, waiting till he’d washed his hands to fire off instructions.

“Flour first.” I dusted his hands liberally with flour and pointed at the heel of his palm. “Dig into it. Don’t be shy. Good. Now fold the dough in half toward you and push it away. Turn the dough and repeat.”

He listened intently, making adjustments as advised. “So…this is it? Doesn’t seem so hard.”

“It’s not. Baking is a science. As long as you follow the rules, you’ll get the results you want.”

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Next Season, Lane is giving away the Winner's choice of an audiobook or ebook of your choice from her published works!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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About the Author:

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. She loves wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and her fabulous pup, George.

Connect with Lane:
My Readers’ Group, Lane’s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYg
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Friday, October 27, 2023

Audio Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Confetti Hearts By Lily Morton

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Audio Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Confetti Hearts
By Lily Morton

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Confetti Hitched, Book 1

Joe Bagshaw doesn’t believe in love or marriage anymore, which is rather a hindrance for a wedding planner.

His own marriage was a whirlwind affair that ended before the ink could dry on the wedding certificate. Nevertheless, even with his divorce pending, he’s getting by. Or at least he was until he finds himself snowed in at a remote Scottish hotel with the wedding party from hell, a terrible ABBA tribute band, and his soon-to-be ex-husband.

Lachlan has missed Joe from the second his husband walked away. He wants Joe back and is prepared to do anything to get him. Being snowed in together seems to offer the chance Lachlan needs, but does he have what it takes to get Joe to trust in love and their marriage again?

From bestselling author Lily Morton, comes a romantic comedy about love, matrimony, and the best of second chances.

This is the first book in the Confetti Hitched series.

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Excerpt:

“I’m so sorry, Joe.”

“Don’t worry about it,” I croak. “This happens to me a lot.”

I’m crammed into a tiny bathroom cubicle, holding up one end of a massive meringue wedding dress. Lena the bridesmaid holds the other end while the bride sits on the loo.

Daisy stares at me from her porcelain perch. “This happens a lot?”

“Oh, almost every day,” I say airily. “I’d bet most gay men have never had this experience. I’ll be the envy of the gay choir.”

She snorts and Lena shifts in her cramped position in the bathroom stall. “Joe’s a wedding planner, so I’m presuming this is part of his job description, but I really do think the bridesmaid’s charter needs updating. I saw mention of hen nights, crappy dresses, and bridal blues, but absolutely zip about holding a wedding dress while the happy woman pees.”

Daisy chuckles. “This will be just like all those times I’ve held your hair back when you were drunk.”

“I’m just coming at it from the opposite end.”

They grin at each other, and I shift from foot to foot.

“It’s very warm in here,” I observe. “I hope I don’t faint, because that would make this whole thing very awkward.”

“It can get more awkward?” Lena says incredulously.

Daisy sighs. “I’m so sorry but I can’t go now.”

“Performance anxiety,” Lena says. “I do hope your bridegroom doesn’t suffer from the same thing.”

I twist to face the wall as best I can, trying to avoid leaving the skin of my nose on the door hinges. “I’ll try to give you some privacy,” I wheeze.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Confetti Hearts, we are giving you a chance to win your choice of any book from Lily’s backlist! Three winners will be chosen!

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LilyMorton-Logo-TaglineAbout Lily:

Lily is a bestselling gay romance author. She writes love stories filled with heat and humour.

She 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 got her Kindle.

Lily 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 would she get to spend her time with hot and funny men?

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations - Chocolate Baileys.

Connect with Lily:
Facebook | Lily's Snark Squad Facebook Group
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Thursday, October 26, 2023

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Twisted Tome By Vanora Lawless

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Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Twisted Tome
By Vanora Lawless

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Devastating Magic, Book 2

A stubborn empath. A passionate dreamwalker. A love worth fighting for.

For empathic illusionist Warren 'Sully' Sullivan dreamwalking Captain Elliot Stone is more than the only thing keeping him sane and safe. He's the keeper of Sully's heart, even if he can't seem to admit it out loud.

When an ancient grimoire infused with catastrophic magic comes into play, they've got to do everything in their power to keep it from landing in enemy hands. Unfortunately, that means working closely with a man who once shattered Elliot's heart. Someone he would have done anything for.

As insecurity and fear threaten the fledgling relationship between Elliot and Sully, will the darkness closing in around them bring them closer or tear them apart forever?

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Excerpt:

ELLIOT SAT ON THE edge of the bed he shared with Warren, dreading the arrival of the new team, who were expected any moment now. He was trying to distract himself with the letter that had arrived yesterday from his sister, May. Tucked inside the envelope along with hers was one from each of her children. Thomas’s was only lovely colorful squiggles and a small handprint that, even without anything to compare it to, seemed bigger than the last time he’d seen the boy. Elliot followed one of the squiggles with his fingertip from chaotic start to swirling finish, missing the noise and laughter the children filled his home with each time they visited. He could almost hear them shouting as they ran through the hall and up the stairs while he chased them.

A lump formed in his throat, but he ignored the sting of his eyes. He didn’t have time to cry over missing them growing up, or whether the younger ones would even remember him when he finally went home. Or worse, how heartbroken the older ones would be if he never did make it back.

The bedroom door creaked open, and Warren entered, closing it behind himself. He leaned back against it and examined Elliot far too keenly. He’d likely sensed the shift in Elliot’s mood from a low hum of anxiety to a dip into deep despair.

“We shouldn’t both be up here when they arrive,” Elliot forced himself to say. What he really wanted was to crawl beneath the faded floral bedspread with Warren and shut out the entire world. How difficult would it be, really, for Warren to hide them away from everyone until Elliot felt strong enough to get through this?

“So we won’t be up here. Or they won’t think we are, anyway,” Warren said, almost plucking the thought from Elliot’s mind. “Easy for me to throw up an illusion showing me come in from the back instead of down the stairs with you. Promise I’ll keep you safe.”

Elliot’s ridiculous heart fluttered the same way it did whenever Warren promised him something. But even that wasn’t enough to lift his spirits long. “With my luck Everett will be immune.”

“Yeah, about him. You got some pretty complicated…” Sully waved a hand around Elliot’s general area, and then continued, “stuff going on since you got the news. It feels a lot heavier than friend of the family baggage. Want to fill me in?”

Elliot sighed, shoulders tightening. He really should have talked to Warren about this last night instead of brooding, but he’d felt raw and ill-prepared, and all he’d wanted was for Warren to hold him in his arms and make him forget.

Now he was out of time to stall, and he had to face the uncomfortable truth of his former naiveté. His entire being wanted to cringe at how impressionable and infatuated he’d been. How wrong.

“Everett was my first…everything.”

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Twisted Tome, Vanora is giving away an e-set of the Devastating Magic Series so far (2 ebooks)!
 
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!
 
 
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Check out Book 1 in the Devastating Magic Series: Imperfect Illusions

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A drafted empath. A dreamwalking poet. A world at war.

Chicago, 1917.

Idealistic, aspiring poet, Elliot Stone can make people feel euphoria or horror with a simple touch. But that's only part of his magical abilities. He can also wake in the dreams of people he cares deeply for.

Stubborn, fiercely independent Warren “Sully” Sullivan is an illusionist with a secret of his own: he feels the emotions of others as visceral sensations. That, and a lifetime of fending for himself, has left him guarded.

On their last night of freedom before shipping off to training—military and magic—Elliot and Sully indulge in an explosive, emotional night together. Elliot assumes it's a one night stand and nothing more, until he awakens in Sully’s nightmare. The urge to rescue Sully is impossible to resist. And when dream-Sully begs him to keep coming back, something Sully would never do while awake, Elliot can’t resist that either.

As real life draws them into battle, their shared dreams become a refuge that only Elliot recalls. So when Elliot has the opportunity to recruit Sully to the secret elite unit of magical soldiers he leads, he’s willing to risk everything for the man he’s fallen in love with in dreams. But being away from the front lines doesn’t mean Sully’s safe. Now they battle enemies with twisted magic where their secrets are a liability.

Can they bring their dreams—and love—to life? Or will the war cost them everything?

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About the Author

Vanora Lawless is a bisexual genderfluid Canadian with ADHD and a passion for telling love stories set in magical or niche historical worlds. A graduate of Saint Mary’s University, Vanora has a B.A, majoring in psychology. As a Nova Scotian, loving long walks on the beach is practically a law, so Vanora takes every possible opportunity to explore the best sandy shores. In spare time between crafting new worlds and stories, Vanora can be found behind the lens of a camera or in a blanket burrito with a good book.

Connect with Vanora:
http://www.twitter.com/vanoralawless
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http://www.vanoralawless.com


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Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: A Fall of Light By L.J. Greene

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
A Fall of Light
By L.J. Greene

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LJ Greene brings to life one of her most compelling characters: the intensely creative bass guitarist, Greg Van de Meer. A Fall of Light weaves together the strands of Greg’s private and public lives—a shattering personal history, a love affair with potentially disastrous consequences, and family bonds that are stretched to their breaking point.

It’s been fifteen years since Greg was outed by his fundamentalist father at age sixteen and sent from home, with devastating consequences for both he and his younger brother, Asher. Now unlaid ghosts from the past are stirring. With his band’s success on the world stage, Greg’s life takes a complicated turn when he develops a friendship with Louis Angel, an ex-Marine with a secret of his own, and finds himself facing familiar threats from an unexpected source.

Strained loyalties, a private affair, and Greg’s own guarded history collide dangerously until a visit from an old foe forces him to confront past wounds and present beliefs. Allegiances are called into question and he must decide whether the secrets he’s fighting to protect are worth the life he’s finally ready to have.

A Fall of Light is a standalone adult contemporary M/M romance.

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Excerpt:

Greg looked down at his hands and realized they were clenched into fists, his fingernails digging viciously into the flesh of his palms. “No,” he whispered to himself, and opened them, exposing the angry moon-shaped marks. “No.”

He took his phone from his pocket, opened up his texts, and looked at the photo again. He remembered it all; remembered the joy of opening his eyes and seeing Louis standing there, the shock of being pulled against his firm body, and the warm mocha taste of his mouth. He remembered the absolute, utter relief of it. The beauty, the bliss. The rightness, now made wrong.

He set the phone down, bracing himself on the counter’s edge, his head hung low. He was just now realizing exactly the magnitude of the gift Louis had given him. He had been the only one in the world who knew Louis’s secret—the only one—and suddenly he felt the weight of that trust heavy and warm in his heart. And then it turned cold.

Rage and sorrow battled for mastery in his gut.  This was his fault, he told himself. It was Louis’s association with him that put Louis in this situation; it was his stupid carelessness that had put Louis at risk and brought the wolves to his door.

But if they thought for a moment that Greg would bow easily to intimidation . . . He realized he was clenching his fists again, and opened them. “You are grossly mistaken,” he said softly, to the rain.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of A Fall of Light, LJ is giving away a $25 Amazon Voucher!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopte Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57777/?

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About the Author:

LJ Greene is a self-professed obsessive multi-tasker who writes boring stuff by day and lets her inner romantic fly by night. This California native is married to the most amazing man and has two beautiful children, now old enough to read her books but still not interested because of the ew, gross factor. She’s an avid reader of all genres with an embarrassingly large ebook collection, and a weird penchant for reading the acknowledgements at the end of a novel. She’s also a music lover with no apparent musical talent, a travel enthusiast, and a cheese connoisseur. 

Website: www.ljgreenebooks.com

Twitter: @authorljgreene


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Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Temptation By Raven Stone

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Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Temptation
By Raven Stone

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Blood of the Fallen, Book 2

A vampire court is one of the most dangerous places I know, but I'll walk into one for Degarr.

Except when I get there, Court isn't Court. And King Gabriel is unlike any other king I've ever met.

And then there's the white wolf.

Grumpy doesn't begin to cover it. Apparently, I live to piss this man off. Unfortunately, Gideon doesn't have the same effect on me. Quite the opposite.

He sets me on fire. Leaves me wanting things the innocent people of this place might not understand.

But Gideon's been screwed over and left hurting by someone else.

This wolf is temptation itself.

But the things I want with him? I can never have.

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Excerpt:

                “We don’t have a lot of opportunities to hunt like that,” Gideon said.

                “You mean something larger than a rabbit?” I asked.

                His lips twitched, and he nodded.

                “Why not?” I asked, leaning against the wall. “You’re surrounded by vampires. Why can’t you just hunt one of them?”

                “Why?” He stared at me as if I’d just said aliens had landed on the planet, then his entire expression changed as he advanced on me.

                It took everything in me to remain still.

                “We drew blood from you last night. That’s why.” He came to a halt, his voice on the edge of harshness.

                “So?”

                “I drew your blood and you didn’t seem to care. Not then and not now.” His eyes accused me of some sin that clearly I was missing. I didn’t understand why he was reacting this way.

                “I’m used to my blood leaving my body. It’s no big deal.” I shrugged.

                “For another vampire, maybe. But I’m a werewolf, remember?”

                My voice turned soft. “How could I forget that, Gideon?”

                It was true. There was no way I could forget the man in front of me was also a wolf. I could feel the heat of him from here, smell the wildness coming from his skin, catch the flash of dark forest in his eyes.

                If Jamie was light and goodness, warm fur, belly rubs and wet noses, then Gideon was tooth and claw, coiled power and strength; the dark, low growl that sent excitement and arousal shooting up your spine.

                He stalked closer.

                “A lot of vampires would be pissed about what I did to you last night.”

                “I’m not angry.” I kept my voice soft and even as he came closer.

                His eyes trailed down me, his nostrils flaring.

                “I can smell you’re not.”

                “What do I smell like?” I asked.

                “Calm,” he growled.

                Did my calmness offend him somehow?

                His hand hit the wall right next to my head.

                “Why aren’t you afraid of me?” He leaned in, mere inches separating our bodies as his free hand landed on the wall on the other side of me.

                He was caging me.

                Was he trying to intimidate me?

                If so, it wasn’t working. The heat from his body was like standing in front of a roaring fire. I wanted to reach out, put my hand on his chest and let that heat burn into me.

                “You know I can hurt you,” he said, his voice gravelly, “my claws were in you last night.”

                Yes, sweetheart, they were.

                My pulse slipped my grasp, my heart rate shooting upwards at the memory.

                He caught it.

                Not like a vampire would, since he couldn’t hear my heartbeat. But his gaze shot to that little dip in my throat, where he could see my response to him.

                He breathed in.

                Whatever scent he caught from me, coming off my body, darkened his eyes.

                “I know,” I said, and those two words came out husky as hell.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Temptation, Raven is giving away a $10 Amazon Voucher!
 
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!
 
 
Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57776/?

Check out Book 1: Blood of the Fallen

Fallen

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He will be mine.

Aleric came to my town with evil on his mind. I know it. I just have to prove it.

When my investigation leads to a man tied up in a warehouse in a rather unique state, I realize I’ve found the key. I know Aleric wants the handsome human, so I claim Owen for myself. I also place him under my protection, even though I know Aleric will be coming for him. In fact, I’m counting on it.

Aleric, out of control, will give me exactly what I need to put him away.

Unfortunately, my captain has a few choice words about what I’ve done. He insists that I call my old friend, John Degarr, for help.

I haven’t talked to Degarr in a long time, and the sound of his voice brings the memories rushing back. Degarr saved me. He changed my life forever. And now, as our vampire king’s Head of Security, he has the power to help me again.

I’ve also wanted him for years.

So it’s probably forgivable that I don’t put up too much of a fight when he says he’s coming to help me in person, instead of over the phone.

And after all, nothing’s really changed. In spite of the rumors, I know Degarr is straight. He’s still the same man who turned me down years ago. Nothing will happen between us.

Ever.

Fallen is a slow burn paranormal romance featuring a bisexual vampire with multiple love interests, a gay human caught in the wrong place for the right reasons, and a couple of vampires with plans of their own.

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About the Author

Raven Stone is a paranormal romance author. She writes about vampires, hunters, and werewolves. She enjoys romances, movies, and dark chocolate.

Connect with Raven:
https://www.tiktok.com/@ravenstoneauthor
https://www.ravenstoneauthor.com/
https://www.ravenstoneauthor.com/newsletter/


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Thursday, October 19, 2023

Audio Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: You, Again By Lane Hayes

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Audio Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
You, Again
By Lane Hayes

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The Elmwood Stories, Book 1

The hometown hockey hero and his best friend’s brother…

Vinnie

Hockey is in my blood. I learned to skate before I learned how to ride a bike. I’ve been on a wild ride, playing at the highest level for some of the biggest and best teams in the league. But now it’s over, and I’m not sure what to do with myself.

So I'm going home to Elmwood.

But I’ll tell you what I’m not gonna do—I’m not going to coach my buddy’s junior hockey league. No chance. I don’t know how to deal with kids, and besides, the other coach—who happens to be my best friend’s brother—hates me. With reason.

That may be old news, yet something tells me we’re going to have to deal with the past.

And that's almost as scary as coaching teens.

Nolan 

No, I don’t hate Vinnie, but he drives me nuts.

He’s cocky, goofy, selfish, and yeah…after all these years, I’m still attracted to him. But I’m a responsible adult now. I run my family’s business, and with the help of my ex, I’ve made Elmwood Diner into a New England institution.

So maybe my life isn't particularly exciting at the moment, and maybe Vinnie isn’t the worst. Nonetheless, I have no desire to rekindle a friendship with the hockey hero who no doubt will be on the first flight out of town the second he gets bored or gets a better offer.

And I’m not coaching with him. No way.

Ugh…

I can’t believe I’m doing this again.

You, Again is an MM bisexual, best friend’s brother, frenemies to lovers romance featuring old friends, a new quest, and a little hockey HEA! 

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Excerpt:

Vinnie set a twenty on the table and stood. “Thanks for the coffee.”

“It’s on the house,” I insisted, pushing the money toward him.

“No, no. I support local businesses. Keep the change.”

His over-the-top wink practically begged me to roll my eyes, but I had more to say. We had to clear the air…at least a little.

“Um…hey, even if you don’t make it through summer, your presence alone is good for business for the whole town. ‘NHL Hero Comes Home’ and all that bullshit. If you don’t mind the attention, and I’m assuming you don’t—come help out at the rink. It’s easy and fun. You won’t regret it.”

Vinnie rubbed his scruffy jaw thoughtfully. “Okay. I’ll do it.”

I smiled tentatively and raised my hand for a high five. “Great.”

“But only if you’re my assistant.”

“What?” I pulled my hand away before he could slap it, furrowing my brow. “No way. Gavin is perfectly capable of—”

“Nope. It has to be you.”

I frowned. “Why?”

“ ’Cause…” Vinnie blew out an exasperated breath. “I want to fix this. Me and you. And I can’t do that if you ignore me.”

And just like that, the invisible wall between us shook in its foundation.

“We’re fine,” I bluffed.

Vinnie arched a brow. “You’re mad at me. I know why, and I get it. We don’t have to go into it now, but at the very least, we should call a truce ’cause if we’re working with impressionable teens, you really oughtta be nice to me, Moore.”

My mouth opened in a perfect O. “I’ve been perfectly civil to you. More civil than you deserve, Kiminski.”

“See? That wasn’t nice,” he teasingly scolded. “I can’t believe I’m the voice of reason here.”

I fixed him with a bored sardonic stare. “You are never the voice of reason.”

“I kind of am now.”

“No, you aren’t.”

“Yes, I am.”

“No, you—oh, my God.” I pointed at the door. “Good-bye, Vinnie.”

He snickered, flashing a lopsided devil-may-care grin my way. “Wait up. Let’s seal the deal on this truce.”

“Oh, brother.”

“I’m serious. Let’s shake hands, hug it out, kiss and make up, or all of the above.”

I regarded his outstretched hand suspiciously and cautiously slid my palm against his. “Fine. Truce.”

“See, that didn’t sound friendly. You ruined it. Gimme a hug,” he demanded, pulling me into a bear hug, squeezing me hard enough to crack a rib.

I let out an oomph of surprise and tried to wriggle out of his hold. He took the hint and loosened his grip. I knew it was all in good fun or at least meant to playfully rile me up, but when he bent to kiss my cheek, I turned my head just as he swooped in and bam! Our lips collided in an actual, honest-to-God kiss.

A fucking kiss.

I couldn’t speak for Vinnie, but I was too shocked to move.

We’d been here before.

Sure, it had been almost twenty years ago, but I was positive neither of us was looking for a repeat. I certainly wasn’t. Any second now, he’d back up, swipe his hand across his mouth and make some ridiculous joke to right the balance. But he didn’t.

He softened his lips and molded them to mine, tilting his chin as if testing a new angle. And suddenly, this felt real.

Oh, no.

Oh…no.

I pushed out of his arms, sucking in a gulp of air.

Holy shit.

My heart beat like a drum, and my mouth was bone dry.

“I think—I think we’re good now,” I rasped.

Vinnie’s shell-shocked expression gave way to something unreadable. He scratched his nape and stepped aside.

“Yeah. Uh…what time is practice?”

“Thursday at three.”

He nodded and tried a smile that never reached his eyes. “Cool. See ya, Nol.”

I froze in place as the door swung shut behind him, willing my heartbeat to calm the fuck down.

Did that happen?

It wasn’t real. I knew that, but he didn’t pull away. He lingered, he pressed closer, he…he kissed me.

Reality check: Vinnie was a notorious prankster. He was always doing something to push boundaries—make you laugh, make you mad, make you stop taking life so damned seriously. Silly was his fallback language. If lighthearted pranks and teasing kept some uncomfortable parts of the past at bay, I was all for it.

But I was still confused. Very confused.

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About the Author:

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. She loves wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and her fabulous pup, George.

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