RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT & REVIEW - MF - Doubletalk (Busy Bean #6) by Teralyn Mitchell

 

DOUBLETALK BY TERALYN MITCHELL

Release Date: September 13, 2021

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://geni.us/DoubletalkAmazon

Apple: https://geni.us/DoubletalkApple

Kobo: https://geni.us/DoubletalkKobo

Nook: https://geni.us/DoubletalkNook

Google: https://geni.us/DoubletalkGoogle

All the links in one spot: https://shor.by/busy-bean

Add to Goodreads here: http://bit.ly/2MFT3pU

Series page: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/busy-bean/

Cover Design: Elle Maxwell Designs

Basketball has always been his one love, until now . . .

Zeke Armstrong never imagined he’d be back in Vermont, but here he is, living in Colebury and trying to rehab an injury that could mean an early retirement from pro basketball. Running into his former classmate, Mallory Barrett, shouldn’t be a distraction. It shouldn’t mean anything, so why is he accidentally on purpose showing up at the coffee shop where the beautiful writer spends her time?

Mallory Barrett has met a guy. Well, she hasn’t met him yet, except for on the dating app she almost refused to download. “Coby” sparks her interest and gets her jokes--and gives the romance-novel heroes she loves so much a full-court run for their money. When their first date doesn’t work out, she decides to give him another shot . . . just as a man she despises reenters her life. While her interest in the mystery man on the app grows, she clashes constantly with Zeke in real life. She can’t forgive him for humiliating her in high school, yet she can’t deny she’s drawn to him now.

She’s somehow gone from confirmed bachelorette to the tie-breaker between two men.  Meanwhile Zeke has a secret--one that will cost him the game if Mallory finds out . .

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Doubletalk is Teralyn Mitchell's contribution to the Busy Bean series. Each book in this multi-author series is a standalone. 

Zeke is an NBA player who's back in Vermont while healing from an injury. His future is up in the air as he doesn't know if he can make it back into the game. 

While home he gets to see his former best friend, Mallory, for the first time in years. There's plenty of emotion between them, as things got between them and they carry pain and hurt. 

Both characters are at a roadblock with their careers. As Zeke struggles with his injury, Mallory's struggling with her writer's block. 

This is a story with a lot of explanations and forgiveness. I enjoyed the characters and their journey, but I struggled to always stay connected to them. It's a story with an online dating app and a long carried secret that looms overheard for way too long. The storyline is promising, but I just don't love the way it's all executed.

Doubletalk is a nice addition to this small town world. But this Teralyn Mitchell book isn't my favorite in the series. 

She didn’t wait for me to say anything else, spinning on her heels and heading for the nearest store or restaurant where she could sit down. I chuckled and turned to head in the other direction. A hard wall of muscle made me stumble. Two strong hands gripped my upper arms. I looked up to see who had saved me from falling and who I needed to thank. The need to be polite shriveled and died when I saw that it was Zeke holding onto my arms.

“Are you okay?”

The combination of his deep voice and his hands on me caused me to shiver. I shook him off. What the hell? Why was I always reacting to him? I didn’t like him or his stupid good looks. I crossed my arms over my stomach.

“Why are you always where I am?” I snapped.

“Small town?”

“We’re in Burlington.”

“Still small, Ror. You also don’t have a monopoly on all things Vermont.”

I rolled my eyes. He had me there. “So, you’re telling me you normally wander the Marketplace on a cold Sunday?”

“When I have something to do, I wander around,” he said. “And maybe Stacey texted me and told me the two of you would be here.”

I clenched my teeth. Of course, she told him we’d be here. She went out of her way to make my life hell. So even though today had been about me getting her back, somehow, she’d figured out how to stick it to me too. I mean, not really. It’d probably been innocent, but I was going to blame her anyway.

It was frustrating to continuously run into Zeke. He had a point about it being a small town. This was what I dreaded when I realized he was back in Vermont and living in the town I now called home.

“You and Stacey talk often?”

The smirk on his full lips made me narrow my eyes at him. I hugged myself tighter as my stomach clenched. A tingle down below, that I was not acknowledging, had me pursing my lips. Why did he have to be so goddamn handsome? I was sure women fell all over themselves when he smiled at them like he was smiling at me right now. Especially when that dimple in his left cheek popped, but I wasn’t going to. Delight danced in his hooded light brown eyes. His sharp jawline was sprinkled with hair that looked good on him; it wasn’t a full beard but cut close to his skin. Not that I was looking, or rather, staring.

“Jealous?”

I groaned. “Not even a little, but I do want to have the facts right when I confront her about divulging my location to the enemy.”

He let out a deep laugh. “You’ve always been a bit of a drama queen,” he teased. “Stace and I exchanged numbers the last time we happened to be at the Busy Bean. We’ve only talked a few times.”

“Whatever.” I was done with this conversation and being around him.

I started walking, only for him to fall into step beside me. I let him walk beside me for a few minutes before I couldn’t resist saying something.

“Can I help you?”

“I don’t think so, unless you work at Burlington Records.”

“That’s where you’re going?” I asked.

“Yep.”

Bad Boy (Masters of Romance #1) by Emma Alcott

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

Russ
They call me a bad boy, and thirteen years ago they would have been right.
I’ve done things I’m not proud of.
Served time.
Broken hearts and bones alike.
But I’m a changed man now. I don’t break the law for a living anymore; I write books about guys like me who fall in love with other guys. It’s as close to a happily ever after as I think I’ll get…
Until Colton shows up in my remote cabin in the middle of a snowstorm, so timid and young and sweet.
I’ve given up my wicked ways, but damn if he doesn’t make me want to do bad, bad things…

Colton
I didn’t mean to get lost on my way to the big New Year’s Eve party, and I definitely didn’t mean to drive my car into a snowbank, but here I am in the middle of nowhere, stranded in front of a creepy cabin, about to freeze to death.
The only way I’ll make it through the night is if I go inside, but there’s no telling who might be in there. It very well could be a serial killer, or a horror movie monster…
Or a bearded, tattooed bad boy with a big secret who’ll steal my heart and make me never want to leave.

Bad Boy is the first book in the Masters of Romance series, where romance authors don’t just write about happily ever afters—they live them. Get ready for love, laughter, and some serious steam. No cheating and no love triangles, guaranteed. Bad Boy can be read as a stand-alone, but it’s way more fun to binge them all. Which author are you most excited to see get his HEA? 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Bad Boy is a beautiful hurt/comfort romance by Emma Alcott. The first book in the Masters of Romance series, it follows the short prequal, Side Character.

Colton and Russ's story starts with a snowstorm, with Colton stumbling upon Russ's hideaway for shelter. 

They certainly don't wait long to get into bed together. And damn, they are hot! 

It's after the sex that things get emotional between the two. And I love it all. 

Russ and Colton are simply fabulous together. Their chemistry is intense and their connection is absolute.

Russ's past is haunting and his inability to reform his imagine is heartbreaking. But with Colton, he finds a reason to try. Not that things are easy for him. 

As for Colton, his past is tough to read, as his ex mentally abused him. 

I love the dynamics in this story. The fact that Colton's "family" doesn't approve of Russ and try to warn Colton away from the man, adds a great layer of angst to the tale. The fact that Colton trusts Russ and fights for him is a bonus. 

This is a story with assumptions and grudges. It's a story with some mystery and a fight to clear one's reputation. 

It's a story of learning to stand up for oneself, and finding strength in love. 

It's a story of overcoming the life one was born into, and fighting to be a better person, as well as building a better version of oneself. 

I adore the writing group Russ is a part of. The banter between them is as great as the support they offer one another. I am excited to see the rest of them find love. 

I love the author's writing. Written in alternating first person pov, both men fully come to life. 

Bad Boy is a riveting romance with lots of emotion. This Emma Alcott tale is a great mix of forced proximity, intense attraction, and hurt/comfort. I love it all and can't recommend it enough. And the ending is adorable!

RELEASE BLITZ , EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Love Directions (Good Bad Idea #5) by A.F. Zoelle

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Love Directions by A.F. Zoelle

A Good Bad Idea Story, Book 5

Elias Forthwright

Can a chance meeting lead to true love? I sure hope so, because I’m falling hard and fast for North. I’m normally too shy to be attracted to a playful flirt like him, but he’s full of surprises that bring out the best in me. Even though we’re nothing alike, he’s everything I never knew I needed.

Maybe it’s silly to feel like the cosmic universe conspired to bring us together, but North makes me want to believe in the impossible. After all, it would be stupid to run away from love when all signs point to him being the one, right?

North Easton

To say I’ve lived a strange life is a massive understatement. I’m used to weird things being the norm, but even I never expected to fall in love with a sweetheart the first time I meet him. Elias makes me feel all warm and gooey inside like a hot brownie. If I get lucky, maybe he’ll want a bite. And if I’m really lucky, he’ll want to come back for seconds, thirds, fourths, and forever. 

I know we just met, but is it too soon to plan for a lifetime of canoodling with Elias? Shockingly, I don’t mean that as a euphemism for once.

Love Directions is the fifth book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novel features a shy/flirt, instalove, opposites attract romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Universal Link    *   Amazon US

Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

AF Zoelle's Love Directions is a great romance. The fifth book in the Good Bad Idea series, it's a perfect addition to the fun. 

North and Elias' love story is one of insta-love, with a connection that is intense and all consuming. They are two men who weren't looking for love and really didn't want it. Until it hit them in the face. 

North is an author with a side gig, which leads to some tension. His family is the absolute best and they alone are worth the read. He has a quirky mom, a talking cat, and an

adorable family.

Elias meanwhile is scared off from relationships after his ex. I was so mad and disgusted with Elias' exes, but delighted with the way North handles him. And then there's the emotional and loving letters from Elias' mom, which will just gut you. 

Their story is one of opposites, with one being an extrovert and the other an introvert.

Written in alternating 1st person pov, the author fully pulls us into the emotions and quirkiness of this story. It's full of intrigue and memorable moments, as well as families that are out of this world. Seriously, you will love every second of their family moments.  

Love Directions is sweet, sweet, sweet. AF Zoelle delights with this delightful tale of two men who are meant to be. It's tough to top this one. Just read it. 

North shook my hand as he introduced himself, sending currents zinging through me as we touched. “I’m North Easton. Nice to meet you, Elias.”
That was quite an interesting name. “North Easton?”
“Yeah, and my twin is West Easton. There isn’t a joke about that we haven’t heard.” He grinned, even though he was probably sick of everyone having the same response. “If you think that’s bad, my mom has a cat called Woof. My theory is she’s overcompensating for being named Linda.”
He said it with a straight face, but I couldn’t believe him. “You’re joking, right?”
“I wish I was. When she was a kid, she had a Chihuahua named Meow.”
It was so absurd I had to laugh. “Now you’re just messing with me.”
North pulled out his phone and opened his group text with his mother and sister. He scrolled up a bit to a picture of a very regal-looking gray Siamese cat wearing a gold crown and white fur-lined purple velvet cloak. The texts under it made me snicker.

Mom: King Woof requests your presence at dinner.

West: Kings don’t make requests; they command.

Mom: Fine, he commands you to stop being a smart-ass.

North: Good luck with that. Does Lord Woofie have a specific time in mind?

The conversation was so delightfully weird. “I bet her next cat’s name is Mouse.”
“You’re probably right. That’s absolutely her sense of humor.”
I raised my drink in a toast. “Congratulations, you’re officially the most interesting person I know now.”
“I’m honored.” He clinked his glass against mine. “So, what’s this I hear about me being your stranger?”
As he drank his cocktail while watching me, I found myself tongue-tied. Thankfully, Red answered for me. “His horoscope said he would meet a stranger that would change his life today. It also suggested that he should be open to the possibility of love, hint hint. Mine said I should play Cupid, so this seems like the perfect trifecta to make magic happen.”
It was embarrassing having my horoscope habit being revealed. I hurried to justify my interest. “Horoscopes were my mom’s thing.”
North studied me, his gaze piercing through me as if he could see all my secrets somehow. I felt exposed but remained silent as I waited for him to respond. He took another sip before he shocked me. “You must be a Virgo.”
I blinked at him in disbelief. “How could you tell?”
His cryptic smile did funny things to my heart. “I’m magic.”
“If you’re so magical, what am I?” Red challenged.
“Oh, you’re definitely a Taurus. There’s no question about that.”
His accuracy was uncanny, further intriguing me. “Why do you know that?”
“I told you: I’m magic.” He stated it with so much confidence, I almost believed him. Who was this guy?

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the exciting release of Love Directions, we are giving away 2 e-sets of the A Good Bad Idea Series so far (5 books)!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57101/?

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Check out the rest of the
A Good Bad Idea Stories

Book 1: Bet On Love

Rhys Huntington

After my bachelor party, I expected to wake up with a hangover. I never imagined I’d wake up in bed with a husband two days before my actual wedding. Realizing I’m straight and married to my best man sobers me up real fast. But nothing could have prepared me for discovering I desperately want to consummate my marriage with my best friend and spend the rest of my life with him.

What are the odds that my bad idea ends up being the best thing to ever happen to us?

Lucien “Luci" St. Amour

Rhys may legally be my husband now, but that doesn’t mean he’s mine to love and cherish for the rest of our lives. We’ll get an annulment, then go back to being just best friends. But all those feelings I’ve suppressed since we shared our first kiss as teenagers have been stirred up, forcing me to confront the fact that I wish our marriage was more than a mistake.

How do I tell my best friend I want a second chance to be his husband for real?

Bet on Love is the first book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novella features a friends to lovers, second chance, bisexual awakening romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Universal Link  *  Amazon US

My Review

Goodreads | BookBub

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Book 2: Love Means More

Ambrose O’Rourke

I’ve dropped at least 1,846,957 hints that I want to be more than Augie’s best friend. Despite my best efforts, my reputation as a straight playboy means he’s not picking up what I’m putting down. If I’m going to win his heart, I’ve got to get creative.

Maybe if I show him what an awesome fake boyfriend I am, he’ll want me to be his real one?

August “Augie" Murphy

Secretly being in love with your straight friend sucks. Secretly being in love with your straight friend who won’t quit flirting with you really sucks. When Ambrose suggests we go on a fake double date as boyfriends, the temptation is too much to resist. Even if we’re only pretending for one night, I want to know what it’s like to be loved by him.

Is it possible to turn my fake boyfriend for a night into my real one forever?

Love Means More is the second book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novel features a friends to lovers, fake boyfriends, bisexual awakening romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Universal Link  *  Amazon US

My Review

Goodreads | BookBub

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Book 3: Fancy Love

Callum O’Rourke

A twenty-year-old like me doesn’t stand a chance with an older playboy like Rune. Yet despite being total opposites, I’m lucky enough to call him my friend. Anything more than that would be greedy, but that doesn’t stop me from wishing he would teach me how to satisfy the passionate desire I feel for him. All of my fantasies are about experiencing my first time with him.

Could I be lucky enough that it happens for real?

Rune Tourneau

The only relationships I used to be interested in were meaningless hookups with no strings attached. But Callum’s kindness touched a part of my heart I didn't know existed, changing me forever. I desperately want him, but he deserves to be cherished by someone who thinks true love is real and isn’t a jaded thirty-year-old like me.

Can he really turn a sceptic like me into someone who believes we could have a romantic happy ever after together?

Fancy Love is the third book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novel features a grumpy/sunshine, age gap, first time, opposites attract romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Universal Link  *  Amazon US

My Review

Goodreads | BookBub

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Book 4: Love Fool

Xander Dandridge

Everybody thinks my best friend is in love with me, including my cheating ex-boyfriend. When I have to see that jerk at my boss’s wedding, bringing Jules as my fake date is the perfect revenge. But why stop there? After all, if everyone is going to accuse Jules and I of being together, why shouldn’t we enjoy ourselves as friends-with-benefits?

Ohhhh, it’s because our arrangement makes me fall in love with him for real. Oops?

Jules Tourneau

I’ve ignored my feelings for Xander so many years that I’m convinced I only love him as a friend. It’s totally a coincidence that thinking of him with his awful ex-boyfriend makes me burn with raging hellfire, right? When we’re fake dating, I’m obviously going to have fun teasing him with obnoxiously cutesy nicknames, like calling him my pookie—crap, I’m actually in love with Xander, aren’t I?

How do you tell your best friend, “Surprise! I just figured out I’ve been stupid in love with you forever,” without sounding like the world’s biggest idiot?

Love Fool is the fourth book in the Good Bad Idea series. This novel features a friends to lovers, fake boyfriends, banter-filled romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Universal Link  *  Amazon US

My Review

Goodreads | BookBub

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Under constant siege from persistent plot bunnies, A.F. Zoelle enjoys humoring them by writing about gorgeous men being in love. Her contemporary romances are full of witty banter, sexy fun, and lovable smart-asses. She’s left academia behind for a new adventure, which will hopefully include adopting Ragdoll cats of her own someday soon.

For real time updates on her writing progress, please join her Facebook group for exclusive teasers or follow her on Twitter. You can also sign up for her newsletter to gain access to extra epilogues, previews of upcoming books, and more.

Connect with A.F.:
Facebook Page | Twitter | Instagram
Website
Amazon Page | Goodreads | BookBub

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Midnight Ash by Ana Ashley

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

If I didn't know better, I'd think my life is a fairytale.

Orphan? Check.
Evil stepmom? Check.
The only problem with my theory is the lack of a dashing prince coming to my rescue.

That is until Xander comes along. He’s charming, gorgeous, and caring. With him my life doesn’t feel like a neverending list of chores.

After my stepmother does the unthinkable, my only hope is winning a publishing competition. But when I find who Xander really is, even that becomes a lost cause.

Midnight Ash is a sweet romance with a sexy kinky twist on the side, and a cast who don’t quite behave as you’d expect.

Midnight Ash is a contemporary Cinderella retelling, and part of the MM Fairy Tale Romance series. All books are completely standalone and are modern retellings of classic fairy tales with a gay romance twist.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Midnight Ash is a sweet and tender fairytale romance by Ana Ashley. From the first time I read an Ana Ashley book, I was extremely impressed with the author's writing style. And this book is no different.

Ash and Xander star in this modern Cinderella like romance. From the start, the author throws in some differences that I love. For one, Ash loves and adores his stepsisters, which makes for a touching aspect of this tale. 

Overall, it's a loosely based re-telling of the story that has a lot of heart to it. Of course we get the evil stepmom, and the tragic backstory. 

But, we also get so many moments of hope and happiness. And there's some steaminess you won't want to miss if you enjoy men wearing lace. Awww...

Not only does the author excel in developing characters, Ana also excels in setting the atmosphere. The bookstore is fabulous. I have actually been in a place similar to this, so it's charm resonated with me greatly, as it oozes off the pages.  

Midnight Ash is a feel-good romance. Ana Ashley will leave you happy to have met these men. It's all pure sugary sweetness!

Love Always, Wild by A.M. Johnson

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Wilder,

When I left that night, I had every intention of coming back to you. To us. But no matter how hard I wish for what I want, there are some things in life that aren't meant to be. I don't expect you to understand. You've already moved on, living your life. But mine ended that night, nine years ago, and I still can't let you go. Not sure I ever will. I regret so many things, but hurting you, I'll never forgive myself. I'm sorry for… everything.

Jax~

****

Jax,
If only you could've seen it like I did, the way you were when you thought the world wasn't watching. How you'd change when I looked at you, when it was just us.
But most of all… I wish you could've seen how much it hurt me when you disappeared. Regrets are for cowards. It has always been my belief you should chase after the things you want with actions, not words. There is no such thing as never meant to be.
So this apology… not accepted…

Love always, Wild

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Love Always, Wild is one of those special books that grabbed me immediately and consumed me throughout. I lived every second of this AM Johnson book along with the characters. 

This is a second chance romance between Wilder and Jax, years after they separated. The heartache and longing is intense throughout. Both men have lived a tough journey and their reunion is perfectly timed.

This is a story with family issues, incredible sacrifice, and a first love that never dies. It's a swoon-worthy read that will leave you mesmerized along the way. 

The writing is extraordinary, fully pulling the reader into the emotions, hook, line, and sinker. The love these two men still have for one another jumps off the pages. There are some wonderful secondary characters, including Jax's brother, as well as some not so nice side characters. 

I can't praise Love Always, Wild enough. Just read it. It's perfect when you're in the mood for a beautiful second chance romance. This AM Johnson tale will not disappoint. 

Wild for You by Liam Livings

Title: Wild for You Author: Liam Livings Length: 52k Series: ​standalone Genre: contemporary

Amazon Link  - Available in KU

Goodreads Link 

Take one grieving widower...

William promised his husband they’d rewild a farm. Now his husband’s gone, William’s clueless about how to bring wildlife back to the farm, and can no longer write romance.

Add one bodybuilding farmer...

Since his parents’ failed marriage, Luke’s sceptical of love; it’s as old-fashioned and unnecessary as a relationship. Social media attention is better than real life.

And you have a friendship slowly turning into lovers...

William’s romantic heart and desires fight with guilt and grief as his attraction to Luke grows. Luke's connection with William melts his jaded heart.

My Rating - 3 Stars!

Liam Living's Wild For You is a good neighbors romance. 

William and Luke are new neighbors. William is new to town, still grieving the loss of his ex husband and hoping to fulfill a dream. Luke and sister Charlotte live next door. 

This is a story that starts with assumptions and a man who's not wanted in town. It's a story full of stubbornness, frustration, and pride. William's inability to ask for or accept help is maddening. But I enjoy the way Luke sets out to help William, despite the neighbors not wanting him and the change he's bringing. 

Several things lead this story. William is trying to make changes to his farm that the town doesn't want. And then there's the issue of the developing feelings between him and Luke. It all adds up to be an interesting story with some good conflict. 

Wild For You is a slow burn romance as one struggles to accept a second chance at love. Liam Livings entertains in this tale of facing fears and grabbing onto love.