RELEASE BLITZ. EXCERPT & REVIEW - MF - Starlight (Speakeasy Taproom #7) by Christine DePetrillo

 

STARLIGHT BY CHRISTINE DEPETRILLO

Release Date: September 2, 2021

Cover Design: Elle Maxwell Designs

Amazon: https://geni.us/AmazonStarlight

Add to Goodreads → http://bit.ly/3jca47d

Series Page → https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/speakeasy-taproom/

He doesn’t trust women. She only trusts dogs. Why can’t they keep their paws off each other?  

Darren Reade builds stone walls in Vermont--and around his heart. Women don’t stick around, so it’s better to put up No Trespassing signs and focus on raising his adopted son. Darren is willing to do whatever it takes to help the boy cope with his mother’s death. But doing it alone is a challenge. 

Grace Hollings indulges her love of old-school jazz by singing nights at the Speakeasy Taproom,  and spends her days training service dogs, connecting small humans with smart pooches. Of course she’d planned to be married already, but a failed engagement has taught her that dogs make better company than men.  

One evening, Grace and Darren don’t exchange names, but they do engage in a single night neither of them will forget. Is once all there is? Or can they train their hearts to trust what they’ve built under the starlight?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Starlight is the seventh book in the Speakeasy Taproom series. This is Christine DePetrillo's contribution to this multi-author series. 

This standalone romance is extra sweet and amazingly moving. It starts off with a one night stand, but soon the two are reunited. 

Darren and Grace spend time together as Darren needs a service dog for his son. Darren's son Kolton is wonderfully written, with a believable background and all of his issues illustrated with knowledge and care. He won over my heart from the start.

I love the dog aspect of this story. There's a history behind Grace's business and a lot of wonderful things have happened as a result of Grace's work. She is truly helping the world to be a better place. 

It's beautiful seeing the way Kolton takes to his dog to be. I had tears in my eyes over this. Both happy and sad tears. 

Both characters are so damn likeable. Darren uprooted his life instantly to care for Kolton. Meanwhile Grace spends her life helping people who need service dogs. Both are selfless and likeable. 

And together, they work well. They not only have great sexual chemistry, but they balance one another well in life. They definitely help the other to be the person they want to be. It's perfect. 

This is a story with lots of things to make you smile. There's puppies, sweet moments, and plenty of spark between the two. But there's also some moments that will leave you angry and depressed. Don't fret though, as the ending is absolutely heart warming. 

I love Starlight. Everything about this Christine DePetrillo book had me riveted and charmed. This book is a fabulous addition to this small town Vermont series. 

“So what will you do then?”

In the mirror, I caught Kolton’s confused scowl. How did one explain the purpose of a date to a ten-year-old boy? With all of his difficulties, Kolton hadn’t noticed girls yet. Not that I wanted to rush into that territory, but he was oblivious to them.

“I imagine we’ll talk, eat, and enjoy a nice evening together.” I rinsed off my razor and stowed it in the vanity drawer then splashed a few handfuls of water on my face.

“Will you kiss Grace?”

Okay. Maybe he wasn’t as oblivious as I’d thought. “Umm . . . I don’t know.” I didn’t want to lie to him, but I didn’t want to admit that kissing was at the top of my agenda either. I blushed a little thinking about what else was on that agenda.

“Grace is pretty and nice.” Kolton angled his head as he met my gaze in the mirror.

“She is.” I rubbed a towel over my face.

“So wouldn’t you want to kiss someone who is pretty and nice?”

Where is Mrs. Lilly? I needed a bedtime story intervention. Quickly.

“It’s a bit more complicated than that,” I said.

“Do you know how to kiss?”

I turned to face him now, my manhood in question. “Of course I know how to kiss.” I certainly knew how wonderful it was to kiss Grace.

Trusting You, Trusting Me: A Hart Security Spin Off by Jacki James

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

I used to believe in true love and happy ever after, but my ex taught me that not all men are prince charming… and that I can’t trust myself to tell the difference.

I had a plan for my life: a husband, a couple of kids, a successful career in animal medicine. For a short time, it looked like I was going to get everything I wanted. But my prince turned into a frog, and I was left trying to navigate life as a single dad.

Then along comes Ash Southerland, and our one-night stand turns into so much more. Once again, I can see a path to the future I always dreamed of. But what if I’m wrong, and just like before I’m seeing something that isn’t real.

The longer I’m around him, the easier it is for me to believe that this time I might get it right. If he can learn to trust others after all he has been through, then surely, I can do the same.

But when family secrets from his past come to light, will our newfound love be strong enough to weather the storm?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Trusting You, Trusting Me is a great romance by Jacki James. The title says it all. This is a story where both men need to learn to trust again, both in themselves, and each other.

I quickly feel into this book and didn't want to put it down. 

I enjoy the way Ash and Ezra meet, and adore the way everything develops for them. 

This is a tale with an instant attraction, plenty of sweetness, and trust issues. 

Their story includes some suspense and anxiety as someone is watching Ash. I enjoy the way all of this is developed and carried out. With Ash's past attack, the tension is definitely increased.

I enjoy the writing style, and I adore the men and all the lovable side characters. We get to visit with the men from Hart Security, as well as be entertained by cute kids and a sweet dog. 

Trusting You, Trusting Me is a great, low angst romance. This Jacki James read had me smiling a lot. I highly recommend it when you're in the mood for a feel-good romance, filled with adorable kids and dogs. 

Hideaway (Vino & Veritas #8) by Rachel Lacey

 

Release Date: April 5, 2021
Amazon
Add to Goodreads here: Goodreads Link
Share this page: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/vino-and-veritas/
Cover Design: Christine Coffey

One woman’s hiding place is another woman’s home.

After becoming an inadvertent viral sensation—and losing her job and her girlfriend as a result— Phoebe Shaw retreats to Vermont. Renovating her late grandmother’s cabin into a vacation rental seems like the perfect way to lie low for a while. But the last person she expects to encounter on the property is the woman whose kiss was her teenage sexual awakening . . . and whom she’s never quite forgotten.

Taylor Donovan has been hiking on the trails behind the Shaw family’s cabin her whole life. As children, Taylor and Phoebe were best friends before sharing a secret summer romance when they were sixteen, which left Taylor brokenhearted when Phoebe fled at the end of the summer. Now the property has become Taylor’s home away from home, and she wants nothing more than to convince the Shaws to sell it to her. But Phoebe’s return puts a crimp in those plans--and brings back old feelings she thought she’d overcome. 

Of all the things Phoebe regrets, leaving Taylor is at the top of the list, but Taylor is determined to protect her heart. Yet the pull between them is stronger than ever. This time around, will love stay hidden . . . or finally see the light of day?

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Hideaway is a nice second chance lesbian romance. This is Rachel Lacey's contribution to the multi-author Vino & Veritas series. Each book is a standalone.

When Phoebe returns to her hometown, she is given a second chance with her high school girlfriend, Taylor.

Both women are likable and the storyline enjoyable. They are definitely hot together. But it's the sweet development of their relationship that had me impressed. 

Their story includes a pregnant dog and adorable puppies. I love their part in the storyline. Seriously, this part is wonderful, and definitely serves to bring the women closer. 

The writing is great, with alternating first person pov, and a well developed background for each woman. The flow is good and the narrative enjoyable. 

The setting is well established, and it's wonderful how much Phoebe connects with the slow pace and beautiful setting. 

Overall, Hideaway is a nice addition to this series. This is my first Rachel Lacey read, but I definitely plan on checking out more of her books. 

I sipped my cider, savoring its tangy, refreshing flavor. Over the hum of conversation, I could hear a woman singing, accompanied by the tinkling notes of the piano. I stared into the amber depths of my cider while I enjoyed the soulful quality of the singer’s voice. Whoever this was must be new, because I didn’t recognize her voice or her style.

I picked up my glass and spun my stool toward the stage, only to find myself facing Phoebe. I inhaled, and my glass tipped dangerously in my hand. Of all the people I’d expected to see on that stage…

Phoebe’s hair was pulled back in a loose bun , but a few dark curls had escaped, spilling down her back. She wore a slinky black dress that highlighted her curves and stood out in stark contrast against her pale skin. Her voice was low and smoky, hitting me somewhere in the vicinity of my solar plexus, a jolt that warmed my stomach and radiated outward, flushing my skin.

As I watched, Phoebe looked up, and our eyes met. I lifted my glass and took another sip of my cider, feigning indifference, because it was just unfair that she could still affect me like this after so many years. Phoebe dropped her gaze to the piano in front of her as her fingers danced across the keys.

I remembered sitting beside her on the bench at Margery’s piano, my arm wrapped around her as Phoebe sang. Her voice had been different then, lighter and sweeter, or maybe it just seemed that way, filtered through the blinds of my memory. Margery told me Phoebe had given up the piano—and singing—after she graduated from high school.

Maybe she was feeling nostalgic now that she was back in Vermont. Or maybe she was just trying to torture me with the allure of her voice. I gulped from my cider.

“Hi,” a female voice said.

I spun to find myself facing an unfamiliar blonde. “Hi.”

“I’m Rebecca,” she said. “Are you from around here?”

“Taylor, and yes. You?”

“Just in town for the weekend,” Rebecca told me.

“Ah.” I sipped my cider. Rebecca was pretty, although not exactly my type with her trendy dress and long, red-painted nails. She looked like she’d never hiked a day in her life. But when I glanced to the left, I saw Phoebe watching me from the stage, and it gave me an absurd thrill to let her watch me flirt with someone else. “Where are you from, Rebecca?”

RELEASE TOUR, EXCERPT & REVIEW - Aftermath (Vino & Veritas #5) by L.A. Witt

 

Release Date: March 29, 2021

Pre-Order here: Amazon Link

Add to Goodreads here: Goodreads Link

Share this page: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/vino-and-veritas/

Cover Design: Christine Coffey

Brent Weyland was the life of the party until an injury ended his hockey career. Now he’s retreated alone to a lakefront house, trying to make sense of a life and body that don’t feel like his anymore. 

Jon Norquist was happily married right up until he wasn’t. Now a single father in his forties, he’s trying to figure out what comes next. In the meantime, he pours his heartache and regret into the lyrics he sings for the wine bar crowd a couple of nights a week.

When a friend coaxes Brent out for a night of wine and music, he puts Brent and Jon on a collision course. Their chemistry is instantaneous. Jon gives Brent’s battered body a much-needed remedial lesson in pleasure. And Brent gives Jon a reason to smile again. 

Multiple reasons, actually. Neither man wants anything serious, but love has a habit of showing up whether it’s welcome or not. No matter how hard they try, the two can’t help having feelings for each other, even as life continues to throw them curveballs.

But they’ve both got baggage to unpack and hurt to move past, and if they can’t leave their pasts in the past, they might just miss out on an amazing future.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

LA Witt's Aftermath is a wonderful small town romance. The fifth book in the multi-author Vino & Veritas series, this just may be my favorite. 

There is so much going on in this book. And I love it all. Brent and Jon are both suffering in their own way. There's chronic pain, a controlling father, feelings of inadequacy, an ex wife, and a child who's affected by it all. And dogs!

Both men think they aren't worthy. Brent's a ex hockey player who suffers from chronic pain and has been living as a hermit, giving into his depression. Jon is older, with an angry ex wife, a young son, and a plate full of baggage. 

The chronic pain aspect is brilliantly approached. I am in awe at how well the author addresses this. Every single moment with Brent is written with how this affects him. It isn't just written to guide the story and his issues, but it's written in every single thing he does. Every step is taken with pain. His sex life is affected by his pain. His pain is felt throughout and as someone who deals with chronic pain, I love every moment of this aspect.

Both men have some external issues. Brent's relationship with his father. Omg. I won't even bother to go into the details, but, omg, I just want to punch him. I truly hate him. For Jon, it's his ex wife and her boyfriend that's the issue. Jon's a stand up guy and I applaud him for the way he handles her. Their journey and the way they developed into strangers is all too honest and heartbreaking. 

The dogs. Omg, the dogs. These shelter dogs are instantly a major part of this story and add a tremendous amount of love to this tale. But even more, they parallel the men so well. Both men are broken and struggling. Both men are trying to deal with their new situations and together help one another heal, as well as learn to live fully. And the dogs are the same way, both helping each other heal. It's wonderful!

I have to start by saying that I love the writing style. LA Witt is a well known author in the genre and this is just one more amazing story by her.  This story has a lot of description, but I love it. The writing shows us little things that are happening, but it's never overkill. As well, written in alternating first person pov, this book is loaded with internal dialogue. And no one does it better. These moments are fantastic, with so many important things being considered and contemplated throughout. I love it all. 

Aftermath is a long, well drawn out tale. It's a beautiful love story, but it's a big commitment, so put some time aside for this beauty. This LA Witt tale is a hurt/comfort romance that you can't miss. I love every moment of this story. 

If there was one thing I was good at when I performed onstage, it was engaging my audience without being distracted by them. The lighting here at Vino and Veritas didn’t mask the crowd in shadows like bigger venues did—no blinding stage lights in my eyes obscuring the people beyond them—which meant I could make out a lot of faces. And there was usually a fair amount of activity, too. People came and went. Waiters brought out drinks and food. Bartenders poured drinks. Quiet conversations went on. Some loud ones, especially as more alcohol flowed.

I was used to it, and I was never distracted by it. The sea of motion and faces was easy to ignore.

Except for that guy’s face.

One glance at him, and thank God I’d been between songs, or I’d have forgotten what I was doing.

And it didn’t help at all that he’d been looking right back at me as if I’d caught his eye the way he’d caught mine. Not just like people casually watched a performer onstage, but like something I’d done had made him stop dead and stare. He was still, his eyes wide and his lips parted as he stared at me. I couldn’t tell if it was a trick of the lights, but I swore he blushed too.

As I played on, I kept my gaze down, or at least tried to only let it drift toward the side of the room where he wasn’t sitting. Otherwise I was going to go blank on every note and every lyric.

But then I was far enough into the music that I forgot, and I glanced in that direction again, and there he was, still looking right at me, and—

What song is this?

I only missed a beat or two, fortunately, and I recovered quickly. I doubted many people noticed, if any of them did. In a venue like this, a lot of people were only half-listening, as opposed to during an actual concert when they were all focused on me. I was background noise for most, even those who applauded between songs. Just as well when I was this distracted.

By some miracle, I made it through my set, and people didn’t mutter things like, “Oh my God, finally,” or “One more and I was going to stab my own eardrums” as I left the stage. Given that this hadn’t been my best or most focused performance, I’d take it.

In the back room where overflow books and promo items from the bookstore were kept, I put my guitar in its case and downed the rest of my water bottle. That had been, hands down, the hardest set I’d done since I’d started singing here. The first few had been tough because the emotions had been a lot more raw—because I’d been real smart, singing what I’d just written about my painful divorce-in-progress—so it had been rough for a while. But even during that period, I’d never actually struggled like I had tonight to remember lyrics and chords, or to keep my fingers from slipping or my tongue from getting tied. 

And now I needed a drink. Not just water this time, either. 

So, I left my guitar and jacket in the back where they were safe, and then headed up to the bar for a glass of wine. Only one, since I was driving. I’d probably have a couple more when I got home. Maybe not the healthiest thing in the world, but I’d been in a shitty place all day, and singing about my divorce poured some salt in wounds that hadn’t closed yet. I wasn’t apologizing for numbing that with a little alcohol once in a while. 

“The usual?” Rainn asked over the bar.

I shook my head. “Glass of pinot blanc.”

Our eyes met. Then Rainn nodded and stepped away to get the wine. He knew me and what I’d been through the last several months, so he didn’t question me. He just didn’t need to know that my ex-wife wasn’t the one screwing with my concentration tonight. 

He handed me the glass, and I thanked him before taking a sip. I wasn’t much of a drinker, but I had to say, I loved the wine they poured in this place. One of these days, I’d buy a bottle or two to keep at home. Maybe after I finished redoing the kitchen and had a place to put a wine rack.

That was another depressing thought that didn’t need to take hold tonight, so I focused on enjoying the amazing wine while I wound down after my set. My son was at his mom’s tonight, so I didn’t need to rush out of here to pick him up from the babysitter. I preferred the evenings where he was with me, but when he wasn’t, I couldn’t complain about relaxing here for a little while.

Someone stepped up to the bar beside me, and as I moved aside to give them some room, I glanced up and—

Oh. God.

Him.

Fool of Main Beach (Love in Laguna #5) by Tara Lain

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

How can Merle swim with the sharks when the guy he loves is bait? Just when Merle's dreams of finally amazing his intellectual family with his accomplishments as a respected actor are about to manifest - he comes face-to-face with Tom Henry.

Can this guy even be real? Tom's as simple and unsophisticated as an angel and totally happy with who he is as long as he can protect his sister and take care of his dogs. 

Everyone loves Tom - but "in love" with him? That's another whole story. Even Tom knows that out of bed the only thing he can do for Merle is wreck his career - and lose his family's respect. Merle's going to have to give up something. Hey Merle, your money or your heart? 

FOOL OF MAIN BEACH is a MM, opposites-so-far-apart-they-might-as-well-be-on-different-planets attract, world's colliding, blue-collar lover, saving your sister, desperate for approval romance - - with the very best dogs. 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Fool of Main Beach is a fabulous book by Tara Lain. The fifth book in the Love in Laguna series, this is easily read as a standalone. 

Tom and Merle's story is as unique as the characters themselves. Tom's an extremely well developed character. Everyone thinks he's slow, or stupid, but he isn't. I love the way Merle sees his worth from the start.

The opposites attract aspect of this story is the guiding factor throughout. The men are as far apart as can be in the way they live their lives. One is famous and successful. The other is a construction worker who everyone thinks is mentally slow. There are always characters you fall in love with while reading their tale, but Tom is one of the men who I will never forget. The author excels in developing Tom's character without ever seeming insensitive or in a judgmental. That isn't always easy. 

As for Merle, he's a conflicted character who feels inferior to his intellectual family. I enjoy the way he's multi-layered and full of internal problems. His parents are awful to him and I definitely hurt for the man having to deal with them.

Both men have some growth throughout, and their story is tender and sweet most of the time. There's definitely one character who I hated, and it definitely took away from the story for me. He's over the top creepy and I hated the way he affected the story. 

Fool of Main Beach is an impressive read. Tara Lain combined a tender tale with a unique character that charms it's readers. And if you like dogs, you will love the attention the author gives them here. I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it. 

BLOG TOUR & REVIEW - Better Than People by Roan Parrish

Title: Better Than People

Author: Roan Parrish

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Imprint: Carina Press (Carina Adores)

On-Sale: August 25, 2020

Format: Trade Paperback (ebook & audio also available!)

Price: $14.99 U.S.

ISBN: 9781335542823

Goodreads Link

It’s not long before their pet-centric arrangement sparks a person-centric desire…

Simon Burke has always preferred animals to people. When the countdown to adopting his own dog is unexpectedly put on hold, Simon turns to the PetShare app to find the fluffy TLC he’s been missing. Meeting a grumpy children’s book illustrator who needs a dog walker isn’t easy for the man whose persistent anxiety has colored his whole life, but Jack Matheson’s menagerie is just what Simon needs.

Four dogs, three cats and counting. Jack’s pack of rescue pets is the only company he needs. But when a bad fall leaves him with a broken leg, Jack is forced to admit he needs help. That the help comes in the form of the most beautiful man he’s ever seen is a complicated, glorious surprise.

Being with Jack—talking, walking, making out—is a game changer for Simon. And Simon’s company certainly…eases the pain of recovery for Jack. But making a real relationship work once Jack’s cast comes off will mean compromise, understanding and lots of love.

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Buy Better Than People by Roan Parrish

Amazon US

Barnes & Noble

Apple Books

Google Play

Kobo

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My Rating - 4 Stars!

Better Than People is a sweet romance by Roan Parrish.

Simon's a fragile man. He's not necessarily broken, but it's as if he's never been allowed to exist without fearing that he'll fall apart. His anxiety is all encompassing and often painful to read. I definitely appreciate the way the author dealt with his anxiety, with care and compassion.

When we meet Simon, he's unable to talk to strangers at all, but he feels comfortable with animals. By responding to Jack's ad to walk his dogs, Simon gets the chance to feel the love of animals, as well as meeting the man with whom he can fully come alive. I love seeing the change in Simon.

This is a story that revolves around Simon's anxiety, with Jack helping him to cope better, as well as learning how to deal with it himself. Written in alternating pov, the reader is pulled into the mindset of both men and experiences everything along with them.

Jack's thoughts sum him up wonderfully - "Sometimes Jack felt what it must be like in Simon's head with a pang of sadness."

And then there's Jack. He's an artist who's dealing with an injury. He has some major trust issues. His love of animals is awesome, and like Simon, he trusts animals more than people.

This is a story with a broken leg, severe social anxiety, and some cute dogs, including a lovable Saint Bernard named Bernie. There are some worthy side characters who add to the entertainment and there are some wonderful first times that up the spice factor. 

Better Than People is a great pick the next time you're in the mood for  major hurt/comfort read. Roan Parrish will satisfy you with this sweet, feel-good read. 

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Roan Parrish lives in Philadelphia, where she is gradually attempting to write love stories in every genre.

When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends’ hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique.

Connect with Roan Parrish

Website: https://www.roanparrish.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoanParrish 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roanparrish/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parrishorperish/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14070842.Roan_Parrish

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Carina Adores is home to highly romantic contemporary love stories featuring beloved romance tropes, where LGBTQ+ characters find their happily-ever-afters.

A new Carina Adores title is available each month in trade paperback, ebook and audiobook formats.

• The Hideaway Inn by Philip William Stover (available now!)

• The Girl Next Door by Chelsea M. Cameron (available now!)

• Just Like That by Cole McCade (available now!)

• Hairpin Curves by Elia Winters (available now!)

• The Love Study by Kris Ripper (available September 29)

• The Secret Ingredient by KD Fisher (available October 27)

• Just Like This by Cole McCade (available November 24)

• Teddy Spenser Isn’t Looking for Love by Kim Fielding (December 29)