Dearly Beloved of the NDRCTW. I don't have enough time to stand before you long with a sermon. Instead, I just came to drop this gem in your timeline to infuse your day with a little joy.

I want you to look at this gorgeousness before you, then look to your neighbor and say, “My expectations have been met!” I wish I had just one person to help me praise today. I want you to say it one more time with a little feeling before we get on outta here. “My! Ex-pect-tations! Have! Been met!” Clap your hands if you believe your cover expectations have been met.

Y’all, come on and give these cover artists a handclap. Let’s celebrate how glorious the image of this diverse representation is. Let’s praise in anticipation of a more inclusive future for romance. Somebody, anybody, everybody ought to say Amen.

The doors of the church are open…

books2read.com/one-night-expectations

Dearly beloved, welcome once again to the Non-Denominational Romance Covers Temple of Worship, more affectionally called the NDRCTW. I’m LaQuette, and as always, we’re gonna make a joyful noise unto some gorgeous book covers to celebrate their ability to inspire our desire to consume romance novels.

Beloved, today is a beautiful day in Romancelandia for me, and since I don’t believe in praising by myself, I’m coming to my favorite congregation to help me make a joyful noise until the blessed hands of the artists in the @Harlequinbooks art department.

My mama taught me that a closed mouth won’t get fed. That means is if you don’t ask for what you want, you will never receive what you need. So, if I had to bring a subject before you today it would be, “Ask so you can receive.” I want y’all to repeat that for me. Ask, so you can receive. Keep that in the forefront of your hearts and minds as I continue.

Beloved, my entryway into romance was this Harlequin Presents. I was sixteen, and I was hooked. But after two years of reading those books, I realized there was something missing: people that looked, lived, and loved like me. I knew then that if I wanted to read those stories about curvy Black chicks from Brooklyn, I’d have to write them. Fast-forward twenty-five years later and a gentleman from Harlequin called me up and asked, “Don’t you think it’s time to bring your curvy Black chick from Brooklyn to the pages of a Harlequin Desire?” Turn to your neighbor and say, “Be careful what you ask for. ‘Cause you just might get it.”

Now, the truth be told; I thought it was long overdue that Harlequin published a book featuring characters like mine. But in no way did I think it would actually happen, especially to me. In fact, my response to him was, “My voice is too Black and too Brooklyn for this to work.” But he convinced me to give them a chance, and Trey Devereaux and Jeremiah Benton were born.

They asked me for a story featuring a plus-size Black woman from Brooklyn. What they received, because I’m all about testing boundaries, ‘cause that’s what I do, was my greatest homage to the intersection of Black and Brooklyn culture that I’ve ever attempted. Somebody say, “Y’all ain’t ready!”

Beloved, here it is. The cover reveal for my debut Harlequin Desire, A Very Intimate Takeover! Gon’ and look at it. Let all that luscious fabulousness settle in your spirit and light fire to your soul. When it came time to for the cover, I asked for a beautiful, dark-skinned, full-figured woman in all her glory. As you can see, that’s exactly what I received. More that two decades in the making, my curvy Black chick from Brooklyn is on this gorgeous cover!!! Touch your neighbor and say, “Ask, so you can receive.”

Beloved, look at this dress. This gown shows off every curve, every deep hill and valley of her body in one elegant package. Do you see her?! My girl Trey is serving confident sexiness only in the way a woman secure in her power and curves can. You see that smirk on her face? She’s telling y’all, “He ain’t ready and neither are y’all.” And look at Jeremiah. Sexy, powerful, a man who’s not the least bit ashamed that his woman has his nose wide open. Do you see that hand on her hip, that tight grip? That fine-ass brotha is telling all the homies on the block, “She’s mine, playa. Back up.”

Y’all, come on and give these covers artists a handclap. Let’s worship in celebration of how glorious the image of this diverse representation is. Let’s praise in anticipation of a more inclusive future for romance. Somebody, anybody, everybody ought to say Amen.

The doors of the church are open…

Today, I’m gonna ask y’all to bear with me as I come to you from the Gospel of Dem Curves, and provide you with an exegesis on the word “Thick”. For those of you that might not be familiar with what an exegesis is, it’s when we explain and interpret a text, particularly scripture.

Thick, sometimes spelled Thicc, is when a person has what we’d call meat on their bones. As a result, the hills and valleys of our bodies are curvier, thicker than the standardized example of beauty. Now, some might feel that having a larger body type is a bad thing. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion. But baby, when that breast-hip-ass-thighs ratio is just right, thickness is what you get.

Adriana Herrera's One Week to Claim it All is proof that a thick frame is just as sexy and alluring as the traditional standard of beauty. Look at his hand placement! It’s possessive. And that smirk on his face is saying, “She don’t even understand how I’m about to love up on all dis thickness right’chea”.

Now y’all know, nothing makes my heart happier than seeing sexy brown folks on covers living their best lives. Let us turn to Robin Covington’s Seducing His Secret Wife to see all this sexy Native American goodness going on. That man knows what he has in his hands and he is here for it. He’s willing to risk life and limb just to get a taste. He will leave his family and break ties with his best friend just to be closer to her. And the heroine, she’s about to hurt that boy. And since I’ve read book one, I can tell you with all honesty, he ain’t even ready for what she’s bringing. Love to see it! Love to see it!

As someone who’s had to go through somewhat of an adjustment period entering my forties, this cover spoke to me. Sometimes we’re so busy looking behind us, we can’t see the glory of what’s ahead of us. But beloved, let me tell you, there is something that happens when you stand on forty’s bridge and cross on over to the other side, and Karen Booth’s Gray Hair Don’t Care, is bringing that notion front and center

This heroine knows that when you hit forty, you get to that good-good portion of your life where everything is deeper and richer because you’re grown as hell; you know what you want, and you are not afraid to demand it. There is freedom in not caring about the opinions of others, and when you finally get there, you won’t trade that evolution for the world.

Beloved, I know we’re ready to celebrate, dance a little as we marvel at these gorgeous covers. But before we do, I want you to turn to your neighbor and say, “Hold on, ‘cause we’re not done yet. There’s more, so much more waiting for us.”

Reese Ryan’s Waking Up Married is truly a glimpse into the promised land. Look at his thumb at the pulse point in the bend of her elbow. Look at how comfortable she is in his arms. Look at the promise of how hot this union is gonna be when his lips finally get to touch hers. And don’t forget to look at the splendor of her natural hair and the glorious crown of curls it makes. That woman is about to climb that man and plant her flag at the top of his mountain and scream, “It’s mine!”

Hold on a minute, I’m about to move on outta your way so you can praise for a bit. But before I do, I’ve got to show a little love to my upcoming release, Jackson. Beloved, that man’s lips are a promise that satisfaction is yours. The scowl on his face conveys how hard he’s willing to work to make sure the only name you call on is his. If you don’t believe me, say it with me now, and I defy you to tell me he didn’t touch something on the inside. Jackson!!!

Beloved, let’s give these covers a handclap. Let’s worship in anticipation of how glorious these images are and how much they celebrate a more inclusive future for romance. Somebody, anybody, everybody ought to say Amen.

The doors of the church are open…

I invite you to look at the visual blessing that is Naima Simone’s Back in the Texan’s Bed cover. The intensity, the chemistry, the heat, I need not know what it’s about. It’s already a given I’m buying this because everything on that cover,—from Naima’s name to the way the hero is devouring the heroine with his gaze—says this is gonna be a hot one that I have to read. Also, the melanin! Lawd, the melanin! She’s got Black girl edges, y’all. I don’t know who at the Harlequin art department has studied Black hair patterns. But that is definitely how our hair looks after a silk press, a blowout, or when we’re about two weeks away from needing a touch-up on our relaxer. Praise be, that cover is fire!

Next, let us delight in the beauty of a sexy, plus-sized heroine just being sexy for no dog-gone reason, and the man that can’t get enough of her. Robin Covington’s Taking on the Billionaire is proof—for those of you that needed it because we “been knew” plus-sized sisters were sexy—that a full-figured heroine is just more to love.

If you’re like me, your soul is filled with praise and you’re ready to dance in these romance aisles right now. But wait, NDRCTW family! There’s still more. Niobia Bryant’s One Night with Cinderella makes you want to weep. It’s elegant, sexy, and the promise of mischief we see in the hero’s cocky grin is enough to make me want to one-click this right now.

Beloved, let’s give these covers a handclap. Let’s worship in anticipation of how glorious these images are and how much they celebrate a more inclusive future for romance. Somebody, anybody, everybody ought to say Amen.

The doors of the church are open…

Behold this glorious cover for Kenya Goree-Bell's Rapper's Delight. Now, I'll admit that illustrated covers aren't usually my preference. I love to see real people on book covers. Unfortunately, because there is a dearth of Black and POC stock art, it can be almost impossible to find the perfect real-life model for book art. Illustrated covers fill the gap to get the Black & Brown folks we need on our covers. This cover right here, with its poppin' hues of purple and pink along with the beautifully drawn subjects is an absolute joy to witness.

BELOVED! Do you see how absolutely chill these characters are? Between the musical notes and the throwback to musical yesteryear with the title and the vinyl record, this cover is taking it way back to a time when the whole block would jam to the hits blasting on the radio. Also, we really need to talk about the skill of this illustrator, Whimsical Designs by CJ, llc. The understated elegance coupled with the attention to detail, makes this cover a winner. The coloring, the design, and especially the skillfully drawn facial features & expressions are simply PHENOMENAL.

Once again, I don't need to know what this book is about to buy it. I'm straight hitting this pre-order link based on nothing but how pretty this cover it.

If you love a good cover, like I love a good cover, let the congregation say Amen!

Let us look at this first cover today from Adriana Herrera. If you don’t understand why this cover is so important, give me a minute to explain. Look at the heroine in this picture. She is smiling, and happy, and brown. That might not seem important, but trust me, it is.

So many times we get what’s called the struggle stories of Black and brown people in romance. These groups, along with other marginalized communities like LGBTQ+ and disabled and neurodiverse people, don’t get to have a HEA unless they struggle to overcome the challenges brought on by their identity. It’s a singular and reductive view of the marginalized experience, and quite frankly, needs to stop. But on this here cover, this woman is living her best brown life. She is smiling, and happy, and brown for no other reason than she exists. We need more covers like that.

Moving on, let us fix our gaze upon this next cover for Sophia Singh Sasson’s upcoming release. Again, we have some lovely brown folks who are living their best, sexy, and elegant lives on this breathtaking cover. I don’t know what the story is about. All I know is what I see: a passionate embrace between people who are obviously into each other. Also, that dress is fabulous. The color, the way it hangs off her body, everything about it is a yes for me.

As always, it is a delight to enter into this place where we celebrate this type of artwork. Until we meet again, let us bask in the love we see in the images before us. Go forth and swoon.

Check out this October 8th release, Summer of Hush, from RL Merrill!

Hush is back… and it’s about to get loud.

After two years grieving the death of his best friend, Silas Franklin is back on the road with his metalcore band, Hush. With a new member, a brilliant new album, and a headlining spot on the last cross-country Warped Tour, life couldn’t be better—unless Silas could meet the intriguing music blogger known only as the Guru. Silas has followed his blog for years and feels the Guru might be the only person who “gets” him.

For years Krishnan Guruvayoor has reported on the metal scene as an anonymous blogger, and he’s just landed an internship on the Warped Tour as well as a potential position with a well-respected music magazine. His best friend arranges for him to meet singer Silas Franklin—but only as Krish the Intern. Their chemistry is instant, and Krish is thrilled to get to know the man behind the music.

The rock star and blogger quickly go from meet-cute to cuddle session, but secrets, overprotective bandmates, meddling media, and a terrible accident all conspire against them. Can their romance survive the summer of Hush?

Pre-order Link: Amazon 

Kisses From Heaven

by

Piper Kay

Available on Amazon

Hey everyone!! My girl Piper Kay has got a new one for you!!! Check out the blurb for Kisses From Heaven and one-click right away!

Hayden Montgomery has always been determined, hardheaded, and strong. He keeps his passionate side buried deep within. But shit just went South.

Now, his world is crumbling in front of him. Broken and lost, he’s trapped in an abusive relationship which makes it worse. Hayden just wants a way out of everything. Falling down the rabbit hole, he questions his own life or if he even belongs in it anymore.

Joseph, his very close friend from years ago, returns. They took different roads for a quick minute, but Hayden is overjoyed with his return and the strength and love Joseph has to share.

Unfortunately, Joseph harbors some deep and dark secrets that could get them both killed if he’s not careful.

Bio

Amazon | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Piper Kay is a homegrown country girl straight from the outskirts of Houston, Texas, USA. She is currently employed with Encompass Ink, Hot Ink Press and CHBB Publishing. (Crushing Hearts & Black Butterfly Publishing) Whether YA, Erotic Romance, Western, or Drama, she always remains solely dedicated to stories in the M/M and gay romance genres.

Piper is a #1 International Best Selling author of LGBT Erotica, and an International Bestselling author of LGBT Erotic romance, gay romance, LGBT drama, gay western and LGBT Childrens YA. Piper brings her passion of storytelling straight to the pages, almost always serving it with a super-sized sprinkle of sexy, a slice of sarcasm and a carafe of crazy.

There is a method to this madness! And many Kisses from Heaven up above.

#PiperKay #MMRomance

Hey my people!

My girl Kimberly Kincaid has a brand new book baby. ,Back to You is available right now on Amazon.

Parker Drake and Charleston Becker are looking for a second chance at their individiual professional lives, but find a second chance at love together instead.

If you like angst, sexy times, warring protagonists, sexy times, a little medical drama, and oh yeah, sexy times, this is the book for you. Check out the blurb below.

His second chance is his only chance Parker Drake wants exactly one thing—to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor. Between his reputation as a rule-breaker and the six years that have passed since his first internship ended in disaster, he knows he’s only getting one shot at a second chance. He’ll do anything to put the past behind him and reach his goal…including work with the gorgeous ex-wife he’s never gotten over losing. All work and no play make surgeon Charleston Becker a very happy woman. But when she’s tasked with mentoring her ex-husband through his second chance as an intern, her signature calm is put to the test. She’s not interested in re-hashing the heartbreaking circumstances that ended their marriage, and the six years that have passed haven’t made Parker less reckless. The last thing she’s willing to do is trust him—even if she does find him sexier than ever. But familiarity breeds forgiveness, which then becomes a passion that threatens the careers Parker and Charlie have worked for. Can they turn their second chance into a happy ending? Or is history bound to repeat itself? This steamy contemporary medical romance can be read as a standalone.

Author

,Website | ,Twitter | ,Facebook, | ,Amazon

USA Today best-selling author Kimberly Kincaid writes romantic suspense that sizzles and contemporary romance with heart and heat. Equal parts action and emotion, her firefighters and first responders always save the day. When she's not finding adventure with her husband and three daughters, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly's series include Station Seventeen, the Line series, Cross Creek, and her brand-new Remington Medical series. All titles stand alone for easy reading.

#KimberlyKincaid #MedicalRomance #SecondChanceRomance

Hello everyone! It’s your girl LaQuette. Happy holidays to all who celebrate, and welcome back to my blog.

For anyone who hasn’t been fortunate to experience the Haight-Cerelli family, Tere Michaels’ Faith, Love & Devotion series is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a final installment titled, ,Forever & Ever.

To anyone who hasn't read the story yet, their are some spoilers in this interview. So, if spoilers bother you, this is your one and only warning to bow out now.

Here once again to chat about their incredible love story—captured so brilliantly through the words of Tere Michaels—, please welcome Matthew Haight and Evan Cerelli.

LaQuette: “Matt and Evan, how are you?”

Matt: *pulls out his cellphone* “We’re doing great, just great. Can I show you pictures of my grandchildren?”

Evan: *attempts to push Matt’s phone away* “You need to stop doing that, at least in the first eight seconds of talking to someone.”

Matt: *huffs in exasperation* “Fine.”

Evan: “Thank you for having us. And by the way, my pictures are better than his.”

LaQuette: “You’re more than welcome. You know I love having you guys here. And I would love to see both sets of grandkid pics. Even your blurry ones, Matt.”

Matt: “It’s this phone…”

Evan: “Or you can’t get a clear picture chasing kids around the house.”

LaQuette: *nods head* “He’s right. Not that I’m a grandparent, but I can never seem to get a clear shot of my own kids these days.”

Matt: “Cool grandparents don’t require poses.”

Evan: “You’re saying I’m not cool.”

LaQuette: *LaQuette and Matt look at Evan, and then each other and share a chuckle*

Matt: “No. I’m saying you’re not as cool as me.”

Evan: “Okay.”

LaQuette: “If it’s any consolation, Evan, I don’t think there’s anyone as cool as Matt.”

Evan: *nods in agreement like a good husband who knows better than to argue the point*

LaQuette: “I’m glad you’re both doing okay. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same. I am mad as hell! The last time you were here I asked you directly if there was any possibility that the two of you would take the plunge and make it legal on paper? And you played me with that bullshit ‘no comment’ nonsense. How you gon’ do me like that?

Evan: “Can I plead the fifth?”

LaQuette: *glares at Evan*

Matt: “We didn’t tell the kids or our friends! You’re going to have to get in line for the “Pissed at Matt and Evan” Review. Jim still glowers at me for no reason – I think he’s still jealous I didn’t have to wear a tux.”

Evan: “Wait – no comment is not a lie. It’s a redirect. So technically…”

LaQuette: *still glaring at Evan* “A half-truth is still a whole lie.”

Matt: “I know it doesn’t make sense to…everyone we know. But we wanted something for just us. Private and stuff. Why aren’t people more impressed with how romantic it was? I mean, come on people!

Evan: “Yes. Romantic. That’s it.”

LaQuette: *folds her arms over her chest and purses her lips in an I-call-bullshit way* “Listen, I understand your right and your need to keep your business your business. But, you didn’t even tell the kids? I’m really surprised Miranda and Katie let you get away with that, by the way. They’re slipping on their game.”

Evan: “They weren’t exactly pleased with us but they’ve come around, being married ladies now and all.”

Matt: makes gagging noise

LaQuette: *laughs and offers Matt a bottle of water*

Evan: “You know how you got grandchildren, right?”

Matt: “That’s disgusting.”

LaQuette: “Not if you’re doing it right.”

Matt: *guzzles half the bottle of water down*

Evan: *rubs his temple in slow circles* “The rest of our friends have forgiven us. I think Matt’s appendix really saved us a lot of grief.”

Matt: “Griffin got us a two-year subscription to The Knot which was fiendishly passive aggressive.”

LaQuette: “I always did like Griffin best out of all your friends.”

Evan: “The magazines came in handy when Elizabeth got engaged though.”

Matt: “So ha. We got all the last laughs.”

LaQuette: “Whatever. I can’t stay mad at you anyway. So, now that I’m not so much in my feelings anymore, let’s really get into this chat. It’s been ten years since Tere introduced us to you. That night the two of you met at Abe’s retirement party, did you think that everything that’s grown out of that connection was a possibility?”

Evan: “To be honest, I barely remember it all. I was floating at that point, struggling to get up in the morning. I don’t think I imagined any sort of future where I’d care about anything besides my kids. The idea of…living – that didn’t even cross my mind.”

Matt: “We were two of the sorriest sons of bitches on the planet.”

Evan: “So to answer your question – no. Not even a tiny sliver of possibility entered my mind.”

Matt: “Of all the ways I expected to ride out my life, this was never on the menu.”

Evan: “When all your plans get blown up, it takes awhile to trust the future, you know? What’s to say it won’t all disappear again?”

Matt: “It’s a reflex. You go in mistrusting the idea of happiness.”

Evan: “Took awhile to realize that’s no way to live.”

Matt: “It feels like a million years ago.”

Evan: *bumps Matt’s shoulder with his* “I’m glad it is.”

LaQuette: *smiles quietly to herself as she watches the two of them* “We’ve watched the two of you go from barely being friends, to stumbling into a relationship—the likes neither of you had ever before experienced—to finding something so necessary that readers like me are clinging to every moment we get to share with you. Has it felt as amazing and magical to you as it appeared to us on the page? Did you know that you’d become something the world needs now more than ever, a lesson in tolerance, openness, and acceptance?”

Matt: “I feel like I should be wearing a tiara and sash.”

LaQuette: *nods* “You should. Tiaras make everything better.”

Evan: *waits while glaring at Matt and LaQuette* “Can you teach a lesson if you’re still learning? I mean, we worked to get here, making about a thousand mistakes and I assume, on course to make a thousand more. I don’t want to be a role model for something I’m not. Just a guy doing his best, nothing more, nothing less.”

Matt: “You’re not ever going to win Miss Congeniality with that attitude.”

LaQuette: “You wouldn’t even make runner-up with that answer.”

Evan: “This is a serious question.”

Matt: *sighs deeply* “Fine. If folks can learn from our ‘journey’ then that’s great. I mean it. All a person can do is try to leave the world a little better than it was before. And make sure the young people you’re responsible for don’t turn into hipster dorks.”

Evan: “What?”

Matt: “I’m just saying.”

LaQuette: “Matthew, in my opinion, you are the heart of this family? That’s an opinion that hasn’t changed in ten years, might I add. You often provide the comic relief for the tough times in the Haight-Cerelli clan. Your ability to make everyone laugh has been an exceptional tool in decompressing Evan’s need to strangle someone when things get out of hand. Do you realize how many lives you saved over the years?”

Matt: “She gets me.”

LaQuette: *winks at Matt* “You know I gotcha, boo.”

Evan: “His ego does not need stroking.”

LaQuette: “You would know far better than I.”

Matt: *waggles eyebrows*

Evan: *shakes his head* “I am much better than I used to be. Admit it.”

LaQuette: “I’ll give you that much.”

Matt: “And I am still more fun. But yes. You’re better. I haven’t had to turn the hose on your for at least three years.”

LaQuette: “You’re doing the Lord’s work, Matt.”

Evan: *pulls his hand down his face and tries not to turn red.*

LaQuette: “Evan, we’ve watched you make major transitions over the years. The most striking in my opinion is your decision to retire from the police force. You’ve invested so much of your life into your work. What made you feel now was the time? Are you sure it wasn’t the Democrats?”

Evan: “You know, it’s really about wanting to spend more time with my family. My kids are adults, they’re starting their own families – I missed enough because of work over the years.”

Matt: *clears throat loudly*

LaQuette: *clears throat loudly*

Evan: *throws hands up in surrender* “Fine. I missed those things because I prioritized work over family.”

LaQuette: “Admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery.”

Matt: *winks at LaQuette and rubs comforting circles on Evan’s back* “So proud of you.”

Evan: *rolls his eyes* “I’m also not meant to be a paper-pusher. Or a politician. The Democrats wouldn’t want me, quite frankly.”

LaQuette: “Evan, we’ve watched you struggle over the years with everything from your identity to public opinion. We’ve seen you rock back and forth more times than we cared to count as you’ve moved forward with Matt over the years. And although your love for him has always been obvious, there’s no denying you had a more difficult adjustment to falling in love with a man than Matt did. But what I so loved about this installment of the Matt and Evan story is that you were always certain this time around. No matter what was going on, no matter the struggle, your belief that the two of you could face it and survive it was painted on your skin like your old tattoo. It was part of you, visible for everyone to see. What changed? When did you stop worrying about what everyone else thought?”

Evan: “That’s a tough one. Maybe I just grew up? Maybe it finally clicked that life is too short to worry about other people and their opinions.”

Matt: “Are we recording this?”

LaQuette: “Sure are.”

Matt: “Can I get a copy to frame for the living room wall?”

LaQuette: “See me before you leave.”

Evan: *ignores Matt and LaQuette and continues* “Maybe it goes back to the retirement decision. I spent a few years dealing with an endless stream of opinions and negative feedback and in the end – what did it matter? No one’s opinion matters before your own.”

Matt: “Unless my opinion is better.”

Evan: “Do you see how smoothly I ignore him? I also learned how to do that. It’s been amazing for our relationship.”

LaQuette: “That’s the first step to a happy relationship, learning to tune your spouse out.”

Matt: “The vein in your forehead says differently.”

LaQuette: “Matt, we’ve talked about the beautiful relationship you have with your daughter, Katie. We’ve watched the two of you form this unbreakable bond from day one. We’ve also seen the difficulties you’ve shared with your oldest, Miranda too. And even though we’ve seen the benefits of the truce you two have worked out over the years, it’s been a struggle for her to be more than tolerant of the relationship you and Evan share. But, when you all went to see the baby for the first time, and she called you grandpa, I felt the shift in your relationship in my soul. How meaningful was that moment for you? Was it as palpable for you experiencing it as it was for us on the page?”

Evan: *grabs a box of tissues*

LaQuette: *grabs a handful before passing some to Matt*

Matt: “Shut up.”

Evan: “I didn’t say a thing.”

LaQuette: *tries to wipe her eyes without messing up her eyeliner and mascara*

Matt: *takes a moment to compose himself* “Me and Miranda have had a rocky journey, that’s true. But listen – I don’t blame her, I never did. She worked through a lot – losing her mom, having to shoulder a lot of the load with the younger kids. She was mad as hell the way her life turned out, and who the hell am I to look down my nose at her? I’ve been mad as hell at life, I get it. In the end, she just wanted what was best for her dad and I can’t argue with that either.”

Evan: “She might also take after me a bit more than the others…”

Matt: “Poor child. Anyway, her and I have worked through it and it was good but I’m not going to lie – when she handed me little Shelia and called me grandpa, I realized we had made it, you know? Made it to being real family. Took longer and it’s different than me and Katie, but that doesn’t mean it’s not pretty freaking great.”

Evan: “They text now.”

Matt: “We’re having a gif war. Spiderman versus cats.”

Evan: “I don’t know what that means.”

LaQuette: *giggles* “You two are a mess. Matt, another moment that rocked me during that scene is when you’re watching Evan hold Sheila as he sits next to Miranda, and we see you mourn for Sherri. She’s a woman you’ve never met, a woman whose absence has made you wonder about your place in the Cerelli family on numerous occasions. But in that moment, you rose above your own insecurities and you mourned for a woman you essentially replaced. I don’t think I’ve loved you more as a reader than in that moment. I’ve never had more respect for you than I did then. Did you ever share all of that with Evan?”

Matt: “Yes, I mean, most of it. He knows. He’s had his own struggles with her memory.”

Evan: “To put it mildly.”

Matt: “Listen, me and Sherri have been sharing space for over ten years. And considering I’m filling in her side of the conversation, it’s been an ebb and flow of just how insecure I was feeling at the time. I meant what I said – she was a nice lady who didn’t deserve what happened and as happy as I am with my life, I can’t forget it only exists because of this terrible thing. And I’m not trying to be a downer, not feeling sorry for myself. It’s just reality.”

Evan: “You can’t erase her from our lives. And we wouldn’t do that to the kids. Maybe it’s just about perspective.”

Matt: “Yeah. I got some of that.”

LaQuette: “I knew I should’ve grabbed my waterproof mascara for this interview.” *dabs her crumpled up tissue at the corner of her eyes* “Now, let’s go back to when Katie was getting married. If I remember correctly, Matt was worried the world would give them shit for being an interracial couple. At the time I thought his worries were slightly unfounded but looking through today’s lens when the world seems to be falling further and further away from enlightenment, I worry that Matt’s fears may not have been as unwarranted as I believed. But then I watched as the two of you were talking about what your grandfather names would be, and Evan just as easily says ‘I will be Grandpa Evan. That’s what Josiah calls me.’

“The two of you may not see what that means because from your perspective you’re just two men loving your kids’ kids. But to me, someone who has been the only person of color in the room and has felt like the odd woman out, I cannot tell you how it made my heart weep with joy. To know that this child whom you brought into your family was now the standard for what all your grandchildren would address you as was just one more thing that made me love you two more. You didn’t have to preach your acceptance of Josiah and his father, it was woven into the parts of that simple statement. Do you even realize how much you made me cry in this book?”

Evan: “To be honest, my instinct to worry flares up now and again. I was a cop for a long time – I am unfortunately all too aware of what vile things people are capable of doing, including policemen. And it’s personal now. I watch the news with a different perspective. I mean, it’s not other people – it’s my people, if that makes sense. I look at Austin or Josiah or Nathaniel or Mattie and I think – if someone messes with them…”

Matt: “You will be visiting me in prison.”

Evan: “We can have adjoining cells.”

Matt: “We’d have the whole cellblock.”

LaQuette: “I’d have your bail money and the getaway car.”

Evan: “And what you said before about Josiah calling me Grandpa Evan. He made me a grandparent, you know? The honor goes to him as to what my name should be. He’s the head grandchild! And he’s great at it. Those kids follow him around like little ducklings.”

Matt: “He uses his power for good not evil, thankfully.”

LaQuette: “You two have allowed us to be part of your world for ten years. Tere says this is the end. Were you okay with her decision? Was this at your request, or does she just enjoy torturing us?”

Matt: “Honestly, we are really boring and set in our ways now. I work, Evan drives the kids around to their activities, we hang out with our friends. Oh, and sports. Lots of sports. Why do the Knicks suck so much?”

LaQuette: “Stop acting as if that hasn’t always been the case.”

Evan: “You’re probably getting out at a good time! It’s about to devolve into conversations about how much my back hurts and the pile of hair in the drain every morning.”

Matt: “We’ve got the happiest ending of all – life going on, everyone we love doing well. Jim’s health is good, the kids are amazing. Sometimes we have to go to see plays we don’t understand but it’s a small price to pay. It’s a good time to ride off into the sunset.”

Evan: “I’m going to enjoy having sex privately again, let’s be honest.”

LaQuette: “We thank you for the time you’ve allowed us to… share in the experience with you.” *LaQuette takes a sip from her water bottle* “Do you regret it? Letting the world inside your lives?”

Matt: “Did we make people laugh? Cry? Laugh again?

LaQuette: “You certainly did.”

Matt: “Then no – no regrets.”

Evan: “My girls used to love that movie, Peter Pan. The cartoon one? Anyway, there’s this part where everyone has to clap to bring the little fairy back to life. I don’t know, maybe we needed the readers to keep clapping us along to our happy ending.”

LaQuette: *sits up straighter in her chair* “That was so beautiful, Evan. I didn’t know you had it in you.”

Matt: “I’m so going to get a picture of you and Tinkerbell the next time we’re in Disney.”

LaQuette: “If there is a holiday novella in the future, can I be a character in your world? I just want to hang out with all of you, get to meet the wonderful Haight-Cerelli family and spend a little time in your crazy, because it is the thing dreams are made of.”

Evan: “Do you have earplugs? We are very, very loud.”

LaQuette: “Trust me, you’re no louder than the two small people that scream my name fifty-leven-hundred times a day.”

Matt: “Come on in! Bring beer! There’s always room for one more…”

LaQuette: “The two of you have shown me that love is bigger and more important than anything else in life. You’ve also taught me that the family you make is just as important as the one you’re born with. Evan, I know you say you don’t know the Democrats, but if you did, I really wish they could convince you to run, because more than anything what the world needs is the unbelievable capacity that you and all your people have to love.”

Evan: “I’ve been elected Grandpa Evan for life – that’s good enough for me. I figure my work is to make sure all my kids and grandkids and honorary nieces grow up happy and healthy and doing right by the people in their lives.” *points to Matt* “And making sure this one behaves himself.”

Matt: *chuckles* “Good luck with that.”

Evan: “I have my ways…”

Matt: “Yeah you do.”

LaQuette: *fans herself* “Are you sure you’re ready to kick us out of your bedroom just yet?”

Evan: *blushes and turns to Matt* “Not a bad way to spend the rest of our lives.”

Matt: “And they lived happily ever after.”

LaQuette: “They certainly did, and I for one am glad I had the chance to witness it. This is LaQuette, signing off from the pages of ‘Forever & Ever,’ the final installment in Tere Michaels’ Faith, Love & Devotion series for the last time. If you haven’t read it, trust me you’re missing out.

Tere Michaels

Tere's specialties are snark, angst, and happily ever afters, set in the big city. It might take some time to get there but no worries - she believes in love conquering all!

She has written fifteen books including her popular Faith, Love & Devotion series and the superhero saga The Vigilante.

Nothing makes her happier than knowing she made a reader laugh or smile or cry - it's the purpose of sharing her work with people. She loves hearing from fans and fellow writers and is always available for speaking engagements, visits, and workshops.

#TereMichaels #FaithFidelity #FaithLoveDevotion #GayRomance #MMRomance #CharacterInterview

Hey my people! It's your girl LaQuette, coming to you with another spotlight on some quality romance writing. Find all the details below.

Muffin Top by Avery Flynn

Available on Amazon

Blurb:

The only thing about me that’s a size zero is the filter on my mouth. I’ve got a big personality, a big rack, and a big number on the scale. And I’m perfectly fine with that. But when some random guy suggests I might not be eating alone if I’d ordered a salad instead of a hamburger I’m shocked silent, which is a feat, trust me.

That brings us to one sexy fireman named Frankie Hartigan. He’s hot. He’s funny... And he’s just apologized for being late for our “date” then glared at the fat-shaming jerk. Next thing I know, he’s sitting down and ordering himself dinner.

I have no problem telling him I don’t need a pity date...unless of course it’s to my high school reunion next week. Oops where did that last bit come from? And what do I do now that he’s said yes?!

Because this is no make-over story, and I think Frankie is using me for something. I just have to figure out what...

Review

1/2

First off, Lucy Kavanagh and Frankie Hartigan are a funny, sexy mess separately. Putting these two together made for an engaging read that I couldn't put down. I'm not going to give you an instant replay of the book, but when you place a man who's attempting to reform his man-whore ways together with a sexy, plus-sized woman confident in all of her lusciousness, the pages are going to go up in flames.

The thing I appreciated most about this story was the attitude about Lucy's weight. In many BBW (Big Beautiful Woman) stories I've read, the heroine and the hero always look at the heroine's weight as something to fix. As a plus-sized goddess, I have to tell you; I don't spend every waking moment thinking about the number on the scale or my dress size. I am fierce in all my fluffiness, and I was happy to read that Lucy shared the same perspective.

Now, that doesn't mean that Lucy doesn't have some moments where her self-confidence dips. Hell, she isn't the only one, Frankie is allowed those moments too (a refreshing fact that made him not only adorable, but attractive beyond his ripped pecks and abs). But what's awesome about these moments is that they are never about what Lucy believes about herself. These moments often come from being weary from always having to defend her acceptance of herself to the outside world because nosy busy-bodies insist on policing her body and diet and won't let a fabulously fluffy sister live (you can tell I was in my feelings about that part, right?)!

If you're interested in reading a positive perspective on a heroine with a few more curves to love, then Avery has got a little something-something here for you. Grab a copy today on Amazon.

Author Bio

USA Today bestselling romance author Avery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip.

She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes who are as good with a quip as they are with their *ahem* other God-given talents. Her heroines are feisty, fierce and fantastic. Brainy and brave, these ladies know how to stand on their own two feet and knock the bad guys off theirs.

Find out more about Avery on her website, follow her on Twitter and Pinterest, like her on her Facebook page or friend her on her Facebook profile. She’s also on Goodreads and BookLikes.

#AmReading #Books #ReadRomance #MuffinTop #AveryFlynn

Honeymoon For One

Available on Amazon

Blurb

Betrayed the night before his wedding by the supposed boy of his dreams, Ethan Robinson escapes the devastating fallout by going on his honeymoon alone to the other side of the world. Hard of hearing and still struggling with the repercussions of being late-deafened, traveling by himself leaves him feeling painfully isolated with his raw, broken heart.

Clay Kelly never expected to be starting life over in his forties. He got hitched young, but now his wife has divorced him and remarried, his kids are grown, and he’s left his rural Outback town. In a new career driving a tour bus on Australia’s East Coast, Clay reckons he's happy enough. He enjoys his cricket, a few beers, and a quiet life. If he's a bit lonely, it's not the end of the world.

Clay befriends Ethan, hoping he can cheer up the sad-eyed young man, and a crush on an unattainable straight guy is exactly the safe distraction Ethan needs. Yet as the days pass and their connection grows, long-repressed desires surface in Clay, and they are shocked to discover romance sparking. Clay is the sexy, rugged man of Ethan’s dreams, and as the clock counts down on their time together, neither wants this honeymoon to end.

Honeymoon for One is a gay romance by Keira Andrews featuring a May-December age difference, a slow burn of newfound friends to lovers, first-time m/m sex, and of course a happy ending.

Review

1/2

This book focuses on Ethan Robinson, a man who's had his world turned upside down by the loss of his hearing in early adulthood. He's still struggling with adapting to his new life as a Hard of Hearing person when he discovers his fiance and best friend in bed together on the eve of his wedding. Heartbroken and unsure of his next step, he decideds to go on his planned honeymoon to Austrailia alone.

Clay Kelly's life is also in flux. He's divorced and his ex-wife and children are living new lives without him, while he's still holding onto his past. But when he meets Ethan, a young man traveling alone on his tour, Clay finds himself being pushed out of the box he's been stuck in.

Ethan and Kay are the perfect match for one another. Ethan reminds Clay that he's still useful, needed, and desired. As Clay explores his sexuality, Ethan is supportive and understanding. He gives Clay the room he needs to explore and grow without making him feel judged or placing any expectations on him. Clay treats Ethan as a man, and not like his disability. He has patience with Ethan and the accommodations Ethan requires to function in the world. He never makes Ethan feel as if he is a burden, or worse, unworthy of his attention because he's hearing is impaired.

What I loved most about this story is the fact that each man shows the other kindness. That's really what this relationship boiled down to. Two people who'd been dealt difficult situations in their lives, taking the time to make space for each other in the best ways they could.

The writing is beautiful, the story is both heartwrenching and heartwarming, and the chemistry between the two men is electric. If you like May-December romances where both parties are learning something new about themselves and their place in the world, this is the book for you.

Author Bio

After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira discovered her voice in gay romance, which has become a passion. She writes contemporary, historical, fantasy, and paranormal fiction and — although she loves delicious angst along the way — Keira firmly believes in happy endings. For as Oscar Wilde once said:

“The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.”

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bookbub

Click the link to enter the Honeymoon For One ​,Giveaway!

#HoneymoonForOne #KeiraAndrews #MayDecemberRomance #SexualDiscovery

It's LaQuette bringing you some great news. Wicked Wager: Texas vs. Brooklyn 1 is finally here! Go to Amazon or iBooks to get your copy today.

Wicked Wager Texas vs. Brooklyn 1

by

LaQuette​

Blurb:

Dr. Mandisa Avery is a Brooklyn chemist who's lost sight of her life outside the dreams her late mother left her to fulfill. With too many late nights spent in her office working, she's burned out and desperate for a change. Slade Hamilton is a Texas businessman who adores ranch life. He'd love nothing more than to spend his days tilling his land. However, his inherent need to protect his family legacy from his hateful father keeps him and his future tied to a desk at Logan Industries. When a lucrative business opportunity forces their paths to cross, Mandisa and Slade must each make a decision: risk it all on undeniable attraction, or hedge their bets to save their hearts and their respective businesses from ruin. Will they fold, or will they risk it all on a wicked wager? This novel is a fun and sexy, 80,000-word, erotic romance. It features a hot cowboy from Texas who meets his smart, fiery competition in the form of a concrete princess from Brooklyn. Place your bets on who's going to win this wicked wager. ​

Excerpt:

As soon as he clicked the door shut behind him and turned around, removing his hat, Slade pulled Mandisa into his arms. Her warm curves tickling his skin in the most delicious way brought a moan to his lips. Even fully clothed she felt like heaven against him.

He reached down to kiss her, and she leaned back. “Can I use your restroom to freshen up?” He nodded and pointed her in the direction of the bathroom. In her absence, he removed his jacket and boots. He padded over to the bed and took a seat. He reached for the top button of his shirt ready to loosen it. A small creak in the air stopped his moving fingers and pulled his attention to the bathroom door.

“Please, allow me,” she crooned. Her voice alone was enough to make his semi grow to full mast. But when he looked up and saw her standing there with her stiletto boots on and a matching demi bra and panty set, he couldn’t breathe.

“Jesus.”

“I don’t think that was exactly the reaction I was looking for.” She stepped slowly, taking entirely too long to get within his grasp, in his opinion. When she finally arrived, he had to lick his lips in delight.

He wanted to jump right into the feast, but decided to savor the bounty before him. He took a moment, inhaled deeply, and looked up to meet her gaze.

“Darlin’, you do know I’d have been happy spending the night with you, good food, and conversation. Are you sure you want to do this with me?”

She raised a skeptical eyebrow and slowly smiled at him. “Is this you being a gentleman, Slade, or are you just trying to earn brownie points by being a nice guy?”

“Would you believe a little of both?”

She nodded, then took a moment to lean beyond him, grabbing the purse she’d dropped on his bed before she’d gone to the bathroom. She opened it and pulled out a string of foil condom packets, holding them up for him to see.

“Does this show you how serious I am about spending the night with you?”

He groaned and pulled her closer to him, resting his head on her breasts. “God, woman, where have you been all my life?”

She chuckled as she wove firm fingers through his hair and lightly scraped his scalp with her fingernails. “I don’t know if I should be impressed or concerned about your use of religious outcries while I’m trying to have sex with you.”

“Trust me, in the Bible belt, we take the name of the Lord seriously. As a good Texas boy, I’m only calling on God for two reasons: because I need Him, or because I want to thank Him.”

“Which reason are you calling Him now?”

He lifted his hand, securing it at her nape, threading his fingers into the thick loose curls that framed her face and shoulders. “Both.”

He pulled her down on top of him, loving the feel of her body’s weight against his chest. He slid sure hands down her back, letting them glide down the curve of her ass until his fingers rested on the backs of her thighs. He pulled her up until her legs straddled his hips, loving the feel the heat of her cunt supplied as she seated herself gently on his cock.

He slid his hands down her thighs and moved on to her calves, smiling when he encountered the leather leg of her boots.

“You have no idea how much Texans love boots,” he whispered against her mouth.

“The boots are really doing it for you, huh?”

“You in the boots is really doing it for me. Keep ’em on.”

I hope you enjoyed that little taste. If you need a little more, check out this tempting trailer below.

Keep it sexy!

#LaQuette #WickedWager #TexasvsBrooklyn #ContemporaryRomance #InterracialRomance #CowboyRomance #EroticRomance

Yes!!! We've made it beyond the first month of the year. Time is definitely flying.

I didn't come to take up much of your time. I'm just here to drop off some exciting news. I have two giveaways starting today, and I wanted you to be the first to know about it.

Scroll down for details, then enter to win. Good luck!

Keep It Sexy

LaQuette

Giveaway #1

Giveaway #2

Click HERE to enter giveaway #2

#LaQuette #Giveaway #RomanticSuspense #EroticRomance

Hello my people!

This December has been about refilling my creative well. When you're a writer, creating on a consistent basis takes a great deal out of you. Oftentimes, when I feel as if I'm having trouble focusing on my own work, I realize I need to stop being an author for a few days and return to my reader roots. For this sabbatical, I chose three books by author Keira Andrews. Now, let me say, when you're going on a writing sabbatical, you have to be very selective of how your going to use your down time. As a fan of Ms. Andrews' prior works, I was more than happy to dive into this bundle of goodness in the form of two of her novellas, In Case of Emergency and Eight Nights in December, and her novel, Kidnapped by the Pirate. Check below for my individual thoughts on each.

Blurb

Buy Link

Former stepbrothers find Christmas romance under the tree. After years alone, Daniel Diaz is finally ready to shake up his orderly, solitary life. He's about to leave for a cozy Christmas getaway with his new man when he gets the call from the ER that his former stepbrother has been admitted with a concussion and a broken hand—and Cole put him down as his emergency contact. Why the hell would he do that? Daniel barely knows the guy. After all, their parents' marriage lasted less than a year and it was a decade ago! But Cole has no one else to look after him and strict doctor's orders not to be left alone. So fine, Daniel will bring him along on vacation to make sure he doesn't starve or fall into a coma. This is supposed to be Daniel's chance to explore romance again after locking down his feelings for too long—except it turns out his could-be boyfriend is more interested in partying and being an obnoxious jerk. Daniel sends him packing, and now he's stuck with a virtual stranger in an isolated mountain cabin. Cole Smith crushed hard on cranky Daniel when they were teenagers. Alone with him in a romantic winter wonderland, those feelings roar back to life. Glimpsing the caring, vulnerable man under Daniel's frosty shell, he yearns to get closer. Christmas is a time for surprises, and Daniel and Cole discover a scorching connection that just might melt their hearts. This fluffy gay Christmas romance from Keira Andrews features former stepbrothers reconnecting as adults, sexy hot-tub shenanigans, cuddling by the fire, and of course a happy ending. 32,000 words.

Review

1/2

This novella is a lighthearted quick read with very little angst. It's well-written (never doubted that it would be, because Keira...), and filled with fun, humor, and sexy goodness. The only negative thing I experienced reading this was I felt the conflict wasn't deep enough. Daniel's quasi-boyfriend's dickish moves weren't enough to make me feel as invested in the conflict as I would have liked to have been. That aside, it's a great, quick read that will make you smile.

Blurb

Buy Link

A geek. A virgin. One sexy holiday. Orphaned Lucas figures spending the holidays with his obnoxious roommate’s family in New York City is better than staying alone on campus upstate. He ends up sharing a room again, this time with his roommate’s brother, Nate. Geeky photographer Nate isn’t at all what Lucas expects. In fact, he’s incredibly sexy—especially when he invites Lucas into his darkroom... They hide their attraction during Hanukkah celebrations, but behind closed doors, Lucas and Nate can’t keep their hands (or mouths) off each other. Nate’s only looking for a bit of holiday fun, and amazing sex with a hot virgin definitely fits the bill. Yet as the candles burn, Nate and Lucas begin to realize eight nights will never be enough. This gay holiday romance from Keira Andrews features secret trysts, new adult angst, spinning the dreidel, and of course a happy ending. 25,000 words. Note: Originally published as Eight Nights. New edition significantly revised and expanded.​

Review

Full disclosure, YA is not my thing as a reader. It's not a sub-genre I would normally select when making a book purchase. However, this is Keira Andrews we're talking about, so I was pretty certain going in I would like it.

As expected, my initial assumption was correct. YA or not, this novella is a fun, fresh read that delivers humor, sexy discovery, and entertainment all in one story. This is definitely a must-read.

Blurb

Buy Link

Will a virgin captive surrender to this pirate’s sinful touch? Nathaniel Bainbridge is used to hiding, whether it’s concealing his struggles with reading or his forbidden desire for men. Under the thumb of his controlling father, the governor of Primrose Isle, he’s sailing to the fledging colony, where he’ll surrender to a respectable marriage for his family’s financial gain. Then pirates strike and he’s kidnapped for ransom by the Sea Hawk, a legendary villain of the New World. Bitter and jaded, Hawk harbors futile dreams of leaving the sea for a quiet life, but men like him don’t deserve peace. He has a score to settle with Nathaniel’s father—the very man whose treachery forced him into piracy—and he’s sure Nathaniel is just as contemptible. Yet as days pass in close quarters, Nathaniel’s feisty spirit and alluring innocence beguile and bewitch. Although Hawk knows he must keep his distance, the desire to teach Nathaniel the pleasure men can share grows uncontrollable. It’s not as though Hawk would ever feel anything for him besides lust… Nathaniel realizes the fearsome Sea Hawk’s reputation is largely invented, and he sees the lonely man beneath the myth, willingly surrendering to his captor body and soul. As a pirate’s prisoner, he is finally free to be his true self. The crew has been promised the ransom Nathaniel will bring, yet as danger mounts and the time nears to give him up, Hawk’s biggest battle could be with his own heart. This May-December gay romance from Keira Andrews features classic tropes including: a tough alpha pirate too afraid to love, a plucky virgin captive half his age, enemies to lovers, first-time sexual discovery, and of course a happy ending. 85,000 words.

Review

OMG!!! This book is everything!! With swashbuckling pirates who ooze sex appeal, and fiesty, naive Englishmen whose hidden desires aren't as hidden as one might think, this book is a recipe for how exciting and erotic a historical romance can be when done right. I'm also thrilled that the author didn't see the need to ignore that people of color existed as more than slaves during this time. Yes, people of color were slaves, pirates, and even wealthy during this time too. Thank you Ms. Andrews for a book that made me clutch my pearls and nearly swoon with the vapors as I read it.

As expected, these books were amazing. In my opinion, you just can't go wrong with a Kiera Andrews story. Now, check below for this amazing giveaway!

Giveaway!

Author Bio

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Bookbub

After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira discovered her voice in gay romance, which has become a passion. She writes contemporary, historical, fantasy, and paranormal fiction and — although she loves delicious angst along the way — Keira firmly believes in happy endings. For as Oscar Wilde once said:

“The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.”

#KeiraAndrews #MMRomance #HolidayRomance #PirateRomance

Blurb:

Available on ,Amazon

When Hayley arrived on the steps of the D, Riley and Jack knew life would never be the same.

Told through Riley and Jack’s eyes, this is ten years in the life of their family and watching Hayley grow up, fall in love, and start her own life. Hurricanes, illness, babies, happiness, sadness, work, play, the barn, the office, horses, friends, enemies, and above all love.

A gift for every single reader who needed to know what happened next to Jack and Riley…

Review

Reviewing this book is a bittersweet experience for me. I remember reading the very first book in this story, and falling so completely in love with Jack and Riley. They were young, funny, and sexy as all hell. After that first book, I was hooked to this couple, and have gladly read each installment of their episodic love. Now, all these years later, Ms. Scott is ending this series, and I feel both happy to have experienced this amazing love story, and saddened to leave the characters of Ms. Scott's wonderful world behind. So pardon me for a moment while I wipe the tears from my eyes, and compose myself enough to share my thoughts with you.

This story takes us through more than a decade of love between our heroes. Their eldest, Hayley is about to go to college, and Jack and Riley, especially Riley, are trying to figure out how to deal with their daughter's entrance into young adulthood. They're also dealing with some serious health issues that could put one of them in serious danger. Things are scary for a while, but the truth is they wouldn't be the Campbell-Hayes crew if their weren't some danger floating around.

What I found most intriguing about this trip down the future is that through it all, Jack and Riley are still Jack and Riley, and we still love them as much as we ever had from the start. Although the two men have grown in their love for one another, they are still recognizable to the reader as the same men we fell in love with in book one.

Another reason I loved and hated--not really, but you know what I mean--about this book is that with each chapter, there is a purposeful completion that lets us know its all ending. I felt the doors closing, sort of the way one feels when they're saying goodby to a loved one. You know its coming, you know its the end, you don't want to say goodbye, but you're so grateful you had a chance to be part of it all. That was what this last installment of the Heart of Texas series did for me. It allowed me to love them one last time, and say goodbye in a meaningful way to two men who allowed me to witness their love. Book 8 is truly a gift I am so grateful to have been given.

Author Bio

Email | Website | Facebook| Goodreads | Twitter | Libray Thing

RJ Scott is the bestselling romance author of over 100 romance books. She writes emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men and women who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn't with family either reading or writing.The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn't like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.

#RJScott #TexasSeries #TexasGift #HeartofTexasSeriesBook8

Hey everyone,

It's your girl, LaQuette, and boy do I have a treat for you. A new review of RJ Scott's Deacon's Law, and a giveaway!! Keep reading to get all the details.

Blurb

How can you trust the man who tried to kill you?

Undercover cop Deacon Shepherd lost everything trying to maintain his cover - the man he loved and the future he craved. He walked away and never looked back because it was the only way to keep Rafael alive.

The last thing he needs is to be dragged back in that world, but an attempt on Rafael's life is enough to make him risk his heart again.

Rafael 'Rafe' Ramirez wakes up in the hospital, the victim of a hit and run. He’s horrified when the first face he sees is that of the man who betrayed him and left him for dead three years before. Witness protection had stripped Rafe of his family and friends, and now it seems his sacrifice to bring his Uncle to justice was for nothing.

Someone wants Rafe dead, and the only way he can stay alive is to go with the murdering drug dealer who broke his heart. But how can he ever trust Deacon, and how can Deacon protect Rafe without falling in love all over again?

Review:

1/2

If you've never read an RJ Scott book, you need to know that she often writes about tortured characters. Yes, there will be some tears. However, she always finds a way to share the pain of the characters, without exploiting their trauma. Their traumas are never seen as a weakness. Instead, we always see a character that struggles, but ultimately finds their peace through the love and acceptance of their loved ones, and their love and acceptance of themselves.

I love that about her work. So, I was thrilled to read this book and discover Deacon's Law is filled with moment after moment of each of these men doing the emotional work needed, both individually, and as a unit, to find their footing in the world.

Oh, and there's a lot of action, and fun sexy times too.

Overall, an enjoyable read that will make you sigh and smile when you get to Deacon and Rafe's end.

Excerpt

Rafe opened his eyes, attempting to focus on the ceiling above him. He tried to lift his hand, but it felt as if there was lead in his veins, everything heavy and he couldn’t move. They’d told him he was getting better, so what the hell had happened? Had he relapsed? Why was he convinced that they’d taken him somewhere in an ambulance? That he’d leaned against a leather jacket that smelled of sunshine and soap? He blinked until the ceiling finally coalesced into the tiles he was familiar with.

Only there were no tiles.

Instead, the ceiling was a smooth white, and there were no strip lights, just a lampshade in a curious shade of blue. He blinked again. This didn’t make sense.

But when he opened his eyes, nothing had changed. The ceiling was still white, the lampshade blue, and the drapes at the window matched the shade. The drapes. There were drapes at the window. Confusion morphed into panic and he turned his head to the right to get a better feel for where he was and he saw…him.

Sprawled awkwardly in the chair, his head back, long limbs this way and that, clearly too big for the chair, was a specter from a past that wouldn’t leave him alone.

Deacon.

Intense fear sliced into Rafe.

They’d found him, had him strapped to a bed…was it Deacon who’d tracked him down and driven a car at him? He was paralyzed with a fear that made it hard to breathe, and he yanked at his hand, hoping to escape his restraints, only he wasn’t tied down, there was no rope. Instead his hand came up fast and he rolled sideways. Catching himself and coming off the bed, forgetting the fact that his leg was in a cast and toppling sideways, falling with a crash into a cabinet. He flailed but couldn’t stop himself falling, and he knew this was it – this time he was really going to die.

Deacon was up and at his side in an instant, and Rafe wanted to shut his eyes, wanted to block out seeing Deacon’s face again as he died, but he had to watch. He wanted Deacon to see his fear, and maybe that would stop him; maybe he could make Deacon stop and think.

“Shit, Rafe— Craig,” Deacon said, and reached for him, grasping his arms.

Terror became ice inside him, and Rafe stopped fighting; like a deer caught in headlights, he froze.

“What happened?” A second man stood in the doorway, someone Rafe didn’t know – tall, dark and dangerous-looking. Maybe this new arrival could stop Deacon?

“Help me,” Rafe forced out, looking past Deacon, scrambling to stand as the ice melted and he pushed himself to move.

“He woke up, saw me, and fell out of bed,” Deacon said, and the other man came right in. There were two of them, and there was little Rafe could do to get away. There and then, he screwed his eyes shut; nothing was going to save him now.

But there was no pain, no bullet. Instead, the two men helped him to stand, and then he felt the bed at the back of his thighs and they sat him down.

“Are you okay?” Deacon asked. Even with his eyes shut, Rafe recognized his voice. He would never forget the tone of it, or the coldness of the man who’d tried to kill him. He said nothing.

“Open your eyes,” the other man asked.

No.

“Craig? Rafe? My name is Mac. We’re here to help you.”

But fear was choking him and he couldn’t breathe. “No,” he managed between attempts to inhale enough oxygen not to pass out.

“He’s panicking. What the hell did you do, D?”

“Tried to fucking kill him three years ago, remember?”

Author Bio

Email | Website | Facebook| Goodreads | Twitter | Libray Thing

RJ Scott is the bestselling romance author of over 100 romance books. She writes emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men and women who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn't with family either reading or writing.

The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn't like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.

Giveaway!!!!

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Gabriel (Legacy Book 2)

Buy Links:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | KOBO | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Hi, it's LaQuette, and I'm here with another review for you. Today's title is Gabriel, Book 2 in RJ Scott's Legacy series. This series is a spin-off of RJ's Texas series feating the Campbell-Hayes crew (one of my all-time favorite series). You don't need to read the Texas series to understand this series, but reading them prior, in my opinion, does give you a deeper appreciation for the secondary characters, as well as some of the darker moments the protagonists experience. Without further ado, let's jump straight into the review.

Review:

This book comes with trigger warnings. There are some pretty dark, and deeply emotional things these characters experience. The author is kind enough to warn readers ahead of time. However, if you are someone that has triggers, you may want to sit this one out.

To the author's credit, this book does a beautiful job of exploring what happens to a person when they are broken for so long, and often can't imagine a version of themselves that isn't a bucket of smashed pieces. Watching Gabriel move back and forth through his emotional hell, was so heartbreaking for me. However, as always, Ms. Scott pulls through with her emotionally gripping storytelling that makes you hurt when the characters hurt and cheer when they finally make their breakthrough or at least are on the path to a future breakthrough.

All and all, if you can stand to read through your tears, this is a beautiful, and meaningful addition to the Legacy series.

Author Bio Email, Website, Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, & Library Thing

RJ Scott is the bestselling romance author of over 100 romance books. She writes emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men and women who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn't with family either reading or writing. The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn't like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat. Rafflecopter Giveaway!

#RJScott #LegacySeries #MMRomance #TexasSeries #EmotionalTriggers

CHECK IT OUT!!! My pub sis, Piper Kay, has a new release!

Title: Passion’s Pride by Piper Kay

Series: The Passion Series, Book 3

Author: Piper Kay

Genre: MM, Gay Romance, Gay Erotica

Publisher: Encompass Ink

Release Date: May 12, 2017

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Tagline

Let the Sparks fly” “Sometimes we need to lose ourselves and become invisible to the outside world. It’s the only way I know to find me again and drown out all the negatives.

Blurb

Ash and Serge, aka Sparky, have always felt a pull to each other, a special connection - a draw that not only tugs at the heart, but at the denims too. Afraid to act upon these feelings and risk ruining their friendship, they fight it until faced with a life-threatening situation. Not once, but twice. Can Ash and Sparky’s relationship withstand these battles they face while slowly crawling through the depths of hell for each other? Or will pride cause them to miss their one real chance at happiness?

Excerpt

“Let me fuck you, Serge. Please,” he’s asking, but demanding at the same time. I like that.

“Meow.” I purr. “Yessss.”

As much as I don’t want to, I move off of him, and Ash reaches into the nightstand drawer and pulls out a strip of condoms and the lube.

“Oops. They’re all connected together, guess we’ll just have to use them all,” he laughs.

“Guess we’ll have to share them, on each other, that is.” I give him a wicked laugh. “Mwahahhaha.”

“You’re scaring me, now.” Ash rips one off the strand of condoms and tries to open it.

“Oh whatever, I am not.”

“Are too. Have you seen that thing of yours, it’s gianormous?”

“What is, my tally-whacker? Oh please, Ash. Flattery will get you everywhere, you sweet talker.”

“I think it’s funny that you think I am joking about it. You might rip me in half, Serge. I can see myself running around the house from you, covering my ass so you don’t pull a sneak attack or something.”

“Oh ma-God. Me be sneaky? Neeeever!” I wink at him.

“Damn, my hands are shaking. See, I’m already nervous.” Ash slaps the unopened condom down in my hand. “I can’t open this damn thing.”

I move it up to my mouth and growl as I rip the wrapper open, then pound on my chest like Tarzan. “There, that’s done. Now who’s it going on?” I ask, because I don’t mind either way, to be honest.

His eyes bulge wide open. “Me, it’s going on me,” Ash pipes up quickly.

I ball my hand into a fist, using it as a microphone and bring it to my mouth. “And the winner of our ‘wrap that rascal’ condom award goes to Ash. The crowd goes wild with applause. Oooooh’s and ahhhhh’s. Here, let me do the honors and award you with this specially made latex, non-reusable and non-refundable, expandable trophy. May you reap all the fringe benefits worth of the beholder,” I laugh.

Ash tries to keep a straight face, but instead, he looks more like a pucker fish wearing a smirk. I know he wants our first time to be all serious and romantic, but me and the word serious sort of have an allergic reaction to one another.

Giveaway

One lucky winner will get an e-copy of Passion’s Pride

Facebook Release Party

Friday, May 12 at 7 PM - 9 PM CDT

About Piper

Piper Kay is your average cup of tea with a splash of southern sass. She was born & raised in Houston, Texas-USA and her skills include pitching a fit and throwing a hissy. She also happens to be an author....with a bi-polar muse...who may or may not have sarcastic tendencies....and/or a potty mouth. Together, they share head space w/the men living in there... her boys with baditude. Piper is an Amazon #1 International Best Selling author of LGBT Erotica, and an Amazon International Bestselling author of LGBT Erotica romance, specifically in the M/M Erotica genre, and LGBT drama. She has been known to genre hop a time or two into YA/NA stories, also M/M. Piper brings her passion of storytelling straight to the pages, most times served with a super-sized sprinkle of sexy, a slice of sarcasm and a carafe of crazy.

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#PiperKay #MMRomance #PassionSeries

Hey my people! Check out the latest release in the Bejeweled series, by author Chelle Ramsey. Make sure to jump on this awesome chance to win a signed copy of the book, and a $25 Amazon gift card giveaway before you leave.

Bejeweled: Standing Strong

Available on ,Amazon

Blurb:

Olivia has overcome many challenges and disappointments in her life. Yet, when faced with an unexpected death of a family member, and witnessing the murder of someone she cares for, she isn’t sure she can survive. The losses incurred on this journey may cause her to pay the ultimate sacrifice.

The return of Black and Kianna means the puzzle pieces of Angel’s life are finally locking into place. The picture is different than she envisioned. Angel must determine if uncovering the truth of their past, is worth the sacrifice of her new relationship.

Kianna’s played dirty in the past, but this time the fight is deadly. She’s willing to go all in to expose the truth, which will cause everyone in the game to ante up. Will her sacrifice be more than she bargained for?

Black’s gambled several times in the past, but this time the stakes are high. With his life and those of his family serving as the bargaining chips, it isn’t that easy to fold. To protect those he loves the most, he may have to sacrifice his own life to save theirs.

Angel. Kianna. Black. In the end everyone must bear their cross. And the truth is so explosive, the House will never be the same. One will stand strong and walk away. One will stand strong and make the ultimate sacrifice. And one will stand strong and won’t survive!

EXCERPT :

Angel had been sitting in the waiting room for several hours with Georgette beside her. On her way to the hospital, Angel called Black’s mom to let her know what happened. She promised Angel she would be on the next flight in from DC and catch a cab to the hospital. Angel expected she would arrive at any moment.

“Mrs. Franklin,” a nurse greeted, entering the waiting room and approaching Angel.

“Yes?” Angel replied, standing up.

“Terrence is out of surgery now. He was back in recovery for the last half an hour, and they just rolled him up to his room. You can see him for a brief moment. Please follow me, Mrs. Franklin,” the nurse said. Her name tag read,

“Ophelia.”

Angel looked back at Georgette who nodded her head reassuringly. She folded her arms across herself as she nervously followed the nurse through the blue swinging double doors marked Intensive Care Unit 1 {ICU 1}. Georgette had stayed behind in the waiting area, because no one was allowed back but family. Angel had told the nurse upon her arrival she was his wife, conveniently leaving the “ex” off.

Despite all the hell Black had taken her through with his years of selling drugs and cheating, she didn’t want any harm to come to him. There were more years with him as his woman and wife than not. Not to mention he was the father of her child. Although she would not admit it to anyone else, she still cared about Black.

She paused momentarily as the nurse came to a stop outside a room two doors down from the nurses’ reception desk. Angel looked through the glass partition of the ICU room Black was in. Gasping, she placed her hand to her mouth to stifle the sob that threatened to break forth. Angel didn’t try to stop the tears that flooded her eyes, running down her face. She had to be strong right now, for him and her little boy.

“Are you up to this, honey?” Ophelia asked. She placed a tiny, cool hand on

Angel’s wrist and cast a warm, blue gaze at Angel.

Inhaling deeply, unable to find her voice, Angel shook her head “yes.”

Following the nurse into the room, she warily took in her surroundings. The monitors stood guard over his bed like night watchmen, bleeping out readings that wouldn’t make sense to her in a million years. To the left of his bed stood two machines. According to Nurse Ophelia, one recorded his heart rate and monitored his blood pressure, while the other monitored his oxygen level. A saline drip was attached to his left hand and another pole with a plastic packet stood next to it. She was unsure as to what it was for, but the tubing attached to it; snaked its way underneath the covers to his pelvic region.

Her heart skipped a beat when she found the courage to lift her eyes to see Black lying inert in the bed. He was on a ventilator. Her Black who was so full of life, so flirtatious and fun one moment and so hardcore the next, but always talking. There were no sounds coming from him now. The endotracheal tube made sure of that. No sounds other than the low beeping and the whooshing of the equipment could be heard.

“Why is he on a ventilator?” Angel found her voice.

“It’s to assist him with breathing until he is able to do so on his own. It’s not abnormal. It just ensures that if he misses a breath, the machine will do the breathing for him. This tubing here,” Ophelia pointed at the plastic tube coming from his nose, “is a feeding tube that will give him all the nutrients he needs until he’s off the ventilator and able to eat on his own.”

“Do we know how long he’ll be here in ICU?”

“That always varies depending on the patient, their response to treatment, and how soon he begins coming around. It’s really difficult to say. But what you can do while he’s here is just talk to him, as you normally would. Just be careful not to say anything that might be upsetting to him. It’s okay to rub his hand or arm; you can even kiss him on his forehead if you would like.”

Angel shook her head and sniffed as she blinked back tears.

“All right, I’m going to step out, and I’ll be at the nurses’ station if you need anything. Its 4:30 now,” Ophelia stated, looking at her wrist watch. “You have 15 minutes with him, and then you’ll have to leave until 8:30 tonight. That’s our next visiting time.”

Angel cautiously sat in the chair on the right side of his bed. She wasn’t sure what to do with herself or how to even respond to him. A part of her continued to wait for him to wake up and say something sarcastic to her at any moment, or even ask about his son.

After sitting there for almost five minutes, she tentatively reached out her hand and touched his wrist. “Black…what happened? Who did this to you? I told you! I told you if you didn’t change your lifestyle…” Angel shook her head, recalling the nurse’s advice.

“I’m sorry,” she tried again, “I don’t know who did this to you, or why, but I’m sure we’re gonna bring them to justice.” She sat rocking back and forth for a few moments more, staring at him.

“I don’t know what I’m gonna tell TJ. He was looking forward to spending this weekend with you. Maybe I’ll just say you aren’t feeling well. I know we’ve been through so much, but that little boy loves you. And neither of you deserves this.

There’s a lot of things I didn’t say throughout our marriage, which I should have said. But the one thing I never failed to tell you is you’re a wonderful father. You’ve always been the best father that little boy could have. You’re strong, smart, funny, and you have so much love in you for him. And he needs that. So if for no other reason, you have to get well for TJ, Black.” She rubbed his hand and stared at him, fighting back the tears.

About the Author

An original Georgia Peach, Chelle Ramsey is a fiction author, writing stories to encourage, empower, entertain and strengthen readers. Many of her stories are based in her birthplace of Atlanta or her husband’s hometown of Cincinnati, where readers can relate to local hot spots and events. She wants her readers (women and men) to become empowered to rise above adversity, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her HR generalist role by day, while she writes her women’s fiction and Christian fiction novels by night. She is also a romance ghostwriter, a genre very diverse from her own.

Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she loves listening to music, and becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, and Nora Roberts. She especially relishes trying to solve the engaging mysteries of James Patterson and Stuart Woods, while eating a bowl of her favorite butter pecan ice cream. Chelle resides in a rural community of Atlanta, GA and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games with her husband.

Contact Chelle at:

BLOG ,WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, FACEBOOK_NOVEL PAGE, TWITTER, AMAZON, & GOODREADS

#ChelleRamsey #BejeweledSeries #BejeweledStandingStrong