Category Archives: Standalone

Contemp. Romance, Standalone

#REVIEW – Mister Manhattan by Alexandria Sure

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My Thursday afternoon meeting was a no show. Imagine my surprise when a drenched, flustered brunette slipped into the booth across from me, acting like she was supposed to be there.

When she slipped back out with a snappy goodbye, I never thought I’d see her again.

Until I walked into my Friday morning meeting.

At first, I didn’t recognize her—she was dry this time. But from the look on her face, she recognized me.

When she gave the worst pitch I’ve ever sat through, I thought my boss, and mentor, was going to show her the door—except he accepts the proposal and tells me we have to work together.

I didn’t anticipate I would like her, let alone be interested in her. Sure, she was hot and sassy.

But something about her rubbed me the wrong way.

And yet I couldn’t stop thinking about her.

So, when she leaves the room and her phone chimes with a new text, I knew I wasn’t supposed to look.

I also knew I wasn’t supposed to cancel her date for later that evening.

And I definitely knew I wasn’t supposed to delete the entire exchange, so she had no idea what I’d done.

But I did. And then I showed up at the restaurant, pretending like this was all a big coincidence.

When the date is over, I want more. I need more.

We start pretend-dating because she needs practice, and I tell myself, New York’s most eligible billionaire bachelor, that this is just a bit of fun.

What could possibly go wrong?

This book. Ugh, I loved it so much! It’s sweet, funny and definitely what I needed. With everything going on in the world, this book took me out of the craziness of life, even if it was just for a couple of hours.
Jurnee (I love this name by the way) was in way over her head when she decided to move from Michigan to New York to set up a café. I totally understood her fear. New York is a whole other world compared to most cities. I loved how she wasn’t into pop culture or didn’t google people first. She was down to earth and definitely someone I could be friends with. She was real.
Anderson is definitely a hero you could fall in love with. He was patient with Jurnee and fell for her fast.
While they had an unexpected encounter originally after Jurnee thought he was someone else, feelings surfaced neither of them expected to have.
Although I haven’t read the rest of the books in this world or even if the originals, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. Alexandria wrote it in such a way, that it made me want to go back and read the others so I could see how Graham and Soraya met. I also like Anderson’s friends and would love to see them get their own stories as well.
This is by far Alexandria’s best work to date and I’m honoured she let me read an early copy!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2N36nVC
Audible: https://amzn.to/39TlIkk
M/M, Part of a Series, Reverse Harem, Standalone

#WOTR21 #NewRelease #ReleaseDay #Review #RH #MM – Love Bitters (AntiLove Bookclub Book #1) by Brandy Slaven

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Love Bitters (AntiLove Bookclub) by [Brandy Slaven]

If there’s one thing Imogene loves more than falling for five strangers on an accidental shared vacation, it’s definitely not having to let them go as reality slaps her in place.

With another life growing inside her body, it’s time for her to finally make the changes she’s desperately been avoiding since her sister’s death. Landing a job and an apartment is easy. Learning how to live alone and deal is the hard part. Thankfully with the help of some like-minded women and their appropriately named bookclub, Imma might just make it through the next nine months and maybe even more. Will she be able to stand on her own two feet when the past comes calling and decisions catch up to her? Find out in this first installment of the AntiLove Bookclub.

All eight AntiLove book club novels can be read as standalones. This installment is a WhyChoose, second chance romance with unplanned pregnancy and M/M.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this book for an honest review by the author.

Oh Imma!! Oh hot boyfriends!!  LOL  If you haven’t read the novella “ Loves Little Surprises” then this is a great story for you!!!  For people like Me who met Imma and her 5 sexy as hell mens…this book was what happened IN BETWEEN the novella.

Ok long of the short of it, Imma (in the novella) went on vacation and shacked up with these guys when the house was double booked.  The guys and Imma formed an instant bond of love and belonging.  The story picks up when Imma realizes this might not work annnnd now she is knocked up.

But

  1. Will the guys be ok with it?
  2. Who is the baby daddy?
  3. Will there be an issue with one being the baby daddy and the others not being the baby daddy?

So many questions cause our lonely girl to breaks and ruuuuuuns.  She cuts the guys out of her life and tries to rebuild.  She gets a job and moves into her own place while the guys are starting to fracture and fall apart without their girl.

When one of the guys plots with another to bring her home, everything esems better buuuuut drama ensues.  Can they make it work?  Can they handle her pregnancy?  Can they figure out a family?

This book was a great bit of “More” for me since I loved the novella but begged for a longer story.

Now I gotta tell ya, Imma’s friends are HILARIOUS and I and I am dying for their books.  Those ladies are Bat Shit Crazy in the best kinda friend way.

But my favorite part was the cameo of Kendall and her guys….sigh….a reread might be in order!!!

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

I loved this anti-love book club concept really get a bunch of ladies together and talk about how unrealistic the books are compared to real life.  Let me tell you these ladies are not love experts by any means. They are a melting pot of personalities.

First up is Imma who lost her sister and is dealing with her Mom and Dad being over critical of her.  She still lives at home and doesn’t have a job. She finds out that she is pregnant but not sure who the dad is because of a fling with 5 guys she met when a vacation took a minor detour.  Imma decides she needs to figure things out on her own.  She is afraid of what the guys will say and not knowing who the dad is she decides to ghost them.

All the guys are miserable that Im has left them high and dry with no word on why. That is until Wes finds her and confronts her. This was such a great homecoming for the guys and Im.  I really would like to know more about all Imma’s men because I fell in love with everyone of them. I do believe Thatcher is my favorite. He was the one that took the longest to come around when Imma returned.

I loved these guys I do wish I could have seen where their relationship began at the cabin. Let’s not forget the anti-love book club ladies.  I want to be in their book club and I cannot wait to learn about all of them.  I’m telling you these ladies have so much they are hiding from one another.  I liked the start of this series and cannot wait for more.

Brandy Slaven lives in Tennessee with her husband and two wild children. If you can’t find her creating worlds with her words, you will find her with her nose in a book at the beach or hiking at a state park.

Find her online at
www.authorbrandyslaven.com

Part of a Series, Review, Standalone

#WOTR21 #NewRelease #ReleaseDay #Review #Standalone – Love and Sorrow, Small Town Secrets Book #5 by Jade C. Jamison

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Love and Sorrow (Small Town Secrets Book 5) by [Jade C. Jamison]

Fight, flight, or f*ck up

Randi’s surviving the school of hard knocks with barely passing grades. Her entire life is imploding, which puts notions of love on the backburner. Justin, her best friend with benefits, could change her mind, but he’s even more commitment-phobic than she is. When Randi’s walls come crashing down and her family needs her undivided attention, she tries to deny what she feels for him. But can she make it through her ordeals without him by her side?

Curl up by the fire with a glass of wine or a mug of hot chocolate and settle into Winchester, Colorado—where the nights are cold…but steamy!

Goodreads

Other books in the series HERE

Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this book for an honest review by the author.

So I finished this book and I have to say I sat on it for a bit before writing my review.  My thoughts were all over the place.

Randi…she is a HOT MESS!!  I mean she has 2 kids, 2 baby daddies, a F*&^ Buddy, Assistant manager of a video store, trying to go to school, parents who make her feel bad, strapped for cash, an abusive ex…..need I go on?  She is literally hanging on by a thread.  When she gets a call that will change her life.  Her daughter, Sarah, in 6th grade has “Changed”.  Randi feels terrible being wrapped up in her own head and life she didn’t notice this about her daughter.  Randi enrolls Sarah in therapy but still had massive guilt.  She begins to question her own abilities to be a good mother.  Hasn’t every mother questioned themselves?  Hasn’t every mother done what they thought was for the best to then think they messed up?  Well, that is Randi.  She is living a controlled chaos of a life, but everything is starting to fall apart.

Justin is a player and the perfect distraction for Randi.  She knows the kids like him, and they aren’t exclusive, by any means, but he was something for HER.  When things with Sarah happen Randi and Justin call it quits but she is sad by the loss.  When Justin pops back in we see maybe there is more to him then just a good time guy.  Could he want more?  But like I said Randi is a mess and makes stupid choices and has lots of regrets.

When things come to light about her daughter we see more guilt and pain. But we see Sarah opening up.  Which as a mom isn’t that what we want?  To remove the pain from our child??  To help our kiddos be the best of them??

If you’re a fan of Jade’s books I think you will see this is a departure from her regular writing. It’s a bit more of the inner conflict we, as women, moms, lovers, etc feel when life is pulling us in every direction but the one we want to take.

Review by Twinsie Melinda

Received a copy of this book for an honest review.

my head is spinning after this one. Not a typical Jade book but I have to say I was not sure what was going to happen in this book.

Randy is a hot mess express mom. She’s single mom of two, a son in elementary and a daughter in sixth grade in middle School, and not handling things well. Randy works full-time raising the kids and goes to college. Randy has a best friend/f-buddy, Justin. Things are going on with Randy daughter that is pulling most of her attention. She leans on Justin for support but not too much because he has commitments issues himself. Randy breaks things off with Justin when Sarah starts acting out. When Randy realizes she needs Justin to talk to we start to see a new side of him.

My heart goes out to Randy and her daughter when we find out what Sarah is going through. This has a true life feel to it. Single mom holding on by a thread only to realize it’s unraveling at the other end too.  It’s a great thing when Sarah opens up and Randy finds out what’s going on. I like that Randy comes to a realization that her parents only want the same thing for her that she wants for Sarah.

1. Imagine 2. Play some music 3. Write 4. Blow readers away 5. Repeat

Jade C. Jamison is a steamy romance author, heavy metal fangirl, wife and mom, coffee connoisseur, cat lover, and vegan foodie–not necessarily in that order. She loves life and believes we learn our wisest lessons when reading, especially if it’s fiction. Her heroines are fierce, her heroes all but broken, both seeking redemption together. Whether in a small Colorado town or big city, she strives to take her readers’ breath away…one story at a time.

Find out more at www.jadecjamison.com OR
http://www.subscribepage.com/JadeCJamison (newsletter)

Standalone

#review #partofaseries Real (Quick and Dirty 4) by Kate Roth

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She’s a serious painter. He’s a cocky photographer making too much noise in the studio next door. She thinks he’s an idiot. He can’t stand her. But when the tension between them borders on passion they both start to feel something real.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43680367-real

Amazon https://amzn.to/3bjlKDe

Review by Twinsie Dee

I bought this book and this my honest opinion

Belle just wanted some peace and quite in her perfect studio workspace to make the perfect art piece. But when the photographer next door keeps his music up loud and the giggles from his models keep sneaking through the walls Belle has had enough.

Gray comes off as a smug guy who can get any girl he wants and his British accent helps melts some of their panties off but when he finally gets a glimpse of the neighbor and then she slashes his work, he don’t know if he will be a to get her off his mind.

Will these two see eye to eye and make it to where they can work next door to each other or will they have more between them then just doors and walls. This short story was so good just the right amount of annoyance and flirty play with a whole bunch of sexy chemistry.

Published since 2012, Kate Roth is addicted to all things romance. Her passion for love stories, both traditional and unconventional, has led her to write in various sub-genres of romance including New Adult, Paranormal and Erotica. Kate is inspired by everything from music to the real-life romance tales she’s heard through her years as a professional hair stylist.

One thing is certain, Kate Roth writes steamy connections, sassy dialogue, and strong heroines & heroes.

Kate spends her time away from the keyboard with her insta-love husband, Adam and their faithful pound puppy, Sampson.

Standalone

#review #partofaseries Wild (Quick and Dirty 3) by Kate Roth

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She’s housesitting at her aunt and uncle’s mini mansion. He’s the rich, brooding silverfox next door. She tempts him, he intrigues her and they both desperately want something wild.

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43680362-wild

Amazon https://amzn.to/38nsQEO

Review by Twinsie Dee

I bought this book and this is my honest opinion

Gavin was curious when he heard the voice of an angel coming from his neighbors home he had to see who it was coming from. Now he is no spring chicken but in fact a silver fox older but he wasn’t gonna let that stop him. When Lydia offered to house sit for her aunt and uncle while they were on a cruise little did she know that her aunt was right and the silver fox next door was smoking hot and she wanted a piece of him. Will the sparks fly and make the grumpy ass next door act younger then he feels. You never know what one look over the fence will do for you.

Published since 2012, Kate Roth is addicted to all things romance. Her passion for love stories, both traditional and unconventional, has led her to write in various sub-genres of romance including New Adult, Paranormal and Erotica. Kate is inspired by everything from music to the real-life romance tales she’s heard through her years as a professional hair stylist.

One thing is certain, Kate Roth writes steamy connections, sassy dialogue, and strong heroines & heroes.

Kate spends her time away from the keyboard with her insta-love husband, Adam and their faithful pound puppy, Sampson.

Standalone

#review #partofaseries More (Quick and Dirty 2) by Kate Roth

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She’s an obsessive workaholic. He’s an up and coming tech developer staying in the hotel room beside hers. One night of carefree fun and they both realize they want something more.

This is a romance novella. If you are looking for a quick read, this steamy, swoony, romance is for you!

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43680347-more

Amazonhttps://amzn.to/3oo0XlA

Review by Twinsie Dee

I bought this book and this my honest opinion

Max just wanted to sell his new app which was in a bidding war, Audrey just wanted to do her job and make some money. They met at the bar when Max acted like a dick and ordered his drink before the pretty lady next to him at the bar. Well one thing lead to another and a nice long conversation in a quite corner booth and these two ended back up on the 7th floor rooms right next to each other and well I’m sure you can guess who’s bed didn’t get used that night. There was something different about them and multiple trips on the roller coaster ride had these two needing more, but the secret that Audrey was hiding she didn’t know how Max would handle it and was afraid that it would ruin everything that they created in a very very short time. But little does she know he already knows her secret. Wow this short story is definitely hawt and steamy that’s for sure your going to love every moment on it.

Published since 2012, Kate Roth is addicted to all things romance. Her passion for love stories, both traditional and unconventional, has led her to write in various sub-genres of romance including New Adult, Paranormal and Erotica. Kate is inspired by everything from music to the real-life romance tales she’s heard through her years as a professional hair stylist.

One thing is certain, Kate Roth writes steamy connections, sassy dialogue, and strong heroines & heroes.

Kate spends her time away from the keyboard with her insta-love husband, Adam and their faithful pound puppy, Sampson.

Part of a Series, Standalone, Uncategorized, Writers on the River Attending Author

#wotr #attendingauthor #partofaseries Just One Glance (oh tequila 5) by C.A. Harms

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The quiet one. Yep, that was me. The brother that rarely said anything and instead, stood back and observed. That is until too much tequila and very little thought had me swinging my junk around in the middle of a crowded college party. Hell, I even wore tassels in areas tassels should never be placed. Let’s just say, the hashtag #dicksaswinging will follow me around forever. You may have heard it a time or two already.

In my defense, things like that happened all the time because I lived in more of a zoo than an actual fraternity house. It just never happened to me. Suffice to say, I learned my lesson.

Seeing Ruby amidst all the chaos was certainly unexpected and it stopped everything around me. The room suddenly went quiet and everyone else disappeared. She stood out—the timid way she worried her hands and the way she looked around, almost as if she was ready to run away.

As I got to know her, I realized she was nothing like the girls I normally dated. She was quiet, innocent, and sweet. She was the complete opposite of me and if I was a better man, I would walk away. But I’m not and I can’t.

And to think, all it took was Just One Glance and everything changed.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55419380-just-one-glance

Amazon https://amzn.to/3hzBfbm

Review by Twinsie Dee

I bought this book and this is my honest opinion

Ruby the daughter of the dean just wants to let loose have fun and live the life she wants but for her dad that isn’t what he thinks she should do so she just keeps her nose in her books and does what she’s told. Now her bestie Darcy well she makes sure she has a bit of fun while she can,so with the help of Darcy’s forceful personality, they create a list of 10 things Ruby can do to have a bit of fun and feel a bit alive.

Jay wasn’t quite your typical frat guy yes he had his moments like forever being known by his hashtag dicksaswinging after a drunk night at the house where he let his twig and berries have some air and it was caught on film. But when Darcy lets her past with these frat guys get to her she lets Ruby know that they are all the same and just want to get into your pants. Will Ruby let Darcy keep her safe and keep her from the one guy that could be different from the rest or will she just let herself feel cared for and finally live. I swear I love each book more and more these books make me wish I had this type of college experience and happy extended family like these guys all found. I just love them so much I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of them.

 

C.A. Harms is an avid romance and mystery reader. She’s always had a love for books, getting lost in writing and storytelling even as a young girl. She enjoys happy endings and HEA love stories.

She lives in Illinois and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She holds an addiction for Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha’s and KitKat when she should really be focusing on water and maybe a fruit or two to make herself feel less guilty, but that feeling quickly passes…thankfully.

She is easy going, fun, and although she may seem like one of the quiet ones at first, you just wait until she gets to know you better…that quietness changes, fast

 

 

MC, Part of a Series, Standalone, Writers on the River Attending Author

#wotr #attendingauthor #partofaseries Being Us (the next generation 4) by J.M. Walker

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Tanner-

She was beautiful.

Loved.

Strong.

After hiding away for six months with just my dog to keep me company, I was forced out of the shadows only to end up in the arms of an enemy.

Beatrix Lister saved my life. I had been taking care of myself for so long, I didn’t know how to ask for help, but she refused to go down without a fight.

She was warm where I was frigid.

She was kind and caring where I was a cold-blooded monster.

I did things to survive.

I battled the evils of the world to live.

I didn’t deserve her heart but fell in love with her anyway.

As much as I wanted to be with her, I needed answers and I would do anything to get them.

Even if it meant breaking the heart of the only woman I had ever loved.

~

-Bee-

He was lonely.

Intense.

Brave.

Tanner Horsch came into my life unexpectedly. He was like a tornado, ripping up everything in its path.

There was something about him that I craved.

His touch. His words. His need to survive.

But as we were getting to know each other, he still had walls up.

He refused to let me in knowing my family didn’t approve of him.

I refused to let him go.

After being in the wrong place at the wrong time, he escaped and eventually he ran right into my arms.

He was the villain of someone else’s story, but he was the hero of mine.

I just prayed that he could see that not all monsters are truly evil.

Before it was too late, and he gave himself to the enemy.

My family.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51377055-being-us

Amazon https://amzn.to/3fLnPIy

Review by Twinsie Dee

I was given this book and this is my honest opinion

Where do I start this slow burn is everything I didn’t know I needed. Bee just wants to be see as an adult and not as a child, when all she’s ever been is sheltered her whole life. Tanner was at the wrong place at the kind right time to put together some missing pieces after a member of another MC club got killed the one witness that never lies a near by security camera have him at the scene making him look bad but can he help the club find out who really pulled the trigger. This couple makes you root for all things good in the world and when people try to keep them apart it only brings them closer. You will absolutely love this story with all the interruptions and feelings.

J.M. Walker is an Amazon bestselling author who hit USA Today with Wanted: An Outlaw Anthology. She loves all things books, pigs and lip gloss. She is happily married to the man who inspires all of her Heroes and continues to make her weak in the knees every single day.

Fairy Tales, Part of a Series, Standalone, Writers on the River Attending Author

#wotr #attendingauthor #standalone An Unexpected Brew : a Cinderella Story ( A Fairytale Adventure) by J.E. Mueller

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A modern magical retelling of the classic Cinderella tale.

After years of working at the family coffee shop under her step-mom’s rule, Arnessa longs for something more. She dreams of leaving her small town to attend a bigger college where she can really learn her magic. As hope slowly seems to fade, a charming stranger offers to help her with her studies, and turns her fears into a reason to stand up for herself.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40799093-an-unexpected-brew?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=MQqqH5QsG1&rank=2

Amazon https://amzn.to/3eaFB6Z

Review by Twinsie Dee

I bought this book and this my honest opinion

What a great retelling of a beloved classic Cinderella but with a modern day twist. Arnessa is just your average girl working her way through college trying to get away from her evil step mother and step sisters. They want nothing more then to see her unhappy and do so by only way they can keep her unhappy is by keeping her working in the family coffee shop and letting her go to class. Well that was until Vincent came into the shop and well step sister had her eyes on him and Arnessa couldn’t care less she just wanted to raise money to move away from them far away. Well Vincent didn’t want Diamond her step sister she wanted to learn more of Arnessa and who she was magic and all. This was a great retelling with a twist I didn’t see coming but you will love this story and the strong will of Arnessa.

J.E.Mueller is known as the storyteller among her friend group. Telling tales and weaving plots was always second nature for Mueller growing up. After college Mueller decided to go from telling and dabbling in plots to actually getting a novel out there in the world. After many cups of coffee later, and several dead red pens, there was success.

Aside from writing, the author also enjoys reading a wide variety of books and has even joined in helping others with the writing process by alpha and beta reading. When not part of the written world, Mueller can also be found playing action/adventure games, rpgs, sandbox, and nonsense games. Some of her favorites include. Skyrim, Alice: Madness Returns, Splatoon, Fat Princess, Stardew Valley, and the Legend of Zelda series.

Dragons, Fantasy Romance, New Release, Paranormal, Review, Shifters, Standalone, Suspense, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR21 – #NewRelease – #Review – What a Dragon Wants by Ava Cuvay

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What a Dragon Wants by [Ava Cuvay]

Viking dragon-shifter Ty Drekison relocates to LA from his Minnesota clan in preparation to battle the awakening of Níðhöggr, Destroyer of the World. But he can’t stay away from the delicious cuisine of his new favorite Chinese restaurant, or its beautiful owner, who whets his hunger. He can’t seem to say the right things around her, and he certainly can’t reveal his shifter abilities. But with a grim prophesy threatening the fate of the world, can he be blamed for seeking moments of sweet release with her… in bed?

Wu Lin’s newest loyal customer is a sexy Nordic god of a man who makes her inner dragon stand up and beg for bread and butter. She’d give up her family’s red bean bun recipe to get a peek at his mighty hammer, but she’s the last dragon-shifter of her clan, and her time and energy must be focused on the upcoming battle against the demon monster Móshen who is prophesized to demolish the Earth. Even so, Ty complements her in every way. Could it be she has found the yang to her yin… in bed?

This 33K novella is one in the Star of the North Dragon series, which can be read in any order or as standalone novellas.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

What a Dragon Wants, you ask? Fortune cookies and to save the world! I love how this author took two different cultures and intricately weaved them together in such a way that created a truly unique story. Ty is of Viking heritage and Lin is of Chinese heritage. Turns out that both have dragon shifters in their history and both have been prophesied to fight a monster who will try and destroy the world. Ty and Lin both carry a heavy burden. The difference is that Ty has his family to help carry this burden and Lin believes she is the last of her kind. Ty and Lin’s story starts as a slow burn but when they come together, they ignite like something fierce. What they find is a love like no other and a passion that may possibly save the world. There is a delicate push and pull with these two that will have you rooting for them to the very end. 

“I’m not a delicate flower that’s going to wilt. In fact, maybe I am a superhero assassin.”

“We are opposites Black dragon, white dragon; water and fire; Yin and Yang. A complete whole. Out of primal chaos, the universe creates itself, organizes into cycles. Life and death, good and bad, push and pull.”

True to this author’s writing fashion, there is lots of action, with tons of wit and snark, but a hawt and passionate love story woven within. These two are so different but so made for each other. It is hard not to have a crazy case of the feels for them. The beautiful part to this is that Ty’s brothers are getting their own stories! Can’t wait!

Ava Cuvay

Ava Cuvay writes out of this world romance featuring sassy heroines, often-alien-but-always-sexy heroes, and an alcoholic beverage or two… Set in a galaxy far, far away. She resides in central Indiana, USA with her own scruffy-looking nerfherder, kiddos who are growing up without her permission, and two kitties that make her laugh. She believes life is too short to bother with negative people, everything is better with Champagne, and Han Solo shot first. When not writing, Ava is thinking about writing. Or wine. And she’s always thinking about bacon.