Monthly Archives: January 2022

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #attendingauthor #Spotlight – Alison Bliss

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Alison Bliss

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m Alison Bliss, a best-selling, award-winning author of sexy, contemporary romances that are laugh-out-loud funny. Something I like to call, “Romance…with a sense of humor.” I’m a born and raised Texan, who currently resides in the Midwest with my super supportive husband, two awesome kids, and five pets. I’m also the youngest of five girls, which means I’ve never turned down a challenge or been called by the right name. I enjoy writing fun, steamy love stories that put a smile on a reader’s face.

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

I think the first book in the series is easier because you are open to any possibilities. With the next books in the series, you’ve already established things such as characters, settings, and backstory that you sometimes wish you could change. Fortunately, there are usually ways around these kind of writing barriers.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I try to always keep my characters fresh. For example, in my Perfect Fit series, the heroines of each book are all plus-size women, but they aren’t the same person. The women are all different and aren’t going to feel the same way about their bodies. Leah (Book 1) is my self-depracating heroine, Valerie (Book 2) is my confident heroine, and Jessa (Book 3) is a total foodie who doesn’t have any hang-ups about her size. Interesting fact – the hero in Jessa’s book is actually the one who struggles with a food addiction.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

When you’re having a hard time writing a particularly difficult scene or struggling to finish your book altogether, keep in mind that even published authors who have been writing for years have these same struggles. Writing books is not easy, but if you stick with it and don’t give up, you will get through it.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

I wish I could write daily, but it’s just not possible right now. I have a personal life and a busy household with a husband, two kids, and six pets. For me, it’s a balancing act to make sure everything gets done, including the writing. But on the days I do write, I usually am working for a good eight to twelve hours with some breaks in between.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

My favorite character that I have written thus far is the heroine from my debut novel, Rules of Protection. Emily Foster is a girl after my own heart. She is sassy and gives the hero so much grief. I will admit that she is a bit of a brat, but once you read her story and get to know her background, then I think it’s easier to understand who she is and why she behaves the way she does. The woman actually has so many layers that you get to see unfold throughout her story. She was definitely a lot of fun to write.

If any of your books were to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it? What book and who?

For Rules of Protection, I would love to see Emma Stone and Tom Hardy portray my characters, Emily and Jake.

What is your definition of success?

My definition of success is being able to do something you love while also earning enough to make a living.

What are your social links?

Website: http://authoralisonbliss.com/
FB Author Page: http://facebook.com/AuthorAlisonBliss
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alison-bliss
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AlisonBliss2
Amazon Page: http://amazon.com/author/alisonbliss
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/AlisonBliss
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AlisonBliss2/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/AlisonBliss2
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dvShQv

What are your buy links?

Amazon Page: http://amazon.com/author/alisonbliss

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alison-bliss
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/AlisonBliss

Want to buy tickets to Writers on the River?

go to www.WritersontheRiver.com

VIP is $45. 12-1 VIP signing Time, Swag bag and 1-4 general signing time.  Plus includes After Party.

Early Access is $25. 12-1 VIP signing time, Swag bag, and 1-4 general signing time.  No After Party.

General Admission is $10. 1-4 General Signing Time ONLY

After Party is $35. After Party 7:30-11:30 ONLY

MC

#Audio #MC #seriesStarter #99CentsEbook – Reapers and Bastards Anthology, Reapers MC 4.5 by Joanna Wylde

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Reapers and Bastards Anthology (Silver Valley #1.5; Reapers MC #4.5)

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Reapers Motorcycle Club and Silver Valley series comes an anthology of extras and never-before-released material, including a new short story featuring fan favorites Horse and Marie.

Charming Bastard: A Novella
I first met Riley Boone when I was four years old. We moved to Callup, Idaho after my dad blew out his back and had to go on disability. Boonie’s family lived next to ours. Every afternoon he’d swagger off the school bus after kindergarten like a conquering king. For the first week he ignored me, until I impressed him by climbing nearly thirty feet up in the tree behind his trailer. They had to call the fire department to get me down, but it was worth it to see the respect in his five-year-old eyes. He gave me a worm in honor of my accomplishment. I fell in love. The next day he made me eat the worm and our relationship has been complicated ever since.

(Until now, this novella has been exclusively available in the paperback edition of Silver Bastard.)

Sticky Sweet: A Short Story
Horse and Marie met for the first time in Reaper’s Property. Now experience this moment through his eyes. (Originally available on the author’s website.)

NEW Skunked: A Short Story
Marie has some BIG news to share with Horse—news that will change both their lives forever….

NEW Sugar and Spice: A Short Story
A prequel to Reaper’s Fall, this story features Painter and Melanie’s first meeting.

PLUS: Becca’s Huckleberry Pie recipe, Marie’s Bread recipe and Emergency Skunk Cleaning recipe.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I was purchased this audio book.

I was doing a reread of this series on audio and realized I hadn’t read it.  When I saw the characters are Boone and Darcy plus Marie and Horse…SOLD!!!

If you are a fan of the series, you know how in LOVE Darcy and Boone are so hearing their beginning was great.  TBH I would have loved a full story.  What we got was wonderful and heartbreaking but this greedy sweet butt wanted more.

Now as a full fledge member of #TeamHorse of course I had to read this POV from the first time he saw Marie annnnd their baby news.  These 2 short stories were the icing on my cake.  To see Horse feeling Marie so hard in the POV and not jut for a quickie but as a “his woman” vibe was delicious.  Such a great read.

Joanna Wylde is a freelance writer and voracious reader. You can visit her website at www.joannawylde.net.

Audio Book, Psychological Thriller, Standalone, Suspense

#Review #AudioBook – Mother Knows Best: A Novel of Suspense by Kira Peikoff

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One of POPSUGAR’s Top 15 Medical Thrillers
One of REAL SIMPLE’s 35 Chilling Psychological Thrillers

A mother’s worst nightmare, a chance at redemption, and a deadly secret that haunts a family across the generations—“the psychological thriller everyone will be talking about” (Lisa Scottaline)

There’s only room for one mother in this family.

Claire Abrams’s dreams became a nightmare when she passed on a genetic mutation that killed her little boy. Now she wants a second chance to be a mother, and finds it in Robert Nash, a maverick fertility doctor who works under the radar with Jillian Hendricks, a cunning young scientist bent on making her mark–and seducing her boss.

Claire, Robert, and Jillian work together to create the world’s first baby with three genetic parents–an unprecedented feat that could eliminate inherited disease. But when word of their illegal experiment leaks to the wrong person, Robert escapes into hiding with the now-pregnant Claire, leaving Jillian to serve out a prison sentence that destroys her future.

Ten years later, a spunky girl named Abigail begins to understand that all is not right with the reclusive man and woman she knows as her parents. But the family’s problems are only beginning. Jillian, hardened by a decade of jealousy and loss, has returned–and nothing will stop her from reuniting with the man and daughter who should have been hers.

Past, present, and future converge in this mesmerizing psychological thriller from critically acclaimed author Kira Peikoff.

Um…this book. Wow. What the heck did I just listen to??

So I went in completely blind, which I highly reccomend doing if you can and what a ride it was. I had absolutely NO idea what was going on. I was left feeling confused at times, frustrated and stressed out but man, those were amazing feelings to have while listening to this book.

So Kira Peikoff is a brand new to me author and this will definitely not be my last book of hers that I read/listen to. I enjoyed how detailed this book was. There are things in it that I’m left wondering if they can actually happen or not but I’m no doctor or scientist, so I’ll leave that up to the professionals.

Claire and Ethan have been trying for a baby for a while. They had a son, who unfortunately had a medical condition that ended up taking his life. They decided to try for a second baby but that hadn’t happened yet and they weren’t getting any younger. So a woman desperate to have that baby, would almost do anything to have one. Trust me, from someone who knows how that feels, I’ve been tempted to do some crazy things to have a kid of my own. But that’s a story for another day over lots of alcohol.

Claire ends up going to this fertility doctor and it all becomes crazy from there.

A woman desperate to have another baby.

A scientist desperate to make her way in a world that for the most part, is run by men.

A man who thinks this fertility doctor’s ways are unethical.

And more.

Wow. Just wow. I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book. I was left yelling at my phone, demanding to know what was going on and I was trying to urge the narrators on to talk faster. I needed to know!

The book is written in 3 different POVs (point of views) and I enjoyed them all but the one, actually got on my nerves part way through the book. If you listen to the audio book of this, you’ll understand why.

Thank you, Kira, for an amazing story and for making me feel things as a reader that doesn’t normally happen.

Oh and if you like a little romance with your suspense, this book has that too.

Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Molly McLain

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Molly McLain

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Molly McLain. I’m from Wisconsin, am married, and a mom to three kiddos. I write steamy small town romance with blue collar heroes and spunky heroines.

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

They’re all hard! The first book has to be just right to grab readers’ attention. Then the next books have to be similar, but different, too. Personally, I think I like first books better, because they set the premise for a new world and everything is fresh and new, but it’s also really fun to write cameos of previous in characters in subsequent books, too!

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Don’t compare your author journey to others. Set goals that work for you and measure your success by those accomplishments, not what you see other authors doing.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

I spend about two hours a day writing romance. I also write for my day job, too, so some days it’s really hard to spend any more time in front of my laptop.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

This is like asking a mom to choose her favorite child! They’re all special for different reasons.

What are your social links?

Mailing List: https://smarturl.it/MollyMail
Bookbub: https://smarturl.it/MollysBBub
FB Author Page: https://smarturl.it/MollysAuthorPage
FB Reader Group: https://smarturl.it/MollysMisfitsRG
Amazon: https://smarturl.it/MollysAmzn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollywritesromance
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mollywritesromance

What are your buy links?

Want to buy tickets to Writers on the River?

go to www.WritersontheRiver.com

VIP is $45. 12-1 VIP signing Time, Swag bag and 1-4 general signing time.  Plus includes After Party.

Early Access is $25. 12-1 VIP signing time, Swag bag, and 1-4 general signing time.  No After Party.

General Admission is $10. 1-4 General Signing Time ONLY

After Party is $35. After Party 7:30-11:30 ONLY

MC

#audio #reread #MC – Devil’s Game, Reapers MC book 3 by JoAnna Wylde, narration by Tatiana Sokolov and Todd Haberkorn

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Devil's Game: Reapers Motorcycle Club, Book 3


Liam “Hunter” Blake hates the Reapers MC. Born and raised a Devil’s Jack, he knows his duty. He’ll defend his club from their oldest enemies-the Reapers-using whatever weapons he can find. But why use force when the Reapers’ president has a daughter who’s alone and vulnerable? Hunter has wanted her from the minute he saw her, and now he has an excuse to take her.

Em has lived her entire life in the shadow of the Reapers. Her overprotective father, Picnic, is the club’s president. The last time she had a boyfriend, Picnic shot him. Now the men in her life are far more interested in keeping her daddy happy than showing her a good time. Then she meets a handsome stranger-a man who isn’t afraid to treat her like a real woman. One who isn’t afraid of her father. His name is Liam, and he’s The One.

Or so she thinks.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

Audio Review

I purchased this audio book.

I loved the voices Tatiana and Todd gave to the characters.  They made the characters come to life for me when I was listening. 

Original book Review May 2014

I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

WOW and YUM!! This book totally blew me away. I mean I was sooo curious about Em and Hunter/Liam in Ruger’s book. I was THRILLED to see everything happened during the kidnapping and beyond PLUS see Hunter “watching” Em for his club in their book.

Poor Em is the Clubs “Little Girl” and no one will even APPROACH her for date. Painter strings her along but is to worried about club pres Picnic to follow his desire….DB!! SOOOO Em meets Liam on line and strikes out a friendship with him only to find out he is in a rival MC ANND not just any rival but THE rival. Now Hunter is trying to make peace between the clubs but kidnapping Em isn’t a great plan. The two share ALOT during the kidnapping but they realize its not meant for them……Romeo and Juliet kinda thing.

Well Em’s sister decides to take matters into her hands and starts communication between the two love sick kids. My fav line is when Hunter says ” I let you go to have your space but you came back Em and I will not let you go.”….DREAMY ALPHA SIGH!!!

Now do the clubs really like this Romeo and Juliet dynamic …ahhhh…no but they are willing to accept it for the member they love. They are going to make it work for their benefit so to speak. So while the MC’s are TRYING to keep the peace someone is causing drama between the clubs which causes trouble with Em and Hunter…..dramatic sad sigh………can’t everyone just love one another????

My favorite scene was Hunter and Picnic duking it out over Em. I dont want to give anything away but the RESPECT that they BOTH get for each other after is amazing!! I can’t wait for more from this series.

Joanna Wylde is a freelance writer and voracious reader. You can visit her website at www.joannawylde.net

 



Audio Book, Psychological Thriller, Standalone

#Review #AudioBook – One Little Mistake: A Novella by Lucinda Berry (An Audible Original)

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From the best-selling author of The Secrets of Us and The Best of Friends comes a novella of deceit, desperation, and how one little mistake can unravel a life.
When overwhelmed stay-at-home mom Alexis finds herself at odds with her husband after she’s charged with a DUI, she is given one chance to get her family back: complete AA and admit her faults. The problem is, she’s never had a drinking problem and has no idea what caused the blackout that led to her arrest. Still, she’s committed to working through the program, if that’s what it takes to be reunited with her two young children. But when she connects with a new friend, Farrah – a confident, successful powerhouse of a woman Alexis can’t help but idolize – she’s empowered to take a closer look at her husband’s role in her downfall. What she finds shocks her to her core, quickly spiraling into something more sinister than she ever imagined. 

I really liked this novella. I don’t usually listen to audio books but my reading has been limited lately, so thought I’d give it a shot. And what better way to do that then by listening to one of my favourite authors? AND it’s an audible original too, which is even cooler.

Alexis is having a hard time of it. She has a young daughter and just gave birth to a son a few months ago. Her husband is no help at all. Which let me tell you, was highly infuriating to read.

Unfortunately for Alexis, she decides to have a glass of wine one day, a little earlier than normal for her, and the next thing she knows, she’s waking up in the drunk tank. Buuut after only having a couple glasses, maybe only 2, she doesn’t remember anything at all. Even though she’s a light weight when it comes to alcohol, she knows that there is no way that she could have blacked out.

The one twist in this book wasn’t overly surprising but the 2nd one, yeah, I couldn’t predict it at all.

It just shows that there are a lot of people out there who take advantage when someone is down on their luck. And poor Alexis fell victim to it.

The book, although short, was a fun afternoon listen. It was entertaining and I can’t wait for more.

Also, as with most novellas, I do wish this one was longer but that’s just me.

This is my first audiobook review and I really liked the narrator. She did a fantastic job and coming from someone who is only starting to get into audiobooks, she held my interest and I wasn’t bored.

MC

#Audio #MC #reread – Reapers Legacy, Reapers MC Book 2 by Joanna Wylde, Narration by Tatiana Sokolov and Todd Haberkorn

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Reaper's Legacy: Reaper's MC, Book 2

Reaper’s Legacy is a raw and intensely erotic tale in Joanna Wylde’s Reapers Motorcycle Club series.

Eight years ago, Sophie gave her heart-and her virginity-to Zach Barrett on a night that couldn’t have been less romantic or more embarrassing. Zach’s step-brother, a steely-muscled, tattooed biker named Ruger, caught them in the act, getting a peep show of Sophie he’s never forgotten.

She may have lost her dignity that fateful night, but Sophie also gained something precious-her son Noah. Unfortunately, Zach’s a deadbeat dad, leaving Ruger to be Noah’s only male role model. When he discovers Sophie and his nephew living in near poverty, Ruger takes matters into his own hands-with the help of the Reapers Motorcycle Club-to give them a better life.

Living with outlaw bikers wasn’t Sophie’s plan for her son, but Ruger isn’t giving her a choice. He’ll be there for Noah, whether she wants him or not. But Sophie does want him, has always wanted him. Now she’ll learn that taking a biker to bed can get a girl dirty in every way.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I read this book in 2013 and just picked up the audio to do a reread. I forgotten how much I loved this group of guys and their Old Ladies. Tatiana Sokolov and Todd Haberkorn did a fabulous job bringing life to these characters and reminding of the story of Ruger and Sophie.

Original review written 2013

I received an autographed copy from the author so I am giving an honest review.

I fell in LOVE with Marie and Horse in the first book. I mean Alpha hottie on a bike with a whole MC of brothers to explore and I was sold on the series. I was really excited to read Ruger’s book when the blurb was sent out. I mean LOVE TRIANGLE and who doesnt love those??

SO poor poor Sophie gets preggo by loser Zach (Ruger’s brother) and ditches everyone to raise her son someplace else…we just dont know why? Anyway Ruger is the Man-Slut of the century and he is bending over backwards for Sophie but we dont know why? Is it just for his nephew or more??? Is Sophie lusting over Ruger for real or just because he is a guy who doesn’t let her down?

The two are forced to co-habitate together and things between them get blurry very very very very quick. Ruger thinks if he nails her he will be able to move on. Sophie knows if she sleeps with him she will be ruined. The two dance around and then BOOM they finally give in. BUT Ruger refused monogomy soooo again Sophie leaves. She even moves out but Ruger insists they are still together. She says ‘Monogomy?” annnnd he says no…I so wanted to punch him in the face. So Sophie again says “over”…the two need to just sit and talk it out already!!

Anyway, Sophie gets friendly with club old ladies and goes out with Em to meet a guy. The two are kidnapped. Ruger goes outta his mind and realized she is it for him. When they find the girls he promised monogomy buut it is way way way to late……can they get together? Can they find some common ground???

The epilogue was awesome for sure and I can’t wait to read Em’s book as soon as i finish this review!!

Joanna Wylde is a freelance writer and voracious reader. You can visit her website at www.joannawylde.net.

Release Blitz, Standalone, Writers on the River Attending Author

#wotr #attendingauthor #newrelease Just a Kiss (Lyrics and Love 4) by Samantha Lind

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 Release Date: January 6

It all started with just a kiss.

The first was ten years ago in high school.

Our second was in a bar on the dance floor.

We agreed to keep things casual.

But we were like a fire burning behind closed doors.

Those sparks had me wanting more.

When I took a shot in the dark and asked for more, it brought us to the ultimate crossroads.

Do we do things right, with just a kiss goodbye?

Or do we do things right, with a kiss goodnight?  

Grab Your Copy Here!

Meet Samantha Lind

Samantha Lind is a contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls Iowa home where she lives with her husband and two sons.

She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music.

 

 

 

 

Connect with Samantha Lind

Newsletter | Website | Facebook Page | Facebook Profile | Facebook Group | Instagram | Twitter     Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

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Author Spotlight, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #attendingauthor #spotlight – Renee George

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Renee George

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Renee George, USA Today Bestselling author of cozy paranormal mysteries, paranormal women’s fiction mysteries, and paranormal romance/ mysteries.

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

They are all hard. LOL.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I am a pantser who writes mysteries, so I set up the suspects and the crime, then I work through it, investigating along with my heroine. I like to put in a lot of red herrings and make things twisty at the end, but usually, about the time that reader knows who-done-it in the story is about the same time that I knew when I was writing it.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Writing like any creative pursuit is one of those jobs you have to love enough to do it even when you hate it. The best tip I can give an aspiring writer is don’t compare the way you approach writing to the way other authors approach writing. Every one is different. Your process is your process. Comparing yourself to other writers is a great way to stay frustrated all the time. Honestly, it’s just one word after another until “The End,” however you get there.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

Writing is more than just getting the words down. It involves a lot of planning and thinking, so I count that as writing time. Which means, all the waking hours in the day are typically spent writing. Hah!

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

Currently, Nora Black from my Nora Black Midlife Psychic Mysteries is my favorite. She’s my age, has been through some of the things that I have been through, and she still kicks butt. I love having a heroine who represents a woman over 50 who is still young enough to live her life. I mean, I’m not dead, yet. Right?

If any of your books were to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it? What book and who?

In the Nora Black series, I’d have Kate Blanchett playing my heroine. She’s over 50 and still got it. Henry Cavill would play Ezra. Sandra Bullock would play her best friend Gilly.

What is your definition of success?

I write books and I get paid for them. It was always my dream, and that dream has come true. That’s success.

What are your social links?

Join Renee’s Rebel Readers (Facebook Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/reneesunusualsuspects/

Like “Renee George, Author” fan page:

https://www.facebook.com/authorreneegeorge

Follow Renee on Twitter: @reneegeorge2008

Website: http://www.renee-george.com

Instagram: author_renee_george

What are your buy links?

www.renee-george.com for all my series

Want to buy tickets to Writers on the River?

go to www.WritersontheRiver.com

VIP is $45. 12-1 VIP signing Time, Swag bag and 1-4 general signing time.  Plus includes After Party.

Early Access is $25. 12-1 VIP signing time, Swag bag, and 1-4 general signing time.  No After Party.

General Admission is $10. 1-4 General Signing Time ONLY

After Party is $35. After Party 7:30-11:30 ONLY

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

#wotr #attendingauthor #newrelease #partofaserises Just a Kiss (Lyrics and Love 4) by Samantha Lind

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It all started with just a kiss.

The first was ten years ago in high school.

Our second was in a bar on the dance floor. 

We agreed to keep things casual.

But we were like a fire burning behind closed doors. 

Those sparks had me wanting more. 

When I took a shot in the dark and asked for more,

it brought us to the ultimate crossroads.

Do we do things right, with just a kiss goodbye?

Or do we do things right, with a kiss goodnight? 

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57681309-just-a-kiss?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=thB8x6GkES&rank=22

Amazon https://amzn.to/3eovsEX

Review by Twinsie Dee

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

Ahh im so glad Lee and Allison’s story was continued i loved their connection in rumors goin round. Allison and Lee went to high school together and always had that crush on each other but never took it anywhere. One-night at the local bar they decided why not and give into their feelings but Lee was a one night stand kinda guy didnt want to catch feelings and Allison was just fine with that until she starts actually catching feelings in their friends with benefits situation. Will she be able to keep her feelings to herself without her heart getting hurt or is this bachelor one that never gets off the market.

Samantha Lind is a contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls Iowa home where she lives with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music.