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When your grandmother stalks the star hockey player on the rival team because “You need a husband, Dakota—you’re not getting any younger!” it’s Christmas crazy on ice.
Then my younger, much dumber brother informs me that he owes his bookie a bunch of money and really needs the Icebreakers to lose their next game, and could I pretty please be an amazing big sis and date their captain then break his heart so he’ll suck and lose the game—otherwise little bro will get killed, or worse, our mom will find out.
Santa better bring me something nice this Christmas for all my pain and suffering!
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EXCERPT
“You’re stalking my client,” Hudson yelled at the old woman, who was completely unfazed by his anger.
My teammates’ eyes bugged out like the pugs’, then they all collapsed, howling with laughter, at my feet. Even Coach snickered into his gloves.
“You’re the Crusher?” My mouth dropped open. “You’re the one who’s been stalking me for the last five months?”
“Stalker? Pshaw!” Granny Murray was offended. “I’m not stalking anyone.”
“You’re going to be arrested.” Hudson bore down on the woman.
“Don’t arrest my grandmother,” Dakota snapped at him.
“She’s stalking him.” Hudson made a knife hand in my direction. “Do you know how much goddamn money this woman has cost me?”
“I’m not stalking. I’m leaving him presents and nice notes,” Granny Murray shouted.
Hudson slapped a hand to his forehead. “Notes? They’re fucking pornographic.”
“Now see here.” Granny Murray wagged her finger at the tall man. “I’m just trying to rile him up for Dakota.”
“You frightened him, Gran,” Gracie scolded.
“Oh my god.” Erik gasped at my feet, holding his side. “College Boy is afraid of a little old lady.”
I sputtered, “Shut your mouth, Canada.”
“Are you going to ‘oh heck’ him?” Pete snickered.
“Sonny, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. You seem like a nice boy.” The old woman patted me on the arm.
Hudson slapped her hand away.
“As an apology present”—she grabbed Dakota and pushed her toward me—“I will let you have sex with my granddaughter. She puts out, and her boobs are real.” She squeezed Dakota’s chest.
“Oh, uh…” I rocked back on my skates. “That’s very kind of you, ma’am, but no. No thank you.”
Dakota had the nerve to look offended.
My teammates’ mouths dropped open, then they laid into me.
“Who the hell are you?”
“Fucking Boy Scout.”
“Come on, Ryder!”
“Jesus Christ, College Boy.”
“Dude!”
“Shame! Shame to the family. Shame to the team…” Rick slapped his glove.
“I’m not having relations with her,” I stammered. “I don’t even know her.”
Dakota raised an eyebrow.
Pete muscled up to Dakota. “I’ll take the apology present, beautiful. I have a very nice hotel suite—hot tub, big bed. Expense account.”
“No! No expense accounts,” Coach barked.
Erik shoved Pete aside. “How about a two-for-one deal?”
Dakota looked interested. The pretty brunette put her finger to her lips like she was seriously thinking about it.
I sucker punched Erik.
“Hey!” Coach slapped the back of my head.
I didn’t even feel it.
“You’re not sleeping with her. Certainly not both of you, ingrates,” I snarled.
“Ooh, College Boy is mad!” Rick giggled.
“All of you, shut the fuck up!” Coach yelled. “Shaddap!”
I sniffed.
“Ryder, you’re kind of a prude.” Coach turned on me. “Dial it back. You’re almost thirty, for Chrissake, and for someone who says he wants a family, you’re about as effective as a panda in that department.”
Mike applauded.
“But they’re trying to… you know… with a fan. That’s against the rules,” I argued.
Coach sighed loudly.
“Oh.” Dakota piped up. “I am definitely not a fan. In fact, I hate your team. Arctic Avengers all the way. I’d never date the captain of the motherfucking Icebreakers. I will, however, sleep with you all.” She blew me and my teammates a kiss.
“Fuck that!” My friends refused. “We’re not traitors.”
“Dammit, Dakota!” Granny Murray scolded, “All that work down the toilet.”
“Definitely snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory,” Gracie said.
Dakota scowled.
“Well, that is how the Arctic Avengers do it.” I sneered at her.
If you like steamy romantic comedies with a creative streak, then I'm your girl!
Architect by day, writer by night, I love matcha green tea, chocolate, and books! So many books…
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*********************
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Happy Release Day!
Jen Marie Wiggins's first book, the gifty nonfiction title Married AF: A Funny Guide for the Newlywed or Bride, was published with Sourcebooks in 2022. She has a background in advertising and public relations, and her writing has appeared in Southern Coastal Weddings, Savannah Magazine, Savannah Homes, and elsewhere. The Good Bridedraws much of its inspiration from the devastation and rebuilding struggles of Mexico Beach, Florida, a place near and dear to Jen's heart.
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New Beginnings in Twinkle Falls by Freda Ann
(A Twinkle Falls Novel #5)
Publication date: December 12th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance
A sweet, inspirational, small town romance with holiday cheer and a happy ending.
Kylee Croft is a single mom to the sweetest little girl anyone could ask for. Growing up in Paris, the most romantic city in the world, to Kylee it felt like a rite of passage to one day marry the man of her dreams.
Now living in Twinkle Falls, she appreciates the ease of small town life and how people look out for one another, though getting to know the sister and father she never knew existed is the icing on the cake.
Trace Holburg was one happy man after marrying his first love seven years ago. Soon after, his family felt complete with the birth of their twins. But he received a rude awakening when his soon to be ex-wife left him and the boys for a life of alcoholism. After the divorce and getting sole custody of his boys, he swore he’d never marry again.
Kylee has been dating Trace for over a year but worries the man she’s fallen madly in love with is pulling away from her. To complicate things even more her daughter’s biological father shows up in Twinkle Falls.
Can this couple make peace with their past and find a future together, or does their fate lie elsewhere?
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EXCERPT
“Man, I suck at this,” I blurt out, while on a jog around the perimeter of the Fall Fair with Jesse. We started hanging out years ago after our sisters became BFFs.
“O-kayyy…” He elongates the word, briefly cutting his eyes in my direction. “Do you care to elaborate?”
“Ugh, at romancing a woman. It’s like I forgot how to do it, since I haven’t dated for years. Before Kylee, Roxanne was the only woman I’d ever loved. Actually, now that I think about it, I’m sure Roxanne put the moves on me first. Which means, I have no game. Dang, I’m doomed.”
“I assume you’re talking about romancing Kylee? Tell me what happened before I give my opinion on the situation.
Shaking my head as we run past a seven-foot scarecrow and two smaller ones along the jogging trail, I try explaining. “It’s bad; really bad,” I huff. “One minute, we were sipping wine and cuddling on the sofa after an amazing French meal she made, and the next, something completely different than what I had planned to say came pouring out of my mouth.”
“Oh, gosh, what’d you say?”
“I said something like… if it’s not clear that I want us to have a future together and to, uh, share a house so we can do more stuff like this—”
“Stop!” We quit running as Jesse steps to the side of the trail. “You’re right, you do suck at this.” He chuckles. “That’s the worst thing I’ve ever heard a guy say to the woman he loves. What was her response?”
“It wasn’t great. She didn’t say anything at first, so I added, unless it’s not something you want. Finally, she grabbed my hand and said she’d love for us to live in the same house, but then she looked confused after she said it.”
“Man, I can definitely see why. You need to watch some romance movies or something because you’re right, you have zero game with the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with.”
Freda Ann is fondly known for her sweet/clean, HEA RomComs. Her loyal fans and reviewers have compared several of her books to Hallmark movies. Many have hit #1 in multiple categories after release.
She writes relatable, faith and family based love stories which include kids and adorable dogs. Her writing style appeals to people of all ages. Her books will take you on an emotional journey with likable characters, and dreamy settings you'll wish you could visit.
After retiring from a career in the law enforcement field, Freda feels blessed to be able to write and self-publish her stories for everyone to read. She adores her large family, 5 children and 9 grandchildren, and hosts monthly family gatherings.
To hear about new releases, please follow her on Amazon and also on Goodreads.
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Wedding Bells in Silverwood by Dorothy Dreyer
(Silverwood Series #2)
Publication date: November 26th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance
Silverwood’s most anticipated event of the year is upon us—Holly St. Ives and Nick Mason’s New Year’s Eve wedding. But as one disaster after another strikes in the weeks leading up to their big day, Holly begins to suspect that something is amiss.
Enter Viola Carver, a former culinary prodigy who put her career on hold to care for her disabled mother. Given a last-minute opportunity to cater the event of the season, Viola is determined to prove herself. But she fears she may blow her big chance after several rocky encounters with the dashing venue owner.
With a saboteur on the loose who’s intent on ruining Nick and Holly’s wedding, it might take Nick’s team of Alaskan Malamutes and a New Year’s miracle to save the day.
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EXCERPT
Did I really agree to this?
Holly St. Ives shielded her eyes from the August sun and glared at the uphill dirt trail in front of her, half tempted to fake a sudden illness so she could go home and hide under the covers. She’d prefer her nice, warm, cozy bed to a thin sleeping bag on a cold, bumpy tent floor anyway.
Nick Mason, her devoted boyfriend for eight months and counting, closed the SUV’s trunk and roped his arms through the straps of the oversized backpack. “You ready for this?”
Nick’s Alaskan Malamute, Cupid, wagged his tail eagerly, waiting for the green light to charge up the hill.
Holly eyed the steep climb and raised her brow. “Would you be upset if I changed my mind?”
Nick handed Holly her rucksack, which was considerably smaller than his. “I thought you said seeing the Northern Lights is at the top of your bucket list.”
Holly squirmed as she slung the pack over her thin jacket. “I could just watch them online.” She yanked her chestnut brown waves out from the purple, pashmina scarf encompassing her neck, hoping Nick might agree with her.
Nick smirked, rubbing a hand over the scruff on his chiseled jawline. “That’s not the same thing.”
“I know.” Holly shifted, kicking a rock with her hiking boots. “But when you invited me on this trip, I didn’t realize how much we’d be … roughing it.”
Nick placed his hands on her hips and tugged her close. “Look, once we get up there and have everything set up, you’ll love it. I booked a premium spot, one the park assured me was a perfect place to experience the aurora borealis. And if that’s not enough to tempt you, I’ve brought hot chocolate and marshmallows.”
Holly swayed, adjusting the weight she carried. “Like mini marshmallows that go in the hot chocolate or big ones for roasting over a fire?”
“Both.”
Holly squinted at him with a half-smile. “Fine. But only because I’m a sucker for cocoa.” And the company’s not so bad either.
Cupid barked, reminding them he was still waiting for permission to start their adventure. The black and white bundle of fur sniffed at the air and paced around Nick.
“Yeah, go on, boy.” Nick grasped the tent bag handles as Cupid took off and then gave Holly a quick peck before pulling a cap over his short-cropped, dark hair.
Dorothy Dreyer is a Philippine-born American living in Germany with her family. She is an award-winning, USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy, romance, and horror books that usually have some element of magic or the supernatural in them. Aside from reading, she enjoys movies, binge-watching series, chocolate, take-out, traveling, and having fun with friends and family. She tends to sing sometimes, too, so keep her away from your Karaoke bars.
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Happy Release Day!
Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!
Elf Against the Wall by Alina Jacobs
(The Wynter Brothers, #2)
Publication date: November 12th 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance
When you kiss your perfect boyfriend under the mistletoe…only for your cousin to scream to the family that you stole her man, Christmas is OVER.
In my defense, I didn’t know my boss—yup, boss. Buckle up because this is messy—was my cousin’s newly minted and totally lying fiancé. I thought he was the Nutcracker Prince come to finally show my family that I, too, was worthy of putting the star atop the Christmas tree.
Naughty elves of Christmas checking in! We’re drunk caroling, eating cookies at midnight, surviving family drama, and drooling over hot, unattainable men who are oh so wrong for us. This standalone holiday romantic comedy has all the Christmas cheer you can fit under the tree and a happily ever after guaranteed!
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EXCERPT
There was a man—a huge man!—in my father’s study, all in heavy black motorcycle gear, a helmet hiding his face.
Snowball had her needle-sharp teeth latched onto the robber’s pant leg, and he was batting at her roughly, trying to knock her off.
“Don’t you hurt my dog!” I screamed, picking up a priceless wood statue my parents had brought back from their anniversary trip to Japan and racing after the attacker.
He grunted in surprise but raised his arm too late to block the statue from crashing into his motorcycle helmet, shattering the tinted visor.
Eyes like a raging winter storm glared back at me through the broken glass.
I hefted the statue again, and it connected with one of his massive arms.
The hit didn’t even knock him off-balance.
“Oh shit,” I whimpered as he took a step toward me.
The huge arm came up, knocking the statue out of my hands to split on the floor.
I spun to escape but tripped on the corner of the rug and crashed to the floor, yelling unintelligibly as he pounced on me, pinning me on my back. His huge gloved hand covered my mouth and nose so I couldn’t scream. I could barely breathe.
“Shut up,” the deep voice ordered, slightly muffled by the broken motorcycle helmet.
I struggled under the massive male body that had me trapped on the floor, clawing ineffectively at him.
“What the hell?” he growled. “Fuck, I need to do something with you.”
Was he going to hurt me? Or take me with him to be—Gulp—disposed of somewhere else?
Don’t let yourself be taken to a second location!
But I couldn’t budge all the muscle and sinew holding me down.
“Motherfuck—” he roared, snatching his gloved hand back from my mouth as Snowball bit him, her sharp teeth sinking through the gloves into his thumb.
Sucking in shuddering breaths, I pummeled the man’s helmet as he shook his hand, Snowball not letting go as he flapped her around.
Scraping my nails on his neck, I managed to drag his helmet off his head and hoisted it, banging it on his face and shoulders as he cursed, finally shaking the dog and the glove free.
His tattooed hand made a fist and punched the helmet out of my grasp. His knee pinned my hip to the floor. As he raised himself slightly, his face was lit up by passing headlights.
“Oh my god,” I whimpered, eyes bugging out of my head as I took in his chiseled face, strong jaw, black hair, wintery gray eyes, and scars on his cheek and across one eye.
“You’re the… the… the…”
If you like steamy romantic comedies with a creative streak, then I'm your girl!
Architect by day, writer by night, I love matcha green tea, chocolate, and books! So many books…
Sign up for my mailing list to get the free novella, AFTER HIS PEONIES, along with special bonus content, giveaways, and more!
http://alinajacobs.com/mailinglist.html
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Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Bookbub | X
Be sure to check the sidebar for my current giveaways!