Blitz & Giveaway for Playing For Keeps by Julie Hammerle

Playing For Keeps

Julie Hammerle

Published by: Entangled: Amara

Publication date: May 8th, 2023

Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

USA Today bestselling author Julie Hammerle’s quirky romantic comedy about two strangers, a fake relationship, and a teeny mid-lie crisis…

Bryce Barrett has disappeared off the face of the earth. Well, technically she’s just temporarily hiding out in a teeny Midwest town, away from her ruined marriage and professional demise…at least until she can figure out her next steps. But when she bumps into her ex—dressed in what could be only described as “dumpster chic”—she does the only reasonable thing a woman can do: panics and pretends the cute security guard on the scene is her new boyfriend.

Free-spirited nomad Jake Warner knew returning to his hometown was a bad idea. It’s bad enough that his family’s pressuring him to step into his dad’s hypercompetitive shoes and settle down, but when a complete stranger (cute, though possibly unbalanced) enlists him as her fake boyfriend, Jake knows he’s making some questionable choices…especially when he inexplicably goes along with it.

Now these two mismatched misfits are temporary allies against a town filled with happy, normal, and annoyingly stable people. Fake dating keeps everyone off their back while they plot their respective escapes. But nothing botches a plan more than unexpected chemistry…

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EXCERPT:

“Ted, hello.” Bryce offered him her hand, and he pulled her in for a quick, friendly kiss on the cheek. She stiffened up. Damn it, is that moldy cheese smell me? No. It’s Ted. It must be Ted.

After he let her go, Ted spoke to the woman next to him, “Ree, this is my ex-wife, Bryce. Bryce, this is Rita, my girlfriend.”

We lah-dee-frickin’ da, Ted went and got himself a girlfriend.

But I have beaver slippers.

Bryce bit her lip to keep from laughing or crying, she wasn’t sure which.

Rita offered her hand to Bryce. “It’s nice to meet you. Ted has told me so much about you.”

“Yeah, nice to meet you, too.” Bryce greeted her ex’s new girlfriend with a perfunctory handshake as she took the opportunity to give Rita the once-over. She was the kind of effortless beauty Bryce, with her hair dye and multi-session workouts and (previously) gluten free, vegan diet, had only ever dreamed of being. Rita, whose luminous face apparently had no need for makeup, wore her long, dark hair in a cascade over her shoulders. Her white pants and nautical-striped shirt were right out of a J. Crew catalog.

Bryce folded her arms across her dingy, dirty t-shirt.

“What are you doing in town?” Ted asked.

He was definitely staring at her pants—or, well, his pants. She crossed her legs, trying to hide the big, gold “Michigan.” “I’m…I live here.”

Ted laughed. “You live in Wackernagel?”

Bryce frowned. “Well, I have the house here.”

“Yeah, you do, but I…I figured you’d sell it the first chance you got.” Ted laughed. “What about work?”

He hadn’t heard. Somehow news of her great professional demise had not reached Ted.

Bryce said a quick prayer of thanksgiving for loyal friends, Ted’s aversion to social media, and the fact that their work circles didn’t overlap. His high school teachers’ crowd didn’t have much contact with Big Law beyond Bryce.

“I’m taking some time off.” Bryce crossed her arms.

“Like, a sabbatical?” Rita asked.

Bryce nodded. Sure, let’s call it that.

“Good for you.” Tim smiled softly. “I’m glad you’re finally taking some time for yourself.”

Yeah, that’s what I’m doing. Bryce shot him a relaxed, self-assured smile. Might as well let him keep thinking things are wonderful. No harm in that. “Things are going really well for me here, in fact. I’m fixing up the house”—or, technically, redecorating it with old chip bags, empty wine bottles, and assorted other garbage—“and I’m really finding myself”—by binge watching TV shows, eating ice cream, and sleeping all day.

“That’s great,” Ted said. And his eyes were back on Bryce’s pants.

These stupid pants. They were blowing her cover. Her current outfit screamed everything but “I’m thriving!” Bryce chuckled, trying to make light of her oddball clothing. “I see you’ve noticed what I’m wearing.”

Ted’s eyes widened. “I have. Have you?”

She tamped down any annoyance at his semi-snide tone.

Author Bio:

USA Today best-selling, RITA nominated author, Julie Hammerle (she/her) writes romantic comedies for adults and teens. Before settling down to write "for real," she studied opera, taught Latin, and held her real estate license for one hot minute. Currently, when not writing, she ropes people into conversations about Game of Thrones and makes excuses to avoid the gym. Her favorite YA-centric TV shows include 90210 (original spice), Felicity, and Freaks and Geeks. Her music playlist reads like a 1997 Lilith Fair set list.

She lives in Chicago with her husband and her two kids and a dog.

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Blitz & Giveaway for Playing for Keeps by Jax Calder

Playing for Keeps

Jax Calder

(Sporting Secrets, #3)

Publication date: July 6th 2022

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance, Sports

Falling for your former best friend? Never a good idea.

Ethan Lewis is the joker of his rugby team, the guy who’s always up for a good time. The only thing that can wipe the smile from his face is any mention of his former best friend, Luke. He has no idea why Luke has actively avoided him for the past five years. Okay, so he broke the bro-code by hooking up with Luke’s sister, but the result was his son—and he wouldn’t change that for the world. So when he hears Luke’s signed a contract to play for his team, Ethan decides he’s going to do everything he can to get his best friend back.

Luke has returned to New Zealand from playing rugby overseas, determined to achieve his lifelong dream and make the national team. And he’s not about to let Ethan’s presence distract him. So what if one of his new teammates is the person who shredded his heart? Luke’s moved past that, and he’s happy now with his new boyfriend. There’s no way he’s falling back under Ethan’s spell.

But it turns out no matter how good you are at evading the opposition, there’s one thing you can never escape—and that’s the love of your life.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Seeing that look of concentration on Ethan’s face, I was suddenly whisked back in time to the summer we were sixteen.

Ethan and I were sleeping in a tent on the back lawn of my parents’ holiday home in Wānaka, as we usually did. I’d woken up to find Ethan tossing and turning, his sleeping bag rustling like a bag of potato chips every time he moved.

I propped myself up on my elbow to look at him.

“What’s wrong?” I whispered.

“I can’t sleep.”

“Yeah, I picked up on that. Thanks for sharing your insomnia with me. I really appreciate it.”

“Sorry.”

It was a small tent, and I could feel Ethan’s tension as he tried not to move. He half sat up, then thumped back onto the airbed with a groan. “Urgh! I can’t turn my brain off sometimes. I suppose that’s to be expected with my exceptionally large brain.”

I snorted. “Yeah, you keep telling yourself that.”

He shuffled again, tossing one way, then almost immediately turning back.

“What do you normally do when you can’t sleep?” I asked.

“I jerk off.”

My breath rushed out of me while my cock immediately started to firm up at the thought.

Great. Now the idea of Ethan jerking off was in my head, which meant I wasn’t getting back to sleep for hours. If ever. No doubt my brain would prefer that particular daydream over the random crap my real dreams threw at me.

He shuffled again.

“So jerk off now.” I spoke without thinking, the words channeled from my subconscious.

Ethan’s breath hitched. “What?”

My heart pounded. I needed to keep talking, fast.

“If it means you’ll stop moving, I’m happy for you to sing the entire One Direction album. Whatever it takes to get you to settle down.”

In the silence I heard Ethan swallow. My heart continued to thump.

“If I jerk off, you’ve got to do it too, otherwise I’ll feel weird,” he said eventually.

My mouth went dry and my cock grew even harder.

Oh holy hell. Ethan was giving me permission to jack myself off in his presence. Thank you, Universe, for letting my Ultimate Fantasy Number Five come true.

I went for a jokey tone. “Oh no, you’re forcing me to jerk off. I’ve never done that before.”

Ethan chuckled. “Yeah, cos I believe that.”

We were silent for a few moments.

“Well, are you going to do it?” he asked.

I tried to keep my voice casual. “I just hope I do it right.”

Ethan laughed again. “Is there a wrong way to do it?”

“Not sure. Maybe if it involves sharp fingernails?”

“That’s pro tip number one. No fingernails,” he said.

“Right.” My voice came out slightly breathless as I palmed myself through my boxers.

“You doing it?” His voice was slightly rough.

I slipped my hand inside my boxers, and shit, that felt good.

“Yeah,” I grunted.

“Me too.”

Suddenly the rustling noises coming from Ethan’s sleeping bag were no longer annoying. Instead, my mind imagined his hand on his cock, imagined him stroking himself down his hard length.

Shit. This wasn’t going to last long.

I turned my head slightly, risking a glance at him.

Holy fuck. Ethan’s lips were parted and he had a look of concentration on his face.

He turned his head on the pillow and his eyes met mine for a second before closing. Then his shoulders stiffened and he let out a small gasp.

Ethan’s blissed-out look triggered my own orgasm. Fuck. It was the most intense orgasm I’d ever had. I was surprised I didn’t spontaneously combust.

Once my breathing slowed, I sat up and rummaged in my bag for clean boxers. Ethan did the same.

Neither of us said anything. My heart continued to pound like a fast bass track.

Ethan lay back down. He yawned and stretched. “That was exactly what I needed. You always have the best ideas.”

He closed his eyes. Within minutes, his breathing had evened out and he’d fallen asleep.

I’d been left staring at the tent ceiling for hours, listening to the soft exhale of Ethan’s breath, as my brain swirled with two unavoidable conclusions.

I was definitely gay.

And I was definitely in love with my best friend.

The noise of a car engine startled me and the memory dissolved, leaving me standing there next to Jonathan, staring out the window.

Ethan’s car pulled out of the driveway, and Char waved goodbye from the doorstep. The affectionate smile on her face cut at me, slashes I didn’t expect.

I sucked in a deep breath.

When I turned away, I found Jonathan’s sympathetic gaze on me.

“You had a crush on him growing up, didn’t you?” he said.

Seeing Ethan had left me raw, with no filters working. “A crush? More like I was fucking head over heels in love with him.”

Jonathan eyes widened. Oh holy Christ, yeah, that was probably high on the list of things I shouldn’t admit to my current boyfriend. That I’d been in love with my best friend, who was about to become my teammate.

At least I hadn’t admitted that seeing him had reminded me of the residual love for Ethan that still clung on in my heart—love that I couldn’t shake free no matter how hard I tried.

Jonathan dropped his gaze, looking for a moment as if he was contemplating the pattern on the carpet before lifting his eyes back to mine.

“Maybe you need to stop punishing him for not loving you back.”

Author Bio:

Jax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.

Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. Join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.

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Playing for Keeps by Alison Packard Blitz & Giveaway

Playing for Keeps

Alison Packard

(Feeling the Heat, #6)

Publication date: May 1st 2018

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

He’s riding the bench. She’s living a lie. The game of love is won in extra innings.

Following a terrible tragedy, Rick Taylor is making his comeback to the major leagues… and the dating scene. But years off the roster have left the veteran catcher a little rusty. It’ll take a special woman to heal the heartache of losing his family. But the perfect contender refuses to let him try out…

Single mom Amy Vaughn leads a double life. Between her daytime job and her nightclub gig, she can’t afford to date a famous baseball player… especially when the publicity could bring her dark secret to light. But the handsome catcher’s charms prove too strong to resist.

When old memories and new notoriety threaten to tear them apart, Rick and Amy must learn to drop their defenses, or they’ll miss out on their second chance at love.

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—

EXCERPT:

Sitting next to Rick at the breakfast bar Amy was acutely aware of everything about him. His subtle scent; a mixture of soap and cologne that was unique to him invaded her senses. He’d shaved so the stubble was gone, but even without it he was sexy as hell. Underneath the navy blue Henley shirt, the play of his muscles as he’d worked in the kitchen had riveted her. The sleeves had been pushed up to his elbows to reveal his muscular forearms. She was taller than average, but next to Rick she felt almost dainty.

With a happy sigh, she set her fork on her empty plate. “On a scale of one to ten, your crepes are a definite ten.”

“I told you I had mad culinary skills.” He looked pleased as he grabbed their plates, then slipped off of his stool and rounded the counter to place them in the sink. Amy’s gaze lowered to his perfect ass. Boxers, briefs, or the ever popular boxer-briefs? She’d find out soon.

Just then he turned around and she jerked her gaze up to meet his. Warmth surged over her skin and she was sure she was blushing. Still, with a backside like his he should be used to it. “You don’t have to do the dishes. You can leave them in the sink. I’ll do them tomorrow.”

“It is tomorrow. But I won’t argue about the dishes. It’s the only part of cooking I don’t like,” he said as she hopped off of her stool and joined him in the kitchen. She reached for the brown paper grocery bag he’d placed on the counter next to the stove and let out a surprised yelp when he cut in front of her and grabbed it first.

“What’s in the bag?” She set her hands on her hips, curious as to what he didn’t want her to see. “A secret ingredient you used in the crepes?”

“Maybe.” A hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Maybe not.”

“Color me curious.” She snatched the bag from his grasp, then, laughing at his dumbstruck expression, she stuck her hand inside and pulled out a box of condoms. “So this is why you had to stop at the store.” Grinning, she inspected the box and read the large script aloud. “Ribbed for her pleasure. What do you think that means?”

“I’m not really sure, but I think it means you…um…the woman gets more stimulation during…” He paused, then amusement flashed in his eyes. “Okay. I can see by that shit-eating grin you’re messing with me. And for your information the condoms aren’t the only reason I had to stop at the store. You said you didn’t have cream cheese, whipping cream, or berries. All of which I needed for the crepes.”

“Did you stop at the twenty-four-hour market on Bryant?”

He nodded. “Why?”

With a mischievous smile, she side-stepped around him and grabbed the tote bag she’d hung on an oversized metal hook on the end of the breakfast bar. “I was in and out before you got there,” she said as she pulled out three small boxes of condoms and set them on top of the counter along with his box. “I wasn’t sure what size to get so I bought regular, large, and extra-large. I’m sure the guy at the cash register thought I was on my way to an orgy.”

“You could have told him they make great water balloons.”

“And you’d know this how?” she asked, slipping the handles of the tote over the hook. She turned to find Rick leaning against the edge of the counter in front of the sink. She crossed the short space between them and in a quick move, braced her palms on the countertop and lifted herself up to sit on its smooth surface.

“When I was at UT a few of my buddies used to fill them with water and have water balloon fights. They’re actually pretty durable.” He chuckled. “They also make excellent balloon animals.”

“This is what you did in college?”

“I didn’t say I participated.”

“But you did.” She cocked her head and arched a brow at him. “Didn’t you?”

He pushed off the counter and moved to stand in front of her. “Maybe once or twice.”

“Will you make a condom balloon animal for me?”

“I made you crepes.” A smile crinkled the corners of his eyes. “Isn’t that enough?”

“No.”

“Are you always this demanding?” he asked with a laugh.

“Only when I want something.”

Their smiles slowly faded. Rick lifted his hand and gently caressed her cheek. The pad of his thumb brushed over her lower lip and the desire she’d held in check since they’d kissed in the garage returned full force. He skimmed his fingers over her jaw, then to her neck. She sighed and tilted her head slightly to the side. “What do you want right now?” he asked in a low voice.

“You.”

Author Bio:

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Alison now lives in Southern Nevada where she’s finally used to the blistering summers, but still finds the slot machines in grocery stores and gas stations rather odd.

When not working at the day job that pays the bills, keeps a roof over her head, and supports her book and chocolate habits, she spends most of her free time writing. But when she takes a break, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.

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