Release Blitz & Review for Violent Little Thing by Lani Lynn Vale

Title: Violent Little Thing

Series: Don't Date Him #10

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, One Night Stand, Small Town Sports Romance, Widower, Single Mom, Second Chance

Release Date: October 6, 2026

BLURB

The first time Courtland Navarro saw Charleigh Lynn Kensington, she was yelling at her old boss about a yeast infection.

Court didn’t know that his heart could even beat after the loss of his late wife, but in that moment, when she was yelling about a bladder infection from hell, he realized that maybe he hadn’t died inside after all.

The second time he saw her, he was protecting her from herself.

The big—actually quite small—bad—more like a pissed-off Chihuahua—Marine thought she could handle herself. And honestly, she might have been able to. But she was five-foot-nothing, had crazy blonde hair, and looked like one hell of an easy target.

To say that they got off on the wrong foot would be an understatement.

Then, searching for something to do with his life after getting out of prison, he finds a mechanic shop for sale. So he buys it.

Little did he know that Charleigh had wanted that shop.

And now she had even more reason to hate him.

She tries her hardest to hold on to the anger, the utter dislike of all things Court Navarro. But Charleigh doesn’t stand a chance.

Court has set his sights on her, and there’s nothing that she can do but surrender.

But, maybe, that was what she wanted all along.

Someone to fight for her.

ADD TO GOODREADS

The plot plunges us headfirst into a world steeped in loss and the flickering embers of hope. This story doesn't shy away from the raw ache of grief, but masterfully weaves it into a narrative of resilience, unexpected connection, and a love that feels both earned and utterly electric. At its heart, "Violent Little Thing" explores the profound impact of tragedy on two souls, Charleigh and Court. Court is a man burdened by survivor's guilt, haunted by the loss of his pregnant wife. Charleigh, too, grapples with immense grief, having lost her best friend, but her pain manifests as a fiery determination for revenge. Though their paths seem destined for animosity, they soon reveal a powerful, undeniable spark. What truly shines in "Violent Little Things" is the breathtakingly natural evolution of Charleigh and Court's relationship. Their dynamic is a masterclass in opposites attract, with Charleigh's fiery spirit acting as the perfect counterpoint to Court's gentle soul. The author perfectly captures the slow burn, the tender moments that bring tears to your eyes, and the laugh-out-loud humor that punctuates their journey. The supporting characters, particularly the "Dixie Warden Clan," add a rich tapestry of found family, making Charleigh's integration feel authentic and heartwarming. The plot is a thrilling ride, packed with secrets, power plays, and moments of genuine suspense that keep you utterly engrossed. Standout moments, like the priceless Mercantile scene and a truly unpredictable and the turn of events involving Jessamy, are guaranteed to linger long after the final page. "Violent Little Thing" is a must-read for us fans of small-town romance, stories featuring found families, and those who appreciate a blend of humor, drama, and explosive chemistry. If you enjoy tales of second chances, redemption, and characters who are as flawed as they are lovable, you will find yourself captivated. Takeaway: "Violent Little Thing" is a beautifully crafted romance that navigates the complexities of grief with honesty and a remarkable sense of hope. It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately believe in the power of love to heal and transform. Highly recommended for an emotional and utterly satisfying read.

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE

DON'T DATE HIM SERIES

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

COMING SOON

Releasing November 3

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

AUTHOR BIO

Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.

AUTHOR LINKS

AMAZON

BOOKBUB

FACEBOOK

PROFILE / PAGE / GROUP

INSTAGRAM

WEBSITE

TIKTOK

* StoryGraph * Facebook * Instagram  * BookBub * Goodreads * 

* Pinterest * Our Blog Site * Blue Sky *

Blog Tour for My Darling Christmas by S.L. Sterling

Title: My Darling Christmas

Series: Willow Valley Series

Release Date: October 19, 2023

Author: S.L. Sterling

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Small Town Romance, Second Chance at Love, Brothers Best Friend, Widower

Cover Design: Thunderstruck Cover Design

Darling Ranch. It was a family name in this town, a family business and a family way of life.

Over the past year, the place hadn’t felt like family, or home, and I was barely staying in business.

My wife had died from an aneurysm while pregnant with our first child. It happened one morning while I was out in the field tending to the animals. The doctors told me it wouldn’t have mattered had I been by her side, the outcome would have been the same. Still, I beat myself up. My best friend and neighbor, Gabe Bentley knew this. He let me mourn my own way, but now he’s pushing me harder than ever.

“What’s the rush?” I asked him one morning.

“I’m being deployed. I need to know my sister and the farm are taken care of….by the only man I trust in this town…you.”

I’d known the army was recruiting again but I didn’t know he’d been called upon. I also didn’t know Cadence was back in town. I really didn’t know if I could be the man, the friend, the rancher that he needed me to be.

What I did know?

No matter how much it pained me, I’d try to do whatever it took to make sure that I didn’t let Gabe down.

Then I saw Cadence and for the first time since my wife died I actually thought I could heal. She made me feel alive, made the pain go away. So why did I feel so guilty? One minute I was longing to hold her, the next I was pushing her away, until I finally pushed too hard and sent her running.

I didn’t want to fail my best friend, and I didn’t want to fail Cadence. We all needed our Christmas wish and I decided to do whatever it took to make sure we got it.

This story was beautifully written story that was filled with so much emotion and one filled with grief. Love a small-town romance when there all about second chances.

Cadence and Connor have a past and although she brings him back to life when spending time with her it riddles the man with overwhelming guilt as well.

This story is one you will need tissues near bye when reading it is emotionally messy and comes with characters with a history but, a couple who never expressed what they felt for one another circumstances gives this couple a chance to heal and love and explore their feelings. There way to find one another once again that doesn't come easy.

The story will break your heart and have you in tears and is full of a cast of great characters not to be missed. Love it. This author has become one of my favorite authors as she writes stories that wretch so many emotions from the reader love it when a story engages our hearts.

We both grew quiet as we looked out over the farmland. I’d help my friend, he knew it. I owed him after everything he’d done for me. There wasn’t much more to say. Gabe knew I’d been struggling. That was why he’d been here daily since Ella had passed—to check on me. He may not know that I noticed, but I did. I couldn’t get mad either. He was being a friend. The friend I needed.

“Are you going to be okay?” he questioned.

“What do you mean?”

“If I leave, are you going to be okay?”

I leaned back in my chair and nodded. “Do I have any other choice? She’s been gone for over a year. It’s time that I pick up the pieces and move on. I know you’re worried. It’s written all over your face, but I’ll be fine.”

“I know. I just feel like I’m abandoning you in your time of need. It’s just…”

“It’s just you have to do this for you. I get it, Gabe, I really do. Why do you think I do nothing but work? It’s my way of coping. This is yours.”

“I just wish your way of coping had changed.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” I asked, emptying my beer.

“Oh, I don’t know, perhaps you could cope by, getting involved with a woman. A relationship may do you good.”

I looked off into the distance. “Nah, I don’t think so,” I muttered, getting up and returning with two more beers. The last thing I needed right now was to have a conversation about my personal life. Gabe should know better than to start on me about dating again.

“Sorry man, I just thought that it may help you cope with things.”

I passed him another beer and sat back down. “Now I’ll do what I can to help you out, but you say you are trying to figure something else out? Care to shed a little light on that subject?” I asked.

“I’m heading out to see Cadence, to see if I can convince her to return home. If she does, I know she’ll need help. Our farm is twice the size of our grandparents’.”

First, he started with my personal life and then he mentioned Cadence in the same sentence. He better not be thinking what I thought he was. I took another mouthful of beer and cleared my throat.

“You aren’t suggesting that Cadence and I…”

Gabe shrugged and sort of smirked as he tipped the bottle back.

There had been a time that I’d had a crush on her, but she gave no hints. Then Gabe made it very clear to me and some other guys at school she was off-limits. In fact, I remembered him muttering something about the bro code after he gave another kid in town a black eye for hitting on his sister. After that, I knew better than to think about touching his sister, as did every guy in town. I enjoyed having my balls intact. Since I hadn’t been willing to ruin our friendship, I pushed my feelings to the back of my mind and gotten involved with her friend Ella.

“Cadence, from what I remember, can look after herself,” I muttered. “She’s looked after your grandparents’ farm just fine with no help from anyone. She doesn’t need my help.”

“Yeah, but it’s different here. More moving parts, bigger operation, and I’d just feel better knowing that I can count on the only man I trust here to be there if she needs something,” Gabe said, looking at me.

I chuckled.

“Please, Connor.”

I hated seeing my friend beg, but at least he was begging me and not some woman who would only slap him across the face when he got close enough. I drank back the rest of my beer and nodded my head.

“Fine. Let me know once you figure it all out. I’ll help her for a bit, but once Cadence is all settled in and things are going well, I’m done.”

Book 1: Memories of the Past
Book 2: The Holiday Dilemma
Book 3: Letters from the Heart

*Please note all books can be read as standalone, but recommended you read all the books in the series.*

S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs. 

An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born. 

When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors on her e-reader. Her favorite authors include Kendall Ryan, Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, Lauren Blakely, Alessandra Torre and Willow Winters. 

In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.

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Release Tour for My Darling Christmas by S.L. Sterling

Title: My Darling Christmas

Series: Willow Valley Series

Release Date: October 19, 2023

Author: S.L. Sterling

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Small Town Romance, Second Chance at Love, Brothers best friend, Widower

Cover Design: Thunderstruck Cover Design

Darling Ranch. It was a family name in this town, a family business and a family way of life.

Over the past year, the place hadn’t felt like family, or home, and I was barely staying in business.

My wife had died from an aneurysm while pregnant with our first child. It happened one morning while I was out in the field tending to the animals. The doctors told me it wouldn’t have mattered had I been by her side, the outcome would have been the same. Still, I beat myself up. My best friend and neighbor, Gabe Bentley knew this. He let me mourn my own way, but now he’s pushing me harder than ever.

“What’s the rush?” I asked him one morning.

“I’m being deployed. I need to know my sister and the farm are taken care of….by the only man I trust in this town…you.”

I’d known the army was recruiting again but I didn’t know he’d been called upon. I also didn’t know Cadence was back in town. I really didn’t know if I could be the man, the friend, the rancher that he needed me to be.

What I did know?

No matter how much it pained me, I’d try to do whatever it took to make sure that I didn’t let Gabe down.

Then I saw Cadence and for the first time since my wife died I actually thought I could heal. She made me feel alive, made the pain go away. So why did I feel so guilty? One minute I was longing to hold her, the next I was pushing her away, until I finally pushed too hard and sent her running.

I didn’t want to fail my best friend, and I didn’t want to fail Cadence. We all needed our Christmas wish and I decided to do whatever it took to make sure we got it.

We both grew quiet as we looked out over the farmland. I’d help my friend, he knew it. I owed him after everything he’d done for me. There wasn’t much more to say. Gabe knew I’d been struggling. That was why he’d been here daily since Ella had passed—to check on me. He may not know that I noticed, but I did. I couldn’t get mad either. He was being a friend. The friend I needed.

“Are you going to be okay?” he questioned.

“What do you mean?”

“If I leave, are you going to be okay?”

I leaned back in my chair and nodded. “Do I have any other choice? She’s been gone for over a year. It’s time that I pick up the pieces and move on. I know you’re worried. It’s written all over your face, but I’ll be fine.”

“I know. I just feel like I’m abandoning you in your time of need. It’s just…”

“It’s just you have to do this for you. I get it, Gabe, I really do. Why do you think I do nothing but work? It’s my way of coping. This is yours.”

“I just wish your way of coping had changed.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” I asked, emptying my beer.

“Oh, I don’t know, perhaps you could cope by, getting involved with a woman. A relationship may do you good.”

I looked off into the distance. “Nah, I don’t think so,” I muttered, getting up and returning with two more beers. The last thing I needed right now was to have a conversation about my personal life. Gabe should know better than to start on me about dating again.

“Sorry man, I just thought that it may help you cope with things.”

I passed him another beer and sat back down. “Now I’ll do what I can to help you out, but you say you are trying to figure something else out? Care to shed a little light on that subject?” I asked.

“I’m heading out to see Cadence, to see if I can convince her to return home. If she does, I know she’ll need help. Our farm is twice the size of our grandparents’.”

First, he started with my personal life and then he mentioned Cadence in the same sentence. He better not be thinking what I thought he was. I took another mouthful of beer and cleared my throat.

“You aren’t suggesting that Cadence and I…”

Gabe shrugged and sort of smirked as he tipped the bottle back.

There had been a time that I’d had a crush on her, but she gave no hints. Then Gabe made it very clear to me and some other guys at school she was off-limits. In fact, I remembered him muttering something about the bro code after he gave another kid in town a black eye for hitting on his sister. After that, I knew better than to think about touching his sister, as did every guy in town. I enjoyed having my balls intact. Since I hadn’t been willing to ruin our friendship, I pushed my feelings to the back of my mind and gotten involved with her friend Ella.

“Cadence, from what I remember, can look after herself,” I muttered. “She’s looked after your grandparents’ farm just fine with no help from anyone. She doesn’t need my help.”

“Yeah, but it’s different here. More moving parts, bigger operation, and I’d just feel better knowing that I can count on the only man I trust here to be there if she needs something,” Gabe said, looking at me.

I chuckled.

“Please, Connor.”

I hated seeing my friend beg, but at least he was begging me and not some woman who would only slap him across the face when he got close enough. I drank back the rest of my beer and nodded my head.

“Fine. Let me know once you figure it all out. I’ll help her for a bit, but once Cadence is all settled in and things are going well, I’m done.”

Book 1: Memories of the Past
Book 2: The Holiday Dilemma
Book 3: Letters from the Heart

*Please note all books can be read as standalone, but recommended you read all the books in the series.*

S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario. She now lives in Northern Ontario Canada and is married to her best friend and soul mate and their two dogs. 

An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born. 

When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors on her e-reader. Her favorite authors include Kendall Ryan, Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, Lauren Blakely, Alessandra Torre and Willow Winters. 

In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.

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