---

COVER & EXCERPT REVEAL

BEHIND THE COUNT by Kimberly Readnour

Release Date: April 30, 2020

Cover Design: Daqri Bernardo / Covers by Combs

Genre: Sports Romance

Trope: Forbidden, angsty, best friend’s sister

---

SYNOPSIS

Dating my brother’s best friend? Yeah, that’s forbidden…

Noah Geren.

Cessna University’s starting catcher.

Sensible.

My life-long crush.

And totally off-limits.

I only want a few things in life.

Graduate with a fashion degree.

To be taken seriously.

And Noah Geren.

After my first year of college, I let the idea of him go.

And it almost worked

Until that late summer night.

Shannon Smith.

My best friend’s sister.

The secret star of my late-night fantasies.

Hotter than sin.

Unattainable

There’s a code among best friends and teammates—no dating their sisters.

Too bad I didn’t listen.

One weak moment changed everything.

And nothing at all.

I’m not good for her.

They call me the sensible one,

But the more Shannon and I are forced to be together,

Staying away makes less sense,

And the reasons become hard to remember.

But I need to stay strong.

For reasons she’ll never understand.

---

ADD TO YOUR TBR

GO TO GOODREADS

---

EXCERPT

The front doorbell rings, ending any further primping. I trample down the stairs, surprised Noah walked instead of driving. The distance isn’t far, considering he lives next door, but this rain is relentless. I open the door with every intent to ask, but the question dies on my tongue the moment he comes in to view.

His cropped hair is soaked, making the normally light brown hue a shade darker. His arm rests against the door frame while the wet fabric clings to his broad chest, defining every delicious cut muscle. The low-slung jeans reveal just enough skin as water droplets skate down his happy trail. I can barely breathe. I’m so busy checking him out I don’t notice the door frame acting as his support until he stumbles.

“Are you okay?” I attempt to break his fall, but he straightens himself before I reach him.

“I’m fine.” He plays it off by keeping his tone light, but the slight slur to his speech is unmistakable. Noah’s drunk, which is surprising, considering he never drinks. “I’m more concerned about you. The storm’s nasty.”

Those deep-green eyes trap me in place, the small scar above his left eye a constant reminder of how many years I’ve wanted to tell him how much I want him. How I longed for the day he’d see me for more than his friend’s little sister. I thought this crush would fizzle over time, but each moment we spend together only serves to fuel my want. The only thing keeping my secret safe is the fear of being humiliated and rejected. There’s one thing I know for sure; Noah Geren is clueless when it comes to my feelings about him.

He runs his fingertips down the side of my face. “You don’t need to be scared.”

My heart hammers in my chest but from a different reason other than the storm. Are my thoughts so easily readable? No, don’t be stupid. He’s only concerned because of the storm.

“You shouldn’t have walked over in the rain.” I push the door back farther to let him inside.

“’Tis ’kay. I had to check on you.”

“I appreciate that, but you’re soaking wet.” I place my arms around his waist and shiver from his wetness pressed against me. Or maybe, it’s from being tucked against his hard frame. It’s difficult to tell. “Take your shoes off. Mom will kill me if you track water on the floor.”

Once he complies, I lead him toward the living room, but we stop at the edge of the room. My gaze lands on the white cloth-covered furniture. Yeah, that’s not going to work. I need to get him changed into some dry clothes. Otherwise, there won’t be anywhere for him to sit.

“Let’s go upstairs.”

He whips his head toward me. “That’s not a good idea.”

“What? Why?” I guide his body toward the stairs.

“You don’t know.”

“Know what?” Truthfully, I want to laugh because I’ve never seen Noah drunk. He’s the designated driver. He’s meticulous about what he puts in his body. Food being fuel and having to put the correct fuel in or whatever reasoning he uses.

“What?” I prompt again.

“That I like you.”

My heart stutters as my mind tries to put more meaning behind his words. I know he likes me, but what I want is so much more than being Braxton’s kid sister.

“Yeah, I like you too.” Just more than you’ll ever know.

He stops walking and turns to face me. His mouth opens, and for a hopeful moment, I think he’s about to confess some suppressed undying love, but nothing comes out. My body deflates. Even in his drunken state, he can’t admit he likes me as more than just a friend, which serves to reconfirm the fact friendship is all that will ever be between us.

“Come on, we need to get you some dry clothes.”

---

GIVEAWAY

One of Five eARC’s for Behind the Count

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DIRECT LINK

<a class=”rcptr” href=”http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b1257f8d627/” rel=”nofollow” data-raflid=”b1257f8d627″ data-theme=”classic” data-template=”” id=”rcwidget_xxb2ynjx”>a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>

https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

---

AMAZON PURCHASE LINK

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly Readnour lives in the Midwest with her husband, two children, and a very fluffy cat.

Having a true passion for romance and HEA’s, she took the leap from the young adult genre to romance and never looked back.

Unexpected Love, book two of the Unforeseen Destiny Series, is a #1 Amazon Kindle bestseller in the Medical Romance. Her series, the Bad Boys Redemption, has spent many weeks on the Amazon’s sports fiction bestseller’s list.

Kimberly worked as a Registered Nurse for fifteen years before hanging up her stethoscope. When she isn’t running her own business, you can find her tucked away writing.

---

CONNECT WITH KIMBERLY

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/2yHhjLR

Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2hN7lWt

Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2xfmKR9

Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2kku9O2

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2xY05ga

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2ynnrgb

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2ynnFE3

BookBub Author Page: http://bit.ly/2yVRecV

---

---

 

 

Vicki James is a pseudonym for Victoria L. James, taking her stories from heavy angst to heavy romance and bad boys you can’t help but fall in love with. She is, however, one and the same person so feel free to follow her on any of her platforms, be it Vicki James or Victoria L. James. Most importantly, enjoy the stories she tells, no matter what name she releases under.

Stalk Vicki
Facebook: www.facebook.com/vickijamesauthor
Insta: @Victoria_LJames
Website: www.victorialjames.com/Vicki-James
 

Review

Rhett is the lead singer of the successful band Youth Gone Wild.    He appears to have it all included wealth, woman and fame however over time he is beginning to wonder if this is all he will ever have.

Julia’s job is to protect the band from their actions both personally and professionally and she has done it well.   Getting involved with a member of the band is a complication she doesn’t want until the night he was there when she needed someone the most.

Now she has Rhett’s attention and he is intrigued as he realizes that there is so much more to her than he imagined.   She does the one thing that a woman hasn’t done to him in a long time and that is to make him feel but convincing her is a challenge that he is ready for.

Filled with emotion and heat watching Rhett and Julia’s relationship unfold will keep you captivated until the last page.   I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

 

 

 

Another storm has arrived! If you love enemies-to-lovers romance, be sure to get your hands on THUNDERSTORM by Susana Mohel–start reading it for free with Kindle Unlimited!

About THUNDERSTORM

Adrik Houston means nothing but trouble.

I’ve spent years building my career, and I’m not about to let him push me away from the goal I’ve set for my future.

I don’t care if he’s handsome, cocky, and fixated on getting me. On my charts, he’s Lucifer himself filling a panty-melting uniform.

But he doesn’t know how stubborn I can be when my heart is in the line of fire.

He’s ready to fight.
So am I.

We aren’t a match made in heaven. We’re two energy charged clouds ready to collide.

I’m Jordania Zanetti.
In war the winner takes it all, and the battle is about to start.

Add THUNDERSTORM to your TBR!

Get your copy of THUNDERSTORM from Amazon!

 

About SUSANA MOHEL

Author, wife, and mother of a girl and a puppy. I love the happily ever after. Believer & dreamer. I live in my own world, sipping Ginger Ale and lime. I’m always plotting my next book, coloring pages, and reading.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

There is no playbook for situations like this.

Scoring Off the Ice, an all-new steamy, surprise single dad romance with all the feels by Stacey Lynn, is available now!

Sometimes scoring off the ice leads to the greatest rewards.

I’ve had only one goal in life since I first strapped on a pair of skates—make America’s pro hockey league.

I left Denmark. I made it to the top. Now, I’m determined to be the best. No distractions. I eat, sleep, and breathe hockey.

Until my birthday when my teammates convince me to live a little.
But living a little takes on a whole new meaning when less than a year later I’m confronted with a crying baby on my doorstep, drooling on a note that declares he’s mine.

Suddenly, I’m a single dad in way over my head.
There is no playbook for situations like this.

Luckily, I have Paisley.
My gorgeous neighbor, my long-time crush, and now—my savior.
She’s there any time I need her.
Helping. Guiding. Gazing at me with those green eyes that make me feel capable of this after all.

With her at my side, I’m quickly learning there’s more to life than winning a hockey game.

Download your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bNmxdu
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3bPr1Aj
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/scoringofftheice
Nook: http://bit.ly/2SG7iLN
Kobo: http://bit.ly/37y3OPS
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2uX74ae

Add SCORING OFF THE ICE to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/37I5oyC

Excerpt:

“Who are you?” I don’t like calling her the woman. I’ve wondered her name for months since she started appearing in that doorway so close to mine.

She turns to me and in her arms is the baby. She’s holding a bottle and the baby is drinking. Quiet little sounds come from it and she grins down at the baby in her arms before tilting her head at me.

“What?”

“You. What is your name?”

“Paisley. Are you Mikah?”

She must want money if she knows my name. Perhaps she’s a fan. A puck bunny—that’s what my teammates call the girls who follow players and only want one thing from them.

“How did you know?” I wish she wasn’t so pretty. Sometimes it hurts to talk when all I want to do is look at her.

She points to an envelope on the table. The note.

“It’s on the outside. I didn’t know if it was your name or the baby’s, so I took a guess. Are you… are you okay?”

“A stranger shows up at my door with a baby in her arms, saying it’s mine. How okay am I supposed to be?” I wander to the table while I ask.

I’m surprised by her gentle laugh.

“I suppose this isn’t your typical Friday night.”

She is funny. If I didn’t think I might throw up, I might laugh. No. This is not my typical Friday night. Mine are for resting. Not life-changing drama.

I say nothing and grab the envelope. I stare at it for a moment. Perhaps if I do not open it, I can pretend this didn’t happen. My fingers shake as I tear it open.

The envelope is larger than normal and thick and I’m careful as I pull out several folded papers.

The top one is the most important though as I instantly see my name, written in scrolling black ink.

MIKAH,

His name is Angelo.

Meet Stacey Lynn:

Stacey Lynn likes her coffee with a dash of sugar, her heroes with a side of bossy, and her wine a deep shade of red.

The author of over thirty romance novels, many of which have been best-selling titles on Amazon, AppleBooks, and Barnes & Noble, she loves being able to turn her vivid imagination into a career that brings entertainment and joy to her readers. Focused on sports romance and emotional, small-town romance, she also loves stretching herself in different genres.

Born in Texas and raised in the Midwest, she now makes her home in North Carolina and loves all things Southern. Together with her ultimate tall, dark, and handsome hero, she has four children. Her life is a chaotic mess that fights with her Type-A, list-making, neurotically organized preferences and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Connect with Stacey:

Facebook: http://bit.ly/379Te19
Twitter: http://bit.ly/3bjzOKx
Instagram: http://bit.ly/3bn1e2o
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2H8K22u
Amazon: https://amzn.to/375UpP7
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2G52o5q
Website: http://bit.ly/2uyDibF
Stay up to date on Stacey’s latest news! Subscribe to her Newsletter today!
http://bit.ly/36zXy9R

 

🏒Review🏒

Hockey is Mikah’s life and everything else comes a very distant second. He has worked hard to become a professional hockey player but he is not your typical athlete when it comes to women so when he finds himself the father of a baby that he never knew about he is not only stunned but feels totally unprepared and out of his depth.

Paisley is living next door while she finishes school and she has been attracted to her neighbor for a while however she could never have predicted their first meeting when she hands him the baby she found outside his door.

Although he didn’t have a good family life, he is determined to ensure that the same won’t happen to his child. With the help of Paisley, he will do everything he can to ensure his baby will have everything they need both emotionally and financially and along the way they just might become the family he has always wanted and never had.

Sweet and sexy this story finds the perfect balance between humor and heart and not only were Mikah and Paisley great characters but there is a great assortment of secondary characters as well.

 

 

“A masterpiece.” – C.L. Matthews, bestselling author

Bury Me With Lies, the shocking conclusion to the edge-of-your-seat Twin Lies Duet by S.M. Soto is available now!

Some secrets are better left buried…

Stuck between life and death, Mackenzie is hell-bent on proving her innocence, and getting revenge on the men who murdered her sister. With one series of unfortunate events after another, Mackenzie must outrun her own fate—death.

When secrets unravel and lies become twisted betrayals, Mackenzie finds herself in more danger than she could’ve realized. Her only saving grace is Baz, the elusive playboy she’s given her heart to. But will placing her trust in a man like Baz be her downfall?

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2TVtB0J

Apple Books: https://apple.co/2OFjU43

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/burylies

Nook: http://bit.ly/35Uy5rs

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Y5t78N

Start the duet with Kiss Me With Lies!

Free in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/34SyJ9b

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/KisswLies

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/34JUIyK

Excerpt

My head feels grainy as though someone recklessly shook a carbonated can; everything is fuzzy and bubbling inside. A continuous beep rings in my ears, and someone is saying something. Whispered tones that sound like they’re coming from every direction. They’re so loud, so clear and distinct, yet every time I actively try to clear away the fuzz in my brain to listen, I can’t. I can’t make any of it out.

But I know one thing for certain.

I recognize one of the voices. I don’t know who or where I know it’s from, but I recognize the voice as though I’ve heard it my entire life. It tugs at someplace deep inside me. The place where I hide my emotions, the closet where I stuff my skeletons and force myself to box them up for good. Only someone had the key to that closet, and they were slowly opening drawers and emptying the shelves of my past and a pain that was long forgotten.

Summoning all my strength, I blink, trying to push past the sleepiness weighing my eyelids down, but nothing happens. That stark darkness still calls to me, trying to pull me back under like a black weighted blanket.

It would be so easy.

I can feel just how simple it would be to pretend the pain isn’t there and go back to that dark, cold place that somehow felt like home. I didn’t even truly know what home felt like anymore since I hadn’t had one in so long. I wasn’t sure I ever knew what the true feeling of home was.

After several struggle-filled attempts, my eyes open to bright white lights, sterile walls, and dark silhouettes. I home in on the hazy figures hovering around me. I feel a deep throb behind my eyes, and my mouth is painfully dry. My mind actively tries to decipher the commotion surrounding me, failing with every thought. Where I am, how I got here, and what is wrong with me.

I can’t form a single coherent thought or calculate an answer to any of those questions.

Steering through the fog clouding my thoughts, I blink past the film covering my eyes, and the second I look up, my breath catches when my eyes land on a familiar pair of blue. It’s a shock to my system. A deeply rooted bomb to the core. I shake my head, certain I’m imagining things, but immediately stop when pain rips down my spinal column from the movement.

This can’t be right.

This can’t be happening.

I never thought I’d see this person again. Hell, I never thought I’d see them both again, but I was wrong. So very wrong.

About S.M. Soto

S.M. Soto was born and raised in Northern, California where she currently resides with her son. Her love for reading began when she was a young girl, and has only continued to grow into adulthood. S.M. lives for reading books in the romance genre and writing novels with relatable characters. She refers to herself as a bit of a romance junkie. S.M. loves to connect with readers and eat copious of donuts that will surely lead to her demise.

Connect with S.M. Soto

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2RQVKEb

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2MVdVHe

Amazon: https://amzn.to/30GpreQ

BookBub: http://bit.ly/2uicH2a

Join her Facebook reader group S.M.’s Baddies: http://bit.ly/2NPhQFP

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2pmyOlG

Stay up to date with S.M Soto by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/2oxOi6c

Website: https://authorsmsoto.com

 

 

Review

Although Mackenzie’s search for justice for her sister has gotten her into quite the predicament it has only made her more determined to continue her quest and find out what really happened. She may love Baz, but she isn’t sure if he is leading her to the truth or steering her away from the truth.

Baz isn’t about to just forgive and forget Mackenzie’s transgressions but that doesn’t mean that he won’t do whatever is necessary to not only keep her safe but to help her get the information she so desperately needs.

Secrets will be revealed, truths will be uncovered, and the suspense and twists will keep you captivated until the last page. There was never any doubt about the chemistry between them but now we get to see how deep their feelings truly are.

 

 

Review

After some less than complimentary comments from her ex, Alene decides she needs some one on one training to enhance her bedroom skills and her friend Andrew has referred her to the perfect man for the job. Eric has retired from professional baseball and is now a personal trainer who also offers some additional training if requested.

After an initial misunderstanding what starts out as an arrangement quickly escalates into a fire that neither can control or back away from.

 

 

**Available Now** 

 

 

 

AMAZON UNIVERSAL LINK: mybook.to/TakeMeHome

 

Review

Gray is a successful Rockstar but he hasn’t let the fame affect who he is. When he returns to his hometown it is to spend time with his brothers and hopefully heal the damaged relationship with his father. From the moment that he meets Maddie at the diner where she works he is drawn to her and isn’t about to let the fact that he dated her sister a long time ago stand in their way.

Maddie had dreams for her future but when that didn’t work out she finds herself back in her hometown living a life she never planned. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for her family which at times allows her to be taken advantage. She knows that dating Gray will hurt her sister but staying away hurts more.

This is a sweet and sexy story about love and family which leaves us wanting the stories of the secondary characters.

 

Meet the Author

 

 

 

Website 

 

https://www.facebook.com/CarrieElksAuthor/ 

 

 

Today we have the blog tour for Brenda Jackson’s Seduced By A Steele! Check it out and be sure to grab your copy today!

Title: Seduced By A Steele

Author: Brenda Jackson

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

About Seduced By A Steele:

New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson brings you a brand-new story in the Forged of Steele series. Perfect for fans of the popular Westmoreland series and readers of passionate contemporary romances!

A notorious heartbreaker is about to meet his match…
Will a damsel in distress be his redemption?

When the “thief” caught driving his stolen vintage car turns out to be a stunning runaway heiress, Mercury Steele is conflicted. On the one hand, Sloan Donahue, penniless and on the run from her tyrannical family, triggers the billionaire playboy’s protective instincts. But she also triggers red-hot desire. Mercury refuses to think his simple seduction is becoming something deeper, especially when Sloan is keeping secrets…

 

Grab Your Copy Today:

Amazon

About Brenda Jackson:

Brenda Jackson is a New York Times bestselling author of more than one hundred romance titles. Brenda lives in Jacksonville, Florida, and divides her time between family, writing and traveling. Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

Connect with Brenda:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

Review

Sloan comes from an affluent lifestyle but when her parents try to force her into a marriage or shall we say business venture. She decides that she needs to forge her own path and has moved to Phoenix, but she didn’t expect the used car she bought to actually be a collector’s item that was stolen from Mercury.

After retiring from his professional football career Mercury is now a successful sports agent. When he sees his car, he decides to follow the driver and he may have gotten his car back but when the reach of Sloan’s parents hamper her living arrangements she finds herself living with his parents.

There is no denying the chemistry and connection between them but Mercury’s need to protect may have met his match when it comes to Sloan’s desire to be independent. It was fun watching these two maneuver around each other, and catching up with the rest of the family is always fun.

 

Mum’s The Word, the third in the Bennet Brothers series from Staci Hart, is LIVE! Grab your copy of this new release today from your favorite online book retailer!

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | AppleBooks | Google

Falling in love with a Bennet is not an option.

My mother has summoned me home to take my place at Bower Bouquets, and as the heiress, I’m expected to do as I’m told. I’m expected to sit by her side as she does her best to decimate the Bennet family and their flower shop, Longbourne. I’m expected to play by her rules, or she’ll ruin me too.

But the day I crash into Marcus Bennet changes everything. And the kiss seals the deal. If my mother finds out, I’ll lose everything—my family, my life, my security. Worse, she’ll make sure the Bennets pay for my mistakes.

Falling in love with a Bennet is not an option.

But I might not have a choice.

Need to catch up on the series? The first two standalone books in the Bennet Brothers series are both LIVE and available from your favorite online book retailer!

Everyone hates parts of their job.

Maybe it’s the paperwork. Maybe it’s the day-to-day grind. Maybe it’s that client who never knows what they want, or the guy who always cooks fish in the microwave.

But not me. I love every corner of the Longbourne Flower Shop, every flower, every petal, every stem. I love the greenhouse, and I love Mrs. Bennet, my boss. I love creating, and I love being a florist. I don’t hate anything at all.

Except for Luke Bennet.

The Bennet brothers have come home to help their mom save the flower shop, and Luke is at the helm. His smile tells a tale of lust, loose and easy. He moves with the grace of a predator, feral and wild. A thing unbridled, without rules or constraint. When he comes home to save Longbourne, I almost can’t be mad at him. Almost.

He doesn’t remember that night I’ll never forget. That kiss, touched with whiskey and fire. It branded me like a red-hot iron. But it meant nothing to him.

Everyone hates part of their job, and I hate Luke Bennet.

Because if I don’t, I’ll fall in love with him.

Amazon | AppleBooks | Kobo | B&N | Google

They say there’s no such thing as perfect.

But I’ve built my life to perfection—the perfect boyfriend, the perfect apartment, the perfect career planning celebrity weddings. My job—my only job—is to make sure every event is absolutely and completely perfect.

What’s not perfect? Kash Bennet.

And I wish I didn’t find that so appealing.

I could have told you every perfectly imperfect thing about the gardener at Longbourne. Like his hair, lush and black and far too long. Or his nose, the flat bridge of a Greek god, bent a little like it’s been broken. Or his size. Beastly. Roped and corded with muscles, gleaming with sweat and peppered with dirt. There’s no escaping him, not if I’m going to use his family’s flower shop for my events.

But nothing is what it seems. And in the span of a heartbeat, my perfect life is turned inside out. They say the best way to get over somebody is to get under somebody new. When Kash offers his services to the cause, it sounds like the perfect plan.

What’s not part of the plan? Falling in love with the gardener.

But they were right—there’s no such thing as perfect.

And I’m the fool who finds out the hard way.

Amazon | AppleBooks | Kobo | B&N | Google

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life — a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can’t forget that. She’s also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She’s been a wife, though she’s certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She’s also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she’s been drinking whiskey. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.

Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website | Newsletter